Book Review Rules

As you can imagine; from the aforementioned description of my house and it's piles of well loved volumes, I adore reading. There is nothing like the smell of fresh book in the morning. I would rather receive a dozen newly printed novels than roses or chocolate. ( Unless of course it's Godiva in which case I'll be happy to take both chocolate and books.) Some people enjoy taking in a bit of air on weekends; going on an exhausting hike or setting up an ant filled picnic. I prefer curling up on my couch, or in my bed and taking a day or two in the pages of someone else's life.

Since  I have so many books that serve as dear friends and comforting arms, I've decided to share my opinion of a few.(Not that anyone actually cares what that opinion is beyond myself...but hey; I have to have something to blog about.)

Here is my system:

1 Star: Don't bother with this book. It is a waste of time. To put it bluntly, it sucked.

You will very rarely ever see a 1 star book on this blog. If I ever buy what I consider a one star book, it quickly moves onto a new home. (Most likely the local library branch. Whether it stays there or eventually ends up in the trash is not my decision.) For a book to warrant a review of only one star from me means I couldn't even bring myself to finish it.

2 Stars: It could have been better. Not sure if you want to read this or not. I won't be reading it again. I assure you.

A 2 star book is only a bit better than a 1 star. If it warrants 2 stars it means I DID finish the book. However I was probably bored out of my mind. I most likely skipped ahead and skimmed a bit to make the story move a little faster. A 2 star book is not a complete waste. A 2 star book may be interesting to others...it just wasn't for me. If the author is new (Or at least new to me, and an early book for them.) it means I might keep an eye on them. They may improve with time and experience, cause I think they show potential but aren't quite there yet.

3 Stars: A good read. If you have time, read it.

A  3 Stars book is a nice in-between for me. It was a good book. I finished it. I may have taken a peek ahead at some of the slower points or put it down to take a break now and then but I liked it. 3 Star books and authors will find a place in my collection.

4 Stars: A great read. Read it, you'll like it guaranteed.

A 4 stars book is something you'll often see in my reviews. It means it was a great book. I loved it and will read it again and again. There may be a few rough spots but it was amazing.

5 Stars: A must have book. Please read it, I'm begging you. I couldn't put it down.

I LOVE THESE BOOKS. They are practically perfect. In fact I couldn't put it down. I probably didn't sleep for want of reading a 5 star book. These are the jewels on my book shelf and something I believe everyone should read at least once on their lifetime. I know I'm thinking of reading it again right now.

In a book review you will see an image of the cover, the description of the book that is on the book, my star rating and reason, and my opinions on specific things in the book.  The opinions section will have a spoiler alert on them and if you are planning to read the book I suggest you don't read my spoiler.

So now that you know how it works...

What is Urban Fantasy?

Oh.

You're still reading? I'm amazed with your determination. Let me guess;  you have no clue as to what urban fantasy actually is. Which is why your still here.( Curiosity killed the cat you know ...but hey it's your funeral )

So...

Let me give you some basic definitions:

1. Wikipedia (Which is probably the first thing everybody gets when they look up anything online.)

Says that it "Describes a work that is set primarily in a city and contains aspect of fantasy. It is a sub-genre of fantasy defined by place; the fantastic narrative has an urban setting. Many urban fantasies are set in contemporary times and contain supernatural elements. However, the stories can take place in historical, modern, or futuristic periods. The prerequisite is that they must be primarily set in a city."

2.  Paula Guran editor of Juno Books 

Says that "Depending on the context or the person using the term, there are various definitions of “urban fantasy”. What all of these have in common is an intersection/transgression of the numinous (that which is “wholly other”) with/upon the mundane. These worlds can be open (”magic”, the “supernatural” is known to exist) or closed (where "otherness” is concealed from common knowledge).
     
