Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I Read a Whole Bunch

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme for bloggers who like books and lists. It's awesome and is graciously hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

An entry on to this list seems to require a couple of factors.  They have to be an author whose writing I like very much or else I wouldn't have stuck with them for so many books.  Just as importantly however they have to be prolific writers.  Frequently they've written exceptionally long (and awesome) series.  Finally I have to say, thank goodness for Goodreads or this list would have been impossible!

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1) William Shakespeare - 21

Dude wrote a LOT of plays and while I haven't read them all, I have read most, totaling 21 in all.  

2) Patrick O'Brian - 20

There are 20 completed works in his amazing Aubrey and Maturin historical fiction series and I've read all of them and loved them.

3) Bill Willingham - 20

He's the writer for the Fables Graphic Novel series which I love.  I've read 20 books in this series.

4) Georgette Heyer - 16

She's the Grandmother of the Regency Era romance and her books are SO MUCH AWESOME.  And there are lots of them.  I've read at least 16.

5) Jim Butcher - 14

I'm almost caught up completely with his Dresden Files series and have read the first 14 books.

6) Lois McMaster Bujold - 13ish

She is one of my very favorite SFF writers and her most well known series  - The Vorkosigan Saga - includes a lot of books.  My goodreads tally says I've read 13 by her but I think the real number may be higher as I think I read a few of the Vorkosigan books in omnibus form.

7) Dorothy Dunnett - 13

I've read both the Lymond and House of Niccolo series which totals about 13 books.  Dunnett is my favorite historical fiction writer. 

8) Alyxandra Harvey - 12

She's one of my go to YA authors for fluffy, delightful fantasy with great characters.  I've read almost everything she's published which equals 12 books.

9) Agatha Christie - 11

This is another case where I think the actual number is higher but I don't think I have all of them logged in goodreads.  The real number is probably in the 20 book range.

10) Garth Nix - 10

Between his Keys to the Kingdom series and the first three books in the Abhorsen series I'm up to 10 of Garth Nix's books.  I plan on reading everything he's written and will write - he's fantastic!

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So who's the author you've read the most books by?

LONGMIRE | Thoughts | S. 2 | Eps. 6-10

A periodic post recording my ever so slightly obsessive watching of Longmire

The second five episodes of season two are the lead up to the much anticipated Sheriff's election.  It's an interesting move that when it finally happens it is sidelined for other plot elements.  It's a way of demonstrating to Walt what his real priorities are.  The real revelations of this won't be until episode 11 but it becomes clear how much his daughter means to him both to him and to us.  

It is not just a turning point for Walt but also for Branch. Cady is the one thing he and Walt agree whole heartedly on. As I mention several times below, episodes 6-10 are the last times we get to see confident, sane, competent Branch.  His obsession with David Ridges begins with Cady's accident and is motivated by his love for her but it becomes hard to remember that, when in season three his obsession seems pretty self-involved.  

Vic's story line also inches forward though it is not yet revealed why the appearance of her former Philadelphia colleague makes her nervous.  More than nervous really, which isn't terribly consistent with her character.  Also in two different episodes, Tell It Slant and Tuscan Red, there are suggestions that Vic is perhaps a bit of a liability for the Sheriff's department and to Walt's re-election.  In Tell it Slant there is the question by the voter which I highlight below and in Tuscan Red, her marriage to a Newitt Energy executive prompts accusations that the Sheriff's department is "in bed" with big oil.  Walt seems to ignore both of these issues.  

Ferg even gets a little character development.  He has a long-term crush on Cady that is likely a bit more than a crush.  Also he stands up to Walt for the first time.  However the most important revelation is what a swell dancer he is!

Here are my thoughts on the episodes:

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Episode 2.6 | Tell it Slant

Short Synopsis: A mystery that hinges on the reports of a Cheyenne Contrary Warrior whose  psychic sister has been murdered.

Short Review:  I like the mix of personal and professional here (Walt's wife having visited the psychic) and the twist the contrary warrior creates.  Also the debate does a good job of ramping up the election stakes and contrasting Walt and Branch's different styles. Grade: A

Random Thoughts:

