My Review
(That has a little more musing than normal)

As many of you know, Susan and I recently started doing "joint reviews".  That is to say we both read the same book and discuss our thoughts based on a set of questions we created.  Choosing books we agree on is HARD!  During the discussion this book came up as a suggestion from me. I have read it before, so many times I can almost quote it.  I can pick up any of the trilogy and read quite happy from any point and just keep going.  Susan's reaction - That cover is awful! lol

OK I will give her that.  The book, which released in 1982 has had a plethora of covers over the years and this one definitely isn't one of the better, but it is the one that is listing everywhere, and you know what they say ..... Never judge a book by its cover!

My father introduced me to Anne McCaffrey's writing when I was 7 with her world of Dragons, and at the time I could imagine nothing more fantastic, until I read this.  Music lovers especially will be able to relate to this fantasy novel, and I hope that you take a chance a give it a read. 

Technically, nowadays it would probably be listed as a YA title, due to the protagonists age at the outset, possibly nudging into the NA market.  That to me was, and remains irrelevant.  It is a great story of a girl who trains her whole schooling to sing, only to be told she will never be the star she envisions.  Refusing to be second best at anything she leaves her life behind for a new, and at times dangerous, career. 

As a 7 year old girl with perfect pitch I too decided I was going to be a Crystal Singer (preferably with a dragon if I could find a way to get the world to co-exist - I mean I was 7 - it all seemed possible.)  That dream of being a Crystal Singer stayed with me for years, and even now I smile fondly as I consider once again picking up my well worn trilogy. 

This remains a 5 star read from me.  Anne McCaffrey sadly passed in 2011, but her stories live on and hopefully some of you will decide to give them a try.

*** My Actual Trilogy Copy - Now Out Of Print - As You Can See - Well Loved! I do have them all as individual books too but this is my "cheat" for the one book on a desert island game! ***

Please Check Pricing Before Purchase - Pricing Is Set By The Publisher And I Have No Idea How Long This Sale Will Last - Also Why Book 2 Is So Much More Expensive.

​** Disclosure**
​Any Links To Buy On Amazon in this page may be Amazon Affiliate Links
​(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do)

** Little aside note - I originally reviewed this prior to it's release in 2014 when I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from the publisher.  This series is now complete with 3 books. I stand begind everything in the review from 2014 - and hey now you don't have to wait to get book 2 lol**


My Review

Being a huge fan of her previous series I was really excited to get my hands on an ARC of this new series and it didn't let me down.

Where as the previous books I loved were set around a vampire community, this time we are surrounded by the lives of the Fae in New Orleans and it is brilliant!

Although this is technically a new series and could be read as a stand alone I think I got a lot more enjoyment out of it knowing some of the world already. A few references and a couple of visits are made from characters that fans will already know and love, but the bulk of this is a new direction.

Jump on board, get sucked in, and enjoy another thrilling story that will have you getting to the end and asking when you can have book 2!!

V""V

PS. If you haven't checked out the House of Comarré series I would highly recommend it for all vampire urban fantasy lovers!

​

Huge thank you to Jodi Gallegos for joining our Facebook Live celebrations on Sunday September 6th! If you missed the event you can find it on my Facebook Page! 

Please join me in wishing her a very Happy Release Day!  The eCopy of The High Crown Chronicles is now available and even though the print version isn't live yet (thanks Covid), Jodi is offering a chance to win one over on her Instagram - So be sure to check that out! PLUS she will be live on her Facebook page at 1pm MT (3pm ET) with more fun things going on.

And if that wasn't enough release day excitement - Jodi also took time to join me over in the Spotlight Lounge!  Check out what we chatted about by clicking the picture to move to the lounge but before you do make sure you check out the giveaway below!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!

Melanie's Muses will be giving away a Book Lovers Swag Pack (Pictured Above).

For your chance to win- leave a comment ON THIS POST ON THE WEBSITE (comments left on shares around other social media WILL NOT COUNT) - telling me if you like Fantasy Books!

The winner will be picked randomly from qualifying comments.  

