Fiction Kingdom

Review: Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong

2011-07-21T11:35:00.000+02:00

Title: Spell Bound
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #12
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Edition: Hardcover
Source: NetGalley
Blurb:

It's been ten years since Bitten, the first novel in Kelley Armstrong's New York Times bestselling Otherworld series. In that time hundreds of thousands of fans have ravenously devoured the adventures of Armstrong's witches, demons, and werewolves. Now, in Spell Bound, she brings them all together for her most sweeping tale yet.

Savannah Levine is in terrible danger, and for once she's powerless to help herself. At the heartbreaking conclusion of Waking the Witch, Savannah swore that she would give up her powers if it would prevent further pain for a young orphan. Little did she know that someone would take her up on that promise.

And now, witch-hunting assassins, necromancers, half-demons, and rogue witches all seem to be after her. The threat is not just for Savannah; every member of the Otherworld might be at risk. While most of her fellow supernaturals are circling the wagons at a gathering of the council in Miami, Savannah is caught on the road, isolated from those who can protect her and unable to use her vast spell-casting talent, the thing she counts on most. In a story that will change the shape of the Otherworld forever, Armstrong gathers Elena, Clay, Paige, Lucas, Jamie, Hope, and other beloved characters, who soon learn that the greatest threat to supernaturals just may come from within.

We were left with a huge cliffhanger at the end of the previous book, Waking the Witch. Spell Bound starts just were it left of. Savanah tries really hard to function without her powers but she doesn't succeed. You can see traces of the teenage Savanah at the beginning but once she confronts her fears, she becomes a much more mature person, and in my opinion, you can finally see that she's an adult.

The relationship between Adam and Savanah is not going that well either and there were times I wanted to hit them both upside the head. They had so many issues that could have been avoided if they had just talked to each other that it got a little tiring. Fortunately, there was some progress on that front.

The main plot Arc, that started in Waking the Witch and finishes in book 13 - which, by the way, is the last book in the series - develops nicely in this one. There were plenty of bad guys and I liked the idea of a new generation of supernaturals that were stronger than ever and had abilities unseen before or extinct.

One of the things I liked the most is that all the previous characters from the other books appear in this one and you get updates on their lives, but at the same time they don't eclipse Savannah's story. You also get to see plenty of Savannah's brothers, who have always interested me.

All in all, this was a great book with a lot of action, character development (especially in Savannah's case), a very interesting plot and the appearence of plenty of loved past characters of the series.
I will admit that I was expecting more on the romance front, but I hope the final book delivers on this front.

Previous Books:
1. Bitten
2. Stolen
3. Dime Store Magic
4. Industrial Magic
5. Haunted
6. Broken
7. No Humans Involved
8. Personal Demon
9. Living with the Dead
10. Frost Bitten
11. Waking the Witch - Review

Next Book:
13. Untitled (Summer 2012)

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (44)

2011-07-20T23:59:00.002+02:00

Title: Ghost Story
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: Dresden Files #13
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Roc
Edition: Hardcover
Blurb:
* Spoilers. Don't read if you haven't finished Changes*

When we last left the mighty wizard detective Harry Dresden, he wasn't doing well. In fact, he had been murdered by an unknown assassin.

But being dead doesn't stop him when his friends are in danger. Except now he has nobody, and no magic to help him. And there are also several dark spirits roaming the Chicago shadows who owe Harry some payback of their own.

To save his friends-and his own soul-Harry will have to pull off the ultimate trick without any magic...

Review: Playing Dirty by Susan Andersen

2011-07-20T03:59:00.001+02:00

Title: Playing Dirty
Author: Susan Andersen
Series: Sisterhood Diaries #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: NetGalley
Blurb:

When high school golden boy Cade Gallari publicly revealed he’d slept with “fat girl” Ava Spencer to win a bet, he broke her heart. Now a decade older and a head-turner with her own concierge business, Ava isn’t the gullible dreamer she once was—and she plans to prove it when Cade, hotter than ever, breezes back into town with an offer she can’t refuse.

A documentary film producer, Cade is shooting a movie about the mysterious mansion Ava inherited. And he wants her as his personal concierge. She’s certainly professional enough to be at his beck and call without giving him everything he wants. Like another shot at having her in his bed. But Ava doesn’t count on Cade’s determination. Because he’s never gotten over her. And he’s not above playing dirty to score a second chance at a red-hot future…

Ada, the heroine, was humiliated and left with a broken heart because of Cade, the hero. When the meet again years later, they both have changed.
At first, all you can do is hate Cade, but as the story evolves you realize that there's more to him than what meets the eye and I really liked getting to know him.
Ada had some weight problems when she was younger, and her friends were the only ones that really accepted her. I couldn't stand her parents but I liked that Ada stood up for herself.

I wanted Cade to grovel more and Ada to fully accept her curves, but aside from that, it was a light and very enjoyable read.
You get to see the heroines of the previous two books of this trilogy and glimpse a little of their lives after their HEA.

There was some mystery surrounding the house the three friends inherited and I have to say that the outcome was very predictable.
This was a perfect beach read with a pair of interesting characters that have a sweet and steamy romance but was predictable at times.

Memorable Lines:
She’d cut him off at the knees the other times he’d sought her out over the years to apologize, but if acknowledging his regret would move him along to a place where they didn’t have to hash over the past, then, fine. She’d grant him his damn redemption.
“You forgive me then?”
No. Hell, no. That would be a snowboarding day in hell.

Previous Books:
1. Cutting Loose
2. Bending the Rules

Rating:

Review: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

2011-07-19T06:09:00.000+02:00

Title: Spellbound
Author: Cara Lynn Shultz
Series: -
Genre: YA
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Edition: Paperback
Source: Bought
Blurb:

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.
But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

I read this book in one sitting. The pacing was fast from beginning to end and I was pulled into the story from the very first page.
I liked that this was a stand alone novel, rare these days, and that while it does involve the paranormal, it doesn't eclipse the rest of the story.

The characters had strong and distinctive personalities and it was very interesting seeing them evolve through the book.
While the romance between Emma and Brendan was sweet, at times it was clichéd, including a denial that what was happening was real and the hero giving the cold shoulder to the heroine out of the blue (which, by the way, really frustrated me).

Emma was a strong character and I liked that after all that happened to her in the past she still could be a funny, snarky girl instead of being filled with angst.
As for Brendan, he was at times a really nice guy, but others, he was a jerk. It doesn't mean that I didn't like him, it's just that I'm kind of tired of those kind of heroes in nowadays books.

This was a fast paced book with a little bit of magic and a whole lot of romance.
In other words, to me, it was a perfect comfort read.

Rating:

Review: Only Mine by Susan Mallery

2011-07-11T14:27:00.000+02:00

Title: Only Mine
Author: Susan Mallery
Series: Fool's Gold #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: NetGalley
Blurb:

You can’t win if you don’t play…

Her town’s lack of men may make headlines, but it isn’t news to Dakota Hendrix. The beautiful blonde has bigger problems to deal with, such as overseeing the romance reality competition filming in Fool’s Gold. Screening eligible bachelors is a difficult enough task, but Dakota hits an unexpected snag when a sexy stranger comes to town.

Finn Anderssen will do anything to keep his twin brothers—the perfect contestants—off the show. Despite Dakota’s better judgment, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious outsider. Like her, Finn knows about heartbreak and how a family can fall apart, so she doesn’t dare to hope for anything more than a fling. After all, even in the Land of Happy Endings, finding true love is never as easy as it looks on TV.

I really liked the first three books of this series but this one disappointed me a little.
The next three books deal with the Hendrix triplets; Dakota, Montana and Nevada; and it shows. The first third of the book catches us up on what's been going on on the sisters' lifes and that slowed the novel down. The updates on the other characters, while nice, felt at times overwhelming.

The romance between Dakota, a woman who has always known what she wanted and went after it, and Finn, a man who had to give up his hopes and dreams when a tragic accident killed his parents and made him the sole guardian of his twin brothers, was steamy but predictable.
I got really frustrated with Finn at times. There's being stubborn, there's stupid pride and then there's being a blind fool. He was too much of all of them.

There was a subplot running on this book that dealt with Finn's twin brothers, and to be honest, at times their story was more interesting that the main plot. I wish we could have seen more of Stephen and his love story with Aurelia. Truth be told, I think they deserved a whole book instead of bits and pieces of this one.

The ending was nothing new but nice at the same time. This was a quick read, with an amazing cast of characters but had a predictable romance and was slow at the beginning.
Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to read the next two stories about Dakota's sisters.

Memorable Lines:
He glanced at his brother. "What are you going to do?"
Stephen was quiet for a long time. "I don’t know," he said at last. "Not go to Hollywood."
"You’d like it."
Stephen shook his head. "No. I want something different. I want..."
He didn’t complete the sentence, but then he didn’t have to. Sasha already knew. He and his twin might not share dreams, but they still knew everything about each other. Stephen wanted to find a place to belong, whatever the hell that meant.

Previous Books:
1. Chasing Perfect
2. Almost Perfect
3. Finding Perfect

Next Books:
5. Only Yours (August 30, 2011)
6. Only His (September 27, 2011)

Rating:

Review: Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

2011-07-08T22:17:00.000+02:00

Title: Blood Magic
Author: Tessa Gratton
Series: Blood Journals #1
Genre: YA
Release Date: July 7, 2011
Publisher: Doubleday Children's
Edition: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

For Nick Pardee and Silla Kennicot, the cemetery is the center of everything.

Nick is a city boy angry at being forced to move back to the nowhere town of Yaleylah, Missouri where he grew up. He can’t help remembering his mom and the blood magic she practiced – memories he’s tried for five years to escape. Silla, though, doesn’t want to forget; her parents’ apparent murder-suicide left her numb and needing answers. When a book of magic spells in her dad’s handwriting appears on her doorstep, she sees her chance to unravel the mystery of their deaths.

Together they plunge into the world of dark magic, but when a hundred-year-old blood witch comes hunting for the bones of Silla’s parents and the spell book, Nick and Silla will have to let go of everything they believe about who they are, the nature of life and death, and the deadly secrets that hide in blood.

One of the things I liked about this book is that it's a stand alone book. Even though there will be a companion novel; the story of Nick and Silla, the protagonists of this book, is finished. I guess there's a chance they appear in The Blood Keeper, the next book, but it probably will be as guest characters.

The story is told from the point of view of both Nick and Silla, who are both discovering their blood magic. I liked both of them and found their pasts very intriguing. The romance that blooms between them is complicated but sweet.
Both Silla and Nick are dealing with things their parents did and it was interesting seeing how it affects them. Reese, Silla's brother, is an important character in the book, but you don't get to know him as well as I would have liked. At the end, he felt like an stranger, even when I was reading from Silla's point of view.

Usually after a chapter in the present, you get to read a journal entry written by a magic user from a hundred years before. Surprisingly, that was one of my favourite parts of the book. The journal entries are exciting and interesting, especially since they tell that person's story through the years and you discover how the blood magic affects in a long term. Also, I found the person who wrote them twisted and amoral. I always like different personalities from the characters in a book.

The novel is fast paced, intriguing, with very interesting and different characters and a little bit scary, especially towards the end. I will definitely read the companion novel.

Next Book:
2. The Blood Keeper (2012)

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (43)

2011-07-06T17:23:00.000+02:00

Title: Water to Burn
Author: Katharine Kerr
Series: Nola O'Grady #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: August 2, 2011
Publisher: DAW
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Blurb:
No description available.

Review: Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh

2011-06-01T16:30:00.002+02:00

Title: Kiss of Snow
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy/Changeling #10
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: May 31, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would've been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other's secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna's darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home…and the alpha who is its heartbeat.

This probably was my most anticipated book of the year. We met Hawke and Sienna in the first book and we saw the sparks fly. These two have been circling their way towards each other for nine books and we finally got their story.

One of the most important things you have to know about the heroine, Sienna, is that she's a fighter. She has been fighting for her life since she was little and training under the Psy Council so when it comes the time to fight for Hawke, she never gives up. I think that was one of the things that made me like her the most.

Hawke is a stubborn, arrogant and controlled changeling. He is the alpha of SnowDancer and is used to people following his orders. Sienna has been pushing his bottons since they met and it all reaches a boiling point in this book.
I was interesting seeing Hawke trying to deal with his emotions, but most importantly, I loved that Hawke finally found that one person he could be completely normal with. Their journey towards that was full of angst, action and most importantly, love.

There is a secondary love story, and that's the one between Lara, SnowDancer's healer, and Walker Lauren, Sienna's uncle. I wasn't expecting it, and honestly, I was hoping that Walker would get his own book, but it worked out in the end. Theirs is a sweet story, with Walker learning to let go and Lara helping him along the way.

We also get glimpses of Kit (baby cat alpha, as Hawke calls him), Judd, Sasha and Lucas. This parts were among my favourite too. I just love getting updates on the lives of previous heroes and heroines, plus getting to know better other characters that I hope get their own book in the future.

All in all, this was a fantastic read with an amazing and long awaited main couple, a lot of action and major series changing events.
I had really high expectations for this book and I'm happy to say that it didn't disappoint one bit.

Memorable Lines:
"They‘re not dating, but he‘s very protective of her," Lucas said as Hawke was about to rib him on his sartorial elegance in retaliation for the other man‘s quip, "just so you know."
Hawke didn‘t bother to respond to that—he‘d eat the baby cat alpha for breakfast.

Previous Books:
1. Slave to Sensation
2. Visions of Heat
3. Caressed by Ice
4. Mine to Possess
5. Hostage to Pleasure
6. Branded by Fire
7. Blaze of Memory
8. Bonds of Justice - Review
9. Play of Passion - Review

Next Book:
11. Untitled (June 2012)

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (42)

2011-06-01T09:51:00.002+02:00

Title: Hunter's Fall
Author: Shiloh Walker
Series: The Hunters #13
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 7, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Blurb:

Nessa lost her memory following a near-death experience. Dominic is a Hunter dealing with his own problems with memory and sanity. When the two are put together to battle the forces of darkness-while trying to restore what they've lost-their all-consuming passion becomes an even greater unknown.

Review: The Neon Graveyard by Vicki Pettersson

2011-05-24T13:35:00.001+02:00

Title: The Neon Graveyard
Author: Vicki Pettersson
Series: Sings of the Zodiac #6
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: May 31, 2011
Publisher: Eos
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: NetGalley
Blurb:

Once she was a soldier for the Light, the prophesied savior who would decide the outcome of the eternal conflict raging unseen in the dark corners of her glittering hometown. Now Joanna Archer is just another mortal—still born of an impossible union of Shadow and Light . . . still hunted by both—and carrying the unborn child of a lover held captive by a depraved demon goddess. Joining forces with a band of rogue Shadow agents, Joanna's ready to storm the stronghold of her demonic foe, risking everything to enter this ghastly, godforsaken realm where the price of admission is her eternal soul. Because in a world that has stripped her of her power, identity, and fortune, Joanna has nothing left to lose—except her baby, her future, and the epic war poised to consume the city.

This is the final book in the Zodiac series. I recommend you read the first five books of the series or you will get lost reading this novel.
Jo, powerless and hunted by both light and shadow agents, has to rescue Hunter, her lover, from a mad goddess. She has been betrayed and emotionally broken quite a few times and I loved seeing her putting herself back together. She was total kick ass in this last book even though she was only human.

I was expecting much more action than what we got. I wanted to read about an epic final battle between shadow and light or at last a huge fight between Jo and Solange but it didn't happen.
We do get to see all the light warriors and how they have been doing. I would have liked to know more about the grey rogue agents, especially about their leader.

My favourite parts of the book were the ones with Warren (who finally gets what he deserves), the kids from the comic store (in my opinion they are very interesting) and the ones with Hunter.

All in all, this was a good ending to the series, where loose ends got tied and fights were battled. As I said before, I was expecting more but it does have a satisfying ending.

Memorable Lines:
“You don’t understand. I will not love you gently, Hunter.”
“No?” The honeyed softness in his gaze hardened. After a moment, I realized it was done in challenge. “Then how will you love me, Jo?”
Recklessly, I thought, holding that steady gaze. With a rampaging heart, I decided, narrowing my own eyes. “Like a bull loves red.”

