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Kelley Armstrong - 14/5/2007 12:09:14 PM

Shaunette_ofthe_Dead

Posts: 4215
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Cardiff

A lazy look through this thread, and I didn't find any love for Kelley Armstrong. So thought I'd start one myself!

I love this women - borderline guilty pleasure, but her books are so well written. The characters are excellent, strong female leads that you can really believe in and root for. The plots are always tight, very thrilling, with sex scenes that manage to be sexy and not hackneyed or so graphic you feel ashamed to read them in public!

She's also a really fan-driven author; her website has tons of online fiction that she's made available for free, she regularly asks for feedback and suggestions from her fans, and she's currently putting online a free graphic novella, whch has a fan-driven topic.

I am a hardcore Armstrong fan and proud - anyone with me?

_____________________________

"Were you checking me out or him? Because he worries about me getting harrassed in the workplace."

Post #: 1

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 17/5/2007 8:11:16 AM

Posts: 3506
Joined: 26/9/2005
From: two counties east of home

Yep, I love these, and they are such a guilty pleasure! I know she's hardly Jane Austen or whatever but who cares, but I really enjoy them. A bit naff but always something new & innovative.

Have never read any of her online fiction. Think she has a new novel coming out in hardback soon, I'll wait for the paperback.

_____________________________

but love is the sky and i am for you
just so long and long enough

(in reply to Shaunette_ofthe_Dead)

Post #: 2

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 17/5/2007 8:14:19 PM

FlangeBags

Posts: 1139
Joined: 2/12/2005
From: Preston

Never heard of the woman, but the synopsis on Amazon sounds like my kind of thing and since Shaunette likes it (and I already know she and I share a shameful addiction to Anita Blake books, and if you can't trust the word of a Spaced fan, who can you trust?) then I think I'll order the first one.
If this sucks, Shaunette, I'm holding you directly responsible...

_____________________________

My homepage - http://allendonnelly.squarespace.com/

My debut novel, BUY IT (please)! - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Eyes-ebook/dp/B005ZJ56GY

(in reply to JV)

Post #: 3

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 18/5/2007 5:56:55 PM

Shaunette_ofthe_Dead

Posts: 4215
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Cardiff

quote:

ORIGINAL: FlangeBags

Never heard of the woman, but the synopsis on Amazon sounds like my kind of thing and since Shaunette likes it (and I already know she and I share a shameful addiction to Anita Blake books, and if you can't trust the word of a Spaced fan, who can you trust?) then I think I'll order the first one.
If this sucks, Shaunette, I'm holding you directly responsible...

I will accept this responsibility!

If you want a taster of her fiction, go to: http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/mSeries.htm

That's where her online fiction can be found. You can read Savage, Acension and Beginnings without really spoiling anything from the novels.

And JV, yep, new Armstrong book No Humans Involved came out at the start of this month! Like the crazed addict I am I bought it on its release day - well worth it! Another hit, Armstrong's writing just gets better and better.

_____________________________

"Were you checking me out or him? Because he worries about me getting harrassed in the workplace."

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Post #: 4

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 5/7/2007 6:13:06 PM

FlangeBags

Posts: 1139
Joined: 2/12/2005
From: Preston

Well, I've finally got round to reading Bitten and it really was rather good. Now there's yet another bloody franchise I have to try and keep up with!
Shaunette, you have my undying gratitude and I would love to buy you a pint by way of a thank you. Since that's not possible, you'll have to make do with a virtual one (perhaps not as nice as the real thing but the resulting hangovers are a lot less painful. Virtually non-existent in fact).

Next book I've got waiting is Danse Macabre - my expectations are somewhat lower for this one...

_____________________________

My homepage - http://allendonnelly.squarespace.com/

My debut novel, BUY IT (please)! - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Eyes-ebook/dp/B005ZJ56GY

(in reply to Shaunette_ofthe_Dead)

Post #: 5

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 20/7/2007 8:49:48 PM

FlangeBags

Posts: 1139
Joined: 2/12/2005
From: Preston

Just finished Stolen! Again, very good read.

