Ellery Adams - Peach Pies and Alibis (2013)

This is book two in the Charmed Pie Shoppe mystery series.

American writers really do love to "Americanise" the Arthurian myth. In this series the LeFaye women are direct descendants of the good Morgan LeFay, and their nasty counter-parts are from Queen Guinevere. Perhaps America is a mirror-verse of England?

Having grown up on the Arthurian myth, particularly via Susan Cooper and T.H. White, the book seemed really implausible. Why would all of the Arthurian characters ditch England for America? Particularly when one of the main aspects of the myth is how Arthur is the great hero for England's times of peril? (Although I think he missed the boat on World War II. Perhaps his supernatural alarm didn't go off?)

Anyways, ignore the myth and you do have a good book. The story is interesting, each of the LeFaye women has a specific gift. The lead character, Ella Mae, can bake pies that enchant people to do or feel what she wants them to. It borders on manipulation (or has crossed that border), but fortunately Ella Mae is a good encantress and she tries to help make people's lives better, even when she doesn't like them. This helps her solve mysteries and find murderers - although in this book Ella Mae has to do it before they all lose their powers. No pressure kid.

Lilith Saintcrow - The Iron Wyrm Affair (2012)

The Bannon & Clare series is an interesting mix of magic and steampunk. The world is very dark, but that's usual for a Saintcrow novel. Clare is the deductive of the pair - think Sherlock Holmes. Bannon, though, is no Dr. Watson. She's a powerful sorceress in the employ of the Queen. A distant and controlled woman, intent on her duty at the expense of everything, even herself.

This series is fun - and not just because there are dragons! But, seriously, DRAGONS!!! The Iron Wyrm Affair is a search for conspirators who are killing off Mentaths, the only people with the ability to locate and stop them before they achieve their aim - taking over the Empire. The dialog is a bit naff - Saintcrow is trying for Victorian mannerisms and sounding stiff and mocking. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book. I'm so glad Saintcrow has written another strong woman character who doesn't need a man, doesn't give in to men's insecurities, doesn't give a damn what men think. That's my favourite part of her books - all the strong capable women who do what has to be done, almost without emotion, because it's the only way they survive the dark worlds.

Lynn Viehl - The Clockwork Wolf (2014)

This is book two in Viehl's Disenchanted & Co series and absolutely the best Steampunk novel I have ever read. It's just so full of ingenious ideas, inventions and fun plots. I could not put the book down, resented every interruption by my family and was completely devastated when I finished reading and realised I'd probably be waiting a YEAR for book three!

In this adventure Kit investigates rampaging mechanised wolfmen and finds much more of a plot than she initially thought possible, one that almost destroys the city of Rumsen. It's magic and steam-powered machinery in a Victorian era Toriana (America). The imagery is beautiful and doesn't overwhelm the story, just enhances it. The plot is superb and completely unexpected, yet believable. If you're a Steampunk enthusiast you cannot do better than this series.

Eoin Colfer - Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex

This is Eoin Colfer's seventh book in the Artemis Fowl series. It's a great set of books, but this one isn't as good as the others. Artemis Fowl is a genius, a criminal mastermind and a friend to the fairies. In this book he develops what the fairies call 'Atlantis Complex' resulting from too much exposure to fae magic. It brings out an alternate personality, in Artemis it bought out a nice sickly boring stupid one. And that's why the book was flat, because it's nothing without Artemis' planning and scheming. It became a story of the supporting characters with a few surfacing thoughts from the real Artemis thrown in. I'm not sure how they managed to save the fairy city without him and I don't think they should have bothered putting his name in the title since he was absent through most of it.

Anyways, still a good read, but not as enjoyable as all the others. I can't see how there could be any more books in the series unless some of the supporting characters are killed off or have a personality transplant. They're holding Artemis back from what he does best and dulling the fun. Here's hoping Colfer comes back with a bang and Artemis decides to take over the world. Life is more fun when he's in criminal mastermind mode.

Cassandra Clare - Clockwork Angel (2010)

This is the first book in Cassandra Clare's new series The Infernal Devices, it's also a prequel to her excellent Mortal Instruments series. This series is set in the Victorian era and follows the arrival in England of Tessa Gray, a sixteen year old orphan, who seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters. The Shadowhunters keep the balance between humanity and Downworlders (Vampires, Demons, Warlocks and other supernaturals). Tessa gets caught up in the Shadowhunters fight when Downworlders try to use her shape-shifting ability to bring down the Shadowhunters so they can use and abuse humanity as they choose.

It's a fun book. Definitely aimed at the current teen trend towards paranormal romance. I liked it and I liked the first series too. I'm enjoying the Victorian aspects in the book. The historical edge with the paranormal and the strong female characters are something I'm attracted to. I love a good action book with one or more kick-ass female heroines.

Michael Pryor - Moment of Truth (2010)

This is book 5 in Michael Pryor's incredibly addictive The Laws of Magic series. The story is a mirror-world of our own in the early 1900s before England and Germany were at war. It has many similar historical aspects as the problems between the countries escalate until an assassination leads to war declared. The difference between our world and Albion is the existence of magic.

Think barely-post-Victorian, devious political plots, an evil 'wizard' and countries in danger - this is the daily life of Aubrey, George and Caroline. They're Albion's best hope for survival - a magic-user, a journalist and a suffragette. No, Albion isn't doomed - not yet.

It's hard to explain how exciting these books are without giving away any spoilers. The dialogue is fast and witty, there's no unnecessary fillers and it's hard to put the book down until the last page is read. Even then I was thinking about the story for weeks after and now I'm anxiously awaiting the next book. They're truly a seriously great read.