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Tag Archives: Nita Round

WWMB Best of 2020

29 Friday Jan 2021

Posted by WWMB in Featuring....

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Amy June Bates, Anna Lee Huber, C.S. Harris, Christine Trent, Cindy Stark, Cynthia St. Aubin, Darynda Jones, Denali Day, Erica Ridley, Grace Draven, Jodi Taylor, Juliet Marillier, Kate Racculia, Kerrigan Byrne, Kit Rocha, Kyndra Hatch, Laurie A. Green, Maria Vale, Mary Robinette Kowal, Matthew A. Cherry, Milla Vane, Nita Round, Pauline Baird Jones, Rebecca Roanhorse, Susanna Kearsley, Tanya Anne Crosby, Tiffinie Helmer, Vashti Harrison, Vicki Stiefel, Zara Ramm

Assuming I was diligent about updates on my Goodreads account, I read (or listened to) 131 books in 2020.   I like to think that I am pretty discriminating when it comes to choosing which books to read.  That means that almost every book that I read is a winner.  That makes it very difficult to pick out the best of 2020.

However, there are several that have stood out.  These are the books that come to mind long after I have read the last word.  They elicit emotions ranging from despair to hope, evoking anger, laughter and love.  In short – they leave a mark. 

Today I am presenting my selections for the WWMB Best of 2020.  I hope you find something that appeals to you.  Most were published in 2020 and for the few that are older, I’ve noted the publishing year.  If you have a favorite you would like to share, please add it in the comments.

(Note: Click on book covers for the Amazon link.  Link to Goodreads under each title.)

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Science Fiction Romance

Catnip for SciFi Reading Librarians
Deal with the Devil (Mercenary Librarians, #1) by Kit Rocha
Goodreads

In 2020, Kit Rocha (pen name for the writing team of Donna Herren and Bree Bridges) released Deal with the Devil (Mercenary Librarian, #1) by Kit Rocha.  Mercenary librarians. How is someone like me, a librarian that loves Scifi romance, going to ignore this one?  Deal With the Devil is a non-stop action, post-apocalyptic scifi thriller. There are evil corporate overlords and supersoldier enforcers. Nina, Knox and their friends are the bright stars in the neighborhood (or wherever they venture to), helping out in their peaceful, quiet ways and also in their deadly, not-so-quiet ways. These are the honorable heroes of the futuristic Atlanta.  Previously known for paranormal tales, I am very happy Kit Rocha as entered the scifi realm.  Also, this is one of my favorite book covers of 2020.

Genre-Bending
Changed (The Made Ones Saga, #2) by Vicki Stiefel
Goodreads

Changed is a cross between Scifi and Fantasy that features transportation to a parallel world where the Earth-bound ravages of disease and age are miraculously wiped away. I have to say, I really like this idea. Of course, the miracle comes with a price.  One hopes the price will be worth it.  Bad guys with a dystopian-like control make things interesting.  Parallel worlds, flying horses, DNA manipulation, magic.  See – a little bit of everything.  Love this series!

Best SciFi Romance Collection
Pets in Space 5 by many authors
Goodreads

Pets in Space 5 – The 2020 release is the best Pets In Space collection of all.  Even though the anthology is supposed to be about pets, many of the cats, dogs and otherworldy creatures are so much more than pets. Many are sentient companions, have specific purposes and even seem to be as in charge of things as their partners. Pet lovers can relate to this.  I thought all the stories were great, but if I had to single out 1 or 3, they would be General’s Holiday by Pauline Baird Jones, Juggernaut by Laurie A. Green and Finding Mogha by Kyndra Hatch.

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Science Fiction

Best SciFi Series
Lady Astronaut by Mary Robinette Kowal
Goodreads

Book 3, The Relentless Moon, was released in 2020, but I read all three books in this series, plus a few short stories last year.  A lot of research was done to make the story of an early aggressive space program developed to save humanity seem real and vital. Told from the POV of the women destined to be the first Lady Astronauts, the story reflects attitudes toward women and minorities in the 50s. So, our heroines and their friends have a lot to overcome.  Notable among the short stories is The Lady Astronaut of Mars, (free to read on Tor.com)a novelette first published in 2012.  Read this after reading books 1 and 2.  Be prepared to shed some tears.  Nebula Award winning series.

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Intentional Time Travel

Time is Complicated
Just in Time (Out of Time, #2) by Pauline Baird Jones
Goodreads

This long-awaited sequel to Out of Time is the edge-of-your seat, messing-with-time adventure that appeals to the “Time is Complicated” crowd.

