5 comments about Slave (The Cat Star Chronicles).

1. This fast, fun, easy read is just for women looking for a pleasant diversion from the daily grind [pun intended]. Yes, you DO get the goodies in this romance [better than the real thing ]. Of course some of it is slightly over the top, but hilariously so that this reader didn't mind the stretch at all.
   
   SLAVE is the first of what one can only hope will be more of The Cat Star Chronicles, a story of a nearly extinct race whose men were so incredibly sexy that men from other planets ganged up and destroyed their world. This story begins with an Earth woman searching the slave market on Orpheseus Prime for a man to help her in a quest to find a kidnapped sister whose last known location is a planet where all women are chained to their men, so the only way Jacinth Rutland can save her sister is to appear slave to a man. And since she doesn't trust most men, she decided to buy one...then felt so sorry for the way this one had been treated she immediately freed him, which left him so grateful he follows her anyway. And of course this catty man breaks Jacinth's ice eventually and completely while they travel the exotic world of Statzeel looking for her sister.
   
   The science-fiction world building is fairly well done, as well as the characterization and plot--well enough to make this read enjoyable. I will definitely watch for the next book in The Cat Star Chronicles. ~kc heath



2. ...but ended dead last. I agree whole-heartedly with Demi and Emily: great premise, really really strong potential but about two-thirds in the author completely lost me. It was almost painful to finish the book. The editing was terrible, the sex scenes boring, and in terms of character development there was none. It was extremely superficial, somewhat juvenile, and really all over the map. Additionally, there was no character development for Cat, other than learning Earth-slang (which by the way felt forced when it came to even the main character).
   
   The one shining point in this virgin novel is the environment the author created. The development of the other species, with the possible exception of the Nedwuts, shows excellent promise and she did a great job in their introduction. Now if only she could have done that with her main characters!
   
   Ultimately, I ended up giving this book one star because I was extremely disappointed by the lack of depth and total deflation of the plotline. It would have been a lot better if the author hadn't rushed the story but simply allowed to it grow on its own.



3. Cheryl Brooks dedicates this book to anyone seeking the occasional escape from reality, and this book does exactly that. I thought it was a fun and imaginative story. My only criticism would be that during some of the really sexy scenes, the protagonist sometimes goes off on these long, internal monologues that detract from the immediacy of the scene and pull the reader of the story. Otherwise, it was a great debut. I especially liked the rather unique physical attributes of the hero; I would have loved to get inside his head and see the heroine from his POV. Looking forward to more stories from this author.



4. Jacinth (Jack) has spent six years trying to track down her kidnapped sister. She's gotten word that Ranata was taken captive to a world where all women were slaves, where women were continually chained to their men. To be a woman alone on such a world is to be thrown into certain and permanent captivity, so Jacinth needs a male. Finding one she can trust enough to chain herself to, a man who won't sell her and leave, is a challenge. Which is why she finds herself in the slave market in Orpheseus Prime--where she finds the mysterious cat-like alien with the amazing dick.
   
   Jacinth can't bring herself to keep a slave and sets Cat free immediately, but with nowhere to go (his planet was destroyed), he agrees to help her out. Fortunately, Earth-humans are rare enough on the slave planet that Jacinth has no problems getting word of her sister's whereabouts. She does have problems dealing with her own attraction to Cat--and his attraction to her. She's tall and flat--often passing as a man. She has no doubt that Cat will dump her once he gets a look at her sexy sister. Then there's the whole loss of control thing--whenever she has sex, she feels intoxicated and a space pilot has to stay under control.
   
   Unfortunately for Jacinth's control, but fortunately for her sexual wellbeing, Cat is not only incredibly well-endowed, he also secretes some sort of liquid that creates instant orgasm the second it comes into contact with any moist tissues in her body. If she could bottle it up, she could make a fortune, which might explain why Cat's planet was destroyed in the first place.
   
   Author Cheryl Brooks mixes soft science fiction with erotica to deliver a readable story. Cat makes a nice change from the too-common alpha hero of romance--he's content to be Jacinth's slave. And his sexual enhancements are intriguing to think about--as is the strange liquid he emits that drives Jacinth to mega-orgasm.
   
   While Brooks's writing is readable, it doesn't really stand out, and I would have liked to see a bit more development in Jacinth--she seemed to go from whiny and certain her sister would steal her man to in love and confident. Also, a story where the main quest is ultimately irrelevant sets itself a tough burden to overcome. SLAVE is an interesting story, but it falls short of what it could be.



5. When I saw this book and it's sequel, I bought both thinking they sounded pretty fun. Nothing I hate worse than buying the first book then loving it and having to trudge back to the book store to buy the second one... WELL....Sorry I bought the second book now!...... Great idea, bad execution.
   