Previous Books:
1. The Scent of Shadows
2. The Taste of Night
3. The Touch of Twilight
4. City of Souls
5. Cheat the Grave

Rating:

Review: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

2011-05-23T13:00:00.001+02:00

Title: Where She Went
Author: Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay #2
Genre: YA
Release Date: April 28, 2011
Publisher: Dobleday Childrens
Edition: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.
Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future–and each other.
Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

* There are If I Stay (first book in the duology) spoilers in this review. *

At the end of the first book Mia, the protagonist, decided to live. This book is about what happened after she decided to stay and it's told from Adam's point of view.

At first I was disappointed that Adam and Mia didn't stay together but the author managed to convince me that it was the right thing to do for the characters.
There were some sad parts, especially seeing how alone, angry and broken Adam felt and some happy parts, that for me were when Mia tells how she managed to move on with her life.

There were some interesting points raised in the book. I think the most important one was how Adam wasn't "allowed" to grieve for Mia's family because technically he wasn't part of it.

I loved reading about Adam and his life three years after the accident as well as what Mia was up to after she left Adam. As in the first book, music plays an important part. There were parts of Adam's songs at the beginning of some chapters and they make you understand Adam better.

The author managed to make me hurt when the characters hurt and happy when they were happy. I was rooting for Adam and Mia to get back together somehow all through the novel.

This book is all about Adam and Mia, how they grew apart and how they found each other again. It didn't disappointed me one bit and for me it was the perfect ending for these two characters. I loved this book and both the first and this one are must reads.

Memorable Lines:
I slide into my seat and close my eyes, remembering the last time I went to a cello concert somewhere this fancy. Five years ago, on our first date. Just as I did that night, I feel this mad rush of anticipation, even though I know that unlike that night, tonight I won’t kiss her. Or touch her. Or even see her up close.

Tonight, I’ll listen. And that’ll be enough.

Previous Book:
1. If I Stay - Review

Rating:

Review: Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

2011-05-19T09:33:00.001+02:00

Title: Demonglass
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Series: Hex Hall #2
Genre: YA
Release Date: March 1, 2011
Publisher: Hyperion Books CH
Edition: Hardback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

I want to start this review saying that I loved this book. I love this series. BUT there is a HUGE cliffhanger at the end of this book. And I hated it. A lot of trilogies these days have cliffhangers in the second book and to be honest I'm tired of it. I know authors want to keep the suspense but enough is enough.

Anyway, this time around we have Sophie causing trouble in the UK. We finally get to meet her dad and I have to say that he was very interesting. I loved the scenes in which Sophie and her dad are practicing their magic together.

Sophie makes some tough choices in this book but I think at the end she matured because of it.
For those worried that Archer may not be in the book, don't worry about it. We finally get to know Archer's side of the story and frackly there were moments there where I even understood him.

Turns out that at the end this book does have a love triangle (although I'm pretty sure all of us know who she is going to end up with). Cal is a supporting character in this book and I loved getting to know him.

Then there's Jenna. I was very disappointed when I realized where her story was going. At times it felt like she abandoned Sophie, and I didn't like that at all.

I think the scenes that had Cal, Archer or Sophie's dad were the most interesting and important parts of the book.

This book had a lots of intrigue and mystery but I have to admit that I knew who the bad guys where.

Anyway, this was a solid novel with a lot of character development, a forbidden love and a mystery to solve. I can't wait to see how it all ends up, especiall after that ending!

Previous Book:
1. Hex Hall - Review

Next Book:
3. Untitled (March 2012)

Rating:

Review: Dark Descendant by Jenna Black

2011-05-17T08:32:00.004+02:00

Title: Dark Descendant
Author: Jenna Black
Series: Descendant #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: April 26, 2011
Publisher: Pocket
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Bought
Blurb:

Nikki Glass can track down any man. But when her latest client turns out to be a true descendant of Hades, Nikki now discovers she can’t die. . . .

Crazy as it sounds, Nikki’s manhunting skills are literally god-given. She’s a living, breathing descendant of Artemis who has stepped right into a trap set by the children of the gods. Nikki’s new “friends” include a descendant of Eros, who uses sex as a weapon; a descendant of Loki, whose tricks are no laughing matter; and a half-mad descendant of Kali who thinks she’s a spy.

But most powerful of all are the Olympians, a rival clan of immortals seeking to destroy all Descendants who refuse to bow down to them. In the eternal battle of good god/bad god, Nikki would make a divine weapon. But if they think she’ll surrender without a fight, the gods must be crazy. . .

I love reading books that have mythology in them, especially greek mythology so I was really excited when I finally got this book in the mail.

Usually heroines in urban fantasy series are powerful, they know what they want and they go after it. Nikki is not that kind of heroine, which made me like her a lot. She has been forced into the dangerous and cruel world of the descendants of the gods and she's trying to survive the best she can. I liked that she was smart and especially that she wasn't naive. She didn't trust anyone for the most part of the book but she also wasn't afraid to show that she cared about what happened to the people around her (she calls herself a bleeding heart).

It was surprising that there really wasn't a love interest for Nikki and I really hope that gets explored in the next book.

The other descendants were interesting but I would have liked to get to know them better or at least see what kind of abilities they got (we only really get to see three descendants in action).

As for the worlbuilding, there wasn't much of it and the bits we get aren't really expanded. I liked the mythology but I would have prefered to learn more about both clans of descendants and why they became what they are.

Anyway, this was a very satisfying and entertaining read with a unique type of heroine and I really can't wait to read the next one.

Memorable Lines:
One moment, I was staring down the barrel of my gun trying to work up the nerve to pull the trigger, the next, I wanted to fling the gun to the ground and tear off my clothes. I had only an instant to realize what was happening before I was under his spell, but that was enough.

Desperation gave me the will I needed, and my finger squeezed the trigger.

Next Book:
2. Untitled (2012)

Rating:

Did you win?

2011-05-17T08:22:00.003+02:00

So, I have to announce the winner of the copy of Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison.

The winner is ... Judy L !!!
Congrats! You have 48hrs to answer my email or I'll have to choose a new winner.
Thanks to everyone for participating!

Waiting on Wednesday (41)

2011-05-11T08:18:00.000+02:00

Title: Dead on the Delta
Author: Stacey Jay
Series: Book #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: May 31, 2011
Publisher: Pocket
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Blurb:

Once upon a time, fairies were the stuff of bedtime stories and sweet dreams. Then came the mutations, and the dre-ams became nightmares. Mosquito-size fairies now indulge their taste for human blood—and for most humans, a fairy bite means insanity or death. Luckily, Annabelle Lee isn’t most humans. The hard-drinking, smart-mouthed, bicycle-riding redhead is immune to fairy venom, and able to do the dirty work most humans can’t. Including helping law enforcement— and Cane Cooper, the bayou’s sexiest detective—collect evidence when a body is discovered outside the fairy-proof barricades of her Louisiana town.But Annabelle isn’t equipped to deal with the murder of a sixyear- old girl or a former lover-turned-FBI snob taking an interest in the case. Suddenly her already bumpy relationship with Cane turns even rockier, and even the most trust-worthy friends become suspects. Annabelle’s life is imploding: between relationship drama, a heartbreaking murder investigation, Breeze-crazed drug runners, and a few too many rum and Cokes, Annabelle is a woman on the run—from her past, toward her future, and into the arms of a darkness waiting just for her. . .

Interview + Giveaway: Thea Harrison

2011-04-28T21:06:00.004+02:00

Next week one of my favourite books of 2011 is being released. Today we have Thea Harison here with us answering a few questions about Dragon Bound.

What can you tell us about Dragon Bound?

Dragon Bound is the story of what happens when you get two people with opposing philosophies together. Pia, the heroine, ascribes to that old adage from Charles Schultz’s Peanut characters: there is no problem so big you can’t run away from it. On the other hand, Dragos believes there is no problem so small, no theft so minor, that he can’t track it down. It’s sort of their version of the unstoppable force meeting the immoveable object. Through the course of the story Dragos discovers he might enjoy being surprised by Pia, and Pia realizes there are some problems she doesn’t actually want to run away from.

The main characters are Wyr (or at least half Wyr). What exactly is a Wyr? Do they all have similar abilities or does it depend on the type of Wyr they are?

Wyr are, in essence, two-natured creatures, or shape shifters. All Wyr have a few abilities that are similar. They have a human form and some kind of animal or “other” form (such as gargoyles or harpies), the ability to shift between the two, enhanced healing capabilities, and they mate for life. Wyr have plenty of differences as well. There are three main different classifications of Wyr. Immortal Wyr came into being at the Earth’s formation. Normal Wyr can be any kind of animal species with a lifespan of around two hundred years old. Unique Wyr have animal forms that do not appear in mundane species, and they may have lifespans that differ from the usual. Individual difference also occur in the Wyr.

Let’s talk about the Elder Races. How long have they existed? What kind of creatures or societies are considered part of the Elder Races?

The Elder Races are essentially any creature or society that existed before the proliferation of humankind civilization. The Elder Races are often long-lived and magical in nature and they tend to cluster in or near to Other lands. There are the Wyrkind and the Elves, the Light and Dark Fae, the Nightkind, and Demonkind. Like the Wyrkind classification, there are many types of creatures labeled Nightkind and Demonkind. Because they have Power and are not mundane, human witches are also considered part of the Elder Races.

In the continental U.S. there are seven Elder Races demesnes. The seat of the Wyrkind demesne is based in New York City. The seat of Elven demesne is based in Charleston, South Carolina. The Dark Fae’s demesne is centered in Chicago, and the Light Fae demesne is based in Los Angeles. The Nightkind, which includes all forms of Vampyres, controls the San Francisco/Bay area and the Pacific Northwest, while the human witches, considered part of the Elder Races due to their command of magical Power, are based in Louisville, Kentucky. Demonkind, like the Wyr and the Vampyres, consist of several different types that included goblins and Djinn, and their seat is based in Houston.

In the world you’ve created the Elder Races and the humans live openly among each other. Was there some sort of revelation in the past or have humans always known about them? Are there any races that remain secret?

Well, secrets and machinations abound in the Elder Races, so you never know! But mostly in this universe humans have always known about the Elder Races. For example, in ancient Egypt and Greece, people of the Elder Races were often considered gods by humans. At some point I think it would be very interesting do more world-building and write about those alternative histories. For now I content myself with telling those histories in bits and pieces as background for the main stories.

The main villains in the story are the Dark Fae. What started the animosity between them and the Wyr? Is there any other type of Fae that is not dark? What are the differences between them if they exist?

There are two types of Fae, the Light Fae and the Dark Fae. Ireland has two demesnes, a Light Fae and a Dark Fae, where the kingdoms are seated in Other lands. In the United States, the Dark Fae are based in Chicago but they have mostly been sequestered in their Other land named Adriyel. The Light Fae are based in Los Angeles.

Aside from geographical and political differences, the Dark Fae and the Light Fae are also different in coloring and in manifestations of Power. The Light Fae is a blond, charismatic race, with either blue or green eyes, and they have an aversion to iron. The Dark Fae are black-haired, with pale skin and gray eyes, and they often have a gift for metallurgy.

What are you working on right now? Do you plan to write a story that doesn’t have any Wyr as main characters? I find Quentin to be a very interesting character ... any hopes on him getting his own story?

Ah, yes, Quentin. His story might well be coming up soon (hint hint). Right now I am working on book four in the series, currently titled Oracle’s Moon. This is my first foray into main characters that are not Wyr. The story is set in the human witches’ demesne of Louisville, Kentucky. Demonkind are also involved. I’m quite excited! There are so many possibilities to explore in the Elder Races universe. In fact, I’m making early plans for a story about Elves soon!

Thanks so much for being here today, Thea!

Thanks so much for having me! It’s been a pleasure to visit with you, and to share some of the Elder Races universe with readers!

You can find out more about Thea and her books on her site.
You can also check out my review of Dragon Bound here.

Giveaway
I have one copy of Dragon Bound to giveaway.
US/Canada only / Ends May 5th.
All you have to do is fill out the form.

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Review: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison

2011-04-28T20:30:00.000+02:00

Title: Dragon Bound
Author: Thea Harrison
Series: Elder Races #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful-and passionate-of the Elder races.

This book was an incredible start to a fantastic new series. You have a smart, sassy heroine that doesn't let herself be controlled by anything or anyone; an arrogant, always in charge hero who unexpectedly starts caring for someone other than himself; an amazing world building full of all kinds of creatures; and an intriguing bad guy who won't stop until he gets what he wants, the hero dead.

I loved the relationship between Pia and Dragos, especially that it wasn't love at first sight (more like lust at first dream), instead their love story developed all through the book. While Dragos is the ultimate alpha male, Pia never let him take charge of her life and stood up for herself at all times.

I also liked the other wyr. They are Dragos' closest friends but they are also part of the guard. They are bodyguards, they deal with the most important parts of Dragos' business, they are powerful and they trust each other. In other words, they are family. They were one of the things I liked the most about the book and I really hope they get their own stories.

The world building was fascinating and while in this novel we only got to discover the wyr race in depth I hope we get more information about the other races, especially the Fae, in future books.

Overall, this was an amazing book with great, interesting characters, a very creative world building, plenty of action, but most importantly, an incredible romance between the main characters.

Memorable Lines:

I'm sorry, the message said.
The theft was a violation of privacy. It was an unbelievable act of impudence and disrespect. Not only that, it was—baffling. He was murderous, incandescent with fury. He was older than sin and could not remember when he had last been in such a rage.
He looked at the paper again.
I'm sorry I had to take your penny. Here's another to replace it.
Yep, that's what it said.
One corner of his mouth twitched. He gave himself a deep shock when he burst into an explosive guffaw.

Next Books:
2. Storm's Heart (August 3, 2011)
3. Serpent's Kiss (October 4, 2011)

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (40)

2011-04-27T19:27:00.000+02:00

Title: Magic Slays
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #5
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: May 31, 2011
Publisher: Ace
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Blurb:

Kate Daniels has quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but starting her own business isn't easy when the Order starts disparaging her good name. And being the mate of the Beast Lord doesn't bring in the customers, either. So when Atlanta's premier Master of the Dead asks for help with a vampire, Kate jumps at the chance. Unfortunately, this is one case where Kate should have looked before she leapt.

Review: How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

2011-04-15T17:13:00.004+02:00

Title: How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf
Author: Molly Harper
Series: Naked Werewolf #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: February 22, 2011
Publisher: Pocket Books
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Even in Grundy, Alaska, it’s unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, recent southern transplant Mo Wenstein has no difficulty identifying the problem. Her surly neighbor Cooper Graham—who has been openly critical of Mo’s ability to adapt to life in Alaska—has trouble of his own. Werewolf trouble.
For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his dysfunctional pack, it’s love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, he’s worried that he might be the violent canine in question.
If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if he’s not responsible, then who is? And when a werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more complicated. . . .

I've read and loved Molly Harper's previous paranormal series so I had really high expectations. This series is very different from the other one and I personally think that's a very good thing.

Mo, the main character, practically run away from her parents to find some peace and quiet in Alaska. The town doesn't like her instantly, but after a while she's considered a local. I loved Grundy or more especifically the people. They are funny and care for each other or leave you alone depending on what that person needs.

Cooper is the ultimate loner and a first doesn't have a positive reaction to Mo, meaning that he likes her but doesn't really know how to show it. He's keeping a big secret (that he's a werewolf) and that influences most of things he does.

The first interactions between Mo and Cooper are very funny and it was great seeing them develop a romantic relationship although Cooper does some things toward the end that didn't make me like him much.

There are also some murders that need to be solved that eventually tie up to the werewolves, and while they seemed important it wasn't very interesting.

The thing I was missing the most in the book was Mo's parents. We are told several unusual and interesting things about them all along the book and I would have loved for them to get more page time.

By the way, I loved the chapter titles. They always made me smile.

This was a funny romance book with awesome characters, especially Cooper's pack, Mo's parents and most of the population of Grundy. I can't wait to read the next book, who has Cooper's sister as the main character.

Next Book:
2. The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (39)

2011-04-13T17:07:00.002+02:00

I know I'm a little late but I still wanted to post this week's WoW.

Title: Hard Bitten
Author: Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #4
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Publisher: NAL
Edition: Trade Paperback
Blurb:

Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals--and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are ... tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else.

Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in the heady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society--a world full of vampires who seem too ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands...

Review: Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

2011-03-25T12:39:00.001+01:00

Title: Darkness Becomes Her
Author: Kelly Keaton
Series: Gods & Monsters #1
Genre: YA
Release Date: June 9, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Books
Edition: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.
Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.
She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.
Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

I'm a huge fan of the author's Urban Fantasy series so I was really excited when I heard she was writing a YA book. I loved the world the author created, especially New 2, the rebuilt strange and supernatural city of New Orleans. The way the society worked was fascinating and I really hope we learn more about the 9 original families in future books.

Ari is a strong willed person who has a very sad and hard past. She's a fighter and doesn't give up and that's why I liked her so much.
Then we have Sebastian. At first he's a complicated and mysterious guy but as the novel develops you get to learn more about him. I liked him at first but something that happened around the end of the book made me hate him a little. He also is Ari's love interest and while they do sound like a cute couple their romance developed way too fast. I would have prefered for them to have more time to get to know each other better.

Another character that I absolutely adored was Violet. She's a strange 10 year old who doesn't act like most kids (she has a small alligator as a friend). I loved that she sees things in a different way and how accepting she was of Ari. I can't wait to learn more about her.

I liked that we don't get a whole bunch of information at once but instead we discover little by little the secrets and rules of the city and the people, although I was frustrated that we didn't get to know more about Ari's heritage sooner.
Also, there is some cursing in the book. That's pretty unusual for a YA but oddly it suited the novel.

All in all, this was a great book with a unique main character, an incredible world building and a very interesting cast of supporting characters.

Memorable Lines:
The gods were real. I didn't know how to react, so I just sat there feeling blank and squeezing the bars as tightly as I could. And even more bizarre, I'd somehow pissed off one of the gods.
It figured.

Next Book:
2. Untitled (Feb 2012)

Rating:

Review: Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

2011-02-25T13:20:00.000+01:00

Title: Desires of the Dead
Author: Kimberly Derting
Series: The Body Finder #2
Genre: YA
Release Date: March 17, 2011
Publisher: Headline
Edition: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Violet and Jay are finally dating, but adjusting to the new relationship is not as easy as Violet anticipated. Especially when she has to split Jay's time and attention with his new best friend, Mike, and Mike's pesky younger sister - who happens to be obsessed with Jay. Meanwhile, when Violet's special abilities lead her to the body of a young boy, her tip to the police puts her on the radar of the FBI. Violet tries to fend off the FBI's questions while maintaining the semblance of a normal life, but somebody's leaving her threatening notes and an echo around Mike's house reinforces that all is not right. Violet is forced to admit that perhaps the only people who can help her figure it out are the very people she's desperate to avoid - the FBI.

I loved The Body Finder so much that I wasn't sure if Desires of the Dead was going to live up to it. In a sense I was right, but this keeps being a great novel nonetheless.

Violet still is an amazing character and this time she has to worry about people finding out about her ability to sense the echoes of the death. She struggles a lot with it but I liked how at the end she's the one who decides what to do and who to tell, although she does get some help and advice from her parents and Jay.

Jay keeps being as awesome as ever and while his relationship with Violet goes through some bumps, at the end they still make a great couple. As the story evolves you can see how their relationship matures and becomes more serious.

There are some new interesting characters like Rafe. He's a quiet and intriguing character and I really hope the author tells us more about him in the next book.

To me, the reason this book wasn't as good as the previous one is the mystery. In the first book I didn't know who the bad guy was until the end but this time around it's pretty clear who's to blame. Honestly, I don't know how the characters could have missed it.

All in all, this was an amazing read with a great cast of characters and a interesting plot. I can't wait to read the next one!

Memorable Lines:
“Your parents asked me to stop by and check on you on my way home. They won’t be back until late. Can I trust the two of you here . . . alone?”
“Of course you can—” Jay started to say.
“Probably not—” Violet answered at the same time. And then she caught a glimpse of the horror-stricken expression on Jay’s face, and she laughed. “Relax, Uncle Stephen, we’re fine. We were just doing homework.”

Previous Book:
1. The Body Finder - Review

Next Book:
3. Untitled (2012)

Rating:

Review: Evermore by Alyson Noel

2011-02-24T23:59:00.001+01:00

Title: Evermore
Author: Alyson Noel
Series: The Immortals #1
Genre: YA
Release Date: September 18, 2009
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Edition: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Ever Bloom is the sole survivor of a car accident that killed her family. Exiled to sunny California. Ever is haunted by her little sister and by the ability to see people's auras, hear their thoughts and know their entire life story by touching them. She wants to hide from the world, but when a stunningly handsome guy arrives at school, she can't seem to keep away. Falling in love with Damen is dangerous - he's not what he seems. But if Damen is her destiny, how can Ever walk away?

I've heard a lot of things about this series so I was really happy when I got it. Ever is a very conflicted character. She's been through a lot (mainly the death of her parents and little sister on a car accident that she survived) and her way of dealing with it is shutting people out, especially her aunt. All this changes when she meets Damen, the intriguing new guy at school.

I liked Ever's abilities and how they were explained. What I didn't like was how Ever never got curious enough to search for answers or help about her abilities and how she ignored or tried to live like they didn't exist. One thing Ever can do thanks to her powers is talk to her little sister Riley. She probably was my favourite character of the book and I loved her interactions with her sister. At one point Ever was incredibly selfish regarding Riley and that's one of the reasons I didn't completely warmed up to her.

Damen is supposed to be this mysterious, dangerous guy and while at the beginning it's kind of appealing, as the story unfolds all his secrets and lies just pissed me off. Truth be told, I didn't even know what was so special about him.

Then there's the bad guy. On the positive side he/she was completely evil and I've always like those kind of villians. On the negative side, the bad guy was predictable and at times cheesy. He/she acted like a stereotype villian and I just can't understand why no one caught him/her before.

I especially liked Riley, Ever's friend Miles and Ever's abilities. I was expecting more on the mystery area. Even so, this was an interesting first book and I'll definitely check out the second.

Memorable Lines:
"What happened? You run out of white rosebuds?" I ask, flipping through books and papers, as though I've something important to do.
"I would never give you a rosebud," he says, his eyes searching for mine.
But I refuse to meet his gaze, refuse to get sucked into his sadistic little game. I just grab my bag and pretend to search for something inside, cursing under my breath when I find it stuffed full of tulips.
"You're strictly a tulip girl-a red tulip girl."

Next Books:
2. Blue Moon
3. Shadowland
4. Dark Flame
5. Night Star
6. Everlasting (June 7, 2011)

Rating:

Review: Married With Zombies by Jesse Petersen

2011-02-23T19:13:00.000+01:00

Title: Married with Zombies
Author: Jesse Petersen
Series: Living with the Dead #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: February 3, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Edition: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Meet Sarah and David.
Once upon a time they met and fell in love. But now they're on the verge of divorce and going to couples' counseling. On a routine trip to their counselor, they notice a few odd things - the lack of cars on the highway, the missing security guard, and the fact that their counselor, Dr. Kelly, is ripping out her previous client's throat.

Meet the Zombies.
Now, Sarah and David are fighting for survival in the middle of the zombie apocalypse. But, just because there are zombies, doesn't mean your other problems go away. If the zombies don't eat their brains, they might just kill each other.

Have any of you seen Zombieland? Well, this book reminded me of that movie. David and Sarah's marriage is on the rocks so they're going to therapy to try save it when they're shocked to find their therapist eating her clients. At this point, they both start working together to survive the zombie outbreak.

At the beginning of every chapter there's an advice regarding how to save your marriage during a zombie apocalypse. Those parts were amusing although very short. I liked how Sarah and David got the hang of zombie killing slowly and how they realized that sometimes humans are more dangerous than the zombies. While I liked both David and Sarah, the truth is that I didn't really care much for them.

One of the best parts of the book was seeing David and Sarah trying to fix their problems, the thing is, we don't get much information about how their life was before the zombies and I think that was something important the novel was missing. The main problem I had with the book was that it didn't seem like they had a plan and when they finally make one it doesn't really go anywhere. And the ending was so open ended that it didn't felt like it was a real ending.

In this book there is plenty of zombie killing, a lot of arguments, a cult and many entertaining parts. This novel was short and light, perfect for a quick reading.

Memorable Lines:
“You’re right,” I said as I put the car in gear and inched into the garage.
David let out a snort as he pocketed his game system in his hoodie and unbuckled his seatbelt. “Wow, I hardly ever hear that.”
I swung the car into a space close to the elevator bank and slammed on the brake, purposefully making David catch himself on the dash a second time.
“Nice,” he muttered with a glare in my direction as he got out.
So what I did wasn’t subtle, but I couldn’t help but smile as I followed him across the quiet parking complex to the elevator.

Next Books:
2. Flip This Zombie
3. Eat Slay Love (June 2011)

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (38)

2011-02-23T19:03:00.002+01:00

Title: Eternal Rider
Author: Larissa Ione
Series: Lords of Deliverance #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: March 29, 2011
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Blurb:

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.

Review: Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

2011-02-21T23:59:00.001+01:00

Title: Grave Witch
Author: Kalayna Price
Series: Alex Craft #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: October 5, 2010
Publisher: Roc
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Bought
Blurb:

As a grave witch, Alex Craft can speak to the dead-she's even on good terms with Death himself. As a consultant for the police, she's seen a lot of dark magic, but nothing has prepared her for her latest case. When she's raising a "shade" involved in a high profile murder, it attacks her, and then someone makes an attempt on her life. Someone really doesn't want her to know what the dead have to say, and she'll have to work with mysterious homicide detective Falin Andrews to figure out why...

I'm always looking for new urban fantasy series so I was really excited when I heard about this book. Alex is a very likeable character who has a very rare ability and has to deal with all sorts of problems, her family being one of them. At the beginning Alex is a loner, she does things her own way and she doesn't usually ask for help, but all of that changes when she finds herself in the middle of a very dangerous high profile homicide case.

While it's explained why Alex doesn't get on with her family, I wish we could have gotten more information on them, especially about what happened to her older brother and mother. I really hope the author tells us more about them in future books.

At first it seems like Alex doesn't have friends but as the story evolves you get to meet plenty of people that we are told are her friends, but to me it seemed like they were strangers. None of them knows the truth about Alex, she almost never interacts with them and when there's something wrong she never calls them or ask for their help. That to me seemed like very strange "friendships".

My favourite parts of the book, apart of when Alex is using her abilty, are the ones that include Falin and Death. Falin is the homicide detective in charge of the case and he's a very enigmatic character. I didn't really know if he was a good guy or a bad guy but I was sure from the start the there was something more to him that what met the eye.

Then there's Death. He is mysterious, powerful and complicated. I liked how he always tried to help Alex even though it might mean bending the rules. He was by far my favourite character and it's a shame that there wasn't more of him in the book. I really hope he gets a more central role in the next one.

All in all, this was a great start to a very promising series, with an interesting worlbuilding and an awesome set of characters. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Memorable Lines:
Angel of Death, Soul Collector, Grim Reaper—whatever you called him, most people saw him only once. He strolled forward, and Baker stumbled back a step.
Crap. I jumped from the casket platform. "Don't."
Too late.
Death reached into Baker's pudgy torso, and the color leached from my client's face. He swayed. Death stepped back, and Baker blinked once more before crumpling.

Next Book:
2. Grave Dance (July 5, 2011)

Rating:

Help save a life

2011-02-20T22:08:00.000+01:00

In your lifetime, there are few moments when you’re given the opportunity to directly save another person’s life.-Bryan Mealer, HuffPo

If you had a chance to save somebody’s life, and it didn’t take all that much… would you do it? Well, here’s that chance.

Check out Shiloh Walker’s blog for a chance to read how you can help save a man’s life…

Review: Right Hand Magic by Nancy A. Collins

2011-02-16T20:01:00.000+01:00

Title: Right Hand Magic
Author: Nancy A. Collins
Series: Golgotham #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: December 7, 2010
Publisher: Roc
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Bought
Blurb:

Like most Manhattanites, aspiring artist Tate can't resist a good rental deal-even if it's in the city's strangest neighborhood, Golgotham, where for centuries werewolves, centaurs, and countless other creatures have roamed the streets.
Her new landlord is a sorcerer name Hexe, who is determined to build his reputation without using dark, left-hand magic. As Tate is drawn into Hexe's fascinating world, they both find that the right hand does not always know what the left hand is doing-and avoiding darkness is no easy trick...

This is the first book of a really interesting new series. Tate moves to a new place in Golgotham, the supernatural neighbourhood where she meets a lof of different creatures and races she only saw and heard about throught TV and magazines. Her landlord is Hexe, a Kymeran who only practices Right Hand Magic, meaning he doesn't lay curses, he mostly lifts them.

The chemistry between Tate and Hexe was one of the best things of the book. They both are from different worlds but at the same time they can relate and understand each other perfectly. There also was a were-cougar in the story. Lukas was a very sweet character. He was running from his pack until he was found by the bad guys. I felt bad for him at times and I really liked seeing his character evolve.

While the worldbuilding was one of the strong points of the novel, most of the time I was really bored reading about the history of a street or what happened to a market. Almost none of the information were are given is important to the story and the truth is that after a while I started skipping those parts.

The main problem I had with the story was that nothing happened during most of the book until the end and there wasn't much action or mystery. You know who the bad guy is since the beginning and you are told that he is evil, but you never really see it. I was very disappointed on that aspect of the book.

All in all, this was a very promising start of a series and while the first book didn't catch my attention at all times I have high hopes for the next one.

Memorable Lines:
"Scratch, this is Miss Tate."
"Humph," Scratch sniffed, clearly unimpressed.
"Pleased to meet you, uh, Scratch."
"As well you should be," the flying cat replied curtly.
"Scratch is my familiar. I'm sure you've heard about such things from books and movies." As the landlord stroked the winged cat's back, Scratch butted his forehead against him, just like any other tabby would. "He is also my rent collector."
"Yeah—I eat the deadbeats!" The familiar grinned.

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (37)

2011-02-16T16:57:00.002+01:00

Title: This Side of the Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress #5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: February 22, 2011
Publisher: Avon
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Blurb:

Danger waits on both sides of the grave.

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .
With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

Cover Reveal: Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

2011-02-15T15:53:00.001+01:00

Well, here it is. The cover of Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs. I have to say, it looks great.
More info about the book:

- Release Date: October 4, 2011 (I'm not sure if this is final)
- About the book: Three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in a world where monsters lurk in plain sight.
- Characters: The three main characters are Grace, Gretchen, and Greer. You can see their character collage here.

Review: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

2011-02-14T17:39:00.000+01:00

Title: The Body Finder
Author: Kimberly Derting
Series: The Body Finder #1
Genre: YA
Release Date: November 25, 2010
Publisher: Headline
Edition: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

I don't think there are enough words to describe how much I loved this book. Violet has a gift for seeing and hearing the echos of the dead. Saying that, there wasn't much paranormal touches in the story. Mostly this has Violet trying to solve the murders of a few local girls and while her ability is important, I felt like it wasn't the focus of the book, which was refreshing and made me love the novel a lot.

One of the best things of the book or more accurately my favourite parts of the book were the ones that involved the relationship between Violet and Jay. Theirs is an unusual one in YA fiction. I loved that they were best friends since they were kids and that because of that they knew each other so well. Jay has always known about Violet's gift, which was also a nice change from other books, and I especially liked how he always took care and wanted to protect Violet without making her feel useless or inferior. It was so much fun seeing them go from friends to something more and truth be told those probably were my favourite scenes of the book. Jay is a total sweetheart and he has become my favourite male YA character.

As for the plot, the author had me guessing who the bad guy was. There were a lot of twists that at times kept me at the edge of my seat and at the end I didn't really know who the bad guy was until it was revealed.

All in all, this was an unputdownable book with an awesome murder-mystery plot and incredible set of characters. The Body Finder was one of the best YA books I've ever read. I can't wait to read the sequel.

Memorable Lines:
"I just don't want anything bad between us," she offered by way of an explanation.
"I know." He reached out, capturing her hand in his. He laced his fingers casually through hers.
Violet leaned against him and the calm finally came, settling over her peacefully.
And the he kissed her. Gently. Softly. Not on the lips, as she'd imagined so many times before, but on her forehead.
The gesture was sweet and a little possessive.
Violet hoped, maybe, it was a start.

