Same World New Rules

Anna never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack… and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she’d learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. Then Charles Cornick, the enforcer-- and son-- of the leader of the North American werewolves, came into her life.

Charles insists that not only is Anna his mate, but she is also a rare and valued Omega wolf. And it is Anna’s inner strength and calming presence that will prove invaluable as she and Charles go on the hunt in search of a rogue werewolf-- a creature bound in magic so dark that it could threaten all of the pack…

Title: Cry Wolf
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: The Alpha & Omega, Book 1
Start & Finished: 9/17/08-9/18/08
Published: 2008
Publisher: Ace
Pages: 294
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Originally a straight fantasy author (dragons, sorcerers, mages, etc.), Patricia Briggs wasn’t widely recognized until 2006 when she published the first urban fantasy book in her Mercedes Thompson series Moon Called. After the second book Blood Bound (in 2007), she was invited to contribute to the anthology On the Prowl with authors Sunny, Karen Chance, and Eileen Wilks where she had the honor of being the first story in the collection: Alpha and Omega. The story was a spin-off of the Mercy series featuring a minor character Charles (the Alpha) and his new mate Anna (the Omega) and the author decided to go ahead and turn it into a series as well publishing the first one Cry Wolf several months after the third Mercy story had come out in 2008, Iron Kissed.

Discovering Patricia Briggs’ work was such a thrill because her character Mercy was funny and all the other characters were incredibly lifelike as well. Therefore, once I had read all her current urban fantasy I began to look forward to every other release of hers too, which is how I stumbled across her short story in the anthology. The werewolves are a major part of the Mercy series as she was raised by them and her main love interests (one of whom is a brother to the main character in this book) are both werewolves but since Mercy wasn’t one (she’s a coyote skin walker), the audience is left with the sense of being just on the fringes of an interesting culture. In Cry Wolf, the peril and big battle that you would expect of Briggs is there but she also explores the werewolves a bit more too.

I’ll admit it was a bit disorienting to read a series that runs parallel to her Mercy books (and I can’t help but wonder if she can keep minor details out of each other series) but I loved reading her newest series. The characters and the situations were unique and the intriguing glimpse into the Marrok and his werewolves’ culture just wasn’t enough for me! Now I’m going to drive myself crazy waiting for the second book Hunting Ground to be released later this year. I still prefer the Mercy series more but Briggs did a fine job setting up a new series that could almost equal it.

Series: Alpha and Omega (short), Cry Wolf, Hunting Ground (‘09)

Related Posts
Moon Called
Blood Bound
Iron Kissed
On the Prowl (anthology)

Links: Author Wikipedia, Author Comments on the Book
Interview: Nalini Singh Blog Q&A

Picture Explanation
Yellow Rose: Asil owns a hothouse where he grows Spanish roses.
Mountains: The Marrok clan lives in the Montana mountains.
Black Wolf: Walter’s wolf form

An Adventure in Egypt

Theodosia Throckmorton has her hands full at the Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London. Her father may be head curator, but it is Theo—and only Theo—who is able to see all the black magic and ancient curses that still cling to the artifacts in the museum.

When Theo’s mother returns from her latest archaeological dig bearing the Heart of Egypt—a legendary amulet belonging to an ancient tomb—Theo learns that it comes inscribed with a curse so black and vile that it threatens to crumble the British Empire from within and start a war too terrible to imagine. Intent on returning the malevolent artifact to its rightful place, Theo devises a daring plan to put things right. But even with the help of her younger brother, a wily street urchin, and the secret society known as the Brotherhood of the Chosen Keepers, it won’t be easy . . . she quickly finds herself pursued down dark alleys, across an ocean, through the bustling crowds of Cairo, and straight into the heart of an ancient mystery. Theo will have to call upon everything she’s ever learned in order to prevent the rising chaos from destroying her country—and herself!

Title: Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos
Author: R. L. LaFevers
Illustrator: Yoko Tanaka
Series: Theodosia Throckmorton, Book 1
Start & Finished: 9/13/08- 9/15/08
Published: 2007
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
Pages: 344
Genre: Juvenile Fiction- Adventure/ Magic
Book Official Site

It is England in 1906 and R.L. LaFever’s little heroine Theodosia Throckmorton is as busy as ever taking the Egyptian curses off the artifacts her parents keep lugging home to the Museum of Legends and Antiquities. Taking place partly in England and partly in Egypt itself, Theodosia Throckmorton and the Serpents of Chaos sets the bar very high as the first book in this young adult adventure series.

Nothing has ever been able to capture my attention quicker than a story with mythology in it and my favorites are when the actual Gods and Goddesses are a central part of the story (or even better, a part of the story). Although I have spent much less time reading about the Egyptian gods and goddesses than I have the Greeks and Romans, I was still was able to recognize most of the ones mentioned and enjoyed learning about the ones I didn’t know.

