Staff Review: Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire

Cookies and milk, chocolate and peanut butter, mac and cheese, some things are just better together.* So when I realized that one of my favorite authors, Seanan McGuire, had the audiobooks for one of her series narrated by one of my other favorite authors, Mary Robinette Kowal, well, I purchased and downloaded a copy immediately.

If you enjoy character-driven Urban Fantasy and dark humor, you too should check out Rosemary and Rue, the first book in the October Daye series. And yes, we do have the audiobook! The story is set in a San Francisco with a hidden underworld populated with a dizzying variety of Fae characters (my favorites were the rose goblins, a cross between a cat and a rosebush). October Daye, or Toby, is a changeling, a person born from one human parent and one fae, who has inherited a small amount of magic and a seemingly endless amount of trouble.

Without spoiling too much, Rosemary and Rue starts with Toby at a very low point in her life. She's barely scraping by with a terrible job and has almost completely isolated from her friends and family (aside from her two cats). Toby considers herself a failure and is punishing herself accordingly, until an old friend reaches out with a job she can't refuse. You see, Toby is a sworn knight to the Duke of Shadowed Hills, which translates in the modern world as something like a magical private eye.

The mystery makes for a fast-paced plot, though the amount of world-building and the complex relationships between all of the characters can be overwhelming at times. Bear in mind that this is the first in a series, so many elements are set up for pay offs in future volumes.

Mary Robinette Kowal's narration is clear, and the many characters were easy to distinguish. Some of the characters sounded a little cartoony, but this helped to lighten a story that was at times very dark. I'm not sure how many times Toby almost died, but I hope that as she learns to deal with her depression she gains a more cautious approach to risk.

When not writing Urban Fantasy, Seanan McGuire wears a variety of hats, including musician, author Mira Grant (the pen name she uses for her zombie fiction), and the person behind one of my favorite tumblrs. Her reblogged gifs are the entire reason I marathoned Leverage last year.

When she isn't narrating audiobooks, Mary Robinette Kowal writes the Glamourist Histories series (a series which I've mentioned loving before), works as a professional puppeteer, and offers writing advice and guidance. Speaking of which, I'm happy to announce that Mary will be coming to Carnegie-Stout Public Library in Dubuque, Iowa this October! I'll be sharing more details as the event approaches, but if you want to make sure you're up to date on all the events offered to adults at Carnegie-Stout, be sure to sign up for our new monthly newsletter.

~Sarah, Adult Services

*Why yes, it is almost my lunch break. However did you guess?

Deus ex Libro

The paranormal and urban fantasy labels cover a wide variety of books, from bubbly and romantic to dark and gritty. From fairies to vampires, readers will find themselves browsing in the Science Fiction, Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, and Mystery sections to find their next books. That's why we're here to help you narrow down the search.

Recently I've enjoyed several series that feature the interference of the gods in the lives of mortals, especially one particular mortal singled out for the gods' attention and all the chaos that comes with it.  Each of these series are also fast-paced with first-person narration and darker humor, but after that, they're all a little different.

Hounded by Kevin Hearne
The first book in Hearne's Iron Druid chronicles is an action-packed romp through Celtic mythology in the Arizona desert. Atticus O'Sullivan is the last of the druids, and he's been on the run for centuries, what with having stole the vengeful god of love's sword. Despite his great age, Atticus is more of a footloose twenty-something than a wise mystic, but at least he has his trusty partner, Oberon, the wisecracking Irish wolfhound.

Readers may also enjoy: Storm Front by Jim Butcher, see Andrew's review here.


Black Blade Blues by J.A. Pitts
Somewhat more serious and moody, J.A. Pitts' series follows Sarah Beauhall as she struggles to find her balance as an adult. Between student debt, a non-existent relationship with her family, two jobs (blacksmith and prop master for a local b-studio) and relationship troubles with her girlfriend, the last thing she needs is to become the wielder of Gram, an ancient Norse blade made for killing dragons. Personal growth, vast conspiracies, epic battles, and an old homeless man who might be Odin.

Readers may also enjoy: Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey.