Next Book:
2. Desires of the Dead (February 15, 2011)

Rating:

Review: The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

2011-02-13T17:16:00.000+01:00

Title: The Iron Witch
Author: Karen Mahoney
Series: The Iron Witch #1
Genre: YA
Release Date: February 3, 2011
Publisher: Corgi
Edition: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

The story is told from Donna's point of view. She's some sort of magical bionic woman; something happened when she was a kid that made her lose her parents and both her arms and they were later replaced with magical induced iron arms. She makes her own decisions and doesn't let anyone push her around, which are the reasons I liked her so much. There was some sort of incident that happened at her school and I was disappointed that it wasn't explored more, especially since it seems to be a important moment on Donna's life.

I loved her relationship with Navin, her best friend, and Xan, a mysterious boy who understands her better than anyone else. It seems like the're is a posible love triangle with them. As for her family, we almost don't see her aunt Paige at all and I would have liked knowing more about her parents and what exactly happened all those years ago in the clearing where her father died.

There are some parts of the story that were told as Donna's diary entries and all of them were really interesting. The thing is, the consequences of Donna's actions are told that way too, and it seems to me that they were too important to be told in a few lines. I would have definitely prefered for them to be expanded.

One of the problems I had was that the alchemist's society wasn't explained well. At some point we get a lot of information about them but it was too much, too quickly. I did love the whole idea of the alchemists and how they were originally supposed to protect the world from the fae.

Anyway, this was a very entertaining read with interesting and complex characters and a plot full of secrets and magic. At the end I wasn't even sure who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. I can't wait to read the next one!

Memorable Lines:
“I think we should just go. We could call the police.”
“You should go, Navin. You don’t even belong here.” Her voice shook.
“You can’t make me do anything, Donna. You’re my friend and I think you’re in trouble. I’m not leaving you.”

Next Book:
2. The Wood Queen (2012)

Rating:

Review: Seduce the Darkness by Gena Showalter

2011-02-12T23:59:00.000+01:00

Title: Seduce the Darkness
Author: Gena Showalter
Series: Alien Huntress #4
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: July 28, 2009
Publisher: Pocket Star
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Bought
Blurb:

The war between otherworlders and humans changed Earth beyond recognition. It also saved Bride McKells's life. Before, the gorgeous vampire was a target for every fanatic with a stake and a crucifix. Now, she's free to roam the streets -- and desperate to find others of her kind. One man claims to have the answers she seeks. Devyn, King of the Targons, is a warrior and a womanizer, and he makes no secret of how much he wants Bride -- and how dangerous he could be to her in every way.

An avid collector of women, Devyn easily seduces human and otherworlder alike. Until now. Not only does Bride resist him, but she leaves Devyn feeling something entirely new...a bone-deep need bordering on obsession. Her blood is the key to curing a vicious alien disease, but helping Bride uncover her origins will compel her to choose between electrifying passion and a destiny that could tear her from Devyn's side forever.

This is the fourth Alien Huntress book and it's the one I liked the least. We have Devyn, the king of his planet, a ruthless killer and a man slut. He sleeps with different women at least once a day and he never "repeats" with the same alien race (which tells me that there has to be at least thousands of alien races on earth). I like reading about how this type of men find their perfect match. The problem is, while at the beginning I really liked Bride, the heroine, as the story advanced she changed so much that at some points I couldn't neither stand nor understand her.

At first Bride comes across as shy, with an air of innocence but very determined to find the only person in the world she loves. That's what made me like Bride so much. I guess I just didn't like how Devyn manipulated Bride even when he got what he wanted and then how she didn't even fight much at all. To tell the truth, those parts pissed me off. After that Bride changed and she became a seducer; confident and ultimately very powerful. I just couldn't understand how she changed so much. I will say that I liked that she wasn't as tough as previous heroines of this series.

As for the plot, the alien virus is still around and I would have liked variety on that front. The book also explores the vampire race, which was very interesting, especially since we're introduced to McKell. This was a good adition to the series but I liked the other ones better. I guess I just didn't like much the main couple and how their romance evolved.

Memorable Lines:
“I only answer questions when the one doing the asking is naked, and as we won’t be getting naked anytime soon . . .” Another of those disappointed sighs. “If I wasn’t in a hurry, you might have been able to make me forget I prefer variety. As it is, I’m late and have to go. But do dream of me, darling.”
That dirty, rotten bastard! How dare he! “Leave, and I’ll come after you. I swear I will.”
“Won’t do you any good, I’m afraid.” And with that, he disappeared amidst the churning crowd.
Bride was unable to follow and all the madder for it. He’s going down, she thought darkly. In every possible way.

Previous Books:
1. Awaken Me Darkly
2. Enslave Me Sweetly
3. Savor Me Slowly - Review

Next Books:
5. Ecstasy in Darkness
6. Dark Taste of Rapture (August 2011)

Rating:

Review: Savor Me Slowly by Gena Showalter

2011-02-10T16:37:00.000+01:00

Title: Savor Me Slowly
Author: Gena Showalter
Series: Alien Huntress #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: December 26, 2008
Publisher: Pocket Star
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Bought
Blurb:

Mishka Le'Ace was created to be an undercover operative...literally. Her beautiful body has been mechanically augmented to give her superhuman strength -- strength she's going to need. Her latest mission sends her to rescue Alien Investigation and Removal agent Jaxon Tremain from torture and death. With him, she discovers a passion unlike any other. A passion she was forbidden to know....
From the moment they meet in a darkened cell, Jaxon craves her touch. But the machine half of Le'Ace forces her to do things she doesn't always want to do. Even betray him...and ultimately destroy him. Now Jaxon must battle the man controlling Le'Ace, and even Le'Ace herself, to at last claim the woman he's come to love.

This is the third book in the Alien Huntress series and I love the world the story is set in. You have all types of aliens living in earth after the alien/human war almost destroyed the world. The A.I.R. are the ones that police the aliens and Mishka is sent to discover all the secrets A.I.R. agent Jaxon has, any means necessary.

What I liked about Jaxon was that he didn't care what anyone thought, not even his friends, and he stood by Mishka when things got ugly. At the beginning I didn't like how the romance between the two of them started, it felt forced, the attraction was too instantaneous, especially since Jaxon had been tortured for a long time and suddenly the only thing he wanted to do was bed Mishka. As the story advanced and both of them began talking to each other, I started liking the two of them together.

I'm still not sure if I like Mishka. She had been forced to do things or she she would had been killed, and while I understand the will to live, I didn't like her much when she said that she killed innocent people and children just so she could live. At that moment I didn't think she was heroine material. What I'm trying to say is that I liked the person she was when she was with Jaxon, but without him her past actions made me dislike her.

I loved that characters from the previous books are still important in the story and how Gena gives us glimpses of future heroes and heroines. All in all, I really liked this book, especially the A.I.R. agents. There was plenty of action and I can't wait to see how the virus plot arc evolves in future books.

Memorable Lines:
Jaxon closed his eyes and said goodbye to one of his favorite body parts. I love you little guys. We had some good times together.
“Last chance, Jaxon.”
His gaze met Marie’s, locking, clashing. Unflinching. “I told you. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Her lush lips rose in an exquisite smile, lighting her entire face. Just then, she was the perfect blend of good and evil, innocence and absolute wickedness. His traitorous heart skipped a beat in total, masculine appreciation. Her teeth were straight and white, the pink tip of her tongue peeking out the center as if she were nibbling on it. “That answer just saved your life,” she said, and then her arm lashed to the side and she stabbed Thomas in the stomach.

Previous Books:
1. Awaken Me Darkly
2. Enslave Me Sweetly

Next Books:
4. Seduce the Darkness
5. Ecstasy in Darkness
6. Dark Taste of Rapture (August 2011)

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (36)

2011-02-09T23:12:00.000+01:00

Title: The Gathering
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Darkness Rising #1
Genre: YA
Release Date: April 12, 2011
Publisher: Harper Teen
Edition: Hardcover
Blurb:

Strange things are happening in Maya's tiny Vancouver Island town. First, her friend Serena, the captain of the swim team, drowns mysteriously in the middle of a calm lake. Then, one year later, mountain lions are spotted rather frequently around Maya's home—and her reactions to them are somewhat . . . unexpected. Her best friend, Daniel, has also been experiencing unexplainable premonitions about certain people and situations.
It doesn't help that the new bad boy in town, Rafe, has a dangerous secret, and he's interested in one special part of Maya's anatomy—her paw-print birthmark.

Review: You Against Me by Jenny Downham

2011-02-09T19:21:00.000+01:00

Title: You Against Me
Author: Jenny Downham
Series: -
Genre: YA
Release Date: December 2, 2010
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

If someone hurts your sister and you're any kind of man, you seek revenge, right? If your brother's been accused of a terrible crime and you're the main witness, then you banish all doubt and defend him. Isn't that what families do? When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her at a party, his world of work and girls begins to fall apart. When Ellie's brother is charged with the crime, but says he didn't do it, her world of revision, exams and fitting in at a new school begins to unravel. When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide. Brave and unflinching, this is a novel of extraordinary skillfulness and almost unbearable tension. It's a book about loyalty and the choices that come with it. But above all it's a book about love - for one's family and for another.

From the moment I heard about this book I knew I wanted to read it. There are two narrators in this story: Ellie, who seems to have a perfect life as a rich, pampered girl who only has to worry about school, and Mikey, a poor boy who had to quit studying to support his two younger sisters and alcoholic mother. Their lifes completely change when Ellie's older brother is accussed of raping Mikey's younger sister.

There is a lot of angst as well as guilt in this book. Both main characters try to do the right thing for their families, but the main problem is when the right thing to do may come in conflict to the loyalty your supposed to have for your family. I love that particular struggle the characters go through and I think that's one of the main reasons why both Ellie and Mikey get together; they understand what each other is going through.

While the romance between Ellie and Mikey is important for the story, there are other things that are as important, like how the accusation Mikey's sister made against Ellie's brother affected their families. One of the things I liked about the book is that usually this type of stories are told from the victim's point of view, but this time what we see is what happens to the families. At times there was hope, hope that what happened can make a family member who was lost or disinterested remember what's important, but mostly there was pain, sorrow and heartbreak.

This was a very emotional read with amazingly written and realistic characters. The only problem I had was that the ending was quite abrupt and I was expecting more. Other that that, this was a fantastic read.

Memorable Lines:
"We could hide out at your grandparents' place."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"I've got money. We can buy food, loads of it, and go and live there for a while."
"No."
"Think about it, Ellie - just until the worst is over."
"Are you insane?" She took her hands away from her face. "It isn't going to be over, don't you get it? Someone's family is going to be ruined - yours or mine, that's the choice. We can't run away. This is real life Mikey!"

Rating:

Review: Worth the Trip by Penny McCall

2011-02-04T16:12:00.001+01:00

Title: Worth the Trip
Author: Penny McCall
Series: -
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: November 2, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

For behavioral psychologist Norah MacArthur, relationships and family are stressful and messy. That's why she leads a quiet, clinical, solitary life. That is, until the days leading up to the release of her con artist father from jail. For fifteen years, Julius has managed to conceal the location of his stolen bank loot but now everyone, from two-bit crooks to the Feds, is scrambling to get their hands on it—and Norah is the perfect leverage.

It's a quick leap from ‘control group’ to ‘out of control’—as FBI agent Trip Jones knows all too well. He might like to strangle Norah himself, but he's been sent to protect her. Besides, behind Norah’s psycho-babble and ugly suits there’s something special. Something way more valuable than ill-gotten gains—and just maybe a real life study in love...

This was the first book I've read by Penny McCall, so I didn't know what to expect. What I got was a complicated romance with plenty of action and interesting characters.

Norah is the daughter of a jailed con artist that has tried the best she can to go on with her life on her own. The problem is, her father is being released and now everyone wants to know what happened with the loot her father stole but was never found. I never understood the loyalty Norah felt towards her father, he puts her life in danger, he lies to her, he betrays her, but she never gets mad at him, and that's one of the reasons why I really didn't connect with her. Truth be told, she comes across as a smart woman, but in reality she makes a lot of stupid mistakes and does things that are unnecessary and that I don't understand. In my opinion, she never evolves as a character and she's annoying almost all the time. Those are the main problems I had with her.

Then there's Trip, the FBI agent asigned to the case. He's arrogant, tricky and smart, and he always puts his job first. He has plenty of issues but the good thing is that he knows he has them and he is willing to eventually work on them. He grows a lot through the book and I like how he never lies to himself or to Norah.

The relationship between Norah and Trip is intense and hot. Both of them have trust issues and I think the happy ending between the two of them was far fetched because their personalities were so different.

Memorable lines:
"If someone comes at you with a gun you won't have time to psychoanalyze them, Norah. Not that you'll need to. Shoot first and ask questions later is a pretty straightforward concept."
"You said the want to use me as leverage, not to kill me."
"Yeah, but after a few seconds of conversation with you they'll probably change their minds."

Rating:

Are you a winner?

2011-02-03T17:00:00.003+01:00

So, I have to announce the winners of two giveaways.

First, the winner of Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh is:

Lisa Richards

Congrats! You have 48h to answer my email or I'll have to choose a new winner.

And, the winner of the $40 CSN Stores GC is ...

Michelle Hudak !!!

Congrats! I've already sent you an email.

Thanks so much to everyone for entering and look out for my next giveaway.

Review: The Kensei by Jon F. Merz

2011-02-03T15:12:00.000+01:00

Title: The Kensei
Author: Jon F. Merz
Series: Lawson the Fixer #5
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: January 18, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Edition: Trade Paperback
Source: Author
Blurb:

Meet Lawson. A cynical, wise-cracking vampire charged with protecting the Balance between vampires and humans, he is part cop, part spy, and part commando — James Bond with fangs. Lawson mixes shrewd cunning with unmatched lethality to get his job done. He tries his best to dismantle conspiracies, dispatch bad guys, and live long enough to get home. In The Kensei, a battle-weary Lawson heads to Japan for a little rest and some advanced ninja training. But he no sooner steps off the plane than lands in the midst of a Yakuza turf war orchestrated by a shadowy figure known as the Kensei. With the help of Talya, a former KGB-assassin, Lawson must put a stop to the Kensei’s organ trafficking networks, prevent the creation of an army of vampire-human hybrids, and save his own skin in the process.

This is the first book I've read by the author, and I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to follow everything seeing as how this was the fifth book in the series, but the truth is that I had no problem whatsoever. Martial arts heavely influence the story and it was interesting reading about it. The book has non stop action from the start until the end, there are also plenty of easily followed fights that include swords, guns, bombs ...

The best thing about the book was the main character, Lawson. He's funny, sarcastic and overall very entertaining. I liked the complicated relationship he has with Talya, an assassin; plus he meets a lot of interesting characters along the way like Yuki, a wise vampire, and Moko, a very intriguing police detective. The vampires in this series are unusual and there isn't much information about them and their society, also in a lot of parts of the book I even forgot they were vampires.

All in all, this was an entertaining read with plenty of action, a creepy bad guy and a interesting main character.

Previous Books:
1. The Fixer
2. The Invoker
3. The Destructor
4. The Syndicate

Next Book:
6. The Ripper (Spring 2012)

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (35)

2011-02-02T23:07:00.000+01:00

Title: Hard Bitten
Author: Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #4
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Publisher: NAL
Edition: Trade Paperback
Blurb:

Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals--and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are ... tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else.

Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in the heady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society--a world full of vampires who seem too ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands...

Interview: Jon F. Merz

2011-01-31T22:30:00.000+01:00

Two weeks ago the last novel of the Lawson the Fixer series by Jon F. Merz was released, Today te author is here answering some questions.

Meet Lawson. A cynical, wise-cracking vampire charged with protecting the Balance between vampires and humans, he is part cop, part spy, and part commando — James Bond with fangs. Lawson mixes shrewd cunning with unmatched lethality to get his job done. He tries his best to dismantle conspiracies, dispatch bad guys, and live long enough to get home. In The Kensei, a battle-weary Lawson heads to Japan for a little rest and some advanced ninja training. But he no sooner steps off the plane than lands in the midst of a Yakuza turf war orchestrated by a shadowy figure known as the Kensei. With the help of Talya, a former KGB-assassin, Lawson must put a stop to the Kensei’s organ trafficking networks, prevent the creation of an army of vampire-human hybrids, and save his own skin in the process.