   It started out decent. But after about the 4th chapter.... not so great. And I swear if I had read one more "Earth saying" meaning. I was going to bang my head against a wall (for those who aren't earthlings.... that means to be so frustrated you have the urge to hit your head against a wall in repetition) URGH.
   
   And don't get me wrong. Love a good sex scene, but really the whole section in the cafe with the nose?!? COME ON.... Not sexy at all.
   
   I never really connected with Jacinth. And she became very annoying after a while (maybe all the explanations of Earth sayings). I didn't feel there was depth to her character. I liked Cat, I thought the author did a good job with his character. The relationship with Cat, fell pretty flat for me. When Jack professes her love to Cat, it's kinda surprising and in left field. Or maybe the bug that bit her was the "love bug" har har.. yea it's that bad.
   
   It felt like work to read the rest of the book. I'm afraid I'll be sticking the next book in the series in the "skim while waiting for something good to be published pile".

5 comments about Black Cat (Gemini).

1. Wow! Thanks! This is why when I see a new VCA coming out I have to buy it... it's a compulsion - MUST HAVE VCA. This book didn't let me down.



2. I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed that according to this book, Celeste was supposedly eleven when she gives birth to Baby Celeste.
   
   I know kids start early these days, but that darn Elliot is such a pedophile! He's old enough to drive and he still can't find enough desperate women to prevent him from going around and raping eleven year olds in the woods. He even thought she was a boy up until a couple minutes before he slept with her. Does that sound like a normal reaction to you?
   
   The front cover on this novel and Celeste boasts "A mommy that is worse than the Flowers In the Attic." I disagree. Her mother was off the wall and eccentric and she buried her son in her daughter's clothing and made her daughter cross dress for years and called her Noble, but I didn't see her feeding anyone arsenic. Of course, there does seem to be some doubt about the way Dave Fletcher died, but this was never clarified.
   
   As far as villians go, the Mother was by no means a sweetheart. She was perverse and cruel and she would give her daughter some kind of herbal tea that made her hallucinate whenever Celeste put on lipstick or tried to brush her hair. But she wasn't THAT bad.
   
   If Celeste had any kind of a backbone she would have just up and left. For most of the book, I was under the impression that she was in her early twenties and just hanging around her house to help her mother and keep the spirits appeased. But at the end of this, I'm set straight. Celeste was only 17 and a half. Her daughter is six. She was a minor.
   
   Everything is clear now. Thank you, ghostwriter!



3. I have read every V.C. Andrew book & this one is like all the rest. It has a good plot and parts of it just grap you. The ending was wonderful. There was a few parts that were kind of slow but then it would pick back up. Now I need to read the next one in the set.



4. When I started reading the Gemini series I was plesently suprised by the darkness in tone. It was a return to form for the author. But as usual the second book falls a little bit short. After Celeste gave birth to Baby Celeste her mother made her go back to being Noble. In this book, things pick up where they left off. Celeste is still Noble and her mother is still wacky. The story continues as Sarah marries the next door neighbor (who is the grandfather of Baby Celeste). This leads to an eventual confrontation with his daughter Betsy. The book concludes kind of abruptly and doesn't leave a great ending.



5. Celeste and Black Cat had a interesting premise, with what happened to the twins. But no reason is given for Mom's madness, or obsessive love for Noble. In the Flowers in the Attic, Casteel, and Cutler series, it is eventually revealed why the villains of these books did what they did - not necessarily a excuse, but a explanation. There is none given here for why everyone is so f***ed up. I felt angry and frustrated at the end of Black Cat because Celeste HAS NO FREAKING BACKBONE. This was the last "VCA" book I ever actually bought, I just couldn't take it anymore.

5 comments about How to Get Your Cat to Do What You Want.

1. I found this book uninformative and a waste of money. I'm sorry that I din't buy a used book. This book was too cute with too many cute stories. I was more interested in learning about cat behavioral problems and how to solve them. I lost patience with this book. A very silly book.



2. Hmmmm... this book was a little too warm and fuzzy for me, and my cats still don't do what I want them to do. I like to call them my kitties of mass destruction.
   
   I know the above statement doesn't really offer any constructive criticism so let me see if I can put into words what I didn't like about this book. Warren and Fay seem to be very caring and compassionate animal lovers but there didn't seem to be a whole lot of practical advice regarding getting cats to do what you want.
   
   There were however, lots of cute stories about their animals sprinkled with a bit of advice - most of which I'd already heard. It was a nice read if you like animals (which I do) but not much help in the whole "getting them to do what you want" area.