• Apparently in his off time Walt dozes somewhat drunkenly on his couch. 
• The idea of the Contrary Warrior is interesting - he is meant to push people out of their comfort zones by always saying the opposite of reality.  He announces his sister's death by saying "It's a good night to be born!"
• I find it a very interesting piece of character development that Vic is down with psychics.  She doesn't necessarily believe in them but she doesn't think that all of them are con artists, either.  
• I really like the Branch of this era.  He's smarmy as hell and cocky but charming.  Branch: "Vic. I'm a guy. In Wyoming.  The only cards I've had read are at the poker table."  Vic (a little later): "Kenny Rogers, Give me a hand." Hee!  It's making me kind of sad for what is to come for his character...
• At the Debate:  "Walt I will vote for you early and often but I was pulled over by this foul-mouthed blonde lady last month and it turns out that she's not even from here.  Why are you taking jobs away from Wyoming residents?"  Sadly we don't get to hear his answer about why Vic is the bomb despite her foul mouth and her Philadelphia origins:).
• The debate is actually really fun.  I love that Cady stands up and scores one for Walt by pinning Branch on his lack of experience.  When Aaron (the Contrary Warrior) breaks in, shooting cap guns,  Branch hits the deck while Walt keeps his cool:).
• So how does Barlow get all the chicks?  A few episodes back he was described by a hotel employee as incredibly good looking. And in this episode his alibi involves having sex with a  24 year old stewardess. What???  I don't find Barlow attractive at all. Though perhaps it is his money that shines?
• Neat trick at the end by Walt to get the confession.  
• We never find out if the Cowley's actually find their daughter in Vermont.
• ALSO...What did the spirits say about Walt??? I wish we had been allowed to hear that part of the recording! Lots of unanswered questions in this episode!

Episode 2.7 | Sound and Fury

Short Synopsis: At the Red Pony, Henry overhears a man trying to hire a hit on his wife.  Henry being the awesome busybody he is interferes in a non-conventional way and things don't go as planned. 

Short Review: A pretty decent "suspense" episode that also does some heavy lifting with character development (Branch, Walt, Henry).  Grade: B+

Random Thoughts:

• Pretty ingenious that Henry offers to do the hit in order to figure who the guy and his wife are.  
• I love the attitude that Vic gives the Alpha male misogynist construction worker.  
• The advent of Ed Gorsky...Dun, Dun, DUN.  
• The cell phone gag  - with Walt refusing to get one of his own  and using everybody else's kind of never gets old.  
• Gutter Punks - A society I was unaware of.  They are seriously dirty.  And kind of fascinating.
• Branch really is a good detective and even though he seems like the type that would be distracted by the beautiful lady, he isn't and continues to scrutinize her.  Again, sort of sad we're going to lose this 
• Wife of Dead Guy: "Have you ever been married Sheriff?" Walt: "Yes." WODG: "Then you know how stifling it can be." Walt: "No. I don't."  Awwwww....
• Walt seems to pick up on Vic's agitation regarding her old work colleague when she brings him up as the possible hit man.  
• So I just noticed that "Scott's" tattoo, on his face looks a bit like a zipper.  Speaking of which I really like the actor playing "Scott" and the persona he creates for the character. 
• Walt's cell phone is in the truck...hmmmm... We know when he makes that claim, that he is playing a little game with the villain. 

Episode 2.8 |The Great Spirit

Short Synopsis: The sheriff's department is called out to deal with a wild horse trampling crops and it turns out she's dragging along a dead guy behind her.  The plus side is that Walt gets a new horse.

Short Review: The episode highlights big business agriculture and the challenges for immigrant workers.  I would have liked a more nuanced approach to the original farm owner's plight - he  comes off as 100% bad and while he ain't good, there should be some sympathy there.  Also love the way this episode ends.  Grade: B

Random Thoughts:

• Poor Ferg.  Always left behind to man the shop.
• Henry to Walt: "You seem more than usually irritated with Branch."  Ya think?
• Once again Vic uses her feminine wiles to get an unsuspecting fellow to speak.  
• Vic's "Okay. Good job."  to the horse, who she is obviously intimidated by, is adorable. 
• I love the ending of this episode with Henry recounting the tale of what the first warrior said to the Great Spirit. "...fight for the brothers you find. Fight for them he said for they are your home."  A lovely summation of Walt and Henry's value to each other.

Episode 2.9  | Tuscan Red

Short Synopsis:  A corpse is found in the ruins of a house that exploded from methane in the pipes.  Turns out the explosion didn't kill the guy, which is a bummer for Walt and Co.

Short Review: Lots of interesting stuff in this episode.  The mystery and solution are just so-so but I like the episodes that involve the Reservation and the cultural dynamics there.  Here the insular nature of the Reservation culture is explored as well as the continued exploitation of the people on the reservation because of their poverty.  Grade: B

Random Thoughts:

• I love how Henry pushes Walt.  In this case he forces Walt to say that he wants the Sheriff job, that he wants to win the election.
• Cady's little speech to Branch is nonsensical.  I don't blame Branch for being confused.  I really like them together which prompts me to say once again how sorry I am about what's to come for Branch.
• The coroner/autopsy guy is kind of interesting/odd and I don't think we ever see him again after this episode.  I wonder if he's a character from the later books?  If they were just trying him out as a potential new character and he ended up being just too kooky?
• I like that Mathias is on the side of the protesters and is at the protest keeping an eye on Newitt Energy Security.  Of course the protesters are right and the energy company likely is corrupt and ruining the environment.  Poor Walt has to arrest the protestors though he's likely sympathetic.  
• Again I think Branch and Cady's little interlude is adorable.  "Where did you get those eyes?" Hee!  It's been obvious all along that Branch really cares for Cady - she brings out the best in him.  
• WALT:  "When a child chooses to be with someone you don't approve of, it feels like rejection..."  Hmm.... Speaking from experience Walt?
• The conversation between Vic and and Sean is very revealing.  It's clear Vic doesn't respect or trust Sean and Sean is jealous of Vic's adoration of Walt. 