How long did it take you to write the book?

Since this is the 5th Lawson book, it didn't take me as long as the firts book. I know Lawson very well by now and much of what happens in The Kensei (in terms of the martial arts subplot) is what happened to me on a trip to Japan in February 2003. It was great to be able to inject so much of my firsthand experience into the novel and hopefully, that will come through for the readers as well. I think the idea of blurring the line between fantasy and reality is a fun one to play with in fiction.

What kind of research did you do before writing The Kensei?

The Kensei, in some ways, is the culmination of my 20 years of training in Ninjutsu. A lot of what happens to Lawson throughout The Kensei is based on what happened to me during the trip I spoke about earlier. So, in order to reach that point in my training, it was necessary to study this martial arts system for many years. Additionally, some of the plot ideas with regards to the organ trafficking come from in-depth discussions I've had with several associates of mine who are involved in trying to stop the perpetrators of such crimes.

What are you working on right now?
St. Martin's just signed me on to do another Lawson novel, so the next one - THE RIPPER - will be out in Spring 2012. I need to write that and get it handed in by June. Otherwise, I'm polishing up a middle grade/YA boys adventure series right now that I hope to find a great home for. Additionally, my entire backlist (including all of the Lawson Vampire adventures) just went live on Amazon for the Kindle and on Barnes & Noble.com for the Nook. I hope to sell tons of those!

Can you tell us a little about what happened in previous novels of the Lawson series?
Each Lawson novel is a standalone adventure, so there's no need to read them in order. Lawson has dealt with his fair share of very bad people over the course of his career. In the first book - The Fixer, he has to deal with an old enemy coming back to Boston to awaken an ancient vampire god. In The Invoker, Lawson has to protect a young boy with the power to conjure the spirits of dead vampires. In The Destructor, Lawson has to battle SHiva - a half-vampire, half-lycanthrope assassin intent on murdering the head of the vampire governing body, the Council. And in the fourth book, The Syndicate, Lawson heads to New York to find his missing cousin and runs into vampire organized crime who are about to unleash a new synthetic drug upon the masses. Intermingled with these novels are some novellas and stories that pretty much put Lawson into every horrible situation you can imagine.

How would you describe The Kensei?
The Kensei is a rebirth for Lawson. By the end of The Syndicate, Lawson is burned out, battle weary and heads to Japan for some rest and advanced ninja training. But throughout the course of the book, he comes to realize a number of things about himself and his work, and even his relationship with his girlfriend Talya. So as much as The Kensei is one wild and hellish roller coaster ride for Lawson, he also comes to find a rebirth of his spirit and a rejuvenation of his understanding of his life's work.

What sets apart Lawson from other vampires?
Lawson is a Fixer - divinely chosen from birth to protect the Balance: the secret existence of vampires. He's part-spy, part-commando - think James Bond with fangs. He is the pinnacle of the elite and a whispered rumor in the world of vampires. The Fixer Service is a shadowy organization within an already shadowy race. But Lawson is also a conflicted soul: he hates drinking blood and is in love with a human woman - something forbidden in his society. So how does he reconcile the fact that he enforces the laws he himself violates? I think it makes for a very interesting perspective.

What's different about your vampires? What can you tell us about the hidden world the book is set in?
There are no sparkly vampires in my series. Lawson isn't immortal - neither are any other vampires in my books - but a member of a race of living vampires that have coexisted alongside humanity for thousands of years. Over time, their ingestion of blood has enabled them to distill the life force energy out of it, prolonging their lives and making them much stronger than normal. But the vampires are virtually indistinguishable from humanity, making them that much harder to identify, and indeed, helping to blur that line between fantasy and reality.

Thanks for being here today and good luck with The Kensei.
Thank you very much! I encourage readers to sign up for my free newsletter by going to my website: http://www.jonfmerz.net - it's got free fiction and much more every month!

Review: Evenfall by Liz Michalski

2011-01-31T18:00:00.001+01:00

Title: Evenfall
Author: Liz Michalski
Series: -
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Contemporary Fiction
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher: Berkley
Edition: Trade Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

In life, Frank could've had any woman he wanted.
In death, he'll try to win back the one that mattered...
Frank Wildermuth always regretted a mistake he made as a teenager: choosing Clara Murphy over her sister Gert. And like a true Murphy woman, Gert got on with her life, never admitting to heartbreak. Not even now, decades later, with Frank dead-dead, that is, but not quite gone. Now, Frank's niece, Andie Murphy, is back in town to settle his estate, and she sees that things have changed in Hartman, Connecticut. Aunt Gert still drives her crazy, but Cort, the wide-eyed farmboy she used to babysit, is all grown up-with a whole new definition for the word "sleepover." Even freakier are the whispers. Either Andie's losing her mind, or something she can't see is calling out to her-something that insists on putting right the past.

I enjoyed this book and I really liked that it was told in three points of view, Andie who has come back to Evenfall to help her aunt Gert and decide what to do with her life, Gert who has a main regret from her past that she has never let herself acknowledge, and Frank who regretted choosing Clara over her sister Gert and is now trying to let Gert know how much she has always meant to him, even though he's now dead.

You may be confused because I said that this was two different genres: paranormal romance and contemporary fiction. The truth is I wasn't sure which genre this book was, one point of view is told by a ghost, so clearly that's paranormal, but Andie's point of view, while it involves some incidents done by Frank, doesn't have a touch of paranormal, so I decided to give it two different labels.

I loved reading about Gert and Frank's story and I liked that it wasn't told in flashbacks, instead we get to read part of their memories and we get comments about what they wished they could have changed or done differently. I sympathized with both characters and I wanted so badly for them to have a happy ending, which is hard seeing as how Frank is dead. Their story is one of really heavy regrets, could have beens and how at the end you don't have all the time in the world to make things right.

Their story heavily impacts Andie's, as she's recovering from a break up and trying to figure out what to do with her life when she meets Cort again, a boy she used to babysit who's not a boy anymore. Cort was one of my favourite characters and I loved seeing him and Andie together.

I wish there could have been a more detailed ending, especially concerning Andie, and that the author could have written from Gert's point of view one last time at the end.
All in all this was a great debut novel told in a beautiful way about life, love, regrets and learning that you shouldn't let opportunities pass since you may not get them again.

Memorable Lines:

Frank

I press my firgertips against the windowpane and feel the molecules slide and shift beneath my weight, smooth as ice. I want to shatter the glass, let it fall like knife-sharp rain. I want to run down the stairs and block her path, grip her by the shoulders until she's finally forced to see me. I want to take her in my arms and weep.
But what power I have is featherlight, the merest echo of desire. I can whisper my yearnings through the walls of this house. I can alter the way an image appears. But I can't make Gert stay.

Rating:

Review: Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis

2011-01-27T18:12:00.001+01:00

Title: Animal Magnetism
Author: Jill Shalvis
Series: Animal Magnetism #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Edition: Mass Market Paparback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Sunshine, Idaho, is a small and sunny town—the perfect home for man and beast. Well, maybe not for man, as pilot-for-hire Brady Miller discovers when his truck is rear-ended by what appears to be Noah’s Ark.

The co-owner of the town’s only kennel, Lilah Young has good reason to be distracted behind the wheel—there are puppies, a piglet, and a duck in her Jeep. But, she doesn’t find it hard to focus on the angry, gorgeous stranger she’s collided with.

Lilah has lived in Sunshine all her life, and though Brady is just passing through, he has her abandoning her instincts and giving in to a primal desire. It’s Brady’s nature to resist being tied down, but there’s something about Lilah and her menagerie—both animal and human—that keeps him coming back for more…

The one thing that immediately made me want to read the book was that the heroine runs her town's kennel. I love stories that have animals in it, plus I have a soft spot for ducks, which this story has, and every time the duck made an appearance it made me laugh. Both the hero, Brady, and the heroine, Lilah, have some issues to work through but they have help at all times from several people in Sunshine.

Lilah helps everyone in town and she formed a very strong friendship with Dell and Adam, Brady's brothers, after her grandmother died. It was sweet seeing how much they cared for her and then seeing them trying to warn Brady off her. Brady has been left by everyone since he was a kid so he made no emotional attachments since he left town, but Dell and Adam don't give up on him and they try to make Brady see that Sunshine is his home. I loved seeing the interactions between these three and I would have liked to see more of them.

As for the relationship between Lilah and Brady, these two have an instant connection, or maybe I should call it attraction, that makes them jump into a no-promises kind of relationship. It was funny seeing these two realize that they were falling for each other and it was also very sweet how they understood each other as no one else did.

If you're looking for a light and sweet romance, this is the book for you. I really hope that we get Dell and Adam's stories.

Memorable Lines:
“Legend says that if you take a moonlight dip, you’ll supposedly find your one true love,” Lilah said.
“Of course.” Brady nodded. “It’s always midnight. So, do you swim often?”
“Never at midnight.”

Rating:

Review: Visions of Magic by Regan Hastings

2011-01-26T23:59:00.000+01:00

Title: Visions of Magic
Author: Regan Hastings
Series: The Awakening #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Edition: Mass Market Paparback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

In the ten years since magic has reemerged in the world, witches have become feared and hunted. For weeks Shea Jameson has been haunted by visions of fire. When she unintentionally performs a spell in public, she becomes one of the hunted. Her only hope is Torin, a dangerously sensual man who claims to be her eternal mate.

After reading the blurb I couldn't wait to get my hands into this book, but after reading a few pages I knew I wasn't going to like the novel much.
The worldbuilding is really good, witches are awakening and the world is afraid of them, to the point of incarcerating them, burning them and in some cases experiment on them, and they do that without having hard evidence that you're a witch.

* Minor spoilers, I don't give away anything important *

The world doesn't look pretty for people with unexplained abilities, so it should be obvious that witches have to be careful. Well, I can tell you that Shea, the main character, makes so many stupid mistakes that there were times I wanted to throw the book against a wall. She runs away from Torin, the hero, without even asking any questions about what's going on, and when she goes around to ask them, she doesn't believe anything the hero says, she doesn't even acknowledge that she's a witch even after using her abilities. Also in one part of the book, after having been attacked and almost killed, they discover she has a tracking chip. Do they take it out? No, of course not. They decide to have sex instead. And then they are attacked, again. At this point I didn't really want to read anymore because both of them were too stupid to live.

There was some mystery, that wasn't a mystery at all because if you haven't figure out who the bad guy is at the middle of the book, you're told anyway. As for the romance, I really didn't like it either. This wasn't a book were the main characters get to know each other, is one were the heroine has to remember her past life and remember the love they had together. I didn't like that, because it seemed to me like to hero was in love with a woman that had her soul in the past and not with Shea herself, but the point isn't even raised in the book.

Would I recommend this book? No. Will I read the next one? Maybe, the overall plot is a good one so there is a chance I may enjoy the next book.

Next Book:
2. Visions of Skyfire (October 2011)

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (34)

2011-01-26T23:00:00.000+01:00

Title: A Touch Mortal
Author: Leah Clifford
Series: -
Genre: YA
Release Date: February 22, 2011
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Edition: Hardcover
Blurb:

Eden didn't expect Az.

Not his saunter down the beach toward her. Not his unbelievable pick-up line. Not the instant, undeniable connection. And not his wings.

Yeah.

So long, happily-ever-after.

Now trapped between life and death, cursed to spread chaos with her every touch, Eden could be the key in the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. All because she gave her heart to one of the Fallen, an angel cast out of heaven.

She may lose everything she ever had. She may be betrayed by those she loves most. But Eden will not be a pawn in anyone else's game. Her heart is her own.

And that's only the beginning of the end.

Review: Beautiful Disaster by Laura Spinella

2011-01-24T16:30:00.001+01:00

Title: Beautiful Disaster
Author: Laura Spinella
Series: -
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: Berkley
Edition: Trade Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Mia Wells's eco-friendly career goals are about to become a reality-but her life-altering moment is interrupted when an unexpected call ushers in her tremulous past. A man who's never left Mia's memory: Flynn, the enigmatic, passionate man whose disappearance broke her heart, has mysteriously resurfaced.

Now back in her life and in the hospital, Flynn is gravely injured. Mia keeps a bedside vigil-terrified that he will die, awestruck at the prospect of his survival. In a story filled with sweetness and suspense, Mia's what-ifs are endless. And Flynn's return ignites an achingly powerful tale about the most enduring love, one that is greater than honor, or friendship, or the passing of time.

This novel is set half in the present and half in the past. I don't usually like it when they're told that way, but it worked really well for this book. In the present we have Flynn, who has been in an accident and is in the ICU and Mia, an interior designer who rushes to the hospital even though it has been more than 12 years seen they have seen each other. The part of the story that's told in the past is about how Mia and Flynn met, how their relationship changed each other and then how Flynn left Mia so suddenly.

Mia and Flynn have a lot of chemistry and you can see the sparks fly through the book. Theirs is a story of redemption and long lost love. What I didn't like was how Mia was so heavily influenced by those around her and how it seemed that at times everyone else was making the choices for her, and she didn't complain much about it. In especific I'm talking about Roxanne, Mia's best friend, who was intruding in things that weren't any of her business all the time. I really couldn't stand her and most of the time I just wanted Mia to tell her to leave her alone, which sadly doesn't happen.

While it may sound like there is plenty of suspense, the truth is that the only thing you wonder is why Flynn left Mia without saying anything to her; the rest is a very complicated, sad and hopeful love story. This was an enjoyable read but I wish the ending could have been expanded and that Mia and Flynn could have spent more time together in the present.

Memorable Lines:
But then there was a gift, unlike any she had ever received. It floated into her ears on a path straight to her heart. The sound was raspy and weak, but familiar as her own skin, a deep voice breaking over that silent prayer.
"I was wrong. I thought this was hell, but I guess - this would be heaven."

Rating:

Giveaway: Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh

2011-01-23T14:36:00.001+01:00

Today you can win a copy of the latest book of one of my favourite series, Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh.
All you have to do is fill out the form.

The giveaway ends on January 30th.
US/Canada Only

Extra entries:
+2 Old GFC follower
+1 New GFC follower
+1 Comment on my review of Archangel's Consort.
+1 Tweet

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Review: Raven's Quest by Anya Bast

2011-01-23T07:05:00.001+01:00

Title: Raven's Quest
Author: Anya Bast
Series: -
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Edition: Trade Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Once, Gallus Lucan was in line to inherit the Dragon Throne of Numia—until his future was crushed and his family slain by his malevolent uncle Magnus. Now Lucan has only one ambition: overthrow Magnus and take back what is rightfully his.
Branna ta Cattia is the Raven, a high priestess who has come to Numia to defeat its tyrant. It’s a journey made on the strength of her prophetic dreams, visions of ancient rituals, sacred spells, and of a handsome stranger destined to help her—all in the name of stopping Magnus’s oppression. But Branna’s stranger is more than she expected. For Lucan wants victory his own way. To hell with the consequences.

As the magic of one woman’s love and the brute force of one’s man revenge unfold, Lucan and Branna realize their destiny as spirit mates—and their fears that the ultimate cost of winning freedom could be greater than either imagined.

This was the first fantasy romance book I've read and I was pleasently surprised. I loved the mix of a strong worldbuilding, an incredible adventure and the sweet and complicated romance between Lucan, the rightful heir of the Dragon Throne, and Branna, the high priestess and most powerful magician of her land.

Throught the novel we are reminded that Lucan never wanted to rule and that it wasn't expected of him since he was the youngest of all the sons his father had. It was very interesting seeing him deal with the responsability of leading an army, plus it was also touching how much he cared for them. As for Branna, she had been preparing to take down Magnus for a long time which might have been the reason why she missed so many obvious things that where happening around her, which frustrated me a little. The romance between Lucan and Branna developed at a nice pace and I liked that it wasn't love at first sight, although I would have prefered for them to get more time alone getting to know each other.

Also, I would have liked to know more about Lucan's family, even though they have been dead for a long time in the novel, as well as the other members of Lucan's army and the other lands Magnus conquered.

Overall, this was a great book that includes magic, an awesome adventure and a very sweet love story. I really hope the author writes another book from the point of view of some of the other characters.

