what kind of reader am i?

Posted on 18/01/2009 by Kris

Besides still not quite believing that I read the entire 16 books in the tbr pile without caving, something that struck me during the experience was how much I like m/m romance.

I know. An odd revelation considering, hey. (It’s a West Aussie thing. We all put ‘hey’ at the end of our sentences.)

Granted there was a Sean Michael and a Kirby Crow in the pile, but I still missed reading it and by the end of the week I was salivating over the new m/m releases, gobbling up reviews and spending more time in the blog community then I ever had before.

All in all, it made me realise how much m/m romance has become an integral part of my reading life.

Some readers get stuck in ruts and go through phases of loving/hating an author or a series or a genre. I’ve done the same in the past, although these phases tend to pass pretty quickly for me because I read so fast.

Generally, however, I’m a reader who likes to mix up authors and genres to keep things interesting.

At the moment I have fantasy, science fiction, young adult, action/adventure, crime/thriller, romantic suspense and m/m romance all waiting to be devoured. (Yes, I have a tbr pile already! Some of the books came in those brown packages, others I, umm, ‘collected’ whilst I was in buying hiatus.)

Despite the evidence, I assure you the interesting mix thing has nothing to do with me having the attention span of a toy poodle. Rather it has everything to do with what kind of reader I am…

The Ultimate Mood Reader!

When I’m in the mood to read a certain type of story that’s it, nothing will get in my way.

I’ve gone online at some ungodly hours to purchase ebooks of every type of description just because I’m in the mood for it.

I’ve also been known to drive over to Mumma’s of an evening because I know she has a book or an author I feeling like reading (and, of course, to steal a bottle of wine 🙂 ). Usually, I ring to place my order first so it’s more like a drive thru as opposed to a stop and visit.

Hopeless?? Naughty?? Yes, yes, I am. Unrepentant?? That too. *grin*

Where was I going with this? Oh right.

Being this type of reader I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to find that I’ve definitely got an ‘m/m’ mood.

Although, as a girl, I have to admit saying “I’m in the mood for some hot man-on-man love” out loud sounds a little… #insert adjective here#. LOL.

Anyway, what type of reader are you? Are you a mood reader too? If so, to what lengths have you gone to get the type of book you’ve wanted to read? C’mon ‘fess up. I did.

Posted in m/m, moody reading | 4 Comments

you know it’s hot when…

Posted on 16/01/2009 by Kris

… you’re in the middle of a pedicure and the power board blows at your local shopping centre. Instant squeals of alarm and panic.

Surprisingly the toes look fabulous even though the paint job was done by candlelight. Verrry atmospheric.

Still, I’m thanking all the Gods I can think of that the waxing had been over and done with by then. Cos otherwise…

Posted in randomness | 5 Comments

my book challenge or how the hell fast do i really read

Posted on 15/01/2009 by Kris


The Premise: In the spirit of her 2009 Readolution 2, Kris decided to finish the 16 books she had before buying any more new releases or opening the packages of eagerly awaiteds that had arrived in the mail.

“Help us, Kris, help us. Save us from our brown, paper prisons.”

The Motivational Chant:

Can Kris do it? Yes, she can!

The Beginning: Started reading 7pm Perth time on Wed 7 Jan.

The Middle (books finished):
Red by Jordan Summers
Ecstasy by Jacquelyn Frank (DNF @ p. 242)
Skulduggery Pleasant-Playing with Fire by Derek Landy
Mouth to Mouth by Erin McCarthy
You Don’t Know Jack by Erin McCarthy
Bitten by Sean Michael
The Land of Night by Kirby Crow
Murder Game by Christine Feehan
Lady of Light & Shadows by C L Wilson
Clockwork Heart by Dru Pagliassotti
Dragon Actually by G A Aiken
Artemis Fowl & the Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer
One Silent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Daylight by Elizabeth Knox (dipped)
The Tales of Beetle the Bard by J K Rowling
Brisingr by Christopher Paolini (friggin awkward to read in trade paperback – now have RSI)

The End: Finished reading 11.30pm Perth time on Wed 14 Jan. THANK. FUCK.