Have you ever read a book intended for young adults and wished that you had read it when you yourself were younger? That was the way I felt when I had finished this story even though I know I couldn’t have enjoyed it any more than I already did! True, Theodosia was a bit bossy and at times bratty but also sly and clever. I sincerely liked her and I couldn’t help but want to meet her adult-self as I couldn’t help but wonder how she would turn out with her talents and with such neglectful parents. Makes me wish the author would write another series of her all grown up, while continuing this one of course!

R.L. LaFevers aka Robin Lorraine has been writing most of her life and has published several other young adult novels including another series called the Lowthar's Blade Trilogy. She has recently published the second book in Theo’s series Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris but it is unknown at this point just how many books the series will be (or if it will become a trilogy too). I can’t help but hope that it will last a long time though.

Theodosia Throckmorton Series:
Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos (2007)
Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris (2008)

Links: Book Wikipedia, Theodosia’s Blog, Author Blog

Picture Explanations
Bastat Statue: One of the cursed objects that is sent to the museum.
Valley of the Kings: Theo has to visit the tomb of Thutmose III which is in the valley.
Jam Sandwich: Theo's favorite food.

A Holiday in Crete

Young, beautiful, and adventurous Nicola Ferris loves her life as a secretary at the British Embassy on the lush island of Crete. Then on her day off, she links up with two hiking companions who have inadvertently stumbled upon a scene of blood vengeance.

And suddenly the life Nicola adores is in danger of coming to an abrupt, brutal, and terrifying end . . .

Title: The Moon-Spinners
Author: Mary Stewart
Start & Finished: 9/7/08- 9/12/08
Published: 1962
Publisher: M. S. Mill Co. and William Morrow & Company
Pages: 303
Genre: Adventure/ Mystery

Two time winner of the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature, English author Mary Florence Elinor Rainbow aka Mary Stewart, has written many stories in various genres over the years but it was during the 1960’s-1970’s that she was the most popular. Only two of her stories have been adapted for film, Merlin of the Crystal Cave and this book Moonspinners, which Disney adapted two years after it was published to star Hayley Mills. Mary Stewart celebrated her 92 birthday last year.

Having read Mary Stewart's last book Rose Cottage I decided to read one of her most popular books even despite the fact that I didn’t really care for my first Stewart book (although it was good, some parts dragged and it was predictable). I had vague memories of the film version of Moon-Spinners but what really stood out in my mind was how beautiful the Crete setting was which is equally true in the novel- more so actually! I was a little wary when I started this but as soon as Nicola and I started up the side of The White Mountains I became utterly lost in the author’s wonderful little adventure full of real danger.

By today’s standards, this story would probably be considered a young adult mystery even though the main character Nicola is in her early 20’s. Mainly because there were quite a few times when she acted younger (she even becomes a typical hysterical girl in one part of the book) and because it is tame. That’s not to say that adults today wouldn’t enjoy this because it’s just that good but even with the “adventure” aspect (which is reminiscent of Treasure Island) it takes place in a more innocent time.

This was written as a stand-alone novel but its ending is somewhat open so it could have become a wonderful series, sort of like a grown-up Nancy Drew. Alas, Mary Stewart hasn’t written anything in over 10 years but she does have several other stories that I am now eager to read. If Moon-Spinners is any indication of this author’s talent, then her other books are certainly not to be missed!

Related Post: Rose Cottage by Mary Stewart

Links: Author Wikipedia, Fantastic Fiction, Mary Stewart Fan Blog

Picture Explanations
Church: A real-life place in the book whose setting is pivotal.
White Mountains: When Nicola arrives in Crete she explores here.
Windmill: Excerpt-
This, as luck would have it, was no ugly iron pylon, but a real mill, one of the two corn-mills that served the plateau. It was a solidly-built, conical structure, much like the windmills we know, with a thatched roof, and ten canvas sails. The sails, unlike those of the water-mills, were furled along their spokes, but this idle mill, with its arched doorway and dazzling whitewash, was beautiful.

Disney in Space

Walt Disney was a true visionary and his most far-reaching vision examined the future. During the 1950s his investigation into space exploration and the wondrous opportunities and challenges of space travel not only came alive in several Disneyland TV shows, but helped create strong public support for The United Stated space program.

Title: Man in Space
Release: March 9, 1955
Genre: Documentary-Space
MPAA Rating: G
Based On: Man in Space by Heinz Haber
Writer: Ward Kimball & William Bosche
Director: Ward Kimball
Music By: George Bruns
Produced By: Ward Kimball
Distributed By: Walt Disney Pictures (Disneyland)
Run Time: 51 minutes

Inspiring, educational, and entertaining are the best words to describe Walt Disney's TV show Disneyland (later to be known by several other names). Their first truly educational film was Man in Space which was a kind of documentary about how being in space would effect man with famous scientist guest stars.

One of the original "Nine Old Men" Ward Kimball was the narrator and he was put in charge of all Disney's featurettes about space after this one was not only was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short but was also used by the president to show at the Pentagon. A few years later the space race had begun and on July 20, 1969- fourteen years after Man in Space was released, man actually did go to space and land on the moon.