Memorable Lines:
Somewhere, beyond that valley below them, within the borders of Numia, the priest awaited her. She trusted the Goddess to lead her to him. In the land of their enemy lived the man who would be her consort . . . and the salvation of Tir na Ban.

Rating:

International Contest Sunday (23)

2011-01-23T06:45:00.002+01:00

* Win Divine by Mistake @ Moonstar's Fantasyworld / Ends when she gets 30 followers
* Win Matched or Rules of Attraction @ Once Upon a Quote / Ends January 24th
* Win Fire by Kristin Cashore @ Handle Like Hendrix / Ends January 25th
* Win The Locket by Stacey Jay @ Blkosiner's Book Blog / Ends January 26th
* 100 followers contest @ Y(A)? Cuz We Write / Ends January 28th
* Win a book from the list @ ºMundosº / Ends January 30th
* Win Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Sausages @ Deranged Book Lovers / Ends January 31st
* Win XVI by Julia Karr @ Black Fingernailed Reviews / Ends January 31st
* Win Delirium, Shadowfever or the tudor Secret @ The Eclectic Reader / Ends January 31st
* Win your choice of any January release @ Addicted 2 Books / Ends January 31st
* Win books of choice of up to $15 @ Hooked to Books / Ends January 31st
* Contest with over 30 books @ Bloody Bookaholic / Ends February 1st
* Win The Werewolf Upstairs @ Rabid Reads / Ends February 5th
* Win Anna and the French Kiss + a $25 Amazon GC @ Bookrushed / Ends February 12th
* Win a book of your choice of up to £5 @ The Reader Room /Ends February 14th

- Old contest
* New contest

Do you want me to put your international contest on my post? Contact me with the details.

Giveaway: $40 CSN Stores Gift Certificate

2011-01-22T02:32:00.002+01:00

Today you can win a $40 CSN Stores gift certificate that you can use in one of their 200 + stores to buy all sorts of modern furniture like bookcases, suitcases, tables, lamps, desks and many other things.

The only thing you have to do is fill out the form.

US/Canada Only
Ends on February 1st.

Extra Entries:
+2 Old GFC follower
+1 New GFC follower
+1 Tweet

* Winner will be chosen through random.org

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Review: Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh

2011-01-21T16:00:00.000+01:00

Title: Archangel's Consort
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: January 25, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Edition: Mass Market Paparback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…

A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders. The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…

At the end of Archangel's Kiss we have Elena trying to recover from the battle against Lijuan. Elena has been protected from the public, but in this entry she finally has to face the public, the people of New York in especific. It was interesting seeing her adapt to her new life as an angel and as an archangel's consort. The relationship between Elena and Raphael is as strong as ever, and even though Caliane, Raphael's mother, does what she can to separate them, it only ends up consolidating their love even more.

I especially liked the interactions between Elena, Raphael and the Seven. They are loyal to the end to Raphael but most of them still disapprove of Elena, and I loved seeing them all fight and quibble. Dangerous and sarcastic Venom still is my favourite of all the Seven, although I'm really curious about the intriguing Jason. It was also great learning more about Illium's past and family, and I really hope Nalini has a HEA for him.

Truth be told, while there's plenty of action, I expected more, especially at the end. There was a lot of build up but the end felt a bit short. Still, I loved this book and I just can't get enough of Elena and Raphael.

Memorable Lines:
"There is a legend," Raphael murmured, his wings flaring out as he tugged her into the curve of his body--as if he would protect her. "That mountains will shake and rivers overflow, while ice creeps across the world and fields drown in rain." He looked down her at, his eyes that impossible, inhuman chrome blue. "All this will come to pass . . . when an Ancient awakens."

Previous Books:
1. Angel's Blood
2. Archangel's Kiss

Next Book:
4. Archangel's Blade (November 2011)

Rating:

Review: Hexbound by Chloe Neill

2011-01-20T14:10:00.000+01:00

Title: Hexbound
Author: Chloe Neill
Series: Dark Elite #2
Genre: YA
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: Signet
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

They say absolute power corrupts absolutely. Turns out, even a little magic can turn you to the dark side. That’s why Lily has to learn how to control her newly discovered paranormal abilities, on top of avoiding the snobs who think they run her school, nursing a crush on a cute sophomore with a big, werewolf-y secret, and fighting the good fight with her best friend Scout as they take on Chicago’s nastiest nightlife—including the tainted magic users known as Reapers.

Then Lily’s invited to a private meeting with Sebastian. He’s hot, powerful, and offering to help her harness the magic flowing in her veins in a way no one else can. He’s also a Reaper. Lily can’t hide her suspicions. But she’ll soon find out that the line between good and evil isn’t always clear…

Those people that enjoyed Firespell will love this entry. The friendship between Lily and Scout is as strong as ever, they are partners in crime and best friends. Lily has to learn how to use her newly found ability and it was interesting seeing her "play" with her powers and watching her accept help from a very intriguing enemy. One of the most important things that happen in this book is that Lily realizes that things aren't as black and white as she has always thought.

Sebastian has become one of my favourite characters, he's a Reaper but at the end of the book I wasn't really sure if he was evil or not. I wish the author could have explored more the connection between Lily and Sebastian and I really hope she writes more about him in the next book.

As for Jason, we finally discover what his secret was. The truth is that I expected more: more information about the werewolves, more reaction on Lily's part and more explanations from Jason. On the positive side, I love the sweet relationship the have.

The thing I had more problems was the plot. The beginning of the book isn't very fast, and we keep getting information little by little only to solve all the issues in the last 20 pages, and even then there wasn't much of a resolution.

Anyway, this is a short and fast read, perfect for those who enjoyed the previous book. I really hope we get some solid answers in the next book.

Memorable Lines:
Scout snorted and crossed one ankle over the other, her shoes glinting in the sunlight.
“And now I know why I keep finding glitter on my bedroom floor.”
“Whatever. My shoes do not shed.”
I gave her a dubious look.
“Seriously. That’s just . . . um . . . horn dust from the unicorns that braid your hair while you sleep.”

Previous Book:
1. Firespell - Review

Next Book:
3. TBD (2012)

Rating:

Review: Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

2011-01-19T23:59:00.000+01:00

Title: Shadow Hills
Author: Anastasia Hopcus
Series: -
Genre: YA
Release Date: July 13, 2010
Publisher: Egmont
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Bought
Blurb:

After her sister Athena's tragic death, it's obvious that grief-stricken Persephone "Phe" Archer no longer belongs in Los Angeles. Hoping to make sense of her sister's sudden demise and the cryptic dreams following it, Phe abandons her bubbly LA life to attend an uptight East Coast preparatory school in Shadow Hills, MA — a school which her sister mysteriously mentioned in her last diary entry before she died.

Once there, Phe quickly realizes that something is deeply amiss in her new town. Not only does Shadow Hills' history boast an unexplained epidemic that decimated hundreds of its citizens in the 1700s, but its modern townies also seem eerily psychic, with the bizarre ability to bend metal. Even Zach — the gorgeous stranger Phe meets and immediately begins to lust after — seems as if he is hiding something serious. Phe is determined to get to the bottom of it. The longer she stays there, the more she suspects that her sister's untimely death and her own destiny are intricately linked to those who reside in Shadow Hills.

I read this novel in one sitting, once I started I just couldn't stop. Phe, the main character, decides to go to the Shadow Hills boarding school to discover it's connection to her sister's death. Phe is a very tough girl; she's been through a lot and is trying to figure out who she is while discovering Shadow Hills' secrets. She's a very likeable character and I loved seeing her relationship with Zach evolve. Zach is a mysterious but sweet character, he has a connection with Phe and tries to help her the best he can, even though most of the time it means breaking the rules. I loved how they trusted each other no matter what.

Shadow Hills is a strange but very interesting little town, I liked how the author introduced us little by little to most people, although I would have liked to know more about the town's past and what kind of changes the inhabitans of the town suffered.
Dreams are very important in this book, Phe's dreams in especific. Most of the time I hate reading dreams, but the author made those scenes very interesting and cryptic, they worked really well in this book.

This was a very intriguing and suspesful debut book, with a heavy touch of romance and supernatural events. While this is a stand alone novel, I really hope the author is working on a second book. This was definitely one of my favourite 2010 YA books.

Memorable Lines:
The real reason I couldn’t tear my gaze away, the thing that turned my muscles to ice even as my skin burned, was the one and only thought running through my mind: That’s him. That is the guy from my dream.

Rating:

Winners

2011-01-19T22:57:00.000+01:00

So, I have to announce the winners of a couple giveaways.

The winner of a signed copy of Arcane Circle by Linda Robertson is:

donnas !!!

And the winner of Mercy Blade by Faith Hunter is:

van pham !!!

Congrats to both winners and thanks to everyone else for participating. I've already emailed them and they have both claimed their prizes.
Check back tomorrow for a new giveaway.

Waiting on Wednesday (33)

2011-01-19T13:34:00.000+01:00

Title: Vesper
Author: Jeff Sampson
Series: Deviants #1
Genre: YA
Release Date: January 25, 2011
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Edition: Hardcover
Blurb:

Emily Webb is a geek. And she’s happy that way. Content hiding under hoodies and curling up to watch old horror flicks, she’s never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for midnight parties. And she’s definitely not the kind of girl who starts fights or flirts with other girls’ boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that . . . the same night one of her classmates—also named Emily—is found mysteriously murdered.

The thing is, Emily doesn’t know why she’s doing any of this. By day, she’s the same old boring Emily, but by night, she turns into a thrill seeker. With every nightfall, Emily gets wilder until it’s no longer just her personality that changes. Her body can do things it never could before: Emily is now strong, fast, and utterly fearless. And soon Emily realizes that she’s not just coming out of her shell . . . there’s something much bigger going on. Is she bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely— something not human?

As Emily hunts for answers, she finds out that she’s not the only one this is happening to—some of her classmates are changing as well. Who is turning these teens into monsters—and how many people will they kill to get what they want?

Review: Deadlock by Moira Rogers

2011-01-18T23:16:00.001+01:00

Title: Deadlock
Author: Moira Rogers
Series: Southern Arcana #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: Samhain
Edition: eBook
Source: Author
Blurb:

Carmen Mendoza's shapeshifter father abandoned her. Raised by her psychic mother, Carmen ignored her paternal family's political machinations--until the day they decided to use her in their bid for power. Trapped between two worlds and snared by a vicious spell meant to wake her inner wolf, Carmen's only hope is to trust the one man strong enough to soothe her darkest instincts.

Born a pureblood wolf, Alec Jacobson lives as a rebel, the black sheep alpha who protects the supernatural residents of New Orleans from wolf politics. Too bad he can't protect himself from his need for Carmen. Staking a claim on his enemy's niece will turn his city into a battleground, unless he can find a way to stop breaking the rules--and start making them.

The first thing I'll say is that I love this series. I love the characters, the ruthless world they live in, how they fight to try to make their world a better place and how it always includes a very hot and sexy romance. That doesn't change in Deadlock. This novel focuses on Alec, the stubborn alpha who at first only wants to be left alone, and Carmen, an empath with a lot of problems, the main one being her family.

One of the things I liked the most about this couple was that they worked really well together. Alec grows a lot in this book, I loved how he wanted to be a better person for Carmen and how at the end he fought for what he believed in, for what was right. The problem I had was that I didn't connect with Carmen; I would have liked to know more about her and her past.
The worldbuilding is expanded in this book and I really enjoyed reading about the wolf pack structure and learning a bit more about empaths.

One of the main storylines is the relationship between Kat and Andrew. I might be in the minority here but after how badly Andrew hurt Kat I want him to suffer. A lot. The next book is about them and I really want Kat to raise some hell.

This was a great entry to the series, with plenty of action and world changing events, but most importantly, a very hot and sweet romance with a devious, powerful and sexy hero and a clever and strong heroine.

Memorable Lines:
Kat nodded. "You can go, Alec. I'm okay. Just promise me you and Jackson aren't going to go track down my date and eat him."
"Not going to track him down."
"Or eat him."
The corner of Alec's mouth twitched. "Or eat him."

Previous Books:
1. Crux - Review
2. Crossroads

Next Book:
4. Cipher (September 2011)

Rating:

Review: Demon Marked by Anna J. Evans

2011-01-10T21:59:00.001+01:00

Title: Demon Marked
Author: Anna J. Evans
Series: Demon Bound #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Edition: Trade Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Emma Quinn satisfies her demonic cravings by feeding on human life force, and keeps her conscience clean by preying only upon those who deserve it. But when Emma overindulges one night, she's in trouble with her victim's gang-or she will be...if they find his body. She turns to mob lawyer Andre Conti, an arrogant womanizer-a man who doesn't believe in her powers, but who will awaken sensual cravings Emma wasn't sure she possessed...

I haven't read the previous book of this series, but I had no trouble following the novel. I was surprised that the heroine, Emma, was 20 years old, although she has been through so much that she doesn't seem that young. I liked that even though she is a very strong character with a deadly ability that she has to use constantly, she still has hopes and dreams and it's not bitter about the kind of life she has had to live.

Andre is a 30 something sex addict, something I've never read about in a book, and I would've liked the author to explore that more. He also has gone through some bad stuff, but ultimately he is a good guy who is stuck at the "family business". The romance between these two at first seems to grow slowly, but the truth is that the story develops in one day. They have a really strong connection once Emma uses her ability on him, and while it may seem a little rushed seeing as how pages before they didn't like each other much, if at all, it works really well.

The world this book is set in is half paranormal, half dystopian. There were a lot of things that I would've liked could have been explained more, especially about the Demons and how they got there in the first place. This was a easy, fast read with plenty of action and intrigue and a very strong romance. I hope there's a third book, because I really want to read about Ginger and Mickey!

Memorable Lines:

She craved human life force and had to steal the vitality of others to survive. But she only stole from those who deserved what she did to them, those whose karmic balance was firmly tipped into the realm of evil. The choice allowed her to sleep at night, and as an added bonus…
Evil was damned tasty.

Previous Book:
1. Shadow Marked

Rating:

Review: Frostfire by Lynn Viehl

2011-01-06T23:57:00.002+01:00

Title: Frostfire
Author: Lynn Viehl
Series: Kyndred #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: Signet Select
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

As one of the genetically enhanced Kyndred, Lilah's mind-reading powers make her vulnerable to a mysterious biotech company willing to murder to acquire her superhuman DNA. But her true fear may come from her own Kyndred brethren...

I'll start by saying that this cover is much better than the ones from previous books. As I said in my reviews of the other books of this series, I still think there are too many unnecesary narrators, and while they did give insights into other characters, I would have prefered if the novel focused exclusively on the main characters. Also, the fact that I haven't read any of her Darkyn books yet and that she includes so many characters of that series in the novel made me feel lost in some parts, plus I didn't feel connected to the Darkyn and there was a lot of information that was assumed the reader knew and wasn't explained, even though I had no idea what they were talking about.

Lilah is a interesting character, she's very strong and has had to be on her own since she was very young. I liked that she didn't panic when she was in a very bad situation, that she had a clear head and knew what she wanted. As for Walker, he's a bit of a mystery. He's damaged and tries from the start to protect Lilah from himself. I loved how he treated Lilah, he always had a reasuring word or touch for her and while sometimes he lost control, the love he and Lilah had for each other always brought him back to sanity. Walker and Lilah had a very strong conection from the start, that only strengthened as time went by.

This was an interesting entry to the series, with plenty of action, a good mystery and a very sweet romance. I got lost in some parts, but if you've read the Darkyn series I don't think you'll get lost at all.

Memorable Lines:

"Tell me," he said before he could stop himself. "Tell me again what you feel for me."
"You know it," she looked down at his face and smiled, her eyes clear, her expression pure joy. "You're all over me, inside me, in my bones and my blood and my heart. You're part of my skin and my breath and my secrets. You're my love, my lover, my beloved, the sun in my dreams, and the stars in my soul."

Previous Books:
1. Shadowlight - Review
2. Dreamveil

Next Book:
4. Nightshine (TBD)

Rating:

Review: A Werewolf in Manhattan by Vicki Lewis Thompson

2011-01-05T23:47:00.000+01:00

Title: A Werewolf in Manhattan
Author: Vicki Lewis Thompson
Series: Wild About You #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

Emma Gavin writes about werewolves, but that doesn't mean she believes in them-not until a pack of real-life New York weres decide to investigate the striking accuracy of her "fiction".
When Aiden Wallace, son and heir of the pack leader, tries to sniff out Emma's potential informant, he discovers something even more dangerous- an undeniable attraction to her.