The Good Fairy’s Moral of the Story: You finish what you start; perseverance pays off…

*Kris interrupts rolling eyes* What. Ever.

Kris’ Moral of the Story: Never, ever, ever agree to do something so stupid again unless there is a seriously big pay off at the end, which comes at someone else’s angst and expense.

The Recovery:

Some members of Kris’ medical team. These nurses are responsible for sponge baths, fetching medicinal beverages, reading aloud from eagerly awaiteds, etc.
Posted in cookies, My 2009 Readolution 2, pretties, reading, tbr books | 9 Comments

more on our story…

Posted on 14/01/2009 by Kris

Yesterday, this blog broke the news of Kris the Book Goddess’ collapse.

Close sources reveal that it was not in fact sudden, but the result of a week long illness diagnosed as Biblio Ennui, more commonly known as ‘the reading challenge’.

The Goddess’ representatives, the Russian Blue Catultancy, posted early this morning thanking bloglandians for their outpouring of love and support and stating

“Although medical staff were most concerned about the final, 16th stage of the disease, Kris is expected to make a full recovery.”

“We are also pleased to advise that Biblio Ennui, like the Measles, is not likely to recur and those unfortunate enough to fall victim of this illness are generally then cured for life.”

This blog also retracts certain comments made yesterday about packages arriving at Ms Goddess’ house. It is now known these were in fact part of the treatment for ‘the reading challenge’.

This blog apologises for any inference that these related to an addiction of some kind.

We join with other bloglandians in sending The Goddess our best wishes for a ‘Speedy’ recovery.

Posted in further randomness, me, tbr books | 4 Comments

in breaking news…

Posted on 14/01/2009 by Kris

Late this afternoon, Kris the Book Goddess, known to many as Speedy Krizales, collapsed suddenly.

This blog has not been able to confirm details of the mystery illness, although her partially invisible associates agree that recent incidents of stupidity and randomness could have been early symptoms of the disease.

It is understood however that one particular thread was immediately cut off after an anonymous commentor raised the possibility the much-loved blogger had fallen prey to something referred to as ’15 of 16′.

Despite assurances online identities will be protected and not subject to any enquiries, no one has come forward to any posts requesting further information.

It is also unclear if this could this be related to reports of bulky, brown paper packages arriving daily to Ms Goddess’ residence.

A formal comment is expected to be made by her representatives Feliks and Boris shortly.

This blog will bring you more as news comes to hand.

Posted in me, randomness, tbr books | 4 Comments

bits & bobs

Posted on 14/01/2009 by Kris

Complete randomness from me today because my brain has turned to mush.

Reasons: I only have two books to go in the ‘Bloody 16’ one of which is the hugmongous Brisinger; and, a THIRD book package arrived. The world is conspiring against me! Damn you world! *shaking fist*

Because I’ve got nothing, I thought I’d share a few interesting things I’ve been following in bloglandia~

~ The results of Wave’s recent post re: ‘burning gay questions’. I am no longer the wide-eyed innocent after reading the comments on the original post.

~ The Book Smugglers are in the midst of a Manga Appreciation Week for those of you who like this genre. I will be tossing a coin as to whether my next online book buying spree will be m/m romance or manga. Decisions, decisions. *g*

~ m/m author T A Chase’s new serial is a historical western and complete goodness. Check out part one here. T A posts these freebies Tuesday and Thursday; Wednesday and Friday for me, and now two of my fave days of the week.

~ CJ’s ‘laboratory-proven book ranking process’. Read it, it’s true stuff.

and for final randomness

~ I’ve been known to lurk at JenB’s blog and I have to say every single time I see her banner I just want to slurp. Every. Single. Time.

Yep, I ganked it. Why? Are you kidding??? And no telling neither!

So. Tasty.

Posted in carolyn jean, JenB, Jessewave, randomness, stuff-not mine, T A Chase, The Book Smugglers | Leave a comment

a wee bit disappointed

Posted on 13/01/2009 by Kris

I’ve recently read two books by different authors where I’ve come away with the impression they’re getting tired of writing that particular series.

