Steampunk/Romance/Murder/Mystery

Ok yeah that's a mouthful. I know it sounds kind of odd too. But all those are valid descriptions of what the book I'm blogging today is about. I decided I wanted to start looking into a variety of types of books, and explore outside my "zone" of horror and fantasy.

Viridis
Calista Taylor
330 pages

"A Steampunk Romance"

Interestingly this book starts off describing a mans dead body, and the place where the detective presumes he had spent his last hours before his death. It may not be a new idea, but it's nice to have the period style descriptions. Not only that her presentation of t he period, and the steampunk technology is lovely.

Viridis, in the book, is not just the name of a club, It's also the name of a non-alcoholic herbal concoction. It's described at least twice, and it's affects are also described thoroughly. It's the wonderful detail throughout the whole piece though that helps guide the readers imagination to set up the vibrant colorful character filled environment.

The language is beautiful, helping to make the characters believable and life like. A polished piece as a whole, its pacing varies. The content though keeps the reader interested, giving them a reason to continue reading. You learn about the difference between classes, and how it's causing rifts in society. It's almost a social commentary piece, what with the ideas of tinkerers and lords, and them not seeing eye to eye. Oh and the government issues as well! Secret service type stuff, it's great!

The end is very unsuspecting, and as a spoiler alert, you may not want to continue past here.
I was intrigued that the author used a gay couple as a focal point. At least, the alternative lifestyle turned out to be the reasoning. The matter of accepting people for who they are is what was the driving part of the whole book.

So, my end thought is that this is a wonderful read for a mature audience. Yes there is sex. Yes there is violence. But the details, the full world is fantastic.

Well, we're going to get back on the ball now I think ^_^ Hope you read something great this weekend!

Fa la la la la

Yeah, that's right I sound cheerful today. I may not be feeling all that cheerful, but now that I've started listening to my holiday music, I've perked up a little bit.

Anyway for today I'm going to look at something short but fun.

Chills, Kills & Snowflakes
Adam Maxwell
47 pages

Although the piece is short, it actually has a few different stories in it. They evaluate different actions, and the outcomes. Surprisingly it is well written, and intriguing. The main storyline evaluates how the desire to please ones significant other is ingrained into some people.

I am not sure that this story would be appropriate for younger readers, but teens and adults alike would likely enjoy it. Sadly, I wish that the piece had been a bit longer, since some of the ideas presented are slightly refreshing.

Enjoy if you read it, just have fun and be safe this holiday season.

Candied Killers On The Shelf

Okay, so it's time for the first actual entry about a hard copy book. (*gasp* I know! Hard to think anyone really reads hard copy anymore). I'm sure you've probably come to the conclusion that I generally read for amusement, not for knowledge. But that doesn't mean what I read is always fluffy.

But in this case, it is.

Peppermint Twisted
by Sammi Carter
249 pages

Peppermint Twisted is part of Sammi Carters Candy Shop Mystery series. I personally have not read any of the other books in the series, but that did not hinder my ability to follow the content of this book.

When the Mayor swoops in and randomly changes the Head of a local Art festical, the towns artisians are fit to be tied. They threaten to leave the festival, and pull their money. The next thing anyone in town knows, there are 2 people dead, and still no clue as to who's done it.

The main character in the series, Abby, is left trying to put the pieces together as the local police try to place her as their main suspect. With many twists and turns, the story is a fun trip to small town life.

What Is also interesting, and I'm going to mention this because it has no real literary value to the book at all, is that the Author actually includes recipes for some of the candy that she describes in the book. I'm not shy at all, I've got plans on making the Peppermint Fondant she describes. It doesn't sound that hard.

This book is recommended for teens and adults. The recipes in the back, can be shared with general audiences. (The fondant can likely be done with young kids without worry of harm coming to anyone or anything).

Got a favorite Candy recipe that's simple and fun(as well as delicious?) feel free to share it with me in the comments below. I'd appreciate it ^_~.