Best Spinoff from a Favorte Series
Doing Time (The Time Police, #1) by Jodi Taylor
Goodreads

Published in 2019, this first book in the Chronicles of St. Mary’s spinoff series features Matthew Farrell, the scion of a pair of awesome, yet calm-challenged parents.  Along with his two misfit friends, they form Team Weird, keeping the world safe from illegal time travel.  Shenanigans ensue!  I love the original series, and I am afraid I am going to love this one just as much!  The audiobook is superbly narrated by Zara Ramm.

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Steampunk Powered by Women
A Touch of Ice (The Towers of the Earth, #4) by Nita Round
Goodreads

If I think back to book 1 of this series, which I read as a mystery and not much more, I am amazed at how far the story has progressed. Every time I finish a book in this series, I think the story just keeps getting better.  While the overall story arc of The Towers of the Earth is intricate and fascinating, these books are ultimately about three strong women who will do anything for each other. Which is the true appeal for me.

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Paranormal Romance

We Should All Be More Wolflike
Season of the Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #4) by Maria Vale
Goodreads

The Legend of All Wolves is still my favorite wolf/werewolf/shifter series. From the beginning of the series, I have admired the unique take on the wolves that can wear skin. Season of the Wolf focuses on two characters. Evie, the pack Alpha, and Constantine, a shifter that got caught up the battle between the pack and the shifters.  The wolves of the Great Northern Pack have a life philosophy that includes family (pack) first, total honesty and taking care of their environment. 

 

Whiskey Drinkers
The Witches of Port Townsend by Kerrigan Byrne, Cynthia St. Aubin, Cindy Stark and Tiffinie Helmer
Goodreads

This 4-book, 4-author, 4-witch, 4-hoursmen-of-the-apocalypse series was so much fun to read.  I read all four books with a few months.  Each author wrote a section of each book, telling her witch’s story.  Long lost sisters found, the end of the world, sexy as heck heroes, and Lucifer are all thrown into the mix with familiars, zombies, religious extremists, and druids.  This series will put a spell on you – I have personal experience.  For some reason, while I was reading book 3, I found myself sipping a glass of whiskey at the end each day while I was reading the book (just like the sisters liked to do).  The 2020 versions are re-releases.

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Fantasy Romance

Characters to Fall in Love With
In the Darkest Midnight by Grace Draven
Goodreads

Grace Draven’s fantasy romance books always top my list.  This year I read Dragon Unleashed and The Ippos King.  Both were wonderful.  But the one I really loved was In the Darkest Midnight.  Published in 2018, this novella features two amazing protagonists.  The slow burn romance set in the world of the Wraith Kings is beautifully told, absolutely brimming with heart.  It joins Master of Crows and Enreat Me to become another one of my favorite Draven stories.

 

History/Myth/Imagination
Lord of Shadows by Tanya Anne Crosby
Goodreads

After having read book 1 of the series late in 2019, I was on a mission to read the entire series.  The finale, Lord of Shadows, expertly combines English history with Arthurian myth.  The author’s dose of imagination was the spice to add richness and piquancy.  Ms. Crosby also writes historical romance and contemporary suspense, but this series is my favorite by far.

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Fantasy Barbarian Romance

I don’t know if this is a genre, but there were a couple of standout fantasies that dealt with characters that live outside of typical civilizations. 

Great New Author
Hollen the Soulless (Dokiri Brides, #1) by Denali Day
Goodreads

“Dokiri Brides” is not typically a title that would stand out to me.  Judging a book by cover.  I know.  But something propelled me to try this one and I got so much more than I was expecting.  The Dokiri culture, the amazing characters and the intensive slow burn romance have made Hollen the Soulless one of my favorites of the year.  I’ve since read a prequel and 3 sequels.  Keep your eye on Denali Day.  I foresee many great stories coming from her. 

An Author by Another Name
A Heart of Blood and Ashes (A Gathering of Dragons, #1) by Milla Vane
Goodreads

Last February I predicted A Heart of Blood and Ashes would be one of my favorites of 2020.  Milla Vane is the alter-ego of Meljean Brook.  Like her Iron Seas series, this new series has a complex, yet lush story line. It has sharply defined characters – flawed primary characters that are somehow still perfect and secondary characters that add depth and perspective to the tale. And it has a world intricately built just for them. And for me, the reader. 

