Undead and Unemployed - MaryJanice Davidson

Betsy Taylor is adjusting to life after death as a vampire, but she still needs a job. To satisfy her lust for sexy shoes, she lands one in Macy's, but one night she is attacked by zit-remedy-scented slayers who are targeting female vampires. While trying to find out who is behind the plot, she befriends an adolescent gang called the Blade Warriors and the kindly priest who leads them. Betsy's unwanted consort, sexy Eric Sinclair, king of the vampires, doesn't know how to deal with a vampire queen who sneezes at holy water and wears a cross around her neck, and a charming subplot involving a mysterious five-year-old girl in saddle shoes adds poignancy to this wickedly clever and amusing romp. Davidson's witty dialogue, fast pacing, smart plotting, laugh-out-loud humor, and sexy relationships make this a joy to read. And Betsy's second adventure, following her debut in Undead and Unwed. The third and fourth novels are called: Undead and Unappreciated and Undead and Unreturnable. This is a great series and you will love it. It’s funny and a quick read.

Jenn

Storm Front - Jim Butcher

I recently discovered a new series that has been out there for awhile, well at least long enough for eight books to come out. I like coming into a long series when most of it is out in paperback already. That means I don’t have to wait a year for the next book to come out. In fact, there are probably several books on my bookcases that have sequals that I have forgotten about.

The Dresden Files is an exciting series. I really like the wit and humor that the main character shows. The first book Storm Front, had me up all night, just simply because I did not want to put it down. Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things -- and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a -- well, whatever.

There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get... interesting.

Magic. It can get a guy killed.

I am reading the second in the series now, Full Moon. I will tell you about it later.

Jenn

Revolution on Canvas - Rich Balling

This book, Revolution on Canvas by Rich Balling, is absolutely amazing. The poetry is insightful, and the bands deserve so much credit for their extreme talent. I find that it makes a great present for music lovers. You can't read this without finding something that will make you laugh or cry. This book proves that creativity is not dead in the independent music scene. It showcases hundreds of poems and prose pieces, as well as several artistic ventures, from the some of the most respected indie musicians of the day. Its contributors span from the well-established, barely-indie Something Corporate and Taking Back Sunday to up-and-comers on the verge of breaking through such as The Academy Is. I personally loved it and constantly find myself flipping through it. Some other bands that have contributed works include Silverstein, The Bled, Boys Night Out, From Autumn to Ashes, This Day Forward, Planes Mistaken For Stars, The Starting Line, Fear Before The March of Flames, and many more. For a good handle on modern poetry, or if you like any of these bands pick up this book.

Even if you are not a fan of punk/emo/hardcore/indie/whatever, you will still enjoy this eclectic collection. It's a poetry book so you can read it over and over again. I teach Freshman Composition and I use this book during my poetry/lyrics section. They seem to enjoy it also. You can buy it for about eight dollars from Amazon.

Jenn