Episode 2.10  | Election Day

Short Synopsis: The episode starts with pomp and circumstance because the election is finally here, but unexpected tragedy makes the election, which the show has been building up to for two seasons, a moot point. 

Short Review:   I love how this episode progresses from the hopeful and celebratory to tragedy, forcing a shift in perspective for all the characters, particularly the two candidates, Walt and Branch.  Cady is the one thing the two men agree on.  It will have many consequences in future episodes as well.  Grade: A

Random Thoughts:

• Vic looks stunning at the party and we don't get a single moment of Walt ogling her.  He's actually very attentive to Lizzie which makes her outburst a couple episodes down the line a little irrational.  I mean he deserves to be kicked to the curb for generally being a horrible boyfriend but he gives no indication in front of Lizzie that he is interested in Vic.
• LOVE Ferg and Cady's dance.  LOVE that Ferg is such a great dancer:).  
• Love the whole party scene.  
• Vic's crestfallen face when Cady comes by the office looking for her dad saying he wasn't at home and Vic puts two and two together (that he spent the night at Lizzie's) is very revealing. She's got it bad.  
• Walt's banter with Ruby at the polls is adorable and shows how nervous he is.  
• Cady totally looks dead here!  Do people who have head injuries have that open intense dead stare thing going on.  I remember being completely shocked the first time I watched this.
• Vic is obviously a little concerned about Ferg's state of mind.  We get lots of good Ferg character development in this episode.  
• I love how the random dad Walt talks to in the waiting room ends up playing a key role in the next episode on an unrelated case.
• Walt's protective instinct is really getting a workout/taking a beating what have you.  Totally blaming himself for Cady's accident.  
• Again Vic reveals her feelings in trying to comfort Walt.  Walt doesn't react - he's too in his head and focused on Cady. 
• The whole state line thing with Kellen Dawes - Vic's all..."Screw that!" Hee!
• Walt wins by only 17 votes.  WOW.
• Bob's self-loathing is so raw and honest that he wrings sympathy from Walt even though Walt's daughter has been gravely hurt.  Does Walt perhaps identify with him?  Just a little?
• Ferg stands up to Walt and refuses to let loose the person he knows is the guilty party.  Good for you Ferg though it doesn't do any good.  
• Walt is kind of interestingly superstitious - he thinks Cady's accident is a direct consequence of what he and Henry "did in Denver."  Walt: "I need to do this Henry.  There's nothing else I can do."  He HATES feeling powerless.

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Episode 10 marks the beginning of a longer storyline that has major impacts in season three.  It's the start of a much more emotional and drama filled Longmire which is met, I think, with mixed feelings.  I eat it up, I really do, but part of me longs for the simple "mystery/adventure of the week" format plus subtle character development era.  The character of Branch undergoes a huge metamorphoses in season three and not for the better in my opinion so these episodes represent the last hurrah for his sanity/character.  One thing is for certain, things are definitely going to get exciting!

Other Posts about Longmire (and many other TV shows).

 

Saturdays in the Garden - Hoppers giving me the Stink Eye

OUTSIDE

August.  It's like the last hurrah of summer before the heat mellows and becomes more bearable.  Overall it's been a rather enjoyable summer with very few really uncomfortable days.  The garden is soaking up the heat and the result is my first ripe pepper.  These are the "Healthy" variety of heriloom peppers - more of an Italian variety.  They seem to be producing well and I'm super happy with a ripe pepper this early in my garden which is usually SO slow.

Also my Kale has rebounded from being munched on pretty heavily early in the season and it's looking lovely.

My Juliet tomatoes are becoming ripe.

Finally, I've had a third good picking from my green beans which is good for my garden.  The plants are not looking good so this may be it for them.  They do this every year and I need to investigate why because I'm pretty sure they aren't supposed to be done by now.

 Also, I ran into this guy (or gal) in the field.  I thought he/she was pretty adorable with his jaunty nose-like protuberance but I don't think he returned the sentiment.  I got the distinct impression he was giving me the stink eye. I was like "Hey, you're the one hanging out on my net" and he/she was like "Yeah, but your net is in MY prairie."  And yes I speak to the critters I run into when afield. Don't you?  I'm not sure of the species but think he/she is in the planthopper/leafhopper family.

LIFE

I've got lots of news under the Watching and Reading category so I'll keep this short.

I'm mostly preparing to spend a LOT of time on the road and in the field starting a week from now.  I'm half looking forward to it because I enjoy exploring the prairies, half dreading it because it complicates my schedule in a big way and causes some anxiety.

