White Night by Jim Butcher

I have picked up, purchased, and donated so many copies of the first book in the Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher. Two years ago, he was mentioned by Alice, and I explained to her that I've tried reading this series on multiple occasions; however, I could never really get into it.

It was then that she had mentioned that the majority of the audio books were narrated by James Marsters. He's been in a ton of things, but he is best known to me as Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. That was enough for me to give it another go.

I borrowed the book through the Libby app via my local library and listened with overwhelming joy. James Marsters is the perfect Harry Dresden. Fast forward a year or two, I have just completed "White Night" which is the ninth book in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher.

For those who haven't started the series I won't give any spoilers away. All I will say is this book scored a five out of five star rating. I laughed a lot. I like that Harry has an apprentice as it adds a new dynamic to his story. Mouse is always a favorite. I would have liked more Bob, but loved the time spent with and about Tomas. I love that Harry is still Harry in his imperfect perfection.

Jim Butcher

Nine books in, and the story keeps getting better. Well done Mr. Butcher, well done. In more exciting news, the long awaited 16th book of the 20 book series was announced. Peace Talks is set to release on July 14, 2020. I know that I still have seven books to go; however, I am very excited to hear about this new release. Head on over to Amazon to pre-order your copy!

Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop

I was utterly enthralled with "Daughter of the Blood" by Anne Bishop this evening and knew there would be no sleep until it was finished. Which is why, on a work night where I have to get up at five in the morning, I'm sitting in my living room, the only light is the harsh glow of my laptop screen. Silence surrounds me except for the soft ticking of our clock. It's been less than five minutes since I've finished the book and I am still lost in the shadows.

This is a dark fantasy with all of the adult themes you would expect; however, Bishop weaves a very different web in this world. The leaders are women. There is a jeweled caste system. There are realms, there is hell, and an abyss that stretches beyond our imaginations.

As the first book in a trilogy, there is a lot of world building, character development, and setting up the story. That being said, aside from a few pages in the beginning, I was never lost. This world made sense. The read was surprisingly quick, and yet it felt whole (and made me want more immediately). I haven't read a ton of fantasy, but if there is more like this out there, I'm in.

I love when books can draw me in so much that the rest of reality fades away. That is exactly what "Daughter of the Blood" did for me. Getting lost in stories brings so much joy to my heart. I was shocked and surprised, elated and disgusted time and time again.

An excellent second read of the year and another five star rating. This was also book one in the BBC (Badassery Book Club) 2020 list! Strong, strong, start.

**Additional note**

I picked up (via the Libby app) multiple audio books from Carrie Fisher that I will tackle this week adding to my January 2020 TBR list. Yay! I think reading 100 books this year is going to be easy.