March 29, 2013

Review: The Cannibal Princess

The Cannibal Princess (Psy-Changeling, book 1.5) by Nalini Singh

freebie_singh

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Edition Reviewed: author website 
Amazon: Freebie on author's site
Goodreads: The Cannibal Princess

Sometimes, while I’m working away on something else, I start to wonder how Sascha and Lucas from Slave to Sensation are doing. What generally happens then is that I write a scene from their lives. Since these scenes don’t really connect in the sense of being complete stories – they’re usually fleeting glimpses, like you’d see through a window, (maybe a page or so long), I generally don’t post them up. But this particular scene ended up being close to a short story, so I thought you might enjoy seeing it.

Timewise, this story is set after Slave to Sensation and before Visions of Heat. Enjoy!


Review:

This short story is not paramount to the series. Skipping over it is not in anyway going to take away from the plots in a later book. Nope. The purpose of this short is to see Sascha and Lucas after the events of Slave to Sensation. It's sweet, fun, has one really quotable section that will make readers swoon. It adds some more depth to some favorite characters. I think that makes this short worth it.

It really is a short, like the author states a peek through a window at a moment. If you love the characters you'll want that glimpse.

Besides it's free on the author's site. Why not enjoy it?

Sexual Content: Clean. We know Lucas and Sascha are gonna get a little something, something after the last page.

 
2/5- Average/disappointing, library check-out


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:

An Enchanted Season (.5)
Burning Up (.6)
Slave to Sensation (1)
The Cannibal Princess(1.5)
Visions of Heat (2)
Caressed by Ice (3)
Stroke of Enticement (3.5)
Mine to Possess (4) 
A Conversation (4.5)
Hostage to Pleasure (5)
A Gift for Kit (5.5)
Movie Night (5.6) 
Branded by Fire (6)
The Party (6.5) 
Blaze of Memory (7) 
Christmas in the Kitchen (7.5)
Bonds of Justice (8)
Play of Passion (9)
Wolf School (9.1)
Kiss of Snow (10)
Wild Invitation
(.5, 3.5, 9.5, 10.5)
Tangle of Need (11)
Poker Night (11.1)
Stalking Hawke (11.2)
Heart of Obsidian (12) 
Shield of Winter (13) 
Shards of Hope (14) 
Allegiance of Honor (15) 

An Enchanted Season (.5)
Burning Up (.6)
Slave to Sensation (1)
The Cannibal Princess(1.5)
Visions of Heat (2)
Caressed by Ice (3)
Stroke of Enticement (3.5)
Mine to Possess (4)
A Conversation (4.5)
Hostage to Pleasure (5)
A Gift for Kit (5.5)
Movie Night (5.6)
Branded by Fire (6)
The Party (6.5)
Blaze of Memory (7)
Christmas in the Kitchen (7.5)
Bonds of Justice (8)
Play of Passion (9)
Wolf School (9.1)
Kiss of Snow (10)
Wild Invitation
(.5, 3.5, 9.5, 10.5)
Tangle of Need (11)
Poker Night (11.1)
Stalking Hawke (11.2)
Heart of Obsidian (12)
Shield of Winter (13) 
Shards of Hope (14)
Allegiance of Honor (15)
An Enchanted Season (.5)
Burning Up (.6)
Slave to Sensation (1)
The Cannibal Princess(1.5)
Visions of Heat (2)
Caressed by Ice (3)
Stroke of Enticement (3.5)
Mine to Possess (4)
A Conversation (4.5)
Hostage to Pleasure (5)
A Gift for Kit (5.5)
Movie Night (5.6)
Branded by Fire (6)
The Party (6.5)
Blaze of Memory (7)
Christmas in the Kitchen (7.5)
Bonds of Justice (8) 
Play of Passion (9)
Wolf School (9.1)
Kiss of Snow (10)
Wild Invitation
(.5, 3.5, 9.5, 10.5)
Tangle of Need (11)
Poker Night (11.1)
Stalking Hawke (11.2)
Heart of Obsidian (12)
Shield of Winter (13)
Shards of Hope (14)
Allegiance of Honor (15)