WATCHING, READING, and BLOGGING

Watching
I haven't been watching much of anything lately.  I kind of fizzled on my Doctor Who re-watch after season 2 but will likely pick up at season 3 again soon.  Nothing else has struck my fancy so I've been reading and catching up (sort of) with the blog.

Reading
So I have a couple of fun things to report!  Well they are fun for me.  First, I won a book!  Fantasy Cafe hosted the giveaway for Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews! It's book eight in the Kate Daniels series which is one of my absolute favorites.  I just recently finished books 5 and 5.5 in the series so I have a couple of books to catch up on before diving into this one.   So far it looks like the book is well liked by fans of the series (4.6 stars on Goodreads).  So yay!  Winning books is the BEST.

Secondly, in preparation of being in the car a lot for the next six weeks I went to the library to stock up on some audio books and scored HUGE with a bunch of great YA/Middle-grade titles many of which I've wanted to read because of other Book Bloggers' recommendations.  And that was just the longest sentence I have ever written. Anyway, check out this bounty:

Finished Last Week:

• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende: This was actually just okay for me.  I think it would work super great for its target audience (middle-grade) but it's one of those that didn't translate well for me as an adult reader. 
• Cold Days by Jim Butcher: As per usual, even though there were moments of wanting to hit something, in the end, I loved it.  I've already gotten the next book in the series, Skin Game, which is the last book to read before I am completely caught up with the series.  Then I'll have to wait.  Sigh....

Currently Reading:

• Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe: So maybe some day I'll pick this up again?  Until then it will sit here on the currently read and look encouraging.
• In the Garden of Iden by Kage Baker:  Immortal cyborgs in Elizabethan England!  Need I say more? Getting close to the end on this one.
• The Founding (The Morland Dynasty #1) by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles: This is the first book in a series that follows a single British family through numerous generations into modern times.  This first book takes place in the early 15th century.  This is such a fascinating idea and I have high hopes but I have to say the characters in this first book are shallow and are doing nothing for me.  This book is officially on hold at the moment but I'll get back to it one day soon. 
• World After by Susan Ee: The second book in the Penryn and the End of Days series.  It's super grim - grimmer than book one - and I'm loving it.  What is wrong with me?
• The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater: Just started this today in audio.
• Of Noble Birth by Brenda Novak: A historical romance that features pirates. 'nuf said. 

On the BLOG LAST WEEK:

SUNDAY: LONGMIRE - the First half of season 2. The third in a series of obsessive posts about this show.  Sorry. When will season 4 come out???
TUESDAY: Top Ten Tuesday: Fairy Tales Rebooted.  Meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
WEDNESDAY: Review of Changes by Jim Butcher. In a nutshell, not my favorite installment in the Dresden Files series but I like how it shakes up the series.
THURSDAY: Tough Traveling: New Beginnings. A fun meme hosted by Fantasy Review Barn to explore all the beloved tropes of the SFF genre. This particular trope seemed to be EVERYWHERE or it may just be that I really like it so gravitate towards books that use it. 

On the BLOG NEXT WEEK

SUNDAY: Fourth Longmire post featuring the second half of season 2.
TUESDAY: The Top Ten Tuesday topic this week is the top ten authors by which I've read the most books.  Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
WEDNESDAY:  Book Review TBD.  Probably Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling.
THURSDAY: The Tough Traveling meme this week is highlighting Forbidden Love in Fantasy land which sounds fun:).   Learn more over on Fantasy Review Barn.

I'll end with a good quote to remember when things are busy:

 

TOUGH TRAVELING | New Beginnings

 

Tough Traveling is a fun meme that aims to tour all the tropes big and small, abhorred and loved that are littered across the fantasy landscape. It was conceived of and is hosted by Nathan at Fantasy Review Barn and here's how it's explained on the blog: 

Each Thursday, our copy of ‘The Tough Guide to Fantasyland’ in hand, we shall tour the mystical countryside looking for adventure and fun (and tropes) from all over fantasy.

This week's trope is New Beginnings:

A new leaf, a new life, a complete change of pace for a character in fantasyland is how most stories start.  Bad people get a second chance, farm kids leave the farm, or a soldier gets a new post.  From there adventure awaits!

Who wouldn't like the opportunity to get a new lease on life?  Sure there are likely some blissfully happy and contented folks in the world (ugh!) but they don't seem to be very numerous Fantasyland.  Here's the numerous folks who have benefited from a new beginning. Some successful...some not.

• Harry Dresden in Cold Days (Book #14) by Jim Butcher

Harry gets a new lease on life. Like literally.  He spends an entire book dead (Ghost Story), as a ghost, and is brought back to life at the end of that book to start life anew in Cold Days.  On top of that he has a new role, that represents a significant departure from his old life so it's like a double new beginning.

• Logen Ninefingers in The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie

At the beginning of this series, Logen Ninefingers aka "The Bloody Nine", is trying to turn over a new leaf.  He's been a very violent enforcer for a very bad King and he's decided he'd like to put that behind him and be a better person.  It's hard not to root for him and his new beginning is really going very well until....