Ward Kimball is one of my very favorite animators (besides Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas) so it was interesting to see how easily he's able to take on a role that Walt would usually do on the series. Not only does he have a pleasent persona and voice but he seems to be really enjoying himself too. I knew he had an affinity for trains (and actually got Walt interested in them too) but I wasn't aware of the fact of just how much the idea of space travel had touched his, and everyone's lives back then.

Normally something like this documentary would bore me to tears but Disney makes sure that never happens with humourous drawings illustrating what could have easily been a dry lesson. Also it was interesting to see something that we take for granted today was such a major thing back then. Theoretically, I know man has been to space but watching the often dangerous (I can’t help but wonder how many people have died while they were trying to learn what works and what doesn’t) attempts on getting there makes me want to know more.

Links: Imdb.com, Wikipedia, Von Braun and Walt Disney article, Disney and Space Travel

Leonard Martin Intro:


Man in Space Part 1:

A Slick Screwball Comedy

Chaz Perrone might be the only marine scientist in the world who doesn’t know which way the Gulf Stream runs. He might also be the only one who went into biology just to make a killing, and now he’s found a way- doctoring water samples so that a ruthless agribusiness tycoon can continue illegally dumping fertilizer into the endangered Everglades. When Chaz suspects that his wife, Joey, has figured out his scam, he pushes her overboard from a cruise liner into the night-dark Atlantic. Unfortunately for Chaz, his wife doesn’t die in the fall.

Clinging blindly to a bale of Jamaican pot, Joey Perrone is plucked from the ocean by former cop and current loner Mick Stranaham. Instead of rushing to the police and reporting her husband’s crime, Joey decides to stay dead and (with Mick’s help) screw with Chaz until he screws himself.

As Joey haunts and taunts her homicidal husband, as Chaz’s cold-blooded cohorts in pollution grow uneasy about his ineptitude and increasingly erratic behavior, as Mick Stranaham discovers that six failed marriages and years of island solitude haven’t killed the reckless romantic in him, we’re taken on a hilarious, full-throttle, pure Hiaasen ride through the warped politics and mayhem of the human environment and the human heart.

Title: Skinny Dip
Author: Carl Hiaasen
Start & Finished: 9/1/08- 9/5/08
Published: 2004
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Pages: 355
Genre: Crime- Satire

Florida is a great place for story ideas and after native Floridian journalist/ author Carl Hiaasen heard about how some people completely vanish off of cruise liners and are never found, he came up with the story Skinny Dip. Hiaasen has written many other satirical crime, fiction/ environmental thrillers over the years, several of which have been made into movies. Director Mike Nichols (The Graduate) has secured the film rights to the book but so far only his books Striptease and Hoot have been adapted. Skinny Dip was nominated for the 2005 Dagger award as well.

This was my very first Hiaasen book (I have seen one of the movies based on his books though) and I enjoyed the author’s satire and wit throughout the story. It was very interesting and even sometimes thought provoking plus, it’s a crime thriller to be sure but more than anything else, it’s a comedy. Since my first experience with this author was a great one I won’t hesitate to choose another one someday. One of the things that I found most interesting about Carl Hiaasen is that he claims that he takes many real life situations that he discovers in the Florida newspapers (including the one he works at) and puts them in his novels- Toole’s drug addiction is one of them.

I really enjoyed the story and the male characters were wonderfully written. It was just Joey, the main character who I felt was kind of flat and one-dimensional but maybe that’s just me. She is one of the only women in the book and I’m not sure but I think the fact that Carl Hiaasen is a man may have played a part in the fact that all of the male characters were more interesting than her. That’s not to say I didn’t like Joey, it’s just that by the end I still felt like I knew everyone else better than her and the story is supposed to be about her and her scheme to get back at her husband for dropping her off the side of a cruise ship. I think this story would have been handled better if a female author like maybe Jennifer Cruise or Mary Kay Andrews had collaborated with him.

Carl Hiaasen has been an author since 1986 and a journalist even longer than that. He was friends with the late singer/songwriter Warren Zevon- who came up with the title of this book, and even co-wrote a song with Bazza inspired by it called Skinny Dipping. Quite a few of Hiassen’s characters from previous novels do appear in this book but overall this is a story about “a woman who realizes that she's married the ultimate creep, and by God she's going to get some answers,” and maybe a little revenge in the funniest ways possible.

Links: Author Wikipedia, Book Wikipedia
Interview: Bookreporter, New York Times Original Review, Miami News Interview

An Evening With Carl Hiaasen:


What's Wrong With Florida:

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Carl Hiaasen

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Paul McCartney Appearance

Funny Political Videos
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Picture Explanations
Cruise Ship: Chaz knocks Joey overboard during a cruise
Doberman: Jack's dog Strom
Kayak: What Jack uses to get on and off the island
Albino Pythons: The detective in charge of Joey's case owns two pythons.