_____________________________

My homepage - http://allendonnelly.squarespace.com/

My debut novel, BUY IT (please)! - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Eyes-ebook/dp/B005ZJ56GY

(in reply to FlangeBags)

Post #: 6

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 21/7/2007 3:56:44 PM

Posts: 3506
Joined: 26/9/2005
From: two counties east of home

Btw, anyone wanting to read No Humans Involved but who can't be arsed to shell out for it should try their local library - Newcastle libraries have a copy and I'm on the list for it. There are a couple of people ahead of me who've reserved it so it'll be a couple of weeks before I get it - I only put my name down last weekend - but I have a few books to read ahead of it anyway. (I'd suggest this if you want the new Harry Potter book too - last time I got it from the library about 2 weeks after it was released, in pristine condition too, because I'd put my name down.)

_____________________________

but love is the sky and i am for you
just so long and long enough

(in reply to FlangeBags)

Post #: 7

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 23/7/2007 9:37:04 PM

Shaunette_ofthe_Dead

Posts: 4215
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Cardiff

quote:

ORIGINAL: FlangeBags

Shaunette, you have my undying gratitude and I would love to buy you a pint by way of a thank you. Since that's not possible, you'll have to make do with a virtual one (perhaps not as nice as the real thing but the resulting hangovers are a lot less painful. Virtually non-existent in fact).

I hearby accept your offer of a virtual pint

Cheers!

Glad to be of service. Unlike Laurell K Hamilton, Armstrong's novels just keep getting better! I've got No Humans Involved and it;s excellent. The characters are fantastic, really well written, with women you actually like and respect as the lead characters. I'm just happy to get more fans on board

Check out Armstrong's website, she has loads of free online novellas and short stories featuring the characters from her Women of the Otherworld series.

_____________________________

"Were you checking me out or him? Because he worries about me getting harrassed in the workplace."

(in reply to FlangeBags)

Post #: 8

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 23/7/2007 10:44:50 PM

FlangeBags

Posts: 1139
Joined: 2/12/2005
From: Preston

My pleasure! I'll get you a real one next time.
I'll be buying the next one (book, that is, not pint. Something about a Dime Store or something, I forget) next time I'm in Borders.
You should be on a commission.

_____________________________

My homepage - http://allendonnelly.squarespace.com/

My debut novel, BUY IT (please)! - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Eyes-ebook/dp/B005ZJ56GY

(in reply to Shaunette_ofthe_Dead)

Post #: 9

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 24/7/2007 10:22:39 PM

Shaunette_ofthe_Dead

Posts: 4215
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Cardiff

quote:

ORIGINAL: FlangeBags

You should be on a commission.

I wish.

Dime Store Magic is the next one!

_____________________________

"Were you checking me out or him? Because he worries about me getting harrassed in the workplace."

(in reply to FlangeBags)

Post #: 10

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 8/8/2007 10:44:22 PM

Posts: 3506
Joined: 26/9/2005
From: two counties east of home

Just finished No Humans Involved and it was ace!

As Shaunette said, all the main female characters are likeable and respectable, yet they are not too samey, if you know what I mean. They all have quite different temperaments and strengths and it works really well.

_____________________________

but love is the sky and i am for you
just so long and long enough

(in reply to Shaunette_ofthe_Dead)

Post #: 11

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 9/8/2007 9:32:53 PM

FlangeBags

Posts: 1139
Joined: 2/12/2005
From: Preston

I just bought Dime Store Magic - be reading that as soon as I've finished Scar Night

_____________________________

My homepage - http://allendonnelly.squarespace.com/

My debut novel, BUY IT (please)! - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Eyes-ebook/dp/B005ZJ56GY

(in reply to JV)

Post #: 12

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 15/8/2007 9:06:39 PM

FlangeBags

Posts: 1139
Joined: 2/12/2005
From: Preston

And now I have finished it!
Another fine novel. I prefer Elena as a central character though - Paige is a bit...wet at times. More so at the start of the book, she definitely improved as the book went on. Cortez was cool though.
Just got to get the next one now!

_____________________________

My homepage - http://allendonnelly.squarespace.com/

My debut novel, BUY IT (please)! - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Eyes-ebook/dp/B005ZJ56GY

(in reply to FlangeBags)

Post #: 13

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 19/8/2007 3:52:23 PM

Shaunette_ofthe_Dead

Posts: 4215
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Cardiff

The good thing about Armstrong's characters is that, unlike in some other series I could mention, LKH I'm looking at you, Armstrong's characters actually grow and evolve as people. So although Pagie starts out very opinionated, full of herself and a bit wimpy at times, she toughens up and smartens up! She becomes a lot more likable as the series progresses. And if you carry on hating her, in Broken Elena is back as narrator!