3. I had a hard time getting past the author's mania for adorable little furballs. Here's an example: "Are your well-deserved vacations spoiled because you just can't cope with the anxiety of leaving behind the little furball?". Those of you who answer yes will probably enjoy reading the book from cover to cover. Everyone else will do better looking up topics of interest, or reading a different book altogether. Having said that, there is some good information here, and an important message that you will be a better cat owner if you try to understand the cat's perspective. I suggest reading the Publishers Weekly review quoted by Amazon, because that nails it.



4. I found this book to be a bit over the top. The authors suggest extreme measures for control of undesirable cat behaviors requiring strict attention to detail. I love my rescue kitten dearly who is 5 months old now, but some ideas offered in this book seem unrealistic for me. I do believe the authors have the best interest of the cat in their strategies; however, I think some of the methods require impossible amounts of time. For those of us who are very disciplined, go for it!



5. As a life-long cat owner, I am always frustrated with how many owners give up on training their cats so quickly and easily (or just write them off because they are cats). Cats loved to be challenged and this book lays out easy and appropriate ways to teach and train, fix behavioral problems, and gently discipline your cat. Yes it takes patience, but both you and your cat will find it well worth the time.

5 comments about The Enchanted Cat: Feline Fascinations, Spells and Magick.

1. I am most definitely a cat person, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I found "The Enchanted Cat," by Ellen Dugan to be a delightful exploration of the feline persuasion and a fun book to explore. Geared toward Wiccans, the book details feline fascination, spells and magick.
   
   Starting with the history of cats and their influence on our lives, then examining the cat Deities, are wonderful introductions to feline whiles and ways. Then a look at feline folklore and divination, and a wonderful chapter on cat magick bring readers deeper into the embrace of feline affection and admiration. Guides to feline power animals, and selecting a name for your own familiar, round out the book that is jam packed with spells, incantations, quotations of feline fancy, and so much more.
   
   Ellen Dugan is gifted when it comes to writing in a personally outreaching way. When reading her work, it is like reading a letter from your favorite witchy friend. You won't want it to end. But with this particular title, the delight keeps going as you take your new knowledge and apply it to your life. Of course, you may be inspired to add to your cat family, and at the least, you'll be enticed to cuddle up with the one or two you already have, gaze into their eyes and embrace the magick!



2. This book is a perfect one to read, snuggled up with your cat or your familiar. I know that when I pull my copy out to read, my familiar likes to be near me. Coincidence? I think not...
   
   I absolutely adore Dugan's books. Her writing style and personal stories are never boring, and they always add to the magic of the books. Some of the spells inside include: working with cat deities to enhance your life, spells to help you bond with your familiar, protection and negativity-removal spells, and a pet-memorial/passing spell to help ease the heartbreak that we all feel when we lose a pet cat.
   
   If you're a cat lover, or have a cat as your familiar, there is no better book than this to get! Its simply "purrfect."



3. Like all the rest of Ellen Dugan's books, this one is a mix of the practical and the fun, with lots of great information thrown in. If you're interested in Witchcraft or cats or both, this is the book for you. Then check out the rest of her books!



4. I just finished the book and it was a good read although i wouldnt do most of the spells.



5. I love love love Ellen Dugan, but I'm afraid this book is a little sparse for me. Upon looking back, maybe they're all sparse. Although I own almost every one of her books, so no, I do like her style and content- I just always seem to wish there was more of it! In this one, there is some stuff I can't really use- a whole section on names? But I am glad to own it and will take from it what I can.

2 comments about Captain Cat (I Can Read Book 1).

1. This is a funny book that shows a cat who jumps to attention at the sound of a bugle, and has more stripes than a drill sergeant. While captains don't wear stripes (they have bars), the book is a funny look at miltary life, from the perspective of a cat who innocently wanders onto an army post and is befriended by a soldier. The book is suitable for K-3, but is also a good choice for older readers who need the confidence that successfully completing a book on his or her own provides. This book was available in my son's elementary school library, which I believe says something for its broad appeal.



2. Good book. Good story. Good pictures. My son loves all of Syd Hoff's books.

1 comments about Bad Cat Wall Calendar 2009 (Wall Calendars).

1. Just like the desk sized calendar, this wall calendar of Bad cats is a great gift for someone who loves cats, or for yourself! There's room for keeping note of appointments (not a lot, but some), and every month has one main Bad cat, with each day having it's own much smaller Bad cat with sayings, comments or 'faux paws'. This helps you keep track of the days -- but for keeping track of how many times you'll smile or laugh out loud you are on your own!

5 comments about A Dark, Dark Tale (Picture Puffins).

1. A wonderful choice for young children at Halloween or any time of year. Reading this aloud is lots of fun -- you can make it seem scary as you go through each page, then watch your child's reaction at the end. My son wanted me to read this over and over. We also have fun looking for all the little critters in the forest: owls, bats, tiny glowing eyes peeking out of the dark places, the cat, even a badger!



