Renee's Book Addiction

Here is what I’ve currently chosen to read:

Living with the Dead by Kelley Armstrong

Living with the Dead (Otherworld series, book 9) by Kelley Armstrong

Kelley Armstrong is one of the best writers around. Whenever I read something she’s written, I know I’m reading something by a consummate writer. She writes with a tone of confidence that leads me thru a story. Of her 3 series, this is the one for which she is best known. The Otherworld series is told by a diverse group of mostly women, including Elena, a werewolf; Jaime, a necromancer; Paige, a witch; Lucas, a sorcerer; and, for the last 2 books, Hope, a half-demon. Each book is told in the first person by one or two of these characters.

Living with the Dead is a break from this narrative style. The story is told in third person and divided up between five characters. While I often enjoy stories with split narratives/perspectives, 5 perspectives is a little too many for me. Usually, once I pick up one of Kelley Armstrong’s books (or start listening to an audiobook), I can’t stop. This one is taking me a little longer to get thru. I think that everytime I get in the groove with a particular perspective I have to switch gears and adjust to a new perspective.

That being said, KA is still one of my all time favorite authors, and I like the fact that she is introducing new blood into the circle of the Otherworld. I’ve really enjoyed the relatively new character Hope. Her struggle to control her need for chaos (she’s a Chaos half-demon) and manage her relationship with jewel thief Karl, a werewolf, are great fun to read.

LWTD introduces a couple of new characters. Robyn, a young widow working as a PA for a “celebutante” is human, and this is the first time an Otherworld book has had a human main character. I haven’t read far enough into the book (I’m about a quarter of the way in) to tell if she’s a permanent fixture in the series, but at this point her story is interesting. However, she pulls a TSTL move (at Judd Archer’s house) that is still bugging the hell out of me.

I really like the introduction of Finn, a homicide detective who is a necromancer. Hopefully, he’ll be a continuing fixture in the Otherworld.

It feels like LWTD is a transitional book, also focusing on some of the men in the Otherworld, and preparing for the release of the Men of the Otherworld anthology KA is releasing in February. (I’ve noticed KA’s website and book has switched from calling the series “Women of the Otherworld” to just “Otherworld”.

Here is a book description from the author’s site:

In November 2009, Frostbitten (Otherworld series, book 10) will be released. Elena will be returning as the main character. I can’t wait!

• Kelley Armstrong’s website.
• Living with the Dead Chapter 1, Chapter 2, and Chapter 3 excerpts author’s website.

Dangerous Ground by Josh Lanyon

Dangerous Ground  by Josh Lanyon

I actually finished this novella (it’s 109 pgs) last night. It was a good story with some real history and dramatic and sexual tension between the two protagonists, federal agents Taylor and Will.

Here is a book description from the author’s site:

• Josh Lanyon’s website.
• Dangerous Ground excerpt (scroll down page).

Motor Mouth by Janet Evanovich

Motor Mouth (Alex Barnaby series, book 2) by Janet Evanovich. Audiobook read by CJ Critt.

This is a light enjoyable listen. In true Evanovich style, the story is funny and fast paced. It does feel a little too like her Stephanie Plum series, including a big sloppy dog, a worry wart mom, and an on again-off again boyfriend who is always feeling frisky (Joe Morelli, anyone?) However, this feeling may also be due, in part, to the fact that the narrator is one of the Stephanie Plum series narrators, so the series’ sound the same in more ways than one.

On the whole, tho’, a pleasant soundtrack by which to cook dinner! (This is one of the things I love about audiobooks.)

Here is the description from the author’s site:

• Janet Evanovich’s website.
• Motor Mouth excerpt on author’s site.