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Fantasy

The Author that Always Makes Me Cry
A Dance With Fate (Warrior Bards, #2) by Juliet Marillier
Goodreads

It is difficult to imagine ever reading a book by Juliet Marillier that will not end up on my favorites list.  Marillier’s stories are beautifully imagined, and full of emotion.  The characters’ journey is often heartbreaking, but always magical and hopeful. 

Most Original Fantasy Setting
Black Sun (Between Earth and Sky, #1) by Rebecca Roanhorse
Goodreads

Black Sun is a highly original story of prophecy, honor, revenge and power. Told from the viewpoint of several pivotal characters, the story weaves through a timeline, back and forth.  It is full of contradictory characters, long-reaching intrigue and fascinating mythology. The mythology surrounding an eclipse in pre-Columbian America native cultures plays heavily in the story, making this fantasy stand out from the typical Euro-based fantasies.  Black Sun will appeal to fantasy readers looking for a fresh treatment of the genre.

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Historical Mystery

Best Collaboration
The Deadly Hours by Susanna Kearsley, Anna Lee Huber, C.S. Harris, and Christine Trent
Goodreads

This anthology follows the story of a cursed gold watch as it passes through time and people.  Each author put their own spin on the curse. Because these authors solve mysteries, rely on facts and believe that the evidence will point to a human culprit, the validity of the curse is constantly questioned. But it never really goes away. I was fascinated and entertained by all four stories.

Something Different from a Favorite Author
The Business of Blood (The Fiona Mahoney Mysteries, #1) by Kerrigan Byrne
Goodreads

Published 2019.  In The Business of Blood, Fiona is a protagonist with a dark past and a current life that keeps her alive in an era where single women are not generally taken care of. That she takes on the job of cleaning up after corpses is not the only thing that makes her life a dark journey. Her obsession with Jack the Ripper as well as other activities that could get her hanged complete the picture for Fiona’s grim life.

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Children

While I don’t have time to read all the new books that come into my library, I often take the time to read the picture books.  Sometimes I am blown away by how wonderful they are!

Anyone Can Be and Artist
When I Draw a Panda by Amy June Bates
Goodreads

What a glorious book! Somewhere between childhood and just a little bit older, most of us forget how to draw. I love how this book shows that all you need to do is put pencil (or chalk or color or…) to paper, keep going, and eventually, you get art!

 

Dad Shows His Love
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Goodreads

This utterly charming book is based on the Oscar-winning short animated film by Matthew A. Cherry. It is the story of a young black girl, her quest to make her hair look special and her daddy’s help.  Check out the video on YouTube.

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Just a Few More

Out of My Box
Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts by Kate Racculia
Goodreads

Not something I would typically pick up, this book, with so many Poe references, called to me. In answering the call, I was treated to an adventure through Boston neighborhoods while surrounded by several unusual characters whose stories are both fun and heartwarming.  The very quirky story of the brainy Tuesday Mooney and her eclectic group of friends takes the reader on a hunt for treasure, adventure, self-discovery, and friendship.

This One Cracked Me Up
Kiss of a Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas, #12) by Erica Ridley
Goodreads

Published in 2018.  A lady chemist attempts to make a man fall in love with her because of the perfume she invents.  As you might imagine, the unexpected results are not at all what was intended. In the author’s notes she says:  “In case it’s not obvious, I spend a good chunk of my work day giggling at my keyboard.”

Brings Back Fond Memories
A Bad Day for Sunshine (Sunshine Vicram, #1) by Darynda Jones
Goodreads

Readers of Ms. Jones’ Charley Davidson series will see many similarities between that series and Sunshine Vicram – in both characters and plot construction.  This new series has less woo-woo content but just as many questions to answer.  So, if you lamented the end of Charley Davidson, take heart. Sunshine Vicram is just as charming, just as funny, just as complex, just as smart, has just as much heart, and I think I might like her even more than I liked Charley.

Best Title and Timeliest Theme
St. Mary’s and the Great Toilet Roll Crisis (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s, #11.1) by Jodi Taylor
Goodreads

Free read on the authors website.  (Click on the cover.)

A Touch of Ice (The Towers of the Earth, #4) by Nita Round – Review

24 Wednesday Jun 2020

Posted by WWMB in Book Review

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Tags

5 stars, Adventure, Book Review, lgbtq, magic, Nita Round, ravens, Steampunk



About A Touch of Ice by Nita Round

To have a future, one must face their past.

