Review: Capture the Crown

Capture the Crown by Jennifer Estep
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Capture the Crown is the first novel in Estep's new spin off series The Gargoyle Queen set 16 years after the events of Crown of Shards series. While the latter focused on Everleigh Blairs rise to queen following the Seven Spire Massacre, the former follows Princess Gemma, who readers had seen as a child.

All grown up, Gemma lives a double life as Princess Glitzma, adorned in jewels and attending fancy parties, as a Gemma the spy, seeking secrets and gossip to protect her family and kingdom. Someone is stealing tearstone and Gemma wants to know who and why? Events bring Gemma face to face with Prince Leonidas of Morta, her mortal enemy from childhood. As their paths entwine, the two find it difficult to hide their attraction; however family rivalries and lies escalate the danger.

This is an exciting read filled with lots of action and adventure. Someone is plotting Queen Maeve's demise and an all out war with Gemma's kingdom. Can Gemma trust anyone or herself to embrace her magic to save her people? Can Leo be trusted or is he just like the rest of his evil family?

Fans of Estep's other series will not be disappointed. There is plenty of character development and romantic angst to be had!

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Review: The Echo Wife

The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking

A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for an ARC in exchange for a fair review.

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder is the latest in the Hannah Swenson cozy mystery series. Hannah and her family and friends find themselves deep in another small town murder - this time it's the mayor! Hannah is on the case to track down the killer and bake some delicious dishes too!

(It is a good thing that Hannah is fictional and I do not know her because I would eat all the time)

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Review: The Jackal

The Jackal by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Review: Sucker Punch

Sucker Punch by Laurell K. Hamilton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sucker Punch starts with promise and seems to echo Blake novels from days of yore.

Anita Blake is called to rural Michigan to assist a fellow US Marshal with a case that seems to involve a young wereleopard who killed his uncle. However, with most of Blake's cases, things are not what they seem. Soon she decides backup is preferred and calls in Edward; however, psychotic US Marshal Olaf/Otto (now also a were) and serial killer obsessed with Blake arrives as well.

Eventually of Blake's minor entourage and romantic interests arrive; however, this is not a relationship-centric book and for that I was relieved after so many others lately with all relationship angst and sex and no real, defined plot.

Honestly, Sucker Punch is a bit boring. There is not extensive action, Blake does not get to kick much butt and if you are holding out for appearance from Jean Claude, Micah, Nathaniel or other favs, you will be disappointed. The mystery is adequate but not one of Hamilton's best.

I keep reading the series now out of habit but find the writing style somewhat irritating and I have long grown tired of Hamilton justifying personal life choices through Blake's narrative voice. I was more than a little disturbed by the turn of relationship talk between Blake and Olaf. It was very dark and off-putting, especially with all reader's know about Olaf. After this book, I may be done. I say this every time. One day it will stick.

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Review: Battle Ground

Battle Ground by Jim Butcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say that won't spoil everything?

This was a thrill ride of a read from beginning to end. I laughed. I cried. A LOT. Butcher outdid himself with this one. Truly the opus of the Dresden Files to date. Wrapping up many stories and beginning many more.

I cannot wait to see what's next but for now I am going to go cry in a corner.

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