Okay, so I’m fresh out of monsters today – or monstrous research (don’t worry, I’ll have more soon.)
So, thought I’d share some of the great reads I’ve been enjoying this summer.
First up, Amanda Steven’s Graveyard Queen series. I started with The Kingdom. Second in the series, and my favorite even after reading the remainder of the books. As a writer, I learned a huge amount just reading these books about how to create fabulous setting – and how it’s really supposed to work. But that was while enjoying a great story about a mysterious young woman who professionally restores graveyards and can see ghosts – but tries to pretend she can’t. The atmosphere and the creepy-yet sweet – yet funny combination of the story and writing was so unusual and engaging, as soon as I finished one book, I had to have the others … and now I eagerly anticipate the fourth! Beware: these books are deliciously addictive. 😉
Recently, I’ve found myself engaged by Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid series. I’m becoming more of an urban fantasy fan, and I like my reads funny, as this one is. The first book in the series is Hounded. Herein you meet “Atticus O’Sullivan, rare book salesman, herb peddler, and 2,000 year old druid – the last of his kind”(source: Kevin Hearne’s site). They’re set in the modern day, where gods of every size and denomination romp around. There’s a talking hound, and a lot of fun mythology and geek-culture references. I enjoy that the stories are fun, yet make me laugh and think, written in a funny, easy-to-enjoy style. I’m finished up to book 3, Hammered, which was my favorite one yet.
Hope you enjoy – and hopefully more beasties and paranormal beats for you next week. 🙂
What are some of the books you’re reading now? Any you’d recommend?
Thanks for reading – and sharing. Have a great week!