Review: Visions of Heat

Visions of Heat (Psy-Changeling, book 2) by Nalini Singh

visionsofheat

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Visions of Heat

Hailed as a major new talent in paranormal romance, Nalini Singh takes us deeper into the world of the Psy and the changelings in her latest extraordinary novel, where a gifted woman sees passion in her future--a passion that is absolutely forbidden by her kind. In danger from fellow Psy, Faith NightStar's fragile sanity will be tested by an all-consuming passion for a changeling who can take the form of man or jaguar.

Used to cold silence, Faith NightStar is suddenly being tormented by dark visions of blood and murder. A bad sign for anyone, but worse for Faith, an F-Psy with the highly sought after ability to predict the future. Then the visions show her something even more dangerous-aching need . . . exquisite pleasure. But so powerful is her sight, so fragile the state of her mind, that the very emotions she yearns to embrace could be the end of her.

Changeling Vaughn D'Angelo can take either man or jaguar form, but it is his animal side that is overwhelmingly drawn to Faith. The jaguar's instinct is to claim this woman it finds so utterly fascinating and the man has no argument. But while Vaughn craves sensation and hungers to pleasure Faith in every way, desire is a danger that could snap the last threads of her sanity. And there are Psy who need Faith's sight for their own purposes. They must keep her silenced - and keep her from Vaughn . . .


Review:

Boy things really did heat up! Who knew my prediction would come true right down to the name of the book. (Honestly, had no idea.) Singh takes readers even deeper into her stunningly cold world of the Psy through Faith. Faith is a an F-psy (Foresight), she's the most powerful of her generation.

Unlike Sascha, from the previous book, Faith doesn't have a connection to emotion. As an F-Psy she's been more extensively brainwashed by the Protocol. The depth of her brainwashing and conditioning is extraordinary. Faith is an amazing character from the beginning. Her powers have evolved and she's been experiencing horrific visions she doesn't understand that they are causing her to fear—though she doesn’t see it as emotion. However, she's not brainwashed enough to go to her own people about it. Especially once she realizes that the visions weren't random or madness, but the death of her sister. In an amazing show of strength she decides to find Sascha and get help.

Vaughn is immediately drawn to her. His jaguar knowing exactly what to do to push her out of her safe bubble and get her past her Silence blocks. It's amazing watching these two develope into their relationship. Vaughn's past is haunting, but not too overly done. After hearing his story I wanted to hold him, instead of laugh at the over tragicness of another PNR bad boy. Faith and Vaughn have such chemistry. The threat of a single touch could send her into seizures.

Readers still get a glimpse into the mind of Lucas, Sascha, and a few other characters. There are few parts that jump in on the Psy Council. It was great seeping into their disturbing thoughts, getting feel for how they think. The whole plot of Faith being haunted and attacked by a Psy serial killer is chilling. Watching as she grows into her gift is amazing, as most F-Psy go crazy. It's haunting that the Silence is the main cause of F-Psy going insane. The best part is the shocking truths about the NetMind.

There's a rebellion coming and seeing it slowly rising in the Psy is so tantalizing! The Psy-Changeling series clearly has an amazing world to grow into! The many facets of Visions of Heat are amazing, even if it echoes strongly of the first book. The emotions, growth, and heat of Faith and Vaughn's love story were tantalizing.

Sexual Content: Considering these books are about finding mates there not as detailed as other Paranormal Romance titles. They’re hot, but Singh relies on the emotions to bring on the heat.