Urban Shaman by C.E. Murphy
Urban Shaman, the first book in C.E. Murphy's Walker Papers series, is a bit more menacing in tone. Set in the Pacific Northwest, the series starts as Joanne Walker's life falls to pieces. Her mother just died, she's about to be fired from her job as a police mechanic, and the woman she's trying to help claims that she's being hunted by Cernunnos, god and leader of the Wild Hunt. But Cernunnos isn't the only god taking an interest in Joanne's life. It's sarcastic and violent, with interesting characters, and a murder mystery for good measure.

Readers may also enjoy: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs, see Amy's review here.


First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones 
The first book in Ms. Jones' fast-paced series featuring Charley Davidson, private investigator and grim reaper. The story is irreverently funny to balance the darkness of the crimes, and when you add in a deliciously steamy romantic sub plot, you get a fun and suspenseful read. I won't spoil the surprise by revealing the identity of Charley's supernatural lover because the reveal sets up the next book in the series. The narrator of the audio book (available as a download through OverDrive) does an excellent job of matching the novel's tone.

Readers may also enjoy: Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson.

If you're looking for more books where ancient gods interfere with the modern world try:
Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips
American Gods by Neil Gaiman


Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Strange Brew edited by P.N. Elrod

Strange Brew is a collection of short stories edited by P.N. Elrod.  I picked up this anthology based upon one story written by Patricia Briggs called "Seeing Eye".  Briggs is one of my favorite fantasy authors and I was excited to read her contribution.  In addition to "Seeing Eye" there are stories by Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Karen Chance, P.N. Elrod, Charlaine Harris, Faith Hunter, Caitlin Kittredge and Jenna Maclaine.  With the exception of Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs and Rachel Caine, the authors were new to me so this collection of stories gave me the opportunity to sample their writing in 30 to 40 pages.  Usually an anthology has a theme that connects all of the stories and the theme of Strange Brew is witches and dark magic.
 
Obviously I was excited to read Briggs' story "Seeing Eye" about werewolf Tom Franklin and witch Wendy Moira Kelley.  Tom and Moira were introduced in "Hunting Ground," the second book in Briggs' Alpha and Omega series. Tom is a police officer and also the second in command of the Seattle werewolf pack.  He has to work with Moira, who just happens to be blind, to solve a crime.  Naturally you would think a blind witch would need extra help (and of course that is just what Tom thinks), but as it turns out Moira is no pushover.  This short story had everything I love about Briggs' writing.  Her female characters may get into trouble but they can usually find a way to save themselves.  She also infuses just enough humor into her writing to cut some of the tension without making a mockery of dangerous situations.  My love for Patricia Briggs began with "Moon Called" the first book in the Mercy Thompson series and has extended to the Alpha and Omega series.

Hello Faith Hunter! Where have you been hiding?  "Signatures of the Dead" by Hunter introduced me to Jane Yellowrock.  A witch and her family are threatened by a group of dangerous (more dangerous than usual that is) vampires.  Enter Jane Yellowrock, vampire hunter, full blooded Cherokee, and skinwalker. Jane isn't a were-anything, she is a woman who becomes another animal (she prefers some type of big cat). Jane has no family to speak of and the threatened witch, Molly, happens to be Jane's best friend.  Although Jane was a supporting character she was by far the most compelling.  After reading this short story I was happy to learn that Jane Yellowrock is the star of her own series starting with "Skinwalker". Fans of Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series and Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series should check out Faith Hunter.

I've read several of Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampire books, a series written for young adults.  "Death Warmed Over" gave me a chance to sample how she writes for adults.  This is an interesting story about Holly,  a resurrection witch, who takes on a job for the police department.  She is asked to resurrect a man named Andrew because the police need him to solve a crime.  The twist in this story is that this isn't the first time Holly has had to resurrect Andrew and this time the stakes are much higher than before. 

