Twilight's Dawn (Black Jewels Trilogy Book 9) --by Anne Bishop

Fiction / Fantasy

448 pages / 943 KB

5 Stars

This is a collection of four novellas that take place in the Black Jewels world. Each novella tells a different story, and we are told where in the time span it takes place. 

Winsol Gifts comes after Tangled Webs. Winsol is the traditional time in winter that gifts are exchanged. With the SaDiablo extended family, things can be now and again tricky. 

Shades of Honor comes before Shadow Queen. Lucivar has a full-blood Eyrien as second in command, Falonar. He does not wish to be second in command to anyone, especially a half breed like Lucivar. He sets a deadly trap, and doesn't realize just how deadly until the trap is sprung.

Family comes a decade or so later when Sylvia and her two boys are lured into a trap. Oh, these people really should know NOT to muck about with the SaDiablo family, or their friends. 

High Lord's Daughter takes place decades later. Those of us who have followed the series, at least in part, know that Jaenelle was born to a short-lived race. Daemon knew it, but was loved her, totally. In this story, she has died, but before her death, she made Daemon promise to mourn her for a year, and then start living again. The year has passed, Daemon removes his wedding ring, and is NOT a happy camper. Especially when Sureal comes in and with her 'take charge' (or is that 'take no prisoners?') attitude starts cleaning out Jaenelle's suite. And demanding Daemon start attending social functions. Whatever will the Warlord and future High Lord of Hell do?

I laughed out loud in some places, I cried real tears in others, and I wept. Ms Bishop creates some of the best worlds I've ever visited. If this is, in fact, the last of the Black Jewel books, at least I have the books to reread and can go in and visit whenever I need to escape this world. 

Tall Man in Ray-Bans (A John Tall Wolf Novel Book 1) --by Joseph Flynn

Fiction / Mystery

224 pages / 1697 KB

5 Stars

I read this in three days. I resented having to put it down. If you are a fan of the Hillerman's books about Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito, I think you'll like John Tall Wolf. Tall Wolf is a BIA Agent/cop, with, as he says, "a license to scalp."

The beginning of the book is nice back-story, and a great intro to the main characters and his family. An interesting perspective on Coyote, too that will become, I'm confident, a series running sub plot. 

Yes, if you're a fan of the Hillerman's books, you'll love John Tall Wolf. Time to rearrange your bookshelf and bring a new kid home with you. I laughed and chortled all the way through this book. Book 2 is my self-imposed carrot—if I don't get certain chores done, I can't order the book! Excuse me, I have to get to work.

Cave of Bones A Leephorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel #22 --by Anne Hillerman

Fiction

419 Pages / 4110 KB

5 Stars

This is my first Anne Hillerman, it will not be my last! I read a couple of her father's books, and lost interest; however, I had heard such good things about Anne's I had to try one and am delighted I did. There are subtle differences in her treatment of Chee and Leaphorn that I like. And of all the books to pick up and read first, it had to be this one, about a camp for girls! That's a good thing. I could relate to it. 

Having just returned home after 15 months in Albuquerque, I admit her book brought a certain amount of nostalgia. Love the way she ties in modern life and police procedures with Navajo life on the reservation. And now I'm starved for Navajo fry bread!

Am delighted she has taken over the series, and look forward to reading the rest of her books. 

Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays --Mary Oliver

Poetry & Essays

88 pages

5 Stars

I now live by the Columbia River, and can relate to most of her poems and essays. White Owl Flies Into and Out of the Field has long been a favorite of mine; it was nice to read it again. 

Ms. Oliver writes about every day things, seen through fresh eyes. Her poems are graceful, spiritual without using her spirituality as a club to bang over your head. She finds the beauty in everything, even sadness. 

Our world is a better place because of her blessings bestowed.

Felicity --by Mary Oliver

Poetry

96 pages

5 Stars

Mary Oliver's poetry always makes me feel more alive, more in turn with my world and all in it. Many of her poems in this little treasure, reminded me of certain friends. 

Do I have a favorite? Maybe. Possibly, I Have Just Said. But the next time I read it, who knows? We always bring our own stories to a book, whether of prose or poetry, and Ms. Oliver brings out the best of our stories. I miss her.