I can understand how this may happen, especially when a series has developed into multiologies, but as a reader and a fan I must say I was disappointed.

Not that the books were poorly written, the stories stale, or anything, rather they just weren’t up to the same par as those prior to them.

The first book was Kay Hooper’s Blood Sins. This is the second book in the latest trilogy which forms part of the larger Noah Bishop/Special Crimes Unit series. (I think I just confused myself.)

Anyway the Mumma and I agreed this was the quickest read we’d both had for a while.

It was SO that quick; even for Speedy Krizales. (I was going to say ‘Spready Krizales’, but… skanky much?!)

It just didn’t seem to have the characterisation and plot development I’ve come to enjoy – and, yes, expect – in this series and the relationship between the h and h… well, there wasn’t much of one. Maybe this is something which will continue in the last book of the trilogy? Not sure. I’ll still be picking up the third book regardless of my reactions to the second; in other words, the overall story arc gets the thumbs up and I definitely need to know who done it.

The second book was the latest Laurell K Hamilton in the Merry Gentry series, Swallowing Darkness.

I was happily reading until the last few chapters when ‘bing’ a story thread was tied up, ‘bang’ then another, before ‘bam’, that’s it, it’s all over. Well, that’s what it felt like anyway. I haven’t bothered to check to see if there will be any more in the series, but I can’t see how there will be because everything was more or less wrapped up in pretty paper with a neat bow AND sparkly glitter on top.

I could be exaggerating (a little); however, I also had a few WTF moments whilst reading the end of the book. The main one being (SPOILER ALERT) when she gave up the crown for one of her guys despite the big deal made throughout the series about her fighting the good fight for ALL of her people. Yeah, yeah, happy, happy, blah, blah. Still…

My response to both books made me think more about Jenre’s discussion re: authorial voice in writing, in particular when personal attitudes to a story/book itself may become obvious to a reader – whether the author intended them to or not.

Has anyone else read either of these books (or any other book in a series) and come away with similar impressions about the author getting tired of what they’re doing? I’d be interested to know.

Posted in book series, Jenre, Kay Hooper, Laurell K Hamilton, reading, weird | 2 Comments

a story which only other bibliophiles will appreciate

Posted on 11/01/2009 by Kris

It’s true I went a little crazy when all the ‘best ofs’ were being posted and ordered a LOT of books (this was done BEFORE my readolutions so I’m still on track!). Hey, I got $$ for Christmas so I figured technically it wasn’t really MY money I was spending… well, it worked for me.

One of the authors I kept on reading about was C L Wilson and her Tairen Soul (fantasy) series. Not only was she mentioned in a number of ‘best ofs’, but the last book in the series, Queen of Song and Souls, was listed in several ‘most anticipateds’ for 2009.

Anyway, when I went to pick up books I’d ordered from the tame romance bookstore, I also got a C L Wilson thinking I’d give it a whirl and see what everyone’s raving about.

This is me: reading, ‘I have no idea what the hell is going on’, reading, ‘God, this is taking me ages to get into’, reading, ‘I need more back story’, reading, reading, reading, the end, ‘Yeah that was pretty good, but… am I missing something?’.

Later, because I’m doing so well with the ‘Bloody 16’, I rewarded myself by going through the latest catalogue from said tame bookstore. Did you know the latest Rachel Caine in the Morganville series is out? And the next in Jessica Andersen‘s The Final Prophecy series as well as the last book of Robin D Owens‘ Lladrana series??? I KNOW! My world is so shiny!

So I ordered a few – okay 5 – books and decided I’d see if the bookstore had any others by C L Wilson. To work out which book came next in the series I went to the author’s website, only to discover I’d read this

instead of this

Guess which one is the first book in the series.

Yes, apparently not only do I suck, but I’m a complete idiot! It also explains why the meeting etc of the two main characters; one of the main gripes I had, was never dealt with in Lady of Light and Shadows.

