Uncreated Conscience

I make it no secret how much I adore Jacqueline Carey and her Kushiel books. I have read every novel set in that universe. There have been 7 books to date. Carey writes with lush, descriptive (but not overwrought) prose, develops a killer fantasy world that is both heartbreakingly realistic and a place to which [...]

So, I read a lot when I am given the time, and I definitely had a lot of that when I was home. Reading and eating. I think I’ve gained about 15lbs since coming back to LA. Oh dear. Anyway! Books! Books I have read and will now review for you! KUSHIEL’S MERCY by Jacqueline [...]

I must have the memory of a goldfish when it comes to the effects of alcohol on my body. Two drinks on an empty stomach is not a good idea, especially when you have no tolerance to begin with. I stumbled home around 10:00pm last night after having met with my darling Sofa and then [...]

I really ought to follow the WordPress development blog/changelog more often so that when I do update to the next version I’m not completely and utterly shocked by the new interface. But I extend wholehearted kudos; it’s much more intuitive and faster-loading than the previous versions. In another life I was a computer programmer of [...]

I want to read a book about comfortable love. Sure it doesn’t make for much drama, but comfortable love is my version of sugary-sweet fluffy candy. I think part of the reason Kushiel’s Avatar is my favourite of Jacqueline Carey‘s books because Joscelin and Phèdre’s love is comfortable, even if external forces put it through hell and back. Is there anything wrong with sure and constant love? Why must there always be the token misunderstanding or opposing parents or some other ridiculously contrived plot trick to keep two lovers apart? Worse than keeping lovers physically apart I think is the “Oh this person wronged me, I cannot love them anymore, yet why do I pine and wine constantly?” I think this is my biggest issue with romance novels because the Token Misunderstanding is a huge component of so many books. Also, can we please, please, please not have the sexxing up front? Usually it boils down to: [...]