Dead by Day

Dead by Day is a compilation of books 4 and 5 of the Southern Vampire Mysteries, from which the HBO series True Blood was created. I haven't reviewed the first three, since I read them awhile back and can't remember them well enough to write about them. I did love them though and couldn't wait for the rest of them to be passed on to me.

You'll have to excuse my turning into a squealing fangirl here, but I'm obsessed with both True Blood and the Southern Vampire Mysteries. If I had to choose, I think I prefer the books over the show though.I don't really want to say much about the book because if you're anything like me and are either watching the show or reading the series, you may want to avoid knowing absolutely anything in advance. I know I do.

All I'll say is that if you prefer Eric over Bill (I do!) you definitely need to read this one. All my favorite characters are back, as are a few good new ones. Charles Twining, Calvin Norris, and Quinn are all good additions to the series. I have to say, I think constant near-death experiences may be worth it if I was surrounded and wanted by as many sexy men as Sookie is. That is one lucky girl.

If you haven't read any of the Southern Vampire Mysteries yet, go get the first book Dead Until Dark! I guarantee that if you like mysteries, vampires, action, and a little dash of romance, there is no way you won't love the series. Take my word for it and let me know what you think. Check out True Blood too, if you haven't gotten the chance ^^

4.5/5 Stars

The Hound of Rowan: Book One of The Tapestry

This is another book that I snagged from the kid's section randomly and ended up really enjoying. At first glance Book 1 of The Tapestry seems like a rip-off of Harry Potter. A 12 year old boy named Max McDaniels sees a vision in a tapestry at an art museum and then receives a mysterious invitation to the Rowan Academy - a school filled with magic. Once there, Max and the other students learn that there is a great evil and work in the work that must be defeated. Sounds pretty darn familiar, right?

I guess when you're a big enough Harry Potter nerd (as I am) its hard not to impose your mental images of Hogwarts onto the building and grounds of Rowan Academy. Thankfully though, despite the similarities, the story is interesting and there are enough differences to give the book a life of its own. The use of magic is different, the characters are likable, and the descriptions of the scenery and school grounds make you wish you could attend the school as well.

My personal favorite is how the Manse (or the main housing building) has a life of its own. It decides which students will room together and, through a configuration ritual of sorts, decorates each dorm according to its occupants. After reading about a few of the rooms that the students got, I would love to see what I would end up with. Sometimes living in a non-magical world sucks.

Anyway, another great book and I can't wait to grab the next two that I believe are already out. Hopefully I've found myself a series that will get me through my Harry Potter-less future.

4.5/5 Stars