 
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:

An Enchanted Season (.5)
Burning Up (.6)
Slave to Sensation (1)
The Cannibal Princess(1.5)
Visions of Heat (2)
Caressed by Ice (3)
Stroke of Enticement (3.5)
Mine to Possess (4) 
A Conversation (4.5)
Hostage to Pleasure (5)
A Gift for Kit (5.5)
Movie Night (5.6) 
Branded by Fire (6)
The Party (6.5) 
Blaze of Memory (7) 
Christmas in the Kitchen (7.5)
Bonds of Justice (8)
Play of Passion (9)
Wolf School (9.1)
Kiss of Snow (10)
Wild Invitation
(.5, 3.5, 9.5, 10.5)
Tangle of Need (11)
Poker Night (11.1)
Stalking Hawke (11.2)
Heart of Obsidian (12) 
Shield of Winter (13) 
Shards of Hope (14) 
Allegiance of Honor (15) 

An Enchanted Season (.5)
Burning Up (.6)
Slave to Sensation (1)
The Cannibal Princess(1.5)
Visions of Heat (2)
Caressed by Ice (3)
Stroke of Enticement (3.5)
Mine to Possess (4)
A Conversation (4.5)
Hostage to Pleasure (5)
A Gift for Kit (5.5)
Movie Night (5.6)
Branded by Fire (6)
The Party (6.5)
Blaze of Memory (7)
Christmas in the Kitchen (7.5)
Bonds of Justice (8)
Play of Passion (9)
Wolf School (9.1)
Kiss of Snow (10)
Wild Invitation
(.5, 3.5, 9.5, 10.5)
Tangle of Need (11)
Poker Night (11.1)
Stalking Hawke (11.2)
Heart of Obsidian (12)
Shield of Winter (13) 
Shards of Hope (14)
Allegiance of Honor (15)
An Enchanted Season (.5)
Burning Up (.6)
Slave to Sensation (1)
The Cannibal Princess(1.5)
Visions of Heat (2)
Caressed by Ice (3)
Stroke of Enticement (3.5)
Mine to Possess (4)
A Conversation (4.5)
Hostage to Pleasure (5)
A Gift for Kit (5.5)
Movie Night (5.6)
Branded by Fire (6)
The Party (6.5)
Blaze of Memory (7)
Christmas in the Kitchen (7.5)
Bonds of Justice (8) 
Play of Passion (9)
Wolf School (9.1)
Kiss of Snow (10)
Wild Invitation
(.5, 3.5, 9.5, 10.5)
Tangle of Need (11)
Poker Night (11.1)
Stalking Hawke (11.2)
Heart of Obsidian (12)
Shield of Winter (13)
Shards of Hope (14)
Allegiance of Honor (15)

March 28, 2013

Review: Slave to Sensation

Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling, book 1) by Nalini Singh

slavetosensation

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Slave to Sensation

THE HOT NEW NAME IN PARANORMAL ROMANCE.

Nalini Singh dives into a world torn apart by a powerful race with phenomenal powers of the mind-and none of the heart.

In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of "rehabilitation" - the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was...

Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy coexistence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice-cold Psy is very capable of passion - and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities - or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation...


Review:

The futuristic take and tacky—horribly tacky—covers stopped me from reading this series for years. Even after buying a number of the books on close out, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. After reading Angels' Blood, the first in Singh's Guild Hunter books, and realizing that when done right I can really dig the futuristic take on UF/PNR it was time to get past my hang-ups. After all this series had many strong points going for it: animal shifters, amazing reviews from reliable book buddies, unique world, hot chemistry, and the promise that each book gets better after the next.

Addressing the unique world, it was something I didn't fully understand. Unique doesn't even begin to describe it. In 1969 the Psy, beings with super mental powers, telekinesis, telepathy, and such, decided to wipe out rage in the species. Ten years later Silence is created, which wipes out all emotions. After all it's "impossible to isolate that one emotion." The Psy are connected to the PsyNet, much like the internet, but it's compromised of minds. Council is the absolute power, no checks and balances. If a Psy steps out of line they can be mind wiped, turned into a walking brain dead, functioning on low levels. It's now 2079, Psy have become a huge power. However, the world is changing as Changelings adapt better and work with the humans. A Psy serial killer is picking off Changeling women. Lucas has recently lost one of his pack to the killer and is now looking for an in to find the murderer. The Psy Council is doing everything they can to cover up the killer so that the Psy image is upheld. Sascha is his in as a cardinal, she should have enough power to get him a link to the Council. What Lucas doesn't know is that Sascha is damaged and she's about to crack.