Clearly I enjoy fantasy with strong female characters and a mix of supernatural creatures (werewolves, vampires, witches etc.) and just because the other stories didn't resonate with me doesn't mean they are not worth reading. With that said, I am going to shamelessly plug Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series starting with "Bitten". I discovered Kelley Armstrong in another anthology titled "My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon" also edited by P.N Elrod. If you are looking for someone new to read or a new "favorite author" I highly recommend picking up an anthology.  Think of it as sampling authors like you would ice cream flavors. 

~Amy, Adult Services

Spotlight: Fairy Tales

Though some of us put fairy tales aside as something for children (or babies), the truth is that many of these stories were originally intended for all ages or even adult audiences. Of course, some of us never outgrow our love for the fantastic, magic and danger and things seen from the corner of your eye.

The enduring appeal of these stories is handily demonstrated by the fact that 2012 saw not one, but two movies based on the story of Snow White: Snow White and the Huntsman (starring Charlize Theron and Kristan Stewart) and Mirror, Mirror (starring Julia Roberts and Sean Bean). And on television this fall will be the second seasons of both Grimm and Once Upon a Time.

Before we get too far, Carnegie-Stout does have collections of classic fairy tales by The Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, Edmund Spenser, and Charles Perrault. And there are even more in the children's section.

Because fairy tales come from the tradition of oral storytelling, there's been no shortage of adaptations, remixes, and retellings over the years. For example you have Disney's animated feature Beauty and the Beast, the '80s television program Beauty and the Beast, the modern day YA novel (and movie) Beastly, and, of course, the numerous variations in the romance section.

We have graphic novels inspired by fairy tales, from Castle Waiting by Linda Medley (see Andrew's staff review) to the Fables series by Bill Willingham. Both of which take elements familiar from bed time stories, and create something for a more adult audience (Fables, in particular, is not meant for younger readers).

Many authors have built careers around creating or recreating fairy tales. J.R.R. Tolkien has inspired generations of fantasy fans with his tales of Middle-earth. Charles de Lint was one of the original authors of urban fantasy (the kind without vampires), and Holly Black helped to reinvent the sub-genre for modern YA readers. Eowyn Ivey's recent debut novel, The Snow Child, is a retelling of a Russian fairy tale, and yes, she's named after the Tolkien character.

There are many, many more examples, but we don't want to overwhelm you. If you're not sure where to start, try My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me (Fiction Short My), a collection of fairy tales by 40 contemporary authors. Stop by the Recommendations Desk or submit a Personal Recommendations request online, and we'll help you find a new version of your favorite story.

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Storm Front, the first novel in Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series, is a fast-paced and exciting read with a twisty mystery and plenty of magical action. The main character, Harry Dresden, is a professional wizard with a tarnished past living in Chicago and trying to eek out a living doing private investigation work and consulting with the Chicago PD’s Special Investigations unit.

Urban fantasy is all over the place these days. We’ve got shelf after shelf of books about witches, vampires, shapeshifters, and fairies who solve crimes and fight evil in a gritty modern setting. As much as the genre appeals to me, I’d tried a lot of urban fantasy series without finding one that really held my attention. For one thing, most of what I’d tried was paranormal romance and I don’t have a lot of patience for angsty longing or meaningful glances. Butcher leaves the romance out and draws inspiration from hard-boiled detective novels, which suited me fine.

Storm Front opens with Dresden in his office worrying about his rent payment. He’s interrupted by a phone call from a woman in distress and then another from a police detective who needs his help with a grisly magical murder. The plot quickly develops into a tangle of demons, mobsters, and thaumaturgy as Dresden chases down leads and leans on informants. It’s not unlike a Raymond Chandler story expect Dresden is more likely to pull a wand than a gun. Butcher doesn’t break a lot of new ground in either the mystery or fantasy genres but he gives each some new twists and combines them with a well-developed voice and highly readable style.

I’d been meaning to check out the Dresden Files ever since I heard their virtues extolled by Patrick Rothfuss, author of the Kingkiller Chronicles. I’m often in the market for some unpretentious plot-driven fantasy and am quite happy to have a well-established series to add to that reading list. The trick now will be to keep myself from plowing through five or six of them in quick succession like a foolish child with a sack of Halloween candy.

~Andrew