In other words: “In urban fantasy you don’t leave the chip shop and go to another world to find the unicorn. Rather, the unicorn shows up at the chip shop and orders the cod.”–Elizabeth Bear"

3.  Writer D. Lynn Frazier site Writtenwyrdd 

Says that "The nature of an urban fantasy--that it takes place in a cityscape that is, generally speaking, rather like our own barring the paranormal elements--lends itself to the sorts of plots that take place in one general location. You cannot easily have a quest like in an epic fantasy when you don't hit the road, for example."

4.  Kathy Hurley on Gender Bender

Says that "While traditional fantasy takes place in any time or place, and often in historic or fictional-but-historic settings, urban fantasy takes place in the modern day. It may take place in a city or in a rural setting, but the element that is always present is that of magic or paranormal happenings in a modern-day, real-world setting."

5. Terry Lee Wilde on Verla Kay's Message Board 

Says "So what is urban fantasy? To me, it is mythical, fantastical creatures living in our contemporary times. Have a demon romance? It’s urban fantasy. It can be urban fantasy horror, or urban fantasy romance. But it’s urban fantasy. The fantastical element in modern times.

Think of the hero, werewolf extraordinaire, working on his computer, checking the Internet, using his cell phone. It’s urban fantasy. He can be sitting in the country estate, or living in the city. But it’s still urban fantasy.

Think of the gargoyle that protects your apartment complex at night, and talks to the heroine during the day. Urban Fantasy."

Now that you have all that information running rapid through your brain I doubt you need my own definition ...but...well...it is my blog so here it is:

6. Jennifer Lackovic annoying blogger

Says  "So what do I see as Urban Fantasy? I see it as a sub-genre of Fantasy that seems to be sprouting multiple sub-genres of its own. It can have elements of fantasy, fairy tales, horror, romance, sci-fi, mystery, and the everyday Joe. Yes, it is most often set in a city but sometimes it branches out to the suburbs or the country. It always has a magical element whether that is seen in alternate dimensions, psychic powers, supernatural beings, magical objects, or any number of odd occurrences.  

Urban Fantasy doesn't take the reader out of their own world but instead pulls them further in and then yanks them out of their comfort zones till they can view a whole new set of possibilities."

Why Urban Fantasy?

Hello Wide World! Welcome to my little corner of it.

You're probably wondering why I'm bothering all you people out there? (Especially if you stumbled upon my blog by accident. Which you most likely have. Aren't search engines a bitch? )Anyhow... the answer is pretty simple; welcome to my homework. Yep homework. This is one half of my research for a mixed genre writing class. 

So...

Urban Fantasy huh?

Yep that's right; Urban Fantasy. One of the two genres I've decided to throw into the mixing pot. Why? Well it IS one of my favorites. (Not like you care, but it is.) Most of the books I have lining my selves, piled on my floors, and scattered on every available surface can be lumped under Urban Fantasy. (Ok...some are other genres but since this is an Urban Fantasy blog I will not be mentioning them.) This is a  suddenly popular genre that owes its rise in fame to some books that are not, and WILL NEVER BE, on my reading list. ( I will not name them but they contain sparkly vampires. YOU know which ones I'm talking about.) I can assure you I have been reading this genre long before the world became obsessed with the books that shall not be named. 

If your actually still reading this; and haven't hit the back button to return to whatever horribly inefficient search engine that brought you here to begin with, then let me give you a preview into my blog...

What am I going to actually do with this blog?

Well...

I'm going to explain and explore different aspects of Urban Fantasy. Scattered within and around my little information episodes I will review books as well as talk about suitable TV shows and movies. I may even bring up appropriate music and art. Beyond that... who knows? Eventually I might put some of my writing experiments up.

I will not be discussing teen books. Period. Even if they're popular with the adults. Sorry but I have to draw the line somewhere.

That's about it. It's a blog...what can I say? 

If for some reason your interested in the other half of my project; which is Magical Realism, go here.

If your reading this and wondering if you can survive such vicious torture for another minute; don't wonder. The back button is located in the upper half of your screen. Push it. I'm not going to stop you.

If your reading this because you have to ( Just let me  say a large hello to everybody else in class; HELLO!) or if you're actually curious about the blog. Enjoy.