War is a constant threat on the edges of the story, as the Psy's arrogance keeps them from seeing the Changelings as the powerful and lethal threat they are. The shifters are well done, every aspect of pack hierocracy thought out. The different animals are realistic from the DarkRiver pack of leopards to the SunDancer wolf pack. The politics of why the changelings wouldn't out right attack the Psy and get justice was stunning. The simple fact that if they did that the emotionless Psy would wipe out everyone, down to the children. The plot is clever and the "politics" are so well done. The futuristic world is real enough, minus flying "skateboards" and cars. It's about what I would think we'd be technology wise. Not so advanced that I felt the need to roll my eyes.

Lucas and Sascha are immediately setup to fall for each other. Yes, I'm a bit picky about the build up of relationships in my PNR so this might not bother most readers. However, there's some dream sequences that aren't all physical fantasies—of course those don't hurt—that adds a certain depth to the relationship and helps to make the mating more realistic. Their characters are so real, I could believe in the oppression of Sascha's brainwashed life, the fear that she constantly living in. Her need for touch is so amazing that in many scenes I found myself holding my breath. Lucas has been a man since the tragic past that lead to his father and mothers death, baptizing him in blood as a strong alpha. Lucas isn't so dark and damaged as Kresely Cole’s heroines, and I found him to be more tangible and real. It was very refreshing.

The other characters are so well fleshed out in this world that my anticipation in reading their books, or simply seeing them with small rolls, promises that I will read on. The plot behind the killer was underwhelming, and the mystery of Sascha's true powers where so obvious that I felt underwhelmed. Leaving the climatic highs a little flat with me. Singh's ability to create human emotions and a rich world made up for most of it. For the next titles I'll be expecting more.

It's true!! All of the buzz you've heard from friends, fans, and reviewers! Don't let the tacky covers, or maybe futuristic setting, or other hang-ups keep you from trying this series out. Even if certain parts of Slave to Sensation disappoint Singh has enough talent to captive readers. Clearly future books are going to heat up! Despite myself I'm very curious about the Psy and want to see a "uprising" or "civil war". The alliance of the DarkRiver and SunDancer plot tease my mind with possibilities. After all animal shifters are my Achilles’ heel in paranormal reads. I'm all in with the Psy-Changeling series!

Sexual Content: The shifters are sensual, but nothing too shocking. The sex is pretty steamy, but for a PNR it's pretty tame—that doesn't mean it ain't hot! Sexual humor and some creepy serial killer stuff. Also, some talk about a past rape and the mind rape of some victims.

 
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:

An Enchanted Season (.5)
Burning Up (.6)
Slave to Sensation (1)
The Cannibal Princess(1.5)
Visions of Heat (2)
Caressed by Ice (3)
Stroke of Enticement (3.5)
Mine to Possess (4) 
A Conversation (4.5)
Hostage to Pleasure (5)
A Gift for Kit (5.5)
Movie Night (5.6) 
Branded by Fire (6)
The Party (6.5) 
Blaze of Memory (7) 
Christmas in the Kitchen (7.5)
Bonds of Justice (8)
Play of Passion (9)
Wolf School (9.1)
Kiss of Snow (10)
Wild Invitation
(.5, 3.5, 9.5, 10.5)
Tangle of Need (11)
Poker Night (11.1)
Stalking Hawke (11.2)
Heart of Obsidian (12) 
Shield of Winter (13) 
Shards of Hope (14) 
Allegiance of Honor (15) 