• Rossamund in The Monster Blood Tattoo series by D.M. Cornish

Rossamund is just twelve years old but he goes through a number of  new beginnings during this trilogy.  First he leaves the orphanage/school where he was raised to start life as a Lamplighter.  When he finds himself in deep trouble and danger there, he is taken on by Europe, a famous monster hunter, as her factotum.  This is a fantastic and imaginative middle-grade series, with a Dickensian feel except with monsters and monster hunters and things.

• This guy from a series about a boy wizard by J.K. Rowling

Severus Snape!  Snape was a death eater when Voldemort was around but he's seen the light thanks to his love of a good woman and is trying fight for the right side these days though it can sometimes be hard to tell that he's turned over a new leaf. 

• Abigail Rook in Jackaby by William Ritter

Abigail is brought up in a proper Victorian home but the problem is she has no desire to live a proper Victorian life.  After running off and trying her hand, unsuccessfully, at paleontology she ends up in the town of New Fiddleham looking for a job.  She ends up taking a job as an assistant investigator to R.F. Jackaby who can see the supernatural world and investigates problems that arise from the monsters.  This is one of my favorite reads of 2015!

• Agatha and Sophie The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

Sophie and Agatha are whisked away from their village to a school where they will leave real life behind and learn to be characters in a fairy tale.

• The Locke Family in The Locke and Key series by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

The Locke family move to Keyhouse after the father of the family is murdered in the hopes of putting the tragedy behind them.  Their new beginning, in this ancestral home with lots of secrets, does NOT go well.

• Myfanwy Thomas The Rook by Daniel O'Malley

My favorite book to bring up:0).  Because it's awesome.  Myfanwy must begin anew after an assassination attempt completely wipes her memory.  And she has to do it without letting anyone else know that this has happened.

• Kvothe from The Kingkiller Series by Patrick Rothfuss

When we meet Kvothe, he's just a simple barkeep in a small out of the way village.  We quickly learn that he has lived a much more eventful life but we don't yet know what has led him to a new beginning in this small town.


So I'm going to stop there because otherwise I think I could continue listing characters until 2016.  This appears to be a VERY popular trope which is understandable since putting people in a new situation or role that they are unfamiliar and uncomfortable with  = instant drama.  Go check out the lists of fellow travelers over at Fantasy Review Barn.   

REVIEW: Changes by Jim Butcher

Changes by Jim Butcher
Publication Year: 2010
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Dresden Files #12
Awards: NA
Format: Audiobook on CD from Library
Narrator: James Marsters

Remember when Harry Dresden used to be a P.I. wizard for hire and random Chicagoans would hire him to solve this or that unexplained problem in their life?  Yeah.  Me neither.  This book kind of puts the final nail in that coffin for good and forever and marks the beginning of a trilogy (at least) of books  which includes this one, Ghost Story and Cold Days.  In Changes everything falls apart (I mean everything), Ghost Story is all about reflection and lesson learning from the whole everything falling apart scenario, and Cold Days is taking the lessons learned and trying to come to grips with a new reality.  The Dresden Files series has always had a lot of through lines and connections between books but these three really seem to be more tightly bound - almost one story in three volumes so be prepared.

But back to Changes specifically.  In the first few pages it is revealed that Harry has a daughter with Susan Rodriguez that he doesn't know about.  And the little girl is in trouble.  You can imagine how well Harry responds to the news that he has a 6 or 7 year old daughter that Susan has hid from him and that the girl (Maggie) has been kidnapped by a Red Court Vampire.  He does not respond well at all. The rest of the plot involves Harry calling in all his allies and pulling out all the stops to save his child.  In the end, Harry must do things that will haunt him for a long time and make him question himself like never before.  Well as much as Harry does things like "question himself."

In this installment, Butcher seems to be aiming to accomplish a complete game changer.  He gives Harry a child but then strips him of almost everything else.  All those things we've come to associate with Harry are stripped away plus more.  It's done thoroughly and well.  Also if you are a Murphy fan she gets some great scenes and likely should receive the MVP award for the climax battle.  If you've missed Susan Rodriguez, you'll have fun catching up with her.  I only vaguely remembered her since I read books 1-10 long, long ago so I didn't really care about her in the least which made all of her and Dresden's emotional reunion, conflict and relationship drama just kind of annoying.

Which brings me to the point.  Did I enjoy this installment of the Dresden Files?  It was okay.  It had its spectacular moments.  The climactic battle scene is fantastic and I do appreciate overall what Butcher was doing to his character (aka being very very mean to him). I also like that this book has massive repercussions for the direction of the series which will be interesting to explore.

The problem is, I read the Dresden Files for non-stop action, goofy banter and generally the wild ride the books provide.  Sure I'm invested in Harry and many of his allies as characters and I enjoy the occasional more serious and emotional scene.  This book however dials the emo meter up to eleventy billion and my tolerance for that was particularly low while reading.  There was a lot of eye-rolling.  Mileage will most certainly vary regarding this complaint so it may not bother you at all.