You been to the website yet?

_____________________________

"Were you checking me out or him? Because he worries about me getting harrassed in the workplace."

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Post #: 14

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 19/8/2007 6:10:52 PM

FlangeBags

Posts: 1139
Joined: 2/12/2005
From: Preston

Don't hate her at all, actually grew to quite like her as the story unfolded (an illustration of exactly what you were talking about).
In fact, that book is responsible for what is quite possibly my most favorite ever line in any book ever:
"I knew some Wiccans and they were very nice people, though I must admit they'd never arrived in my backyard naked and kissed my tits."

I burst out laughing when I read that!
I have been to the website, although I haven't yet read any of the stuff she's posted on there.

_____________________________

My homepage - http://allendonnelly.squarespace.com/

My debut novel, BUY IT (please)! - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Eyes-ebook/dp/B005ZJ56GY

(in reply to Shaunette_ofthe_Dead)

Post #: 15

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 22/8/2007 5:21:12 PM

Shaunette_ofthe_Dead

Posts: 4215
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Cardiff

The lines her characters come out with are hysterical

Armstrong's one of those rare authors that can make me laugh out loud as I'm reading her! And you should really read all the online stuff, it's great and gives loads of background details to the characters and situations in the books, plus filling out scenes that don't appear in the books, like how Clay became a werewolf.

_____________________________

"Were you checking me out or him? Because he worries about me getting harrassed in the workplace."

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Post #: 16

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 1/9/2007 8:42:25 PM

FlangeBags

Posts: 1139
Joined: 2/12/2005
From: Preston

Well bugger it!
Finally got around to going to read the short story stuff and what happens? She's only taken them down cos they're all getting published in a collection!

_____________________________

My homepage - http://allendonnelly.squarespace.com/

My debut novel, BUY IT (please)! - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Eyes-ebook/dp/B005ZJ56GY

(in reply to Shaunette_ofthe_Dead)

Post #: 17

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 4/9/2007 2:38:42 PM

Amelie_Scotland

Posts: 17468
Joined: 13/10/2005
From: Take a guess.

Is it possible to read the stories out of order and still understand it?
I got Industrial Magic today (50p!) and i think it's the 3rd or 4th so will i be okay?

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You may not be able to change the world, but at least you can embarrass the guilty.

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Post #: 18

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 4/9/2007 5:09:49 PM

Shaunette_ofthe_Dead

Posts: 4215
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Cardiff

quote:

ORIGINAL: FlangeBags

Well bugger it!
Finally got around to going to read the short story stuff and what happens? She's only taken them down cos they're all getting published in a collection!

Whaa....???

Dammit, since when? That really sucks - that means that all new readers won't get to take advantage of all the free stories she had on there, and us long-term readers now have to start paying for something we used to get for free. Grr.

And Amelie, you can read them out of order - it all still makes sense, key past events do get brief explanations. I'm a purist, though, and always like to read things in the right order!

_____________________________

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Post #: 19

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 4/9/2007 8:33:59 PM

FlangeBags

Posts: 1139
Joined: 2/12/2005
From: Preston

In all fairness, the proceeds are going to charity. And it's not all the short stories/novellas/whatever, just the main ones about Clay and so on.
Clicky here:
http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/aCollection.htm

_____________________________

My homepage - http://allendonnelly.squarespace.com/

My debut novel, BUY IT (please)! - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Eyes-ebook/dp/B005ZJ56GY

(in reply to Shaunette_ofthe_Dead)

Post #: 20

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 4/9/2007 8:43:53 PM

Shaunette_ofthe_Dead

Posts: 4215
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Cardiff

Ahh, that doesn't seem too bad! Incidentally, as and when those four stories get published as a collection, I'll be off to buy 'em and I can reccomend doing so! The standard is as high as in her published work and gives fantastic background to the books.

And at least the novellas are still up there and the e-comic, so it's not all gone in one fell swoop!

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"Were you checking me out or him? Because he worries about me getting harrassed in the workplace."

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Post #: 21

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 27/2/2008 11:22:17 PM

FlangeBags

Posts: 1139
Joined: 2/12/2005
From: Preston

To continue tonight's theme of raising ancient threads from the dead (see my post in the Derren Brown - Tricks of the Mind thread for the other one) I thought I'd resurrect this one as well. Makes a change from taking the piss out of the Hamilton woman.
Just finished Haunted - damned good stuff! Broken's the next one.
There are two new ones listed on Amazon as well.

