Monday, May 16, 2011

Books I've recently enjoyed


This urban fantasy by Roland Yeomans is set in the dark chaos of post Katrina New Orleans. The hero is the centuries old Sam McCord, who considers himself a monster although he is one of the few brave enough to push back the encroaching darkness that lurks in the devastated streets and the corruption in high places. His vigilante justice is deadly and violent, but his heart is golden. He struggles between the evils of the underworld and the light of a Great Mystery he's unsure even exists. While futilely fighting  for his own redemption he also battles to  protect a town that seems incapable of saving itself.
If you like action, mystery, rich prose and layers of meaning--this book will pull you in.


Bum's Rush by EA Mc Kenzie. Skip, a homeless, runaway, saves Jack Troy's life after Jack is shot. Jack gives the boy refuge, which puts Jack and his much younger brother, Ancel, in mortal danger from enemies Skip is unaware of. The truth is both tragic and wonderful for Skip, but the question remains, who shot Jack?
This book has great characters, action and lots of heart.


The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is an epic historical fiction. Claire Randall is a nurse in the British Army during World War II. She and her husband, Frank, who were separated during the war, have recently reunited and are enjoying a second honeymoon in Inverness, Scotland. While there, Claire stumbles into a time portal in the center of a stone circle (much like Stonehenge). She is transported into a savage time when the Highland clans battle Redcoats. Intense drama and adventure ensues as she is mistaken as an English spy and kidnapped by the Clan McKenzie. Because of her medical experience she is immediately thrown together with the injured warrior Jamie Fraser who later becomes her sworn protector.
Wow. Time travel, Highland battles, men in kilts, romance... this is an epic historical fiction.


What have you all been reading?

34 comments:

Johanna Garth said...

I read the Outlander series and loved it. Although not as much as one of my good friends who received (as a gift from her MIL) The Outlandish Guide.

I'm reading a book for my goodreads bookgroup right now called Elfland but am not getting sucked in so might have to put it aside for my real life book group choice. Name escapes me but it's the new one by Barbara Kingsolver

Alleged Author said...

I love the juxtaposition of a vigilante with a heart of gold. That's quite the contrast. Thanks for sharing the reviews!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Jo :
Thanks for such a glowing review. It's odd to see your work through the perspective of someone else. It made my evening, even though I am still at work -- and seemingly will be most of this night!

Your husband, Clark, will be seen tomorrow (God Willing) through my perspective. Hibbs was off searching for the elusive Spanish Fork, which must obviously be holding some delicious Spanish food! Roland

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

They sound cool!
I'm reading a novel by my buddy Jeffrey Beaser - a publisher recently picked it up, so it's not even out yet. But I got a sneak peak!

J.L. Campbell said...

So many books, so little time and good ones to add to the list every day.

Kelly Polark said...

Great book recs!
I am reading The Order of Odd Fish. It's funny but unfortunately I've had NO time to finish reading it. I must carve out some reading time, just so much to do in the last week!

Bossy Betty said...

Thanks for the recommendations! I plan to do lots of reading this summer.

Anonymous said...

You had me with "men in kilts." Looking forward to checking out those reads. Thanks for the reviews!

As to moi, I just finished Samantha Bee's memoir from "The Jon Stewart Show" 'i know i am, but what are you?' which was my very first memoir. It was really witty, well paced, and sometimes just a little shocking but in a totally awesome way. Now I am reading "Bossypants" by the lovely Tina Fey. And it is just laugh-out-loud funny so far.

Robyn Campbell said...

Hey fellow Thorough lover.

I love historical fiction so this is exactly what I need.

Right now I'm reading Hugging the Rock, by Susan Taylor Brown. (I write picture books and MG novels, so that is what I read. Mostly.)

Thanks for the visit and comment over at my place. :-)

Shannon Lawrence said...

Great reviews. I'm reading Hexed in hard copy and To Kill a Warlock by HP Mallory on the Kindle.

Angela said...

The French Quarter Nocturne looks really interesting. Thanks for your awesome recommendations.

S.B.Niccum said...

I love Historic Fiction, I'll have to check out "Outlander"
S.B. Niccum
Author Website
Blog

Tony Van Helsing said...

These books have a look of YA fiction about them, not my thing but perhaps I am mistaken. I'm currently reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy and my outlook is somewhat bleak at the moment.

Jo Schaffer said...

Tony-- Actually none of them are YA. Especially The Outlander... it is DEFINITELY not for kids. (=

Wendy@FabNouveau said...

I looked for French Quarter locally but alas not available but no longer a problen now with my iPhone....hehehehe....off to Amazon I am....thank you

NiaRaie said...

Bum's Rush looks good, but I've never heard of those other books. I've been reading a lot of YA contemporary: Deb Caletti, Sarah Dessen, and Jenny Han.

Paul Greci said...

Burn's Rush sounds great!!
I'm currenty reading Shadow Walkers by Brent Hartinger.

Anonymous said...

These look like great picks!

I'm reading Veronica Roth's DIVERGENT and Linda Joy Singleton's DEAD GIRL WALKING.

Julie Dao said...

Those look great, Jo! I haven't read any of them, but I LOVE epic historical fiction so Outlander looks like it might be right up my alley. Thanks for the recommendation!

Anonymous said...

some really good reviews. Problem is - now I'm interested in all 3. Which one would you reccomend me start on?

Jo Schaffer said...

Geoffrey-- Tough call. Depends on what kind of books you like.
French Quarter Nocturne has a badass male protag, paranormal creatures, deep meanings and ironies.
Bums Rush the male protag is pretty cool and relatable, with some mystery and action with a focus on characters and relationships.
Outlander has time travel, history, violence and sex-- mostly through the eyes of a strong female protag.
Pick your mood, dude.
I liked them all-- for diff reasons. And they are nothing alike.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Jo :
Sam doffs his Stetson to you, though badass he truly is -- but not to a pretty lady!

Anonymous said...

ahhh, honestly....the last book I read was called Getting Naked. Come on, bring that brain of yours out of the Rated X gutter. It was actually a business book, about how to work with clients...and an enjoyable read.

Anonymous said...

ahhh, honestly....the last book I read was called Getting Naked. Come on, bring that brain of yours out of the Rated X gutter. It was actually a business book, about how to work with clients...and an enjoyable read.

Elliot Grace said...

...Roland's a friend of mine, therefore I can't help but feel a bit biased when touting his work. "French Quarter" is a masterpiece, priced well below it's worth!

Loved the reviews Jo, and thanks for including Roland:)

EL

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Thanks, Elliot :
You made my weary evening with your words. Wasn't Jo great for including me with such other interesting books? Roland

Jo Schaffer said...

(= Aw, guys-- I feel the love.

Elliot, I look forward to reading your book.

Roland is a cyber writing stud. (=

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Now, I'm at a loss for words! Hibbs just fell over in shock, Roland

Susan Fields said...

These sound like some great books! I'm reading Across the Universe by Beth Revis right now - it's great!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Men in kilts - that's funny!

Kelly Polark said...

Thanks so much for the award, Jo!
Is Jo short for Josephine?? (My daughter's middle name is Josephine!)
Have a fab weekend!

Jo Schaffer said...

Kelly--My name is actually Johanna (with a silent H and soft "a" Jo-on-na)
(=

Wendy@FabNouveau said...

Oh my Jo in think we need a you tube video for pronunciation. Thank God no one's asked me about my surname.

Unknown said...

LBJ http://t.co/2iX71dc DWade http://yfrog.com/gy7mg9j @willallen_25 “STEP-UP & STAND-UP” @BMarshall19 http://t.co/WVWqYQl