The Dead Travel Fast

I have been so anxious to read this book, it isn't even funny. The second I first caught wind of it, I started a mental countdown. So, imagine my surprise when I walked into my new local library for the first time, and BAM! There it was. (You must understand that I'm really not used to the libraries having books that I enjoy reading. Most have a very slim selection around here!)

I immensely enjoyed Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia books. They are very dear to my heart. So it was with great joy that I picked up 'The Dead Travel Fast' and it was with some trembling (with excitement, of course) that I opened the cover for the first time.

Theodora Lestrange is in quite the predicament. Her grandfather, and sole guardian, has passed away, leaving her to live with her sister and her brother-in-law, along with their 4 children. Her brother-in-law, who means well, but is, to put it mildly, dull, is desperately trying to come up with something to do with Theodora. Who, thankfully, has a plan.

Her schoolgirl friend, Cosmina has invited her to visit. Transylvania. To celebrate her upcoming wedding. To the Count Dragulescu. (Does not the whole thing sound delightful?!?)
She understandably grasps at the chance and, though her family is skeptical, Theodora insists. A budding novelist, she is certain that, along with providing an escape from her well-meaning family, it will also provide boundless inspiration for her novel.

As soon as she arrives, she is immediately drawn-against her better judgement- to the Count. While there, in the Castle Dragulescu, she witnesses things that at once seem so real, and yet, cannot possibly be. The things out of horror stories. Things her dear friend had whispered at night to her as children. Supernatural things that cannot possible be happening.

This, my friends, is the stuff good novels are made of! It had a little suspense, a little romance, a little bit of everything. It kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something new cropped up and had me re-evaluating everything. Which I liked! I'll admit that I fell a little in love with Andrei, and I absolutely ADORE how this book ended. And now, I simply cannot wait for Ms Raybourn's next novel, which (huzzah!) happens to be a Julia Gray.

I also want to share this beautiful picture I found that totally captures the essence of this book. I heart it!

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Isn't it great? Perfect.

Soulless, by Gail Carriger

"A Novel about Werewolves, Vampires, and Parasols"

As soon as I read that, I knew I'd have to possess this book. I'm sure most of us have noticed the recent trend lately in fiction, being namely, werewolves and vampires. For myself, I have become heartily sick of all these vampire books! Not that I have anything against vamps. Not in the slightest. I think there is something very intriguing, morbid and incredibly sexy about vampires. I just get tired of seeing book after book about them every time I venture into the bookstore.

But this!

First of all, isn't the cover of this book just delightful?! Going by covers alone (which I know we aren't supposed to do), I would have picked up this book. It has that different something or other about it that you don't see often. I love how you can't even really see her face. You're left to look at body language, clothing and a parasol. I heart it.

Like I said, I've wanted, no, needed this book since I first saw the cover. Recently, I joined an online book club, and we were each asked to suggest a book, naturally, went through my goodreads account, scouring my 'to-read' shelf. As soon as I saw it, I knew what I'd be suggesting! And, whatdyaknow? It got chosen! :)

So, as soon as March 1st rolled around, I picked up this lovely book that had been burning a hole on my bookshelf and began reading. As of right now, I have about 3 or 4 chapters left, so I can't technically post a review yet, especially as I never know who will read this when, and I don't want to give spoilers to other members. But, I had to write this. And, once a respectable amount of time has passed, be assured I will post about this gem.

Ok, ok. I can't just leave it at that. All I'll say is this:

Big, brawny, sexy, broody, Scottish werewolf? Rrawr.