_____________________________

My homepage - http://allendonnelly.squarespace.com/

My debut novel, BUY IT (please)! - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crystal-Eyes-ebook/dp/B005ZJ56GY

(in reply to Shaunette_ofthe_Dead)

Post #: 22

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 1/3/2008 7:05:22 PM

Shaunette_ofthe_Dead

Posts: 4215
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Cardiff

I can't wait for Personal Demon to come out in May!

Broken is excellent -- and there's No Humans Involved after that, which is also brilliant and very funny 'cos it features Jaime Vegas!

Plus there's a short story about Elena and Clayton on Honeymoon in a collection that I might get just for that, and a book Many Bloody Returns that has a story featuring Cassandra the vampire as narrator. So much Armstrong goodness!!

I love that here, at least, is an author with supernatural heroines you can actually like and admire, that learn and grow as people.

_____________________________

"Were you checking me out or him? Because he worries about me getting harrassed in the workplace."

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Post #: 23

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 22/3/2008 2:32:01 PM

Posts: 3506
Joined: 26/9/2005
From: two counties east of home

Personal Demon is out in hardback now. I am gonna see if my library has it.....

_____________________________

but love is the sky and i am for you
just so long and long enough

(in reply to Shaunette_ofthe_Dead)

Post #: 24

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 24/3/2008 5:44:27 PM

Shaunette_ofthe_Dead

Posts: 4215
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Cardiff

My copy is winging its way to me now from Waterstone's online

Can't wait! Plus there's another novel out in September -- woohoo!

_____________________________

"Were you checking me out or him? Because he worries about me getting harrassed in the workplace."

(in reply to JV)

Post #: 25

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 24/3/2008 7:50:22 PM

Posts: 3506
Joined: 26/9/2005
From: two counties east of home

My library doesn't have it - boooooooooooooooooo - but I'm not desperate quite yet.

_____________________________

but love is the sky and i am for you
just so long and long enough

(in reply to Shaunette_ofthe_Dead)

Post #: 26

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 25/3/2008 12:05:44 AM

Shaunette_ofthe_Dead

Posts: 4215
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Cardiff

My local libraries stock either: Maeve Binchey; Dan Brown; Point novels for suppressed teens; historical texts; or weird, intense horror-porn that, as an impressionable, sadly Gawthy teen, you mistakenly pick up as an alternative to Stephen King and find yourself destroying delicate parts of your young mind that have never grown back and never will, leaving behind deep psychological scars that have made you the sort of person that laughs at jokes so sick I can't even hint at them on here because, seriously, I've been warned before.

They also stock LKH -- but only ever one or two books out of a series, and never even ones that are sequentially next to each other, honestly it's like they've gone out of their way to make damned sure you can't read the series without paying LKH some serious cash-money.

Same for Kelley Armstrong, alas; no KA in my libraries.

_____________________________

"Were you checking me out or him? Because he worries about me getting harrassed in the workplace."

(in reply to JV)

Post #: 27

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 25/3/2008 6:31:05 AM

Posts: 3506
Joined: 26/9/2005
From: two counties east of home

See, my local library is pretty ace. I think they have all - if not, most - of Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series, and they even had No Humans Involved in hardback as soon as it came out. So it could just be a matter of time, we'll see. Or maybe I'll need to buy it.

_____________________________

but love is the sky and i am for you
just so long and long enough

(in reply to Shaunette_ofthe_Dead)

Post #: 28

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 8/4/2008 8:41:34 PM

Shaunette_ofthe_Dead

Posts: 4215
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Cardiff

Got Personal Demon the other day, read it in pretty much one sitting! Brilliant; strong characters, very funny and moving at the same time, and oh-so-compelling. Armstrong just keeps getting better and better!

_____________________________

"Were you checking me out or him? Because he worries about me getting harrassed in the workplace."

(in reply to JV)

Post #: 29

RE: Kelley Armstrong - 30/4/2008 5:04:19 PM

crayon

Posts: 3515
Joined: 1/10/2005
From: East-ish

I was introduced to Kelley Armstrong by a friend of mine, who lent me all the books. Now I have to convince her to buy Personal Demon so's I can borrow it. I refuse to buy the 6th in a series without owning all the others, it's just silly

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