An Enchanted Season (.5)
Burning Up (.6)
Slave to Sensation (1)
The Cannibal Princess(1.5)
Visions of Heat (2)
Caressed by Ice (3)
Stroke of Enticement (3.5)
Mine to Possess (4)
A Conversation (4.5)
Hostage to Pleasure (5)
A Gift for Kit (5.5)
Movie Night (5.6)
Branded by Fire (6)
The Party (6.5)
Blaze of Memory (7)
Christmas in the Kitchen (7.5)
Bonds of Justice (8)
Play of Passion (9)
Wolf School (9.1)
Kiss of Snow (10)
Wild Invitation
(.5, 3.5, 9.5, 10.5)
Tangle of Need (11)
Poker Night (11.1)
Stalking Hawke (11.2)
Heart of Obsidian (12)
Shield of Winter (13) 
Shards of Hope (14)
Allegiance of Honor (15)
An Enchanted Season (.5)
Burning Up (.6)
Slave to Sensation (1)
The Cannibal Princess(1.5)
Visions of Heat (2)
Caressed by Ice (3)
Stroke of Enticement (3.5)
Mine to Possess (4)
A Conversation (4.5)
Hostage to Pleasure (5)
A Gift for Kit (5.5)
Movie Night (5.6)
Branded by Fire (6)
The Party (6.5)
Blaze of Memory (7)
Christmas in the Kitchen (7.5)
Bonds of Justice (8) 
Play of Passion (9)
Wolf School (9.1)
Kiss of Snow (10)
Wild Invitation
(.5, 3.5, 9.5, 10.5)
Tangle of Need (11)
Poker Night (11.1)
Stalking Hawke (11.2)
Heart of Obsidian (12)
Shield of Winter (13)
Shards of Hope (14)
Allegiance of Honor (15)

March 27, 2013

Wednesday Wishes

Thought about doing another Cover Coveting post, because I’ve still got a lot of lovely covers coming in!

However, I’ve missed sharing and talking about the books that I’ve been lusting after. (Out side of coveting those lovely little covers!)


Here Be Sexist Vampires by Suzanne Wright 

Here Be Sexist Vampires (Deep In Your Veins, #1)Get it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Paranormal Erotica
Series: Deep in Your Veins, book 1

Sam Parker is a vampire with a gift so strong and substantial that she is invited to partake in a test for a place in the Grand High Master Vampire’s private army. She finds that not only has the army never included a woman, but it has never included a Sventé vampire; a breed that is regarded by the super strong Pagori breed and the hypnotically beautiful Keja breed to be too tame and human-like. Most refuse to take her seriously, especially a Pagori commander named Jared who she craves in spite of herself. The Grand High Master, however, sees her potential and offers her the position of Jared’s co-commander to help train the newest squad in time for the impending attack on his home. Sam has to demonstrate to Jared and the squad of chauvinists why it is incredibly foolish to underestimate a wilful, temperamental, borderline-homicidal Sventé female.

Warning: This novel contains an iron-willed female vampire with an energy whip, a sexist male vampire who is determined to have her, explicit vampy sex, and a romance story with real bite.

To be honest the idea of sexist vampires puts me off. However, the idea of a woman strong enough to put those sexist idiots in their place . . . grrrrrrrrr.

Possession by Kat Richardson

Possession (Greywalker, #8)Get it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Greywalker, book 8

When a comatose woman suddenly wakes up and starts painting scenes she’s never witnessed, with a skill she’s never had, medical science has no explanation. As more bizarre phenomena manifest, even her doctors start to wonder if the woman may be possessed. Frustrated and frightened, the patient’s sister reluctantly turns to Greywalker Harper Blaine to discover who—or what—is occupying her sister’s body.

As Harper digs into the case of apparent possession, she discovers other
patients struck with the same mystifying afflictions and a disturbing
connection to one of the most gruesome stories in Washington’s history…

The Greywalker series is one of the original series on the scene for Urban Fantasy. To this day I haven’t read a single book in the series . . . yet I own every book up to date.

At this point I can’t keep using the excuse that I’m waiting for more books to come out! There’s 7 already! Wow!