This was one of my most wanted books of January 2011 and while it was entertaining, it didn't live up to my expectations.

Emma, one of the main characters, is an introvert who realizes she wants more of her life when she meets Aiden, the other main character. These two have an instant atraction, they fight it for a big part of the book but then they give in. Emma is a funny character and I liked that she put herself out there, risking humiliation but trying to get what she wants anyway. On the negative side, I found Emma to be a little unbelievable, especially the part where she truly believes that writing is more important than losing her life.

As for Aiden, for a security expert, he made quite a lot of stupid mistakes. I also didn't like that he didn't stand up for what he believed was right and that he kept playing the martyr for a big chunk of the book. On the other side, he was very sweet and attentive and he always tried his best to keep his promises. I also loved his interactions with his brother, who I found to be a very interesting character.

The big problem I had with this book is that since the beggining we're told that the bad guy is dangerous and could cause a big problem for all the werewolves, but at the end there wasn't much of a confrontation. I really hope the author closes that storyline in her next book.

There wasn't much of a worldbuilding but you do get a very sweet romance. All in all, this was a quick and funny book, perfect if you're looking for a very light read.

Memorable Lines:

“And you want her.”
Aidan tried to stare his brother down, but it was no use. Roarke’s senses were as finely tuned as his, and they were brothers, only nineteen months apart. The minute Roarke had walked into the club, he’d known.
So Aidan said the only thing he could. “I’ll control it.”
“What, your johnson?”
That brought a snort from Sylvester.
Usually Aidan rolled with his brother’s cracks, but tonight he wasn’t amused. “The situation, Roarke. I’ll control the situation.”

Next Book:
2. A Werewolf in the North Woods (October 2011)

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (32)

2011-01-05T22:57:00.003+01:00

Title: Shadowfever
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Series: Fever #5
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: January 18, 2011
Publisher: Delacorte
Edition: Hardcover
Blurb:

MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever.

Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister's murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals that have lived concealed among us for thousands of years.

What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief, while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh--a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King that contains the power to create and destroy worlds.

Interview + Giveaway: Faith Hunter

2011-01-04T20:00:00.002+01:00

Mercy Blade, the 3rd Jane Yellowrock book by Faith Hunter, is being released today. Faith is here with us answering some questions about the series and her latest book.

Things are heating up in the Big Easy. Weres have announced their existence tot he world, and revived the bitter tensions that run between them and their old enemies: vampires. As a trusted employee of Leo Pellissier, Blood Master of the City, Jane finds herself caught in the cross fire.

When Jane is attacked by a pack of marauding were-wolves, she is thankful for the help of a mysterious stranger named Girrard. He explains that he used to be Leo’s “Mercy Blade,” a sacred position charged with killing vampires who have gone insane. What Jane doesn’t know is why this powerful assassin left New Orleans − or, more troubling, why he’s now returned. It’s definitely not to make Jane’s life easier...

Which of all your books did you have more fun writing?
Hmmm. That’s like asking a mother which baby was easiest to birth. Hard to answer, because it’s all hard work! But, I suppose, Skinwalker was the most pure fun. There is something exhilarating about creating a world, where it’s all new and fresh and full of discovery. Learning the way that Jane and Beast live was like journey into the darks of their minds.

What are you working on right now?
Raven Cursed, book four of the Jane Yellowrock series.
Rogue Mage, the role playing game / world book for the Rogue Mage series. Five short stories, 2 set in Jane’s world, 2 in Thorn St. Croix’s world, and one just for fun! Whew! I’m busy!

What can you tell us about Mercy Blade?
Kirsten Nolan a reviewer for bookseriesreviews.blogspot.com came up with a great blurb for it. Hope you don’t mind me posting it here… It’s way better than any I came up with!

Jane Yellowrock, Rogue Vampire Hunter, is working for the vampires. That means delivering unwelcome messages to snarly supernaturals, and overseeing security for parties and balls, amongst other things. And it means she's got to work closely with Bruiser, which makes Jane uncomfortable and Beast very happy. When the werewolves and werecats come out of the closet on international television Jane begins to learn that there is still a lot of Vampire and Supernatural history she hasn't learned. Unfortunately, not knowing what happened 100 years ago can mean the difference in understanding current events and being totally out of the loop. Jane doesn't deal well with being out of the loop, but between an absent boyfriend and pieces of history she doesn't understand -- she has to survive as best she can.

How much control and/or influence does Beast have over Jane?
A lot more than Jane thinks she does. And Beast is amused that Jane thinks she is alpha and Beast is beta. Not always so. They have a love-hate relationship, made very difficult because their two souls share the same body. And … they keep secrets from one another. Sometimes big secrets!

At this point, how many people know Jane is a skinwalker and how many suspect?
Hmmm. (thinking) Knows: By the end of Mercy Blade, Molly, Big Evan, and Angie Baby. The vamp priestess, Sabina. The Mercy Blade. Those who suspect: Leo. All the vamps have always known she isn’t human, because she smells so different. Bruiser suspects something, but isn’t sure what. The weres suspect. Bethany suspects. Derek Lee and his soldiers. Evangelina knows something, but not what.

One of the things I've been wondering about is: what happened with the sliver of the cross?
The item from vamp history that was featured in BloodCross comes back into play for a brief moment in Mercy Blade. And also maybe in book five (as yet untitled). However, just for you I’ll say, Sabina gets it back.

It seems like right now Leo is in grieving mode. How has he been doing? Is that going to change anytime soon? Does he still blame Jane?
One major plot line in Mercy Blade is all about Leo, and why he is so out of control, and how he might be better. By the end of Mercy Blade, Leo is well on the road to working through his grief. I’m not finished with Raven Cursed yet, but it feels as if he will be over his grief by the book’s end and ready to move forward. In lots of ways! Leo is a survivor. He sees the long-view, meaning that he isn’t bothered by the short term setbacks of life. If he doesn’t get what he wants today, he’ll simply play a waiting game and get it tomorrow. Jane hasn’t figured that out yet!

Can you tell us a bit more about how the witches work? Also, are we ever going to see where Jane lives?
Second question first. Mercy Blade opens in Jane’s apartment in the Appalachian Mountains. Raven Cursed takes place in the Appalachian Mountains. But Jane is growing and changing, and is a woman without a true home, for now. When she finds her home, her true home, then I can share with everyone. Right now, I’m in the dark too!
Witches are going to explained a lot better in Raven Cursed, and we get to see the working of a full coven, which is always at least five witches. There can be fewer witches in a working group, as long the non-witches have some gift, or awareness of power. Such people can be used as power sinks or to funnel power through to but for a big working, you always need five. And for the biggest workings and the best strongest covens, one needs one witch of each major power: water, air, stone (mineral), earth, moon are the most common, but there are also a few fire witches, and a very few rare others.

Bruiser and Rick are both love interests for Jane. Is the choice she made at the end of Blood Cross final? Is there still hope for the other guy?
As Beast says, “Big cats do not mate for life.”
Jane is never going to be an easy woman to love or to live with. I think she will always have rocky relationships. Hope for another guy? Heck yes! And her Beast reeeeeally likes Bruiser and Leo.

Is there yet a release date for the 4th book, Raven Cursed?
Nothing is written in stone yet. I hope for an early release. Keep your fingers crossed!

Thanks so much for being here today, Faith.
It was and is my pleasure!

You can learn more about Faith on her site.

Giveaway
I have one copy of Mercy Blade to giveaway.
US only / Ends January 11th.
All you have to do is fill out the form.

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Review: Arcane Circle by Linda Robertson

2010-12-28T17:03:00.002+01:00

After facing down the forces of Fairy in mortal combat, Persephone Alcmedi still must deal with the aftermath. Not only does Seph now possess deadly secrets she must hide from the arcane and mundane world alike, but the dozens of magical creatures who’ve taken up residence behind her cornfield need food and shelter, and there’s still her foster daughter Beverly’s tenth birthday party to plan.
And that’s not all. . . . Seph’s boyfriend Johnny has revealed himself as the wærewolf Domn Lup, and the ruler of the wære world is en route from Romania to make sure Johnny really is the “king” he claims to be. But Johnny’s hiding a dangerous secret: his magic is locked in his mysterious tattoos. He and Seph must find a way for him to reclaim it—fast—despite those who have no intention of letting Johnny gain his full powers. Seph knows that, in the arcane world, strength is always a necessity and power must be constantly proven, but how far is she willing to go to succeed . . . and at what cost?

I've enjoyed the previous three books of this series and that doesn't change with Arcane Circle. Seph has to deal with the aftermath of the battle fought in the previous book, like did Menessos survive? What about the Elementals that were freed? And what happens now that people know Johnny is the Domn Loup? All of this is solved, plus we finally get to meet Seph's mother and find out what she has been up to.

My favourite parts of the book were the ones where we meet the other powerful weres, they were very scary, and when we finally meet Seph's mother, she has been a huge mystery for three books and it was nice getting to meet another important and until now silent player.

While a lot of questions are answered and plot points are closed, I wish the relationships between the main characters could have been more developed, especially the one between Seph and Johnny. I love the direction Johnny's character is taking, little by little he's becoming more confident and sure of himself and I really can't wait to see the other weres acknowledge him as Domn Loup. As for Seph, she's still discovering how complicated is being the Lustrata, but she's adjusting the best she can to her situation, and that's what makes her such a good heroine.

To me, this felt like a transition book. A lot of loose ends were tied but there were almost no new plot points. I hope the next book deals more with Seph and her role as Lustrata. All in all, this was a great addition to this incredible series. I can't wait to get my hands into the next book!

Memorable Lines:

Dr. Lincoln turned to Kirk. "Would you fetch some towels from the bathroom? Wait, I-I didn't say fetch because you're a … I mean, I would've said it that way to anyone."
The handsome Asian wære smiled and replied, "That political correctness shit is for pansies who can't stomach the truth."

Previous Books:
1. Vicious Circle
2. Hallowed Circle
3. Fatal Circle - Review

Rating:

Interview + Giveaway: Linda Robertson

2010-12-21T18:00:00.000+01:00

Arcane Circle, the 4th Persephone Alcmedi books will be released on the 28th of this months. Today we have the author is here answering some questions.

After facing down the forces of Fairy in mortal combat, Persephone Alcmedi still must deal with the aftermath. Not only does Seph now possess deadly secrets she must hide from the arcane and mundane world alike, but the dozens of magical creatures who’ve taken up residence behind her cornfield need food and shelter, and there’s still her foster daughter Beverly’s tenth birthday party to plan.

And that’s not all. . . . Seph’s boyfriend Johnny has revealed himself as the wærewolf Domn Lup, and the ruler of the wære world is en route from Romania to make sure Johnny really is the “king” he claims to be. But Johnny’s hiding a dangerous secret: his magic is locked in his mysterious tattoos. He and Seph must find a way for him to reclaim it—fast—despite those who have no intention of letting Johnny gain his full powers. Seph knows that, in the arcane world, strength is always a necessity and power must be constantly proven, but how far is she willing to go to succeed . . . and at what cost?

How many hours a day do you dedicate to writing? Do you write in a specific place?
It depends on the day. If its a snow day and the boys are home from school (we just had 2 in a row...sigh) I got zero hours of writing in. When they get to ride the big yellow bus, however, I write at least 3 hours a day but usually more like 6 hours, and then I pick up an hour or two in the evening once dinner and the homework checking is complete.

Do you have any new projects in the works?
I am working on book five of the Persephone Alcmedi series. I reworked an old manuscript in between books four and five, but I'm still not sure its ready for others to see it. :-)

If you could hang out with one of your characters, which one would you pick?

Johnny. Wait, maybe Menessos. I could say Nana, but she's so much like my mom and my aunts that I feel like I hang out with her anyway.

What can you tell us about Arcane Circle?

Sometimes, searching for the past leaves a head-slap on the present.

We know that Persephone is the Lustrata. What exactly does that mean? How long has it been since there was one?

Well, everyone thinks they know. The witches have their idea. The waeres have theirs. Even the vampires have a take on that legend. Persephone's going to find out first hand and, if you keep reading, you will too. In the mythos, the last Lustrata lived a about two thousand and thirty-some years ago.

It seems like little by little Persephone has to deal with more and more problems. Is this going to escalate as more people find out she's the Lustrata? How many people know?
Oh yes. (Mwahahahahaha!) The big-wigs of the witches, waeres and vamps all know, but aren't sure what to do, if anything should be done, etc. That starts unfolding more in book five.

After the events of Fatal Circle, do the witches hold a grudge? Is persephone going to have any allies there?
Some do and some don't. To say more would point to spoilers I have planned for future books.

In Arcane Circle we finally get to meet some powerful werewolves. How do they feel about Johnny being the Domn Lup?
Alpha's don't like to share power. Some out of nowhere wannabe-rockstar suddenly appearing and claiming to be the Domn Lup and take a big piece of their pie? Yeah, they are NOT happy.

After everything we've learn about Menessos, he still feels like a big mystery. Are there going to be any surprises in that front? Can you tell us anything new about him?
Behind the vampires is a mystery that Persephone will have to unravel slowly. As for Menessos...well, he might be dead. Hee hee.

One on the things I liked the most about Fatal Circle was the introduction of the elementals. What is going to happen to them? Can you give us any kind of information about them?

They play a big role in the theme of Arcane Circle. There's a lot of construction, a lot of change going on at the farmhouse in order for Seph to keep them safely. They'll be around a while; they have much to do as her destiny unfolds.

Thanks so much for being here today, Linda.

Aww, my pleasure! Thank you for having me!

You can learn more about the author on her site.

Linda is also giving away a signed copy of Arcane Circle.
International
Ends on December 31st.
All you have to do is fill out the form.

Extra entries:
+ 1 Comment
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Review: Indulgence in Death by JD Robb

2010-12-21T15:00:00.001+01:00

Title: Indulgence in Death
Author: J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #31
Genre: Futuristic Romance/Suspense
Release Date: November 2, 2010
Publisher: Putnam Adult
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Bought
Blurb:

First it was a limo driver shot through the neck with a crossbow. Then it was a high-priced escort stabbed through the heart with a bayonet.

Random hits, thrill kills, murderers with a taste for the finer things in life – and death – are making NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas angry. And an angry Eve can be just as an efficient and dangerous predator as the killer.

As time runs out on another innocent victim’s life, Eve’s investigation will take her into the rarified circle that her husband, Roarke, travels in – and into the perverted heart of madness…

I love the In Death series, I've read every single book and I never get tired of Roarke and Eve. That said, this probably was the worst book of the series. What makes me enjoy the book so much is Eve and Roarke's relationship, but there was almost no interaction between the two of them in this novel. The beginning of the book shows us part of their honeymoon, and in my opinion it was the best part of the book. After that, things go downhill.

We almost get no interaction with the other characters of the series, except a little Peabody and Morris, and while the mystery is interesting, I found myself skipping pages just to see if there was more character development. There wasn't. At points I was bored and couldn't stop checking how many pages were left.

Another thing, I know that Dallas is the main character in the series, but I wished we could be shown Roarke's world. Somehow, even though we are told time and time again that Roarke is a very busy man, now he always does consultant jobs for Dallas. I don't understand that. Also, why doesn't Eve ever help Roarke in his job?

On the positive side, Eve's character does evolve in this book, although it would have been better if the author could have shown us the final result of it (can't say more, it would be to spoilerific).

I would skip this one, you won't miss anything important. I do hope that Treachery in Death gets the series back on track.

Next Book:
32. Treachery in Death (February 22, 2011)

Rating:

International Contest Sunday (22)

2010-12-19T22:38:00.002+01:00

- Mystifying Paranormal Reviews is giving away Queen of Shadows by Dianne Sylvan.
Ends when she gets 150 followers.
Enter here.

* Something To Write About is giving away a $25 GC and a $15 GC.
Ends on December 20th.
Enter here.

* That's Swell is giving away four signed copies of Gillian Shield's books.
Ends on December 20th.
Enter here.

- Imagination in Focus is giving away a book the have reviewed on their site plus your choice of book released on 2010.
Ends on December 20th.
Enter here.

