Look What I Made!

I had seen this saying on the web somewhere and just loved it! I thought it would go perfect with another old watercolor Bette painting I had found. And since I love mermaids, I felt the saying and the picture would go well together. It was my first attempt at soldering. Granted it isn't the best, but eh... not bad. 

This picture was printed out by my computer and I placed it between 2 microscope slides. I then foiled it with copper foil and soldered it with some non-lead solder. You can find that at most crafting places, but I got mine at Etsy. I really enjoyed this and I think that I might just do more later when I get the technique much more professional looking. Otherwise I guess family might figure out what they "could" get for the holidays. ;)

Stray (Werecats #1)

Stray by Rachel Vincent is a novel about werecats. At first, the book starts out a bit slow. I wasn't too happy at first at Faythe', the main character, story. She came across as very whiny. As the story progressed, I did realize that this was actually perfect characterization. She was so obsessed with not being heard, not taken seriously, she didn't do the same to those around her. That is perfect. How many people, including ourselves, do exactly that? How many of us become so blinded by our own lives we forget others? So, I felt, upon reflection, that the characterization of Faythe fit perfectly. As the book progresses, her blinders come off and she starts to grow up. She starts to see that she has been heard more than she thought possible and that she had yet to see those closest to her weren't the monsters she thought they were. 

Within this realization, not is all calm. She confronts her biggest fear, captivity. As she comes face to face with this fear and finds herself more worried about those around her she becomes more of a leader than she thought she could. This section of the book becomes very fast paced with a lot of action. What happens, I will not reveal as I feel it would spoil much of the book. I will say, however, the resolve left a couple of questions with me which was not answered in the ending of the book. I'm not disappointed as there is a hint that there is more to come. Since there are more books in this series, I'm sure some of those answers will come. This book is definitely worth a read and I'm looking forward to reading the next in this series. 

Wicked Lovely Series Giveaway

Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely books are part of a giveaway at Free Book Friday for Teens. There will be 6 autographed copies to be given away. The winner picks which book they win. There is also a podcast at the site that has reader's questions for the author. Don't forget to enter before 8/28/09. This series is Marr's YA tales of faeries. 

At Grave's End (Night Huntress #3)

At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost is the third in the night huntress series. This one takes place not too long after the last book left off. In this tale Bones has an offer he can't refuse, so to speak. He aligns himself with his grandsire and they take on a woman of incredible power. It's war and the vampires in the world must chose sides. 

This book was one I actually did not look forward to reading. I had heard some bad reviews, but I really can't understand it except to say they wanted more of the relationship between Cat and Bones instead of all the action they were getting. I, for one, was not disappointed in the least. In fact, I would consider this book the best of the three so far. Great action, good character development within vampire politics. It was a very interesting and fast read. Plus, I finally found myself liking her mother for once. That was nice in itself. Even the character of her mother was not left out and was developed further as well. 

Within the twist and turns of the novel, you might be prepared to bring a tissue or two during the reading toward the end, but I assure you, that the ending is worth it. I can't wait for the 4th book which came out last month. I am so sorry I can't read it right now. Someone get me a copy quick! :)

One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress #2)

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost is the second in the night huntress series. I don't often read one book after another in a series, but for this one, I made an exception. I hated the way the last one ended. So, I HAD to start this one to make up for it.

This book starts 4 years later. Cat has made a new life for herself fighting vampires and leading a group of men she trained. They are very good at their job but something is missing in her life. After "serendipitously" meeting Bones's maker and letting him go, her life starts to change, but is it for the better? Bones also makes an appearance not long after she decides to date others. She meets him in all places at a friend's wedding. Things don't go smoothly, but yet their love finds a way and they plan together to keep everyone safe, especially Cat.

So, with a "missing" father who still rules a part of her life and a very "interested" master vampire who Bones knows well wrecking havoc on their lives, they must find a way of mixing Cat's new life with their rekindled romance. The twists and turns keep for a fast and interesting read. Lots of action as well as the epiphanies within the mystery keep the book moving. This book is a must for those who love action with a smidgen of romance within. Great second book to this series. Of course, I recommend it.