Sci Fi Jungle

Urban Fantasy - Guy Style

Kevin Hearne has a new fan in me.  Atticus O'Sullivan is a 2,100 year old Druid running a new age book and herb store in Tempe Arizona.  As the last real Druid, he takes care of the Earth and in turn can channel power from it.  He's also a kick-ass fighter and has a Irish Wolfhound who can talk to him and provides the role of the comic side kick.

In Hounded, Aenghus Óg, the Celtic god of love, who has been chasing Atticus for centurie is getting closer.  Atticus is tired of running and decides to stay and fight.

The book (and the next two in the series) are well written and full of action.  There's never a dull moment - and I love the way Atticus mows the lawn for a elderly neighbor lady he calls the Widow.  She sets on the porch drinking Irish whiskey while the hot young man mows her lawn.  Little does she know he is far older than she is.  Atticus looks like a 21 year old college kid wearing funny tshirts thanks to his knowledge of herb lore and his special blend he calls Immortali-Tea.

Atticus is a guys guy.  He doesn't have time for worrying about women, but isn't opposed to a nice interlude with a friendly goddess or two.  He's a refreshing breather from tramp stamped kick ass ladies of urban fantasy and well worth a read.

 

 

Finished Midnight Riot, starting Moon over Soho

I am so happy to have found author Ben Aaronovitch.  Even though sometimes some of he Brittish pop culture references go over my head, I am enjoying the architecture lessons, history snippets, and police procedure mixed with magic practice.

Poor Leslie May's face is all messed up, but she is healing and alive without the hospital or bovie.  She can't talk though.  So Peter Grant is going to be working more on his own in this episode. 

 

 

Urban Fantasy Lad Lit and Police Procedural all in one - Midnight Riot

I am reading a great book - Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch.  This author is totally new to me so I am hight alt over finding a new urban fantasy to read.  The book seems to be a combination of "lad lit," police procedural, and urban fantasy.   Ben Aaronovitch also has an awesome dry sense of humor - calling on all sorts of pop culture references that make the book really funny.

I love the feeling of finding a new author and realizing that they have a whole series of books.  Its like getting a huge box of bon bons and knowing I will have enough to last for weeks!

Making paper doll chains - and aliens too!

via kiddley.com

If you've got little Sci Fi kids to entertain, this page has a great tutorial and printable pdf template for making paper doll chains.

I find the little paper alien chain quite charming!  Put some fun music on the stereo speakers and start drawing and cutting!

Mini-Review: Kitty's Big Trouble by Carrie Vaughn

I've been devouring the Kitty the Werewolf books ever since I learned about "Kitty and the Midnight Hour."  I had Kitty's Big Trouble" on pre-order and saved it for reading during my vacation last week.

I've go to say... I think Carrie Vaughn may be getting tired of the franchise.  This book seemed like she wrote it in her sleep...  it lacked a certain something.  The action was good, and it was neat to see Cormac and his body sharing ghost performing some magic.  The China town San Francisco theme was cool, but the plot was all shoved together...seeming to all happen in the space of two days. 

I think the author should have spaced out the story a little bit, and gone into more detail on the Dodge City and General Sherman parts of the story.  I missed Kitty's radio show monolouges.

But with all these complaints, I still enjoyed the book like a chocolate strawberry gift basket to be savored, even though it would be over all too soon. And the good news is that the story collection "Kitty's Greatest Hits" is coming in August.

Now Reading: The Hob's Bargain by Patricia Briggs

I think "The Hob's Bargain" is just about the last Patricia Briggs book I have left to read.  I've devoured her works, from the modern set paranormals in the Mercy Thompson series, to the fantasy sword and sorcery dragon books.

The Hob's Bargain is a darker book, set in a world where natural magic has been locked away and blood magic the only magic allowed to be used.  Aren, a quiet newlywed, falls victim to a terrible tragedy at the very start of the book.  Then the natural magic is let loose and adventure ensues.

I am about 1/3 along in the book and its pulled me in and I really like the main character.  I will let you know more once I've finished. I really like to use books as an escape.  That's why I like fantasy - its great to escape this world of diet pills, desk work, and traffic jams, and go along on a magical adventure.

The Internet Has Funny Cats!

via i.imgur.com

Living Off the Grid - Free Kindle Book

I noticed an interesting Kindle free book - Living Off the Grid.  I've never been one to really live off the grid, but I do admit that it would be pretty cool to be at least making some of your own energy.  For example, I live in Georgia and I would love to put solar panels on my roof to create some of our own electricity.

I've heard about deep underground heat pump systems that seem pretty cool as well if you can afford the initial outlay you will reap the benefits later.  My mom helped me get new windows in my house and every time I get my electric bill I thank her - its so much lower than when we had inefficient windows!

Now, should I be shopping for wholesale restaurant furniture to have a funky eco look to go along with the dream solar panels?  Perhaps.

 

Kitty's Big Trouble - Perfect vacation reading

Guess what just popped up on my Kindle? The new Kitty Norville Werewolf book, that's what.  This is the 9th book in the Kitty Norville series.  I had it on pre-order and it arrived just in time to be my vacation reading as we are on the way to Ohio for a little family rest and relaxation.

I am looking forward to the book - love the series. Now I need to check out some Target coupons. I need to pick up a camping stove fuel and some snacks for the road trip.