Needless to say, I’ve now ordered Lord of the Fading Lands and will be (re)reading the series in sequence this time.

Signed, Kris the Twit.

Posted in book series, C L Wilson, I suck | 7 Comments

it’s a small, small world

Posted on 11/01/2009 by Kris

I’ve read a number of thought-provoking discussions this past week.

The first was by Lisabea in which she talked about readers being positively and negatively influenced by the personalities of authors. The second was Jenre’s response to this post and some of the comments made there.

I found both of these very interesting because, in all honesty, up until recently I lived in a bubble where I liked the books I liked regardless of… well, anything.

Discovering bloglandia has been an eye-opening experience for me.

On the one hand, lurking on blogs and participating in discussions has revitalised my passion for reading and books, but on the other, I’ve been at times astonished, amused, confused, horrified and furious at some of the posts and comments made by e-authors in particular.

Today I caught wind of a discussion happening at Dear Author regarding some industry news about Ellora’s Cave. Considering the fact I’ve just raved about how much I like their m/m romance covers I thought I’d go and have a read.

Good. Grief.

I’ve never had any issues with EC, although I admit I haven’t purchased many of their books lately. This is mainly because I prefer to shop at one-stop bookstores for my e-books and as far as I can tell EC does not appear to distribute this way.

Will some of the comments made by EC themselves or their current and former authors influence whether I buy any more books from them? Probably yes and no. Yes because I’m sure I’ll have second (and third) thoughts about making too many purchases from them, and no because, quite frankly, if I like the sound of a book or if it’s an author I enjoy reading I’ll still buy it anyway.

However, I must say the issue of those involved in the e-book industry, whether e-author or e-publisher, being more conscious of their internet presence and the impact this might have on their reputations, sales, etc is something to which I wholeheartedly agree.

It seems very odd to me how some individuals can be completely oblivious to how disastrously they sometimes present themselves, especially to their readers.

It also reminds me of a saying that sums up my thoughts on the matter exactly; that is,

‘you don’t shit where you eat’.

Crass, but true nevertheless.

PS – I posted the above before the DA blog (in my view) degenerated into the personal, although some of the latter commentary there certainly does reinforce my opinion.

Posted in dear author, Ellora's Cave, Jenre, Lisabea, wankfestery, weird | 8 Comments

maybe it’s me, but…

Posted on 08/01/2009 by Kris

The project from hell is seriously kicking my butt this week, which has meant less time for me to write for the blog (although this hasn’t stopped me from posting comments elsewhere, has it? hee, hee).

I am also focused on my 16 book challenge (see side bar for updates). Yeah, yeah, Readolution 2, blah, blah. It actually has more to do with the two (count them, TWO) packages of books I have within which are some, if not all, of my eagerly awaiteds.


How many books do you think are in there anyway?

Do you have any idea how hard it is for me not to open the packages because I promised myself I would first read all the books I already had?! I was obviously insane! Sixteen books! And, no, I can’t open them. (Modesty aside) I know I am a Goddess for not reading during working hours, but even I would be vanquished by the power of the eagerly awaiteds should they be freed from their brown prisons. *wailing* Life is SO unfair.

Anyway *sucking it up* since I haven’t done a ‘maybe it’s me’ for a while I thought I would throw something out there in bloglandia to see if anyone else has noticed the same thing. What you ask? Take a look at these, dear partially invisible friends.



Don’t ask me about the stories, I’m busy ogling!

Are the guys on the Ellora’s Cave book covers seriously built or what!

I have that scene in my head from Mel Brooks’ History of the World: Part 1 where the Empress Nympho is selecting her slaves (“yes, no, no, no, no, no, no, yes.. “). This is how I imagine the models for the book covers being chosen, which of course would be totally discriminatory and objectifying if it were true. Right? *cough* Yes, right!

You know looking at these a whole heap of ‘b’ words spring to mind… buff, belly, beautiful, back, bulging, bare…

Yummy! Okay, now I’m ready to begin my work day.

Posted in book covers, Ellora's Cave, maybe it's me but, pretties, tbr books | 11 Comments