Friday Mini Reviews #57: J.D. Robb, Brandon Sanderson & Jennifer Blackstream



Conspiracy in Death by J.D. Robb (In Death #8)

bought

Synopsis from Goodreads
In the late 21st century, on the streets of New York City, a street sleeper is found murdered, his diseased heart removed with surgical precision. His death would typically drop to the bottom of a list of senseless and inexplicable killings, but Lieutenant Dallas, who "would stand for the dead and the living," is not about to let that happen.

When her research uncovers similar crimes in several cities that were dropped under mysterious circumstances, Dallas knows she's facing a killer cruel enough to prey on the weakest in society and powerful enough to conspire an extensive coverup.

To complicate matters further, Dallas faces an equally troubling threat to her career when she's linked to the death of a fellow cop. Now she must fight to restore her good name as well as track down the killer.
Audible US/UK | Amazon US/UK | Amazon kindle US/UK | The Book Depository

8/10
This was another re-read for me, and another sweet memory. Trueheart is introduced here, the sweetheart he is, and Eve gets suspended from her job. I loved, just loved how Roarke manipulates her to get her out of her gloom and doom. A great read as usual!
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Для меня эта книга была ещё одной перечиткой, и не зря отложилась у меня в памяти. Здесь автор впервые вводит милейший характер Трухарта, и здесь же Ив чуть ли не теряет свою работу, что заставляет Рорка хитро ею сманипулировать, чтобы она наконец-то встряхнулась и ожила. Классное как всегда чтиво!

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn #2)

bought

Synopsis from Goodreads

They did the impossible, deposing the godlike being whose brutal rule had lasted a thousand years. Now Vin, the street urchin who has grown into the most powerful Mistborn in the land, and Elend Venture, the idealistic young nobleman who loves her, must build a healthy new society in the ashes of an empire.

They have barely begun when three separate armies attack. As the siege tightens, an ancient legend seems to offer a glimmer of hope. But even if it really exists, no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or what manner of power it bestows.

It may just be that killing the Lord Ruler was the easy part. Surviving the aftermath of his fall is going to be the real challenge.
 
Audible US/UK | Amazon US/UK | Amazon kindle US/UK | The Book Depository

8.5/10
The book which started so amazing, managed to leave me  emotionally drained and baffled in the end. It's still a great read, but I had issues with its last quarter. Which I see more clearly in retrospect of finishing this trilogy. Seriously, this is how it ends?! So far, favorite character is the kondra who is by far the coolest.
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Книга, что началась так здорово, умудрилась оставить меня эмоционально выжатой и в полном недоумении под самый конец. Она всё же остаётся запойным фэнтезийным чтивом, но я была очень недовольна последней четвертью этой книги. Особенно ясно мне это теперь, когда я закончила всю трилогию. Серьёзно, она вот так заканчивается?! В общем, самый лучший персонаж - это кондра, и он же - самый здоровский.
Before Midnight by Jennifer Blackstream (Blood Prince #1)

bought

Synopsis from Goodreads

Award-winning author Jennifer Blackstream introduces book one of a magical new series with this twisted Cinderella tale of a maiden cursed to be a loup garou and the werewolf prince whose fate lies in her hands.

An alpha wolf fighting a powerful curse...

The werewolf prince Etienne is turning into a human. A fierce and loyal pack, Etienne and his family have protected their kingdom with tooth and claw—literally—for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, the spell of a well-meaning witch is slowly stealing the beast from inside him. Only the bite of a cursed werewolf—one who was not born with the beast inside—can save him from losing everything. He has no time for anything that will not lead him to a cure for the curse. Not even the beautiful maiden whose gentle nature soothes his soul even as she tempts him into primal pursuits of an entirely different nature…

A maiden enslaved by her stepfamily, who dares to reach for more...

Loupe lives in terror. Terror of the bloodthirsty stepfamily who treats her like a slave, and terror of the beast trapped inside her. Bitten by a werewolf while dealing with the illegal gains of her stepfamily’s poaching, Loupe’s dreams of a strong husband who would take her away from her servant-like existence are over. A woman who becomes a mindless beast on the night of the full moon has no place in a marriage bed. Not even if that bed belongs to a prince with the manners of royalty and the hungry eyes of a wolf.

Nothing will stand between an alpha wolf and his mate...

A grand ball. The stroke of twelve. A magic “slipper.” All kinds of things can happen when you don’t leave the ball...Before Midnight.

 Amazon kindle US/UK
7/10
I really got a kick out of this interpretation of Cinderella. It has a simple, almost naive narration, imitating fairy tale wording, but at the same time, it's vivid and lush, and slightly gruesome as well. I know I'll be looking forward to the other books in this fun series.
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Меня очень приколол этот перессказ Золушки. Да, слог в этой истории прост и наивен, напоминая саму сказку по стилю, и в то же время, До Полуночи оказывается яркой, увлекательной и даже немного кровожадной сказкой. Я с удовольствием буду читать дальше.