My 2cents on Kevin Hearne

Like the sister said in her last update, we both read the Iron Druid books by Kevin Hearne. The books were very entertaining works of urban fantasy. In my opinion, Mr. Hearne did and excellent job of keeping a good pace of writing that makes sure the reader doesn't get bored, but still conveys the details and background needed to understand the back stories related to different characters. So far, there are 3 books released in the Iron Druid Chronicles series, with at least 3 more on the way. The 4th installment is due to hit the shelves next spring. I can honestly say that it has been a long time since I have enjoyed a story this much.

The main character of the story is an extremely old, yet young looking Druid, who is trying to deal with enemies of the long past and some newly made, trying to protect those around him and trying to live his life as he desires. The "hero" has a sturdy moral compass, but Hearne doesn't sicken us with writing him as too perfect or as a self-righteous beacon of morality. Pretty much he's an "everyman" to which many people can relate. Well, withstanding his super cool Druid abilities and the way he can use the Earth to some really neat stuff.

The books are written with an amazing mixture of differing mythologies and religious beliefs. Hearne pulls in all kinds of characters ranging from Norse mythology all the way to Psycho Cabalist. And he even tosses in some vamps and wolfs. No one should feel disappointed or neglected on that aspect.

He also writes in some great wit and comic relief. A great deal of this comic relief comes in the form of the hero's companion, a great big Irish wolfhound that he can communicate with via some cool mind mojo.

Lastly, for me, the main attraction to Kevin Hearnes works is Kevin Hearne himself. I greatly enjoyed his first book and had already decided that I would invest the time to read any future installments, but when I did a search to find out more about the author himself, I was truly impressed. Not only did this guy have a very informative website and make use of social media, he also personally interacts with his fans. Mr. Hearne frequently updates his website and facebook page. But, the really impressive aspect is that his facebook page isn't just a place where he, or his rep post advertisements and updates. When a fan posts something to his page, or a conversation breaks out, he actually responds, gets involved and communicates. He's very accessible to his followers and never gives the impression that he's too busy or too good to acknowledge everyone. This goes a long way in my opinion. There are many authors who refuse to interact with their fans. I know of one in particular, and I really love his set of books, that only does 1 book signing per release, never releases more than 1 book a year, sometimes even longer, his main job is writing his books and he never interacts with his followers. There is only a couple of people he deems worthy of his attention and those people are responsible for passing on what little they know to his fandom. But Mr. Hearn on the other hand, is a very busy person, has a job, has a life and makes time for his fans and makes us feel appreciated.

And for that Mr. Hearne, I applaud you. For his creativity, wit, writing style and fan interaction, I rate Him a very strong B+. I look forward to reading more Hearne in the future.

upcoming book reviews

Patrick Rothfuss- King Killer Chronicles

Kevin Hearne- Iron Druid Chronicles

Jim Butcher- Harry Dresden Files

Over the summer the brother and I read both of the King Killer Chronicles, all three IDC, and all thirteen Harry Dresden Books. To be truthful, the Kevin Hearne books led us to the other two writers and I was pleasantly surprised to find myself deeply enthralled by all of them.

One thing I can say about Kevin Hearne, is that he is the nicest author out there in my opinion. He's really active on his facebook page, replies to most of your comments and holds giveaways all the time (I won an audiobook). Something about an author who really tries to connect to his fan base, truly impresses me.

Reinforcements have arrived

I was very excited when my dear sister, (pretty much the most awesome sister ever), asked me if I would like to join her in reviewing books here. I don't know of anyone else who shares the same tastes in books as me, as strongly as I do. But, like Dianne said, we do sometimes venture down differently literary paths. Also, we will often share different opinions of what we have both read, and sometimes, even if we both love a book, we will come at it from very different angles. So, you never know if a friendly debate will occur. That being said, I am looking forward to sharing my opinions on the written word and the people who write it with everyone here.

lots of new things coming

I created this blog and sort of went MIA. That sort of sucked, but I'm back baby! I am bringing in reinforcements too... The only person I know that reads as much as I do, is my dear brother. I invited him to share his opinions on the various books he reads. We have similar tastes in books, but we do vary on opinions and sometimes genres. If you would like to have either one of us read/review your books feel free to contact us.

You can look forward to several new updates in the weeks to come. I have been on a war path reading different genres lately and I have fallen completely in love with a few new writers. Keep your eyes peeled for new reading suggestions and just all around awesome reviews. You won't be sorry!

The Arrival: Birthright Trilogy

One of my most favorite Kiwi blogger friends had a little riddle contest and the winner (moi) got a free copy of her book. Let me direct you to Nicole's MacDonald's website first and foremost. You can read the description over there. I've been following Nicole since she began her blog. We began around the same time, but she's way more awesome than I am, because she already has her book up for purchase on Amazon, BN, Goodreads and Smashwords. I have been itching to read her book, since I've kept up with her process since the start, and I can say with all the honesty in the world, I enjoyed her first novel immensely.

This book is an adventure and a half. It had me laughing and turning green with envy over Nicole's eye for detail. I love a good fantasy meets sci-fi novel. Think Lord of the Rings meets a really interesting and witty chick lit book. At first I was afraid I would be thrown off by the switching point of views. I knew she was going to do it, but I hadn't quite prepared myself for how it would work. But it did work out well. It is actually a very interesting way to read a book. You get to try on different characters and see their point of view.

I enjoyed the relationship between the four girls. Their absolute loyalty to one another really stuck out to me. Their interactions never seemed contrived and pretty steadfast to how I see my friends and I interacting. I loved all of the love interests for each of the girls. I felt that Nicole matched them all very well with someone who would challenge them and bring them out of their shells, but do it in a unique way.

My most favorite aspect of this book is Nicole's keen eye for detail. I felt like I could see it all unfold in my mind. Which to me, is a sign of a great novelist. I found myself wanting to see the Griffin take flight and their varying colors of feathers matched with their lion-like manes. Oh and what I wouldn't give to have an Ada in real life to make my wardrobe sing.

My only grievance was the ending!!! I wanted more, which just means I'll be picking up the second book the second she releases it. I sort of felt like she ended it on the climax. I needed that payoff. But other than that, which may or may not be a good thing to others, I loved the book.

Nicole my hat is off to you on your first novel out the gate.

Rating: B+

Review Guidelines

I realized after I gave Nicole's (most awesome) book a B+ I didn't clarify what that meant. Which I will admit is pretty lame on my part. So i think I will break it down for you here.

A- to A+= Perfection, wouldn't change a thing, I love the writing style, It made me think and/or go outside my comfort zone.
some examples:
American Gods-Neill Gaiman
The Fixer- Bernard Malamud 
The Lemon Tree-  Sandy Tolan
That is some hefty competition to ever jump into A status.

B- to B+- Enjoyed the book, perhaps even loved the book. Definitely recommendation worthy.

C- to C+- Liked the book, maybe felt like there was something missing, or something annoyed me on the basic level.

I won't review a book that doesn't get at least a C-. No worries about D or F books. I don't feel like I am in this to rip into another author.