2. This "Dark Dark Tale" by Ruth Brown is simple, short and sports a gothic flair. The illustrations (also by Brown) are nothing short of brilliant. Brown the artist captures the fog, shadows and light of her own dark dark little world. Perfect for preschoolers (my two year old loves it and always anticipates the ending), it holds their attention (there can't be more than 120 words in the entire book) with the repetative prose that children love. Perfect for lovers of children literature and childrens illustrations as well (which is what drew me to the book in the first place). We love it and read it daily.



3. The artwork is beautiful and detailed. My three year old loves to find the cat in each picture and to find the faces in the windows, walls, and curtains. One can always find something new in the paintings. The story uses repetitious wording, so he can virtually read it to me. We have read this book many times, yet neither of us ever gets bored with it.



4. Having read this book to three to five-year-olds at Halloween for three years running and having it be a HUGE hit every time, I decided to get my own copy. The children love the repetitiveness of it and the spooky pictures. The tension builds and builds right to the end when everything turns out to be just fine. (Note: That's a total of 180 children with very big eyes and almost no wiggles!)



5. What a surprise--and disappointment--to see the cover of this book in green instead of brown as my copy is!! Green makes the book look like spring and fun. Back to my brown picture with a castle in the background in fog and mist and browns! A real invitation to a scary experience just as Ruth Brown, the author/illustrator intends!
   
   Even the title page has cobwebs and mushrooms and spiders and a tiny, little mouse caught up in the browns of the book. So we begin: "Once upon a time there was a dark, dark moor." The browns and grays and strip of purples and touch of yellow show a desolate moor. Oh, wait, not so desolate! What do I see in the blowing, dark grasses? Hide, little rabbits and mice, here comes the owl looking for you! Look, in the distance! What is that? A dark dark wood?
   
   "On the moor there was a dark, dark wood." How many creatures can you find hiding there? Way up on the hill is a dark, dark castle. Look carefully, there's the black cat we saw on the cover. He has taken us to a dark, dark door. Inside in the dark, dark hall there are gargoyles and cobwebs and shadows and that black cat.
   
   As the cat takes the reader deeper and deeper into the darkness of the great house, things get scarier and scarier. How the story ends sometimes makes children laugh, sometimes annoyed, but never scared! That's all I will say!
   
   This book is a wonderful Halloween treat because it has such an unexpected ending! A must for all library collections!

No comments about Hello Kitty Hello 2009! Fashion Through the Ages: Mini Wall Calendar (Hello Kitty).

1 comments about Camilla Gryski's Cat's Cradle: A Book of String Games.

1. I have loved Camilla Gryski's string figure books. They are what got my clumsy fingers working and I've been hooked on string figures ever since. I've been buying, and re-buying her books for 15 - 20 years.

5 comments about Hairy Maclary Scattercat (Hairy Maclary).

1. We've been reading this, the hairy MacLary and other Lynley Dodd books for 5 years now....started when my son was about 18 months, and still going strong! There is as much in the language for a 6 year old starting to read on their own as for the shared experience with younger children.

   Lynley Dodd and Margaret Mahy MUST be New Zealand National Treasures.




2. This is a delightful book, the language is great and the pictures wonderful. Most of Lynley Dodd's regular characters such as Slinki Malinki and Scarface Claw make an appearance as Hairy Maclary bounces along through the pages in a boisterous mood. I love reading this one to my three year old niece. The words have a real rhythm to them and the story has just enough suspense to keep little ones interested. I have not yet read a Lynley Dodd book that I don't like - but this one is a real favourite!



3. Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy is peppy and bouncy and looking for fun. But what he really wants is something to chase and for a dog that often means cats. Hairy Maclary begins his rampage.
   
   Through the course of the book we are introduced to quite a few of the local feline community. But they are all quickly chased away with only slight effort and no real chance for a good chase. But then Hairy Maclary spots one more twitching tale and a long chase ensues. But who is chasing who?
   
   My kids love the Hairy Maclary books with its colorful illustrations, cute and funny animals, lyrical verse and plenty of fun. This one is somewhat reminiscent of the first in the series (HAIRY MACLARY FROM DONALDSON'S DAIRY) but still fresh and a delight. Some of these cats are truly adorable even to do fanciers. Check it out.



4. We recieved Slinky Malinky as a gift last year and read it so many times that the book fell apart! All of these books (any Slinky Malinky and Hairy McClary) have the cutest stories about mis-behaving animals interacting with each other and wreaking havoc for the humans in their lives. The illustrations are great and the stories are short enough that my one year old and three year old can both sit and enjoy them. I highly recommend any of the books in this series. They are just adorable.



5. My kids love Hairy Maclary's books, and this one is one of the best we have.
   I really recomend it, specially if they like Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy!