Well, a half-year has rapidly finished; and, since I have been reading at lightning speed (92 BOOKS!!!!), it seems that it might be a good thing to bring my readers up-to-date now on what I've read and what I've thought of it.
ARCHEOLOGICAL THRILLERS
Adams, W.: The Eden Legacy(4)*** (N.B. has absolutely Nothing to do with Biblical archaeology)
Byrnes, M.: The Sacred Blood(2)**+
Byrnes, M.: The Sacred Bones(1)**+
AUSTENALIA: Sequels; Prequels; Variations
Adriani, S.: Affinity and Affection**++(N.B. fairly good variation; too erotic for a teen-ager)
Aidan, P.: An Assembly Such as This(1)***++
Aidan, P.: Duty and Desire(2)***++
Aidan, P.: These Three Remain(3)***++
Altman, M.: Mr. Darcy's Great Escape(3)***
Altman, M.: The Ballad of Gregoire Darcy(4)***+
Altman, M.: the Darcys and the Bingleys(1)***
Altman, M.: The Plight of the Darcy Brothers(2)***
Angell, L.: The Sheik of Araby**+
Aston, E.: Mr. Darcy's Dream** (N.B. a green-house!!!! Gah!)
Austen, J. & Nazarian, V.: Mansfield Park and Mummies***
Austen, J. & Nazarian, V.: Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons***++ (N.B. delightfully diverting!)
Bader, T. & Bader, M.: Desire and Duty*+ (N.B. the authors bring in a type of "are you saved" religiosity which is very painful, although I realize that Methodism was gaining at this time, Austen herself was not interested in this; other parts of the story are very nice)
Baxley, M.K.: The Cumberland Plateau(1)***?
Baxley, M.K.: The Mistress's Black Veil*** (N.B. erotica was very understated, which I liked; another what-if Mr. Bennet had died)
Bonavia-Hunt, DA: Pemberley Shades*** (N.B. first published in 1949; this was the 2nd Austen sequel ever written)
Brocklehurst, J.: Darcy and Anne***
Childers, C.: Twilight of the Abyss**+ (N.B. a long novella)
Cole, B.T.: White Lies & Other Half Truths**+ (NB: many copy editing errors, which is a usual problem with many self-published books; story actually is fun)
Cox, K.M.: 1932**++
Croft, J. Marie: Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge** (N.B. I really was annoyed with the word play (alliterations and puns) that are on nearly every page of this novel.)
Elyot, A.: By a Lady***+ (N.B. time-travel & Bath in the Regency with our own JA as a character)
Ford, M.T.: Jane Goes Batty(2)***++
Granger, A.: Captain Wentworth's Diary**+
Hamilton, M.: Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman***
Kaye, S.: For You Alone: Frederick Wentworth, Captain, Book 2*** (N.B. I would have done the ending differently)
Kaye, S.: None But You: Frederick Wentworth, Captain, Book 1***
Lilian, L.: Rainy Days***
Lilian, L.: Remembrance of the Past***
Louise, K.: Only Mr. Darcy Will Do***++
Nelson, KL: Pemberley Manor***
O'Brien, S.: Blame It On The Tea** (NB: copy editing was almost non-existent; author really needs help for her ending)
Oakland, R.P.: My BFF (a friendly romance)***
Odiwe, J.: Mr. Darcy's Secret***+
Reynolds, A.: A Pemberley Medley*** (NB: 5 short stories)
Reynolds, A.: From Lambton to Longbourn**++
Reynolds, A.: Morning Light**+ (N.B. I don't know why she makes her modern heroines so neurotic (grr); however, it does get on my nerves. I think this is actual a half-n-half book: half a continuation of Pemberley By the Sea and half a new story. I really cannot see Persuasion in the new story.)
Reynolds, A.: To Conquer Mr. Darcy**+(N.B. previous title Impulse & Initiative -- this was a re-read for me -- I don't know why the publisher changed the title, as the new one is not as good as the first in my opinion)
Sanchez, L.: A Noteworthy Courtship*** (You've Got Mail!)
Saunders, K.: A Modern Day Persuasion**++ (N.B. I really really disliked the occasional (about 5 or 6) short sops to "conservative" Xians -- all could have been removed painlessly!)
Simonsen, M.: For All the Wrong Reasons**+ (novella)
Simonsen, M.L.: A Wife for Mr. Darcy***
Simonsen, M.L.: Mr. Darcy's Angel of Mercy: A Romance of The Great War**++(N.B. short novella -- I don't think I am a real fan of this genre as I felt there could have been a very interesting novel here)
Simonsen, ML: The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy***+
Ward, Eucharista, OSF: A Match for Mary Bennet***+
Wasylowski, KV: Darcy and Fitzwilliam***+
Webb, B.J.: Fitzwilliam Darcy, An Honourable Man***(N.B. a different variation)
Wegner, O.: Moonlighting**+(N.B. P&P and werewolves; Lizzy is NOT blonde!; author has Lizzy and Jane acting like blondes, though L does recover; so much more could have been done)
Wells, L.: Chance Encounters**+ (N.B. I believe that there is too much explicit erotica in this variation
Wells, L.: Fate & Consequences** (N.B. too erotic)
Wells, L.: Perfect Fit*** (N.B. modern with erotic elements; I did like some of the characterization changes for some of the minor characters)
Whelchel, L.: Rocks in the Stream***
MYSTERIES / NOVELS: Ancient Greece
Corby, G.: The Pericles Commission(1)***+
Pressfield, S.: Last of the Amazons***++
MYSTERIES / NOVELS: Ancient Rome
Downie, R.: Caveat Emptor(4)****
Downie, R.: Persona Non Grata(3)****
Downie, R.: Terra Incognita(2)****
Saylor, S.: Roman Blood(1)****(N.B. 1st volume of the Roma Sub Rosa series)
MYSTERIES / NOVELS: 18th Century
James, E.: When the Duke Returns***
Norman, D.: A Catch of Consequence***+(1) [N.B. author also writes under the name Ariana Franklin (Mistress of the Art of Death series); I think that the title here is quite ironic and the heroine (Makepeace Burke) is a very different kind of woman]
MYSTERIES / NOVELS: Regency Period
Jeffers, R.: The Scandal of Lady Eleanor(1)*** (N.B. the first in a new series by the author of many Austenesques)
Kelly, C.: The Admiral's Penniless Bride**+(N.B. this is the first Harlequin Historical that I've read, nice light read)
MYSTERIES / THRILLERS
Alpert M.:The Final Theory(1)***+
Alpert, M.: The Omega Theory(2)***+ (N.B. the what-if in these 2 novels concerns the possibility that Einstein actually DID complete the Unified Field Theory)
Berry, J.: The Jefferson Key***
Cussler, C.: The Kingdom(3)***(Fargo Adventure)
Gruber, M.: Night of the Jaguar(3)*****
Gruber, M.: The Book of Air and Shadows****
Gruber, M.: The Forgery of Venus****
Gruber, M.: The Good Son****+
Gruber, M.: Tropic of Night(1)*****(N.B. 1st volume of a trilogy of mysteries)
Gruber, M.: Valley of Bones(2)*****
Khoury, R.: The Sign***
Koontz, D.: Your Heart Belongs to Me**++ (N.B. better than many of his extreme black vs white novels and the psychopaths which haunt them)
Rollins, J.: The Devil Colony (Sigma Force)***
SCIENCE FICTION/ STEAMPUNK/ VAMPIRES/ FANTASY / ETC.
Carriger, G.: Blameless(3)***+
Carriger, G.: Changeless(2)***
Carriger, G.: Soulless(1)***++
Fahy, W.: Fragment*** (N.B. genre of lost continents)
Farnsworth, C.: The President's Vampire(2)**? (N.B not as good as the first; however, there were a few moments...)
Hallaway, T.: Dead If I Do(4)**+
Hallaway, T.: Dead Sexy(2)**+
Hallaway, T.: Honeymoon of the Dead(5)**+ (N.B. author states that this is the last for this series; however, I find that there can still be more stories "conjured:" still don't think Sebastian should use slang)
Hallaway, T.: Romancing the Dead(3)**+
Hallaway, T.: Tall, Dark & Dead**+(1) (N.B. a lot of fun; however, it is terribly flawed)
Harkness, D.: A Discovery of Witches(1)**** (NB: Wicca and the so-called Triple Goddess are MODERN -- this is the only quibble I have with the book)
Harris, C.: Dead Reckoning***(13)
Kowal, M.R.: Shades of Milk and Honey*** (N.B. how do you categorize a Regency from another universe which allows a person to reach into the strings and ribbons of the universe itself in order to bring "glamour" to the visible?)
Stoker, D. & Holt, I.: Dracula the Undead (The Sequel to the Original Classic)***
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Reading Challenge
I DID IT!!!!!!! 52 (actually 58) in 52
Adams, A.: First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice**+
Adams, W.: The Alexander Cipher****(1)
Adams, W.: The Exodus Quest****(2) NB: read my review of both novels on Peacock Plumes
Adams, W.: The Lost Labyrinth****(3)(Why is it that British writers do archeological mysteries/thrillers so much better than Americans? They don't kow-tow to Christian fundies.)
Angelini, S.: The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy *** (n.b. delightful R-rated modern rendition)
Berry, S.: The Emperor's Tomb***+
Berry, S.: The Paris Vendetta***
Bowen, R.: Her Royal Spyness***(1)
Brokaw, C: The Atlantis Code** (n.b. the production copy editing was not of the best quality; in addition, the Pieta is not in the square but is the art work for the first side altar on the right in St. Peter's -- yes, I've been there twice) I will not be reading anymore of this author's work because his hero is very unlikeable.
Caldwell, J.: Pemberley Ranch***++
Child, L.& Preston, D.: Fever Dream****
Child, L.: Death Match***
Child, L.: Terminal Freeze***
Cronin, J.: The Passage****
Cussler, C.: Lost Empire: A Fargo Adventure (#2)***
Cussler, C.: Spartan Gold***(#1 Fargo Adventure)
Cussler, C.: The Spy***(#3 Isaac Bell series)
Cussler, C.: The Wrecker*** (#2 Isaac Bell series)
Davis, L.: Nemesis****
Downie, R.: Medicus****(1)
Evanovitch, J.: Wicked Appetite***
Fairview, M.: The Darcy Cousins***+
Fairview, M.: The Other Mr. Darcy ***+
Farnsworth, C.: Blood Oath***
Ford, MT: Jane Bites Back***++
Franklin, A.: A Murderous Procession***+
Gould, J.: Greek Winds of Fury***+
Grange, A.: Mr. Darcy, Vampyre **++ (n.b. much better than I thought it would be)
Gregory, J. & Tintori, K.: The Book of Names***
Gregory, J. & Tintori, K.: The Illumination***
Hamilton, B.: A Marked Man**** (2)
Hamilton, B.: The Ninth Daughter****(1)
Harris, C.: Dead In The Family***+
Huston, C.: Already Dead***
Isaacs, S.: As Husbands Go***+
Jeffers, R.: Captain Wentworth's Persuasion ***
Jeffers, R.: Darcy's Passions ***
Jeffers, R.: Darcy's Temptation ***
Jeffers, R.: Vampyre Darcy's Desire***(NB: horrible title; actually a good story)
Kane, B.: The Forgotten Legion*****(1)
Kane, B.: The Silver Eagle(2)*****
King, S.: Duma Key***
King, S.: Under the Dome***
Knox, T.: The Genesis Secret ****
Lathan, S.: My Dearest Mr. Darcy *- (read my review at Peacock Plumes) the worst Austenesque author!
Louise, K.: Darcy's Voyage***-
Mushatt, M.A.: Darcy and the Duchess**+
Preston, D.: Impact***+
Reynolds, A.: Impulse & Initiative**
Reynolds, A.: Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World***
Rigler, LV: Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict ****(2)
Rollins, J.: Altar of Eden***+
Sussman, P.: The Hidden Oasis*** (n.b. the worst production copy editing I have ever seen, Atlantic Monthly Press should be ashamed)
Thor, Brad: The Athena Project **
Trussoni, D.: Angelology: A Novel **+(review to follow on Peacock Plumes)
Weldon, P: Phantasm**+(3)
Winkowski MA & Foley M.: The Ice Cradle***(2)
Winkowski, MA & Foley M.: The Book of Illumination***(1)
Adams, A.: First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice**+
Adams, W.: The Alexander Cipher****(1)
Adams, W.: The Exodus Quest****(2) NB: read my review of both novels on Peacock Plumes
Adams, W.: The Lost Labyrinth****(3)(Why is it that British writers do archeological mysteries/thrillers so much better than Americans? They don't kow-tow to Christian fundies.)
Angelini, S.: The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy *** (n.b. delightful R-rated modern rendition)
Berry, S.: The Emperor's Tomb***+
Berry, S.: The Paris Vendetta***
Bowen, R.: Her Royal Spyness***(1)
Brokaw, C: The Atlantis Code** (n.b. the production copy editing was not of the best quality; in addition, the Pieta is not in the square but is the art work for the first side altar on the right in St. Peter's -- yes, I've been there twice) I will not be reading anymore of this author's work because his hero is very unlikeable.