Magda, Ascara and Lucinda must draw upon the strength of their trinity to seek out the truths of the past that hold the key to their future.

They travel north, to Magda’s place of birth amongst the Oceanics. For Magda, this is an unwelcoming place, a reminder that she was banished and dealt a cruel fate. Named Stoner and landlocked, for an Oceanic this is a dishonour and a fate worse than death. To return to the float again would place her life, and those with her, at risk.

In the freezing waters of the far north, Magda finds herself defending her honour and birth right.  She must succeed as their fate depends upon it. Failure is not an option, the costs are too high.

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Review of A Touch of Ice

With A Touch of Ice, we travel to Magda’s homeland and learn about her past and her amazing future.  Previous books have hinted at Magda’s unusual talents and her past.  I was pleased to get this glimpse into the world that Magda was pushed out of.  As with any character that you have come to love, any detail about what makes them tick is soaked up.

Part of what makes Magda tick is the trinity of Raven, Fire and Ice.  The trio will be even closer.  Support when needed, holding back when needed, even admonishing occasionally and always loving.  There is something very compelling about these three women and their relationship and I love to see it develop.

In this story, the trio comes face to face with the clockmaker.  And it is not what you would expect.  It is terrifying and wonderful.

In this story an old friend is determined to be a betrayer (I saw that one coming).

In this story, a new tower is discovered.  Well, the series is called The Towers of the Earth.

In this story, advanced technology arises.  I did not expect that, but considering the source, it made sense.

In this story, there are more details about the Father and the Mother.   I really want more on that subject, but maybe that will come in the further telling of the tale.

In A Touch of Ice, the ongoing plot gets more complex.  If I think back to book 1, which I read as a mystery and not much more, I am amazed at how far the story has progressed.  And every time I finish a book in this series, I think the story just keeps getting better.  And I become that annoying person who is impatient for the next book in the series.  While A Touch of Ice does have a complete story in it, it is evident that there is still much more to come.  I quite won’t call it a cliffhanger.  I do recommend you read these books in series order.

While the overall story arc of The Towers of the Earth is intricate and fascinating, these books are ultimately about three strong women who will do anything for each other.  Which is the true appeal for me.

Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.

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Links

Add A Touch of Ice to your Goodreads shelf:

Purchase A Touch of Ice:

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A Touch of Darkness (The Towers of the Earth, #3) by Nita Round – Review

06 Monday Apr 2020

Posted by WWMB in Book Review

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

4 1/2 stars, Adventure, airship, Book Review, lgbtq, magic, Nita Round, ravens, Steampunk



About A Touch of Darkness by Nita Round

In the shadows, treachery and betrayal grow unseen.

The state funeral of Princess Olivia at Port Ruth marks the end of the Queen of the Desert’s reign of terror. As Lucinda, Magda and Ascara attend this grand ceremony, all is not as it seems. A storm of secrets and lies emerge from the shadows and the darkness threatens to destroy them all.

No matter where Magda goes, her heritage calls to her. Even when they make their way home, peace and safety are still not theirs. Malice and betrayal, hidden and out of sight, finds the three women and threatens to pull them under the waves of death and pain once more.

For the Trinity of Truth: Raven, Fire and Ice, there can be only one way forward, but at what price?

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Review of A Touch of Darkness

My favorite book in the series, so far. The trinity of Raven, Fire and Ice continue to encounter dark powers and plotting. The story moves quickly from Port Ruth, where the last story ended, back to Verity, my favorite airship. Verity makes an excellent stage for adventure, espionage, romance and danger.

A Touch of Darkness further explores the closeness of the three friends Lucinda, Magda and Ascara. This is a slow burning romance that is moving at just the right pace, with flirting mostly. But finally, there is an outright serious relationship conversation, with hints of what may come.

This book also explores the background of Magda and Ascara a bit more, and sets them on future paths that are sure to be formidable. One of these paths means the trio heads for Magda’s home float (a group of boats gathered to form a community). Naturally, it won’t be a straightforward trip. I would be so disappointed if there was not some peril. I was not disappointed.

A Touch of Darkness does end on a cliffhanger. So minus ½ star for that. Only ½ because the author has stated the next book is not far behind. If you don’t mind a bit of a cliffhanger, and you do like steampunk adventure, great characters and the best airship in steampunkdom, this your book.

Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.

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Links

Add A Touch of Darkness to your Goodreads shelf:

Purchase A Touch of Darkness:

 

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