* Not Enough Bookshelves is giving away three books from her top ten couples list.
Ends on December 22nd.
Enter here.

* Flippin' Fabulous is having a holiday giveaway. You could win book from book depository.
Ends on December 23rd.
Enter here.

* Kelsey Sutton is giving away a secondhand book from her list.
Ends on December 24th.
Enter here.

- Avery's Books is giving away a$15 Amazon gift card.
Ends on December 24th.
Enter here.

* Hojas en Blanco is giving away 2 prize packs witch 3 ARC's each.
Ends on December 25th.
Enter here.

* My World ... in words and pages is giving away the first two books of the Evie Scelan series by Margaret Ronald.
Ends on December 28th.
Enter here.

- The Bibliophilic Book Blog is giving away 2 books of up to $30 from the Book Depository to 2 winners.
Ends on December 31st.
Enter here.

* Bon Bons and Reveries is giving away any book she has reviewed on her blog.
Ends on January 1st.
Enter here.

* Kimberly Franklin is giving away a copy of Twenty Boy Summer & Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler to a winner.
Ends on January 1st.
Enter here.

- Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm is giving away 3 YA book releases of your choice from 2011.
Ends on January 1st.
Enter here.

- Romance Book Junkies is giving away a mystery prize.
Ends on January 1st.
Enter here.

- My Love Affair With Books is giving away eith a $10 Amazon GC or a pre-order of a book from the list.
Ends on January 1st.
Enter here.

* Miss Page Turner's City of Books is giving away a pre-order from her list.
Ends on January 3rd.
Enter here.

* Midnight Fume is giving away three books from her list.
Ends on January 9th.
Enter here.

* Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books is giving away a book of choice of up to $10 form the Book Depository.
Ends on January 13th.
Enter here.

* Splash Of Our Worlds is giving away a book from her list.
Ends on January 15th.
Enter here.

* Story Wings is celebrating her blogoversary by giving away a book of your choice to multiple winners.
Ends on January 20th.
Enter here.

- Old contest
* New contest

Do you want me to put your international contest on my post? Contact me with the details.

Review: Death's Mistress by Karen Chance

2010-12-16T15:50:00.000+01:00

Title: Death's Mistress
Author: Karen Chance
Series: Dorina Basarab #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: January 5, 2010
Publisher: Onyx
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Bought
Blurb:

Dorina Basarab is a dhampir-half-human, half-vampire. Back home in Brooklyn after the demise of her insane Uncle Dracula, Dory's hoping her life is about to calm down. But soon Dory realizes someone is killing vampire Senate members, and if she can't stop the murderer, her friends may be next...

Midnight's Daughter was one of my favourite books I've read this year, so I was a little nervous about the follow up, but I'm happy to say that it was even better! Dorina is back and trouble keeps finding her, as usual. She's still as strong as usual and follows nobody's rules but her own. She has to deal with the vampires once again and that includes her father, Mircea.

Her relationship with him keeps being difficult and complicated but we also see a new side of Mircea. There are things that Dorina always asumed were the truth, but it turns out that she doesn't really know her father much, although the same could be said about him. I loved seeing their relationship evolve, especially when Mircea started trusting Dory.

The other important vampire in the books is Louise-Cesare, Dory's romantic interest. These two have been dancing around each other for quite a while and now they have to figure out where each other fits in their lives. I loved these two characters, especially when they were together, and even though they have plenty of difficulties, they keep fighting for what they want: each other. Also, we find out some ugly things from Louise-Cesare's past and we finally get a resolution on the Christine front.

Other characters in this book are Radu, Dory's uncle and Ray, a vampire that was at the wrong place at the wrong time (although he has plenty to account for). Both of them provide comic relief when the plot gets too dark. They're definitely on my top list of favourite characters.

With a perfect blend of action, mystery and romance, this was without a doubt one of my favourite books of the year. Too bad we have to wait so long for the next one!

Memorable Lines:

"As you're constantly reminding me, I'm family. Tell me and maybe I can help. Or does the family thing only work when you want something?"
Mircea took a deep breath, which he didn't need, to show me how much of a pain I was being. "It's about his family, Dorina, and is not my story to tell. Now, have you seen him?"
"I haven't heard from him in a month," I said flatly, suddenly tiring of the game. Most vampire clans unlucky enough to end up with a dhampir quickly bury the problem—six feet under. I supposed I should be happy that Mircea had taken a somewhat more enlightened view. But as far as my status as family was concerned, it was and always would be second-class.

Previous Books:
1. Midnight's Daughter - Review

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (31)

2010-12-15T13:45:00.001+01:00

Title: Shadowspell
Author: Jenna Black
Series: Faeriewalker #2
Genre: YA
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Edition: Paperback
Blurb:
On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana’s in trouble, since it’s common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her – and her rare Faeriewalker powers – dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking’s got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind?

Review: Day of the Dragon by Rebecca York

2010-12-14T12:27:00.007+01:00

Title: Day of the Dragon
Author: Rebecca York
Series: -
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: December 7, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

The search for clues to an ancient civilization sends Ramsey to an archaeology conference in Las Vegas where he meets Dr. Madison Dartmoor. Her current dig in Italy has put her in mortal danger, and when Ramsey saves her from thugs bent on stealing a copy of a startling artifact, the two of them team up to unearth the secrets of an ancient civilization. As their relationship heats up, Ramsey guards his own secrets that may tear him and Madison apart or save their lives.

Apparently this book was the first one of a new series by the author, but the truth is that the hero is first seen in the last book of her Moon series, Dragon Moon. You could follow the story pretty well, the only problem was that, while you get some background on the hero, I felt like a lot of his story was missing and that made me not like Ramsey much.

The heroine, Madison, is written as clever and strong, but her actions say otherwise. I think she makes pretty dumb mistakes and she's also very naive. There's a part in the book where she is arguing with the hero and the next thing you know she forgets all about it and goes and hugs him. While I understand that declaring their feelings for each other is big thing, I just couldn't understand why she let the subject drop and then went on as if everything was fine.
The romance between the two of them felt rushed and not at all believable. The truth is that I didn't see the love they had for one another. Their relationship was very cold, in my opinion.

I knew who the bad guy was since the beginning, so there wasn't a lot of mystery in that department. The only thing that was interesting were the parts that dealt with the dragons' history, but at the end there wasn't much information on them.

In short, it took me three times to finish the book and in my opinion it wasn't that good. For me, there were some scenes that were unnecesary and the romance between the main characters felt cold and rushed. Maybe you'll enjoy it more if you've read the author's Moon series.

Next Book:
2. Shattered Destiny

Rating:

Review: Cross Your Heart by Michele Bardsley

2010-12-10T20:00:00.003+01:00

Title: Cross Your Heart
Author: Michele Bardsley
Series: Broken Heart Vampires #7
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: September 7, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

After the death of
her husband-and her dreams of motherhood-Elizabeth Bretton returned to the
family estate in Broken Heart, Oklahoma. Little did she know she would also give
up her life as the Silverstone heiress.
But escaping the past isn't that easy-especially with a vengeful ghost trying
to kill her, a 150-year-old mystery to solve, and an outrageously hot
were-jaguar named "Tez" trying to get into her boudoir...

I've enjoyed the last six books of the Broken Heart series and Cross Your Heart it's not an exception. The main character, Elizabeth, is a very solitary vampire, but all of it changes when Tez, a really handsome shifter, saves her from an attack from a ghost. From there, things start getting complicated for her, and she has to discover why she is the target.

The thing that I liked from the ghost story line the most is that it resolves a mystery that started in book one, but if this is the first book of the series you read, you'll probably won't find as interesting. There are some surprises in the book, but most of the time I saw them coming.

The relationship between Elizabeth and Tez felt rushed. I would have prefered they developed their relationship more slowly, or that they at least talk more to each other, instead of always being up to something. We don't learn much about Tez, and that's one of the reasons I didn't like the book as much as the others.

We also get some updates on the others citizes of Broken Heart although they don't meddle as much in this novel because the heroine is a bit of a loner.

This was a funny and light read, just as the rest of the books in this series. Personally I didn't find it as good as previous ones, but it was entertaining nonetheless.

Memorable Lines:

"I refuse to discuss my lingerie with you. And I do not appreciate your assumption that you're going to see me in my undergarments. Ever." I paused and tried to gather my wits. And tone down my ... well, lust.

He grinned at me, and my stomach took a peculiar dive.

"I love that mouth of yours, princess. Go on," he dared me. "Talk pretty to me."

Previous Books:

1. I'm The Vampire, That's Why
2. Don't Talk Back To Your Vampire
3. Because Your Vampire Said So
4. Wait Until Your Vampire Gets Home
5. Over my Dead Body
6. Come Hell or High Water

Next Book:
8. Must Love Lycans (September 2011)

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday (30)

2010-12-08T14:20:00.002+01:00

Title: Arcane Circle
Author: Linda Robertson
Series: Persephone Alcmedi #4
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: December 28, 2010
Publisher: Pocket
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Blurb:
After an epic battle on the shores of Lake Erie, Persephone must now help her werewolf lover Johnny regain the magical powers locked within his mysterious tattoos. Complications keep his memory from opening wide and a name—Arcanum—is their only lead. With the Romanian lords of all Werewolves—the Zvonul—en route, Johnny becomes desperate for his magic to be unlocked. Meanwhile, the Witch Elders Council believes Seph is responsible for the death of their leader, and as if that isn’t enough, the house is being remodeled and Seph has promised her foster daughter Beverley a grand birthday party!

Check back on the 21st of December to read my interview with the author and enter the great giveaway!

Review: You Dropped A Blonde On Me by Dakota Cassidy

2010-12-07T17:23:00.002+01:00

Title: You Dropped A Blonde On Me
Author: Dakota Cassidy
Series: Ex Trophy Wives #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 7, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Edition: Trade Paperback
Source: Publisher
Blurb:

She was the perfect party-planning, haute-to-the max trophy wife. Now Maxine Cambridge is broke, unemployable and living with her mother and teenage son in a retirement village, with her self-esteem kicked to the curb.

Until her geeky former classmate Campbell Barker returns, all grown-up- and off-the-scale smokin' hot. Campbell refuses to believe Max isn't that smart, funny girl he's crushed on since high school. The more Max tries to show him he's wrong, the more she rediscovers her long-retired mojo. Now, she's ready to throw down some payback on her ex-life and fight for what she deserves...

At the beginning of this book we have Max, who after a really messy almost divorce is trying to pick up the pieces of her life. She has a lot of support from her mother, her son, her best friend Len, who also happens to be the sister of the woman Max's ex is now engaged to and Campbell, a really nice guy who is trying to show Max what being in a relationship really means. By the way, in this book support most of the time means a good kick in the ass.

Max grows a lot through the book, from an emotionally injured woman to one that knows exactly what she wants and isn't afraid of going after it. Reading about her journey was so much fun, from the discovery of Walmart to her job as a bingo dealer, the book got better as you read.

One of my favourite characters was Max's son. He didn't agree to what his father was doing and wasn't afraid to call him on it. Another big favourite was Len. She has her own love story in this book, but to tell you the truth, I wish the author could have given her a full novel. Her interactions with Adam, her love interest, were very interesting, and sometimes I just didn't want her to stop narrating.

All in all, this was a great beginning of a funny new series full of snark and accidental love. I'll definitely check the second book out!

Memorable Lines:

"Omigod, Ma! Looook!" she squealed, ignoring the inquiring stay-at-home moms turning toward her in clusters of frayed ponytails. "I found tampons. They're the good ones, too. The ones for heavy-flow days. Two boxes for five dollars!" She grinned, pride beaming on her face as she waved the boxes at her mother. They qualified as a necessity, and better still,they fit into her budget. Two boxes of tampons would last her at least four months.
Oh, happy period.

Next Book:
2. Burning Down the Spouse (July 5, 2011)

Rating:

Interview: Christina Henry

2010-12-06T23:54:00.001+01:00

Today Christina Henry is here with us to talk about her debut novel Black Wings, that was released last week.

As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black is responsible for escorting the souls of the dearly departed to the afterlife. It's a 24/7 job with a lousy benefits package.

Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with.

Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos.

Powers that place her directly between the light of Heaven and the fires of Hell...

How long did it take you to write the book?

I spent about six months in early 2008 picking at the first 60 pages of Black Wings, writing a little bit at a time when I felt like it. Then I decided to really buckle down and get the manuscript done. Once I decided that it took about 5 ½ weeks to write the rest.

How would you define Black Wings?

I would define it as an urban fantasy with a little bit of humor, a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance and a lot of action. I think (I hope!) it’s different from most UF’s in that it doesn’t prominently feature vampires or werewolves.

Maddy Black is an Agent of death. It’s an inherited job with no pay. She’s broke, she’s stressed and she’s got to rent the apartment in her building if she wants to have some income. She takes on a new tenant who winds up bringing a whole host of new supernatural problems with him. She’s also got a very mouthy gargoyle with a bad popcorn habit who loves to express his opinion on everything.

Maddy is an Agent of death. What exactly does that mean?

Being an Agent of Death means you’re responsible for the transition a soul makes from life to death. It is basically a crummy, unpaid job that you inherit from your parent or your closest blood relative when they die. Maddy’s mom died when she was 14 and she’s been doing this ever since. She escorts souls after they’re dead to a place called the Door, where they get some kind of choice, but don’t ask what the choice is – Maddy’s not allowed to know!

Why did you decided to make the job of Agent of death permanent?

I didn’t want it to be something Maddy could wriggle out of. I don’t think it’s a job that anyone would volunteer for so I wanted her to be locked in to a set of responsibilities. Then when all the monsters start showing up she’s got to do her job and deal with this new set of stressors – just like everyone else who has to juggle their work life and home life and so on. Even though she has a supernatural job I wanted her to be relatable.

The agents get an envelope every week with the souls they have to escort. Has anyone ever tried to save the person's life instead of letting him die? What would be the consequences if something like that did happen?

Agents can’t mess with the order of the universe. If someone is supposed to die an Agent can’t stop it, no matter how tragic or horrible that death might be. Their job is to help the soul pass over from life to death. An Agent can, however, intervene in a death that is NOT meant to be – but there aren’t too many of those, and usually they don’t find out until it’s too late.

Can you explain a little how the Agents hierarchy works?

It’s a lot like a big faceless corporate insurance agency. There are cubicles and paperwork and layers upon layers of supervisors. I thought it would be funny if death were a giant bureaucracy.

Gabriel is a very mysterious character at the beginning. What can you tell us about him?

When he shows up at Maddy’s house he’s definitely got an agenda of his own and that agenda involves Maddy. There’s a lot she doesn’t know about herself and her family history and Gabriel knows more than she does.

Why did you pick a gargoyle as Maddy's best friend?

Since Beezle is a home guardian he’s pretty much always around, unlike a roommate or relative who might possibly have a life of one’s own. Beezle’s life is Maddy’s life – he delights in sticking his beak in her business – and everyone else’s business for that matter. This keeps him readily on hand for whatever I might need – a quick bit of dialogue or a little comic relief.

What kind of creatures can we expect in Black Wings?

Well, I don’t want to give too much away, but there are definitely angels and demons – and no vampires or werewolves to speak of!

What are you working on right now? Have you finished the second book?

I have finished writing the second book of the Madeline Black series, Black Night and am starting work on the third. It’s been so much fun exploring this character further and opening up the world more. I’m pretty excited to see what happens next for Maddy!

Thanks so much for being here today!

Thank you for having me here!

You can check out my review of Black Wings here.
You can also find more info about the author on her site.

Winner ... at last

2010-12-06T22:45:00.000+01:00

Hey everyone. Sorry it took me so long in posting the winner, there were more than 500 entries and I had to check every one of them! Between that and being sick for most of the last week, I didn't have a lot of time.

Anyway, the winner of the $50 CSN Stores GC is ...

Linda !

Thanks to everyone who participated!

By the way, check back later today when I'll post the interview with Christina Henry that was supposed to go up last friday.

Waiting on Wednesday (29)

2010-12-01T23:18:00.000+01:00

Author: Stephanie Perkins
Title: Anna and the Frech Kiss
Genre: YA
Release Date: December 2nd 2010
Publisher: Dutton
Edition: Hardcover
Blurb:

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?