Sweep in Peace

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Jilly: Digging Deeper

Do you have a specialist subject or some arcane body of knowledge? Have you ever seen it used to power a novel? Did the author get it right? Does it affect how you feel about their writing in general?

This morning I’ve been reading the comments on one of my favorite blogs with a mixture of awe and fascination.

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a huge fan of Ilona Andrews’ writing, and one of my favorite free weekend treats is to read the latest installment of One Fell Sweep, the third book in their self-published Innkeeper Chronicles (click here to read my thoughts on the second book, Sweep In Peace). The books are posted free as a weekly serial Continue reading →

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Jilly: Fantasizing About Book Covers

Alexis DoeWould you buy a book (or at least give it a second look) because it has a great cover?

I buy my books based on recommendations and reviews, and in the past I’ve never paid much attention to the packaging, especially as I know that often traditionally published authors don’t have much say over their covers. They’re the publisher’s responsibility, designed by the marketing department to sell as many books as possible, and sometimes they aren’t a perfect reflection of the story inside.

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Jilly: Magic Stars – A Dark, Beautiful Promise

magic_stars_smWhen I read that my favorite fantasy author, Ilona Andrews, planned to self-publish a novella in time for Christmas, I did the happy dance. Then I learned that the protagonist of Magic Stars was Derek, an important and much-loved secondary character from the bestselling Kate Daniels series, and I started counting the days.

There was no chance of me saving this book for a holiday treat. I applied for and was lucky enough to receive an ARC, which arrived in my in-box just before 11pm one night. Suffice it to say I didn’t go early to bed 😉 .

It’s no criticism to say this book is not what I was expecting. It was much, much more.

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Jilly: Good Book Squee – Sweep In Peace (Ilona Andrews)

Sweep In PeaceYesterday, Michaeline explained her willingness to shell out $15 for a digital ARC of a book that she fully intends to buy again, in hardback, when it’s officially published. Today I’d like to share my excitement that Sweep In Peace, a book I’ve already read for free, is available to pre-order.

I hoover up everything Ilona Andrews writes, even her blog posts. She and her husband, Gordon, have a knack of creating worlds and characters that make me deeply happy. I get a lasting positive buzz from all their books – the mixture of humor, humanity, imagination, good writing and excellent craft fills me with joy – but I have an extra soft spot for the Innkeeper series (Clean Sweep and Sweep In Peace) because of the way I first read them.

The Innkeeper books Continue reading →