I also felt like, probably because the stakes were dialed up so high in this one (at least for Dresden personally), that for the first time Harry came across as a Gary Stu.  It dials down later in the book and I haven't really been too bothered in the subsequent books but for the first part of this book it really grated on my nerves.  Every female in the book seems to be into him while he is all chivalrous and ridiculous...I will not sleep with you because you kept things from me, and I will not sleep with you because I met you when you were 8 and I will not sleep with you because...well I haven't really bothered to consider that possibility and your the only female I don't think about boobs first. 

Finally, I felt like the pacing was off in this one.  There was a big bad time deadline, as there always is in Dresden Files' books, but there seemed to be a lot of time for hanging around being dramatically emo about things.  It finally picks up and evens out in the second half of the book but the first part dragged for me along with the other problems mentioned above.

The audio was read by James Marsters and he is really perfect for reading these books.  He does a fantastic job and completely captures Dresden's voice and character.  I highly recommend the audio version of the book!

FINAL VERDICT:  A very up and down read for me.  I appreciate what Butcher was doing in this book and there are really some spectacular moments but the overall reading experience was just okay.  3 out of 5 Stars

I have just a one thing to say that is pretty spoilery so if you don't want to know, look away!

*****SPOILERS****

I'm a fan of the idea of a Murphy and Dresden romance mostly because I adore Murphy and think Harry should too.  I like her more than Dresden in fact.  At the end of this book we get some movement towards the happy idea of Harry and Karrin together and then Harry promptly gets shot and killed.  It's a very convenient and certainly the most unusual way I've seen an author employ to draw things out.  And man does Butcher keep the drawing out going - I'm two books further along and things are still very unresolved and look to even be in massive doubt.  But more ranting about that in later reviews:)

Top Ten Tuesday - Fairy Tales Rebooted

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme for bloggers who like books and lists. It's awesome and is graciously hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's topic is fairy tale re-tellings and is pretty much open to anything we want to list regarding them.  I'm a fan of fairy tales and their rebooted modern descendents.  My list is going to be a bit of a grab bag because the ten books I wanted to feature are related to fairy tales in a few different ways.  I'm sorry I can't be more focused - this topic is like being a kid in a candy store and there's just to much sugar to really concentrate on one thing.  Allrighty then!

Recent Retellings*
*Well at least for me they are recent

1) The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

There is isn't any thing  particularly innovative or clever about this re-telling; it fleshes out and gives more depth to what is a very short but intriguing original tale and it does it well. 

2) The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

I know, they are everywhere but I am firmly on this bandwagon and am SO enjoying this series.  The books in the series have been a well planned and intertwining sci-fi twist on several classic fairy tales.  Some of my very favorite YA books!

3) Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

This retelling of the Cinderella myth has such a perfect twist to it (Ella is given the "gift" of obedience and therefore must obey everything anyone tells her to do) while still having the flavor of the original tale.  It's more realistic than the original story but is still pure magic. 

Best Use of Fairy Tale Characters 

4) The Fables Series by Bill Willingham and various very talented artists

This series of graphic novels takes all your favorite characters from fairy tale land and transports them to contemporary New York where they all live in an insular community, in exile from an evil that has taken over their homelands.  This is not a tale for kids and it is so much fun.  I've said it ad nauseum on this blog but I'll say it again - this was my fabulous introduction to Graphic Novels and I highly recommend the entire series to everyone.  It's about to be wrapped up so if you wait just a few more months you can binge read (and believe me you'll want to) the entire series from start to finish (22 volumes I believe). 

5) The School For Good and Evil by Soman Chainani 

This was a surprisingly delightful middle grade read for me (my review) which turns the idea of good and evil on its head and not even necessarily in the way you'd expect.  Parodies and thoroughly lambasts the black and white nature of most fairy tales with a fun and funny story.

Best Fairy Tale-esque*
* As far as I know these stories are not based on a source fairy tale but they read like they are. Heavily influenced by fairy tales.

6) Stardust by Neil Gaiman

There's magic and a quest and a handsome commoner who becomes a prince and a crone who wants to cut the heart out of a lovely maiden....sounds like a fairy tale to me:).  A lovely book and movie.

7) Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

An imaginative and unique story that has the feel of an old school fairy tale except that Sophie and Howl are grumpy and imperfect and completely delightful; i.e. they have character! This is again an excellent book AND movie which I just posted about. 

8) The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

I am actually in the middle of this one right now and it is so obviously inspired by and is likely an ode to fairy tales.  It gets quite meta- in fact, sucking Bastian the human boy reading The Neverending Story into the world of Fantastica and making him part of the story.  Yet another good book and movie pairing though apparently the movie was only of the first half of the book.   Hmmm... I'm sensing a trend here.

