CassaFire...Celebrate...Express...Blogfest

Today I’m doing a review of the book CassaFire by Alex Cavanaugh. I, know, I know, I did CassaStar for my last review, but like I said two weeks ago, this was a series I really got into, so of course I wanted to read the next book right away.

So far, these books are changing my perception about a lot of things. I thought I didn’t like Space Operas, but it turns out I was wrong. I thought I had to have a little bit of romance to enjoy a book, but with CassaStar, Cavanaugh showed me it wasn’t really romance I was going for, it was relationships. That’s where I think Alex shines; in his ability to portray real, raw relationships, and CassaFire was no exception.

Pardon me for a second for another side note before I finally get into the review of the actual book. One of my pet peeves with books is when we get huge back story with the subsequent books in a series. In my opinion, these should not be stand-alone books, if people want back story, they should take the time and read the first book. Anyways, enough of my rant, but I bring it up here because that was another thing that amazed me about Alex’s writing style. He fit in the back story so seamlessly that it never felt like a bunch of information dump in the first few pages. These are truly individual books, but with a common character we know and love. Someday I have to ask him how he did that. Anyways, on to my review:

Here we find Byron alone and relatively content with his life. He’s settled into his career choice of exploration with ease and thinks that’s enough. Until…He meets his match. Like I said, Cavanaugh does relationships really well, and this time we get to see some of that romance I crave. If you like steamy fifty shades type of stuff, then this isn’t for you, but if you want wonderfully written, authentic, and real, then I highly recommend you get this book. Now. Today.

Thank you Alex, you have me pacing around my house, anxiously waiting for CassaStorm to come out.

 

This week I’m Celebrating the Small things because I got some much needed alone time this week. My two oldest girls were at camp and my mother-in-law was kind enough to take unit #3 overnight so my husband and I could get together with some old friends and actually be able to have a conversation. And then the next day, I woke up when I wanted to, not when #3 thought I wanted to. It’s funny I still got up the same time, but it felt different because it was on my terms. Then I went for a run an made myself a pot of tea that I got to drink all myself, and spent the morning writing in total silence. There was no every five minute interruptions. Now, I love my kids with a passion, but sometimes quiet is good. And today, in about five minutes we’re leaving for the Adirondacks, this time with the kids. So the small things this week have been rather wonderful.

 

The topic for Express Yourself this week is: What is the most satisfying/frustrating thing about being a writer? The slowness is probably the most frustrating. Everything takes forever. The most satisfying is when people read my books and fall in love with my characters- that’s what it’s all about.

 

Don’t’ forget I’m having a blogfest September 2- click on the link below for more information.