Winner will be announced during the Live show on September 13th (and then posted here on the blog as well on the 14th).  Full Rules Below!

   Good luck everyone! 

Rules

• Only comments posted on THIS original website post will be considered.
• This is open internationally.  If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can.  Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations.  Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control.  Void Where Prohibited.
• Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry.  
• Winner Will Be Picked At Random.
• Void where prohibited.  Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her.
• Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday September 13th  2020 AND posted on this post on Monday September 14th. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to
  ​ - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit.
• Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page.

 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!

Melanie's Muses will be giving away one of the regular Poop Emoji Pencils featured on the show. (Not The Rainbow Ones).

The Poop Emoji sticker prize actually started as a booby prize in our trivia envelopes but has gone on to become beloved Muser Swag. 

For your chance to win - leave a comment ON THIS POST ON THE WEBSITE (comments left on shares around other social media WILL NOT COUNT) - Telling us if you had your own show what would it be about? What your booby prize would be - and do you think people would end up wanting to collect them?

The winner will be the person that Greg and I think came up with the best answer and will selected by us - SO BE CREATIVE!!

Winner will be announced during the Live show on September 13th (and then posted here on the blog as well on the 14th).  Full Rules Below!

   Good luck everyone! 

Rules

• Only comments posted on THIS original website post will be considered.
• This is open internationally.  If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can.  Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations.  Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control.  Void Where Prohibited.
• Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry.  
• Judges decision is final - decision will be made based on what they consider to be the best response.  It is subjective and others may not agree -  It will not change the outcome.
• Void where prohibited.  Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her.
• Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday September 13th 2020 AND posted on this post on Monday September 14th. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to
  ​ - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit.
• Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page.

Review


This book was my introduction to Susan Harris back in 2014.  That tagline in the synopsis?  That was from me. I was the one that said "There are some books where you get to the end and you just have to take a deep breath before you can do anything. THIS is one of those books."   In fact other than a few moments in Susan Harris' other works there are very few books that in reality make me feel this way, and not only feel like that, but have me feeling  the same way, even now.  Six years later. 

This is the book I always want people to read.  When I first read it I called it a rollercoaster of a ride - and I stand by that. I still feel there isn't anything else like it out there.  The writing is captivating and you are dragged into what can only be described as an impossible situation.  It stands alone.  There is no sequel, and part of me hopes there will never be a sequel, and that it can remain one of those rare books that just is.

If you haven't read it, I hope you grab a copy - either the eBook or the print.  Which brings me to the giveaway part of the post.

 GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!

Melanie's Muses will be giving away a Book Lovers Swag Pack (Pictured Above).

For your chance to win- leave a comment ON THIS POST ON THE WEBSITE (comments left on shares around other social media WILL NOT COUNT) - Telling me if you have read Shattered Memories or not.

The winner will be picked randomly from qualifying comments.  Having read the books does not increase your chances of winning. Buying the book is much appreciated - and I can tell you WELL worth it - but also does not increase your chance of winning. 

Winner will be announced during the Live show on September 13th (and then posted here on the blog as well on the 14th).  Full Rules Below!

   Good luck everyone! 

Rules

• Only comments posted on THIS original website post will be considered.
• This is open internationally.  If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can.  Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations.  Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control.  Void Where Prohibited.
• Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry.  
• Winner Will Be Picked At Random.
• Void where prohibited.  Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her.
• Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday September 13th  2020 AND posted on this post on Monday September 14th. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to
  ​ - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit.
• Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page.
• 
  

Hey Musers - I need your help!

I got this awesome Funko Halloween Countdown Calendar - I mean seriously how could I resist?  But here is my dilemma ..... there are only 13 doors!  I am assuming that the 13 is to be opened on Halloween which would mean Day 1 would be the 19th.  Right?  Let me know what you think in the comments and also let me know if you would like to see what is in each day as I find out!  

**I am sure there are posts on other sites where other people have already opened them all but I am avoiding ALL of them because I kinda want to be surprised lol**

* Disclosure*
Any Links To Buy On Amazon Use My Amazon Affiliate Link. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)