Caldwell, J.: Pemberley Ranch***++
Child, L.& Preston, D.: Fever Dream****
Child, L.: Death Match***
Child, L.: Terminal Freeze***
Cronin, J.: The Passage****
Cussler, C.: Lost Empire: A Fargo Adventure (#2)***
Cussler, C.: Spartan Gold***(#1 Fargo Adventure)
Cussler, C.: The Spy***(#3 Isaac Bell series)
Cussler, C.: The Wrecker*** (#2 Isaac Bell series)
Davis, L.: Nemesis****
Downie, R.: Medicus****(1)
Evanovitch, J.: Wicked Appetite***
Fairview, M.: The Darcy Cousins***+
Fairview, M.: The Other Mr. Darcy ***+
Farnsworth, C.: Blood Oath***
Ford, MT: Jane Bites Back***++
Franklin, A.: A Murderous Procession***+
Gould, J.: Greek Winds of Fury***+
Grange, A.: Mr. Darcy, Vampyre **++ (n.b. much better than I thought it would be)
Gregory, J. & Tintori, K.: The Book of Names***
Gregory, J. & Tintori, K.: The Illumination***
Hamilton, B.: A Marked Man**** (2)
Hamilton, B.: The Ninth Daughter****(1)
Harris, C.: Dead In The Family***+
Huston, C.: Already Dead***
Isaacs, S.: As Husbands Go***+
Jeffers, R.: Captain Wentworth's Persuasion ***
Jeffers, R.: Darcy's Passions ***
Jeffers, R.: Darcy's Temptation ***
Jeffers, R.: Vampyre Darcy's Desire***(NB: horrible title; actually a good story)
Kane, B.: The Forgotten Legion*****(1)
Kane, B.: The Silver Eagle(2)*****
King, S.: Duma Key***
King, S.: Under the Dome***
Knox, T.: The Genesis Secret ****
Lathan, S.: My Dearest Mr. Darcy *- (read my review at Peacock Plumes) the worst Austenesque author!
Louise, K.: Darcy's Voyage***-
Mushatt, M.A.: Darcy and the Duchess**+
Preston, D.: Impact***+
Reynolds, A.: Impulse & Initiative**
Reynolds, A.: Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World***
Rigler, LV: Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict ****(2)
Rollins, J.: Altar of Eden***+
Sussman, P.: The Hidden Oasis*** (n.b. the worst production copy editing I have ever seen, Atlantic Monthly Press should be ashamed)
Thor, Brad: The Athena Project **
Trussoni, D.: Angelology: A Novel **+(review to follow on Peacock Plumes)
Weldon, P: Phantasm**+(3)
Winkowski MA & Foley M.: The Ice Cradle***(2)
Winkowski, MA & Foley M.: The Book of Illumination***(1)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Erratum for Solace Stole
I have been having a bit of a problem with the Solace Stole; however, this past week-end I found one erratum for the major body of the stole.
I have knitted lace, so I was upset that things were not working out for me with the border. Therefore, I decided to use a provisional cast-on for the body, knowing that I could splice on the borders later.
Now, even that had problems. I had counted the amount of stitches numerous times -- and, guess what? There are supposed to be 4 uncharted purl stitches instead of 3 on each side of the stole, which she gave in the directions for the 120 stitch size. So, after figuring that out, I decided to make my stoles wider by adding 3 repeats of the flame chevron (8 instead of 5) and 6 purl stitches on each side. Now two stoles on on their way (fuschia and plum), finally!!!!
I have knitted lace, so I was upset that things were not working out for me with the border. Therefore, I decided to use a provisional cast-on for the body, knowing that I could splice on the borders later.
Now, even that had problems. I had counted the amount of stitches numerous times -- and, guess what? There are supposed to be 4 uncharted purl stitches instead of 3 on each side of the stole, which she gave in the directions for the 120 stitch size. So, after figuring that out, I decided to make my stoles wider by adding 3 repeats of the flame chevron (8 instead of 5) and 6 purl stitches on each side. Now two stoles on on their way (fuschia and plum), finally!!!!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
An Up~Date
Reading Challenge: So far this year I've read 33 books and am presently reading A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen, the second in her Royal Spyness mystery series.
Solace Stoles: These are going slower than I anticipated, although I have all the yarn I'll need except for the forest green. I had a problem with the border; however, after writing the designer, I am ready to go!
Entrelac Set: I LOVE doing entrelac! The hat is more than half-way done.
Irish Sweater: I haven't gotten too far; however, I've decided to frog it and start it again on a circular needle so that I can do the front and back at the same time (at least up to the armholes). DUH!
Solace Stoles: These are going slower than I anticipated, although I have all the yarn I'll need except for the forest green. I had a problem with the border; however, after writing the designer, I am ready to go!
Entrelac Set: I LOVE doing entrelac! The hat is more than half-way done.
Irish Sweater: I haven't gotten too far; however, I've decided to frog it and start it again on a circular needle so that I can do the front and back at the same time (at least up to the armholes). DUH!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
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