Sunday Shorts

Forever Odd by Dean Koontz
published 2007
352 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

We're all a little odd beneath the surface. He's the most unlikely hero you'll ever meet — an ordinary guy with a modest job you might never look at twice. But there's so much more to any of us than meets the eye — and that goes triple for Odd Thomas. For Odd lives always between two worlds in the small desert town of Pico Mundo, where the heroic and the harrowing are everyday events. Odd never asked to communicate with the dead — it's something that just happened. But as the unofficial goodwill ambassador between our world and theirs, he's got a duty to do the right thing. That's the way Odd sees it and that's why he's won hearts on both sides of the divide between life and death.

A childhood friend of Odd's has disappeared. The worst is feared. But as Odd applies his unique talents to the task of finding the missing person, he discovers something worse than a dead body, encounters an enemy of exceptional cunning, and spirals into a vortex of terror. Once again Odd will stand against our worst fears. Around him will gather new allies and old, some living and some not. For in the battle to come, there can be no innocent bystanders, and every sacrifice can tip the balance between despair and hope.

My thoughts -

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, even while I was SO INCREDIBLY MAD about the ending. I wasn't quite as crazy about the second installment - because I was missing my favorite character from the first novel (still mad), and because it seemed mostly like one long, drawn out, extended, never-ending, page after page after page of a chase scene, which is generally my least favorite part of any book or movie. I do still think Odd is a great character, and will continue with the series - this one just wasn't that great for me.

Finished - 7/20/13
Source - loan from my mom AND ebook from my sister - and yes, I used both copies!
MPAA rating - PG-13 for violence and scary stuff
My rating - 6/10

Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster
published 9/31/12
439 pages

Synopsis from publisher -


Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven. But at what price?

Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single–handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood–craving he's been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal.

When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She's so...innocent. He doesn't see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.

My thoughts -

This novel is a REALLY long way from my normal reading habits, but life has been intense at my house lately, and it seemed like it would be nice to read something fairly uncomplicated. Because I don't read frequently in the genre, I have no idea if this is a good example of a paranormal steampunk romance - I just know that it was a lot of fun. The main characters are strong, the secondary characters (that I assume will also have novels written about them) were interesting, and McMaster creates an rather fascinating world to populate. I enjoyed this one enough that I'm considering finding the next in the series to continue on with these characters. If paranormal romance is something you enjoy, make sure you check this series out.

Finished - 7/24/13
Source - South side library
MPAA rating - R - it's a romance novel, folks
My rating - 7/10