9) The Princess Bride by William Goldman

This is one where I prefer the movie to the book because the movie focuses on the fairy tale parody part of the book and leaves out most of the extraneous contemporary "story" line.  Probably the most charming fairy tale parody, ever. 

The Number On Re-telling I'd Like to Read Soon

10) Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

I've heard lots of good things about it and The Twelve Dancing Princesses is a fairy tale I am not overly familiar with so I think it will be fresh for me no matter what.

The Fairy Tale for which I'd Most Like to Find a Good Retelling 

11) The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson

This is one of my favorite fairy tales of all time (horribly sad) as well as my favorite Disney film.  Would love to read a book that novelizes and expands this tale.  And perhaps makes it slightly less brutal and depressing than the original story while being more realistic than the Disney story.    Anybody have any recommendations?

 

LONGMIRE | Thoughts | S. 2 | Eps. 1-6

A periodic post recording my ever so slightly obsessive watching of Longmire

Season two of Longmire starts with a helluva episode.  Unquiet Mind shows Walt at his most badass  with almost superhero-esque powers.  It also illustrates very clearly how Walt views his duty as sheriff.  It also helps clarify some of the more personal journeys he is on. His relationship with Cady is at an all time low and we see how very much this effects him.  We only see it in a hypothermic hallucination because Walt keeps his worry and love for his daughter buried deep as with all other emotions. 

In addition to the season opener of the series, the second episode illustrates how Longmire excels in hiring guest actors.  The two best scenes of the whole show in my opinion are by guest actors, one of which is in Carcasses. The regular cast does a great job as well, of course but the guest actors benefit from how emotional and beautifully written the scenes they are given are. 

The first half of season two sees Cady return and she and Walt making peace with each other and with what has gone before.  Also Vic finally gets her own storyline which starts out very intriguing but which I have some problems with as it goes along.  More on that as it develops.

Here are my thoughts on the episodes in the first half of Season 2:

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Episode 2.1 | Unquiet Mind

Short Synopsis: This episode pits Walt against the Wyoming Wilderness (and yup I meant to capitilize it) and a serial killer in an 'effin blizzard.  It is seriously badass.  Everybody else loses their cool in their own special ways, fretting about Walt.

Short Review: This is a brilliant opener full of drama and scenery and man's strength and power.  It could have used about five more minutes but the end we get is pretty great.  Grade: A

Random Thoughts:

• Vic yelling "Get out of the damn road"  at the bison :).  
• "You don't say much but you have an unquiet mind."  Probably a pretty good read on Walt even if the person delivering that verdict is a serial killer.  
• Everything about this episode seems designed to convince me that my worst nightmare of a job would be law enforcement in rural Wyoming.  I am such a coward - I panic if I have to drive to the town 20 minutes away if there is even the slightest amount of snow.  I would have balked when the FBI agent taps them to come with them to dig up the body - I would have just wanted to get headed back to beat the storms.  Walt, on the other hand, heads out into the woods, at night, in a blizzard with (what looks to me like) a thin leather coat and work gloves as his only protection from the cold to hunt for a serial killer. 
• Branch is apparently put in charge in Walt's absence though it's interesting that there is some conflict about it.  Branch has been there longer but Vic is Walt's favorite. 
• The FBI folks that come to the "rescue" are REALLY super ineffectual and annoying.  Vic's feelings? *Punch* "Shit."
• Henry to Branch:  "Maybe he is not trying to prove anything. Maybe Walt just thinks of his job as a duty and not a game."
• Vic is sitting playing with her wedding ring and trying not to cry about not being able to go after Walt.  
• We see Walt get a little vulnerable during his hypothermia induced hallucination.
• After two days of hiking through knee deep snow almost non-stop + a bout of hypothermia, Walt epically and brutally kills the guy.  It is insanely bad ass.  
• Vic and Walt update:  Pretty much at the same point as the end of season 1.

 

Episode 2.2 | Carcasses

Short Synopsis: An unknown dead man is found buried in the compost heap of a somewhat troubled woman. 

Short Review:  The supporting cast is particularly good in this episode which manages to have a lot of laughs as well as one of the most emotional scenes of the whole show.  Fantastic episode. Grade: A

Random Thoughts:

• I love the character of Holly and am sorry we never see her again.  She's compassionate to the animals but also practical.  "all my martyrs for love"  It's a sad but lovely sentiment.
• "What hillbilly hellhole serves a Turducken burger?" 
• "The T&A portion of your evening is now over but the Q & A portion is about to begin."  To the hookers and their Johns.
• Heather Kafka, the actress who plays Holly is outstanding. Every scene she's in is riveting and emotional.  
• The scene between Holly and her son Dacus is one of the most powerful I've ever seen - heartbreaking.  Every time I've watched it, it has reduced me to involuntary floods of tears. I'm not sure how Walt keeps from breaking down.  For me, it's the best scene in the whole show. 
• The scene between mother and son does show Walt what burying secrets and pain can do to someone and prompts him to try and reach out to Cady.