Biting Bad by Chloe Neill

Biting Bad (Chicagoland Vampires, #8)Get it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Chicagoland Vampires, book 8

Merit has been a vampire for only a short while, but she’s already seen a lifetime’s worth of trouble. She and her Master, centuries-old Ethan Sullivan, have risked their lives time and again to save the city they love. But not all of Chicago is loving them back.

Anti-vampire riots are erupting all over town, striking vampires where it hurts the most. A splinter group armed with Molotov cocktails and deep-seated hate is intent on clearing the fanged from the Windy City come hell or high water.

Merit and her allies rush to figure out who’s behind the attacks, who will be targeted next, and whether there’s any way to stop the wanton destruction. The battle for Chicago is just beginning, and Merit is running out of time.

Both love and hate this series. I’m waiting for book 8. Oh, I’m waiting.

March 26, 2013

Cover Coveting(14)

Oooooo! Ione’s new cover is out! Really excited for her new series.

Cover art found at Goodreads, author sites/feeds, ATUF, and Wicked Scribes.


BlackoutHC_EpicReadsbound by night
Black Out by Robison Wells Goodreads | Amazon
Bound by Night by Larissa Ione Goodreads | Amazon

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Consume by Melissa Darnell Goodreads | Amazon
Cold Blooded by Amanda Carlson Goodreads | Amazon

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Crave the Night by Lara Adrian Goodreads | Amazon
To Dance With the Devil by Cat Adams Goodreads | Amazon

DarknessUnmaskeddirty-magic
Darkness Unmasked by Keri Arthur Goodreads | Amazon
Dirty Magic by Jaye Wells Goodreads | Amazon

Dying-Is-My-BusinessElysian Fields
Dying is My Business by Nicholas Kaufmann Goodreads | Amazon
Elysian Fields by Suzanne Johnson Goodreads | Amazon

Eternaleternity
Eternal by Kristi Cook Goodreads | Amazon
Eternity by Elizabeth Miles Goodreads | Amazon

Frozen_510x771FxFATE-cover-300dpi
Frozen by Melissa De La Cruz Goodreads | Amazon
Forged by Fate by Amalia Dillin Goodreads | Amazon

March 25, 2013

Cover Coveting(20)

It’s really sad for me to admit this, but I miss being able to gossip, rant and rave about each cover!

Cover art found at Goodreads, author sites/feeds, ATUF, and Wicked Scribes.


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Long Live the Queen by Kate Locke Amazon | Goodreads
Touch by Michelle Sagara West Goodreads

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Man Made Boy by Jon Skovron Amazon | Goodreads
A Midsummer Night’s Scream by R.L. Stine

97814424726559781451656374
Beauty by Nancy Ohlin Amazon | Goodreads
Damn Him to Hell by Jamie Quaid Amazon | Goodreads

9781616147716A_CURSED_EMBRACE_3_MB_full
Never by K.D. McEntire Amazon | Goodreads
A Cursed Embrace by Cecy Robson Amazon | Goodreads

a-bit-of-bite1Alienated_cvr
A Bit of Bite by Cynthia Eden Amazon | Goodreads
Alienated by Melissa Landers Amazon | Goodreads

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Antigoddess by Kendare Blake Amazon | Goodreads
As Twilight Falls by Amanda Ashley Amazon | Goodreads

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Autumn Whispers by Yasmine Galenorn Amazon | Goodreads
Last to Rise by Francis Knight Amazon | Goodreads

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White Trash Zombie Apocalypse by Diana Rowland Amazon | Goodreads
The Falconer by Elizabeth May Amazon | Goodreads

BDeTNNZCUAAA77JBefore-The-Fall-J3-2
Resist by Sarah Crossan Amazon | Goodreads
Before the Fall by Francis Knight Amazon | Goodreads

BindingBlack_ColdestGirl_HC_zps819965b5
Binding by Carol Wolf Goodreads
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black Amazon | Goodreads