Episode 2.3 | Death Came in Like Thunder

Short Synopsis: A Basque shepherd is found inexplicably dead with his dog on the pasture ground.  His brother, his mail-order wife and Jacob Nighthorse,  are all suspects...

Short Review: I enjoyed all the Basque heritage and history and there are some humorous moments but otherwise a pretty work-a-day episode. Grade: B-

Random Thoughts:

• Walt is so flippin' attractive.  His hair....damn... he's adorable.  He looks really good chopping wood.
• "A lot of guys think American women are pushy and overbearing."  Vic's face in response to this gem is hilarious.
• The method of murder in this episode is particularly inventive while also being old school.
• I never noticed before but in the fight scene at the timber yard the first thing we see is Marco's brother being thrown up against a billboard educating about poisonous plants.  Heh.
• So Fales is really good at manipulating people!
• Obviously Vic has not yet learned all of Walt's tricks nor learned to totally trust him yet.
• Vic and Walt Update: Vic is fairly openly not thrilled about any talk of Walt and matchmaking.  Her guilt over not giving him Lizzie's gift and how she finally slips it to him is chuckle worthy. Besides them continuing to be more and more attached at the hip during investigations, Walt hasn't really revealed any special interest in Vic.  However, he also isn't showing a whole lot of interest in Lizzie! 

Episode 2.4 | The Road to Hell

Short Synopsis:  A herd of cattle goes missing while being transported, and then the driver is killed.  We learn that cattle rustling and cow cops are actually a thing. 

Short Review:  There's a lot going on in this episode and it all has the feel of the everyday chaos of the Sheriff's department.  Another solid mystery and the beginning of a story arc for Vic. Finally. Grade: B.

Random Thoughts:

• Ahhh... the mystery of the flowers.   Walt actually taps the horn at Vic.  I'm not sure I'd pegged him as impatient. 
• Vic's such a tough lady that it's easy to forget how really compassionate she is. 
• I agree with most of what the girl activist says but she really does sound like a ridiculous twit. 
• Henry's reaction to the internet environmental activist is similar to my reaction to the girl activist.  Agrees with the sentiment but eye rolling at the pretension. 
• Omar: "I like pushy women."
• Vic and Walt Update:  Walt steps in to help "solve" Vic's mystery of who sent the flowers but I think it's more because he thinks it's distracting her and wants her focused on the job. It is partially concern though.  He does get very mad/irritated with Omar, for delivering Vic flowers.  He knows Vic doesn't like Omar so he is being a little protective and maybe a teensy weensy bit possessive?  If she's off limits for me, she's off limits for you buddy.  

 

Episode 2.5 | Party's Over

Short Synopsis: The apparently drug-related death of a young Cheyenne girl leads Walt and company into the world of amateur women's fighting. 

Short Review:  This one misses a little something because I never felt like I got a good picture of the murdered girl and didn't connect with her so it doesn't have the impact it may have otherwise.  Still a good solid mystery with an unexpected solution and some good Walt drama.  Grade: B

Random Thoughts:

• Seriously.  Why on Earth does Lizzie put up with Walt?  He's a HORRIBLE boyfriend.  He hasn't even opened the gift that Vic passed along two episodes ago. Lizzie kind of should know better that Walt isn't exactly the froofy gift type.  Sadly, we never find out what the gift was. and I'm pretty curious! 
• Branch calls Vic teacher's pet:0).  Apparently Vic got a new truck because her truck was the one the cow cop plowed into at the end of the last episode.  
• Branch and Walt's rivalry is super fun! 
• Walt: "Really pack 'em in to see girls beat each other up." Vic: "It's every man's second fantasy."
• Henry's got a girlfriend - Deena.  She's apparently a professional pool player. Obviously Walt doesn't approve.
• It's becoming more and more obvious that Walt likes to have Vic with him and gives the crap jobs to Ferg and Branch.  Vic gets to go to fun girl fights while Ferg has to sit and watch an empty apartment.
• Henry: "Is this why you came here? To judge me?"
• Vic jumps in the ring!  She loses bad but she gets in some pretty good licks and it earns Lorna's respect.  
• Score one for Branch:).  I like that sometimes the pettiness between Branch and Walt isn't just one sided and sometimes Branch gets the upper hand. 
• Cady's back!  What a deliciously awkward encounter between Lizzie and Cady.  Poor Lizzie. 
• The righteous anger of Walt towards the drug dealers- it's a thing to behold!
• I really like Lorna and it's apparent that Walt does too.  
• Walt (about Lizzie):  "We're not really dating. I'm not sure really what you'd call it...."  Oh Walt. 

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It's probably clear from the above that my two favorite episodes of the first half of season two are  Unquiet Minds and Carcasses. The season began with a bang and then picks up again in the second half of the season which I will post about next week.

Do you have any favorite episodes from the group above? What do you think about what happens in the first part of this season?