On My Wishlist...

Entice by Carrie Jones (to be published in Dec, 2010)


Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that's not quite how things have worked out. 

For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla? 

And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't just turned. She's Astley's queen.


I loved the first 2 books, Need and Captivate. Can't wait for this 3rd book in this series. So far there will be 4 books in all. 


So, what are you wishing for this week?

Black Magic by Cherry Adair Blog Tour

From Goodreads:

SHE HATES USING MAGIC . . . 

Ever since the death of her parents, Sara Temple has rejected her magical gifts. Then, in a moment of extreme danger, she unknowingly sends out a telepathic cry for help—to the one man she is convinced she never wants to see again. 

HE’S A POWERFUL WIZARD . . . 

Jackson Slater thought he was done forever with his ex-fiancée, but when he hears her desperate plea, he teleports halfway around the world to aid her in a situation where magic has gone suddenly, brutally wrong. 

THEY’VE BEEN CHOSEN TO SAVE THE WORLD . . . 

But while Sara and Jack remain convinced they are completely mismatched, the Wizard Council feels otherwise. A dark force is killing some of the world’s most influential wizards, and the ex-lovers have just proved their abilities are mysteriously amplified when they work together. But with the fate of the world at stake, will the violent emotions still simmering between them drive them farther apart . . . or bring them back into each other’s arms?

If you pick up this book and notice that several books also refer this to T-Flac #17 and are worried that you haven't read a single book in this series, don't worry.  This book stands completely on it's own as a fast paced, paranormal romance book. In fact, I had not read any books in this series and did not feel as though I was missing a thing. 


In this book it has a mixture of good and bad points. Our main characters know each other and had already fallen in and out of love with each other. There was a huge falling out and we are quite honestly left hanging to find out what the problem was for half the book. That was quite frustrating and when we do find out, you can then understand how it came between the couple. Also, this book is quite predictable, but even though you know the answers before Sara and Jack, you don't know how it is going to play out. That part in the mystery as well as a lot of the hot scenes keeps you reading this story.


I give this book 4 stars and recommend it to those who are wanting to read something in the paranormal romance genre. In fact, now I'm more curious as to what happens in this series by Cherry Adair.

Captured by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon Blog Tour

From Goodreads:

THEIR LOVE IS JUST BEGINNING. 

Detective Charlotte Caissie is growing used to the secrets that come with loving the mysterious leader of a shape-shifter clan. But that doesn’t mean she has to like it. She’s avoided complications of the heart all her life, but when it comes to irresistible Max Savoie, she’ll force the truth out of him if she has to. 

HIS TIME IS ALMOST UP. 

Hunted by the deadly trackers his nefarious father warned him about, Max is transforming into a preternatural force he can’t explain and Cee Cee will never understand. He’s tempting the dangerous limits of their love, but it’s her curiosity that could get them both killed. WILL THEY EVER REALLY BE TOGETHER? 

When Max discovers the enemy’s true target is someone far more vulnerable than he, he must do the unthinkable to save his own flesh and blood. But he can’t fight this battle alone, and Cee Cee faces the ultimate test of loyalty: the man she’d sacrifice everything for . . . or the laws she swore her life to protect.

This is the third book in the trilogy. I read the first book, Masked by Moonlight and enjoyed it. I think that this book is even better than the first. I didn't get to read the middle book, but it wasn't absolutely necessary to read this book. This one is more about the relationship between CeeCee and Max. Yes, of course, you have the adventure of someone stalking and trying to kill Max and those close to him, but that really becomes the side story to the relationship. In one way this was delightful. We get to see both characters having to overcome their insecurities that have come about through extraordinary circumstances. In another way, there were times I wanted to smack both of their heads together. They both knew that the other was the only one that they could have and did trust with everything they held secret. So, when they refused to let the other in on what was currently going on within them I wanted to scream. It just seemed so unnecessary when the big stuff seemed to be out of the way. However, it also made sense considering neither knew how to trust anyone else in their lives.

If you read any of the other books, you will enjoy this book a lot. CeeCee is still her wonderful snarky self. Max still knows exactly how to raise her hackles. So, there is a lot of fun within the book. If you haven't read any of the books, you can read this one and it will stand alone, but I do suggest you read at least the first book. It holds a lot of the background that makes some of the references make a lot of sense. Plus, although this is the 3rd in this trilogy, there is enough left open that there could be more in the series. I give this adult book 4 stars.

Masked by Various Authors Blog Tour

From Goodreads:

A thrilling, unique anthology of original super hero fiction, with contributions from luminaries in both the comic book and science fiction fields. 

Introduction: The Golden Age by Lou Anders 

"Cleansed and Set in Gold" by Matthew Sturges 

"Where their Worm Dieth Not" by James Maxey 

"Secret Identity" by Paul Cornell 

"The Non-Event" by Mike Carey 

"Avatar" by Mike Baron 

"Message from the Bubblegum Factory" by Daryl Gregory 

"Thug" by Gail Simone 

"Vacuum Lad" by Stephen Baxter 

"A Knight of Ghosts and Shadows" by Chris Roberson 

"Head Cases" by Peter David & Kathleen David 

"Downfall" by Joseph Mallozzi 

"By My Works You Shall Know Me" by Mark Chadbourn 

"Call Her Savage" by Marjorie M. Liu 

"Tonight we fly" by Ian McDonald 

"A to Z in the Ultimate Big Company Superhero Universe (Villains Too)" by Bill Willingham

This anthology is an exploration of the superhero and villain. It explores a lot of aspects never seen before within this genre. You have superheros of various sexual orientations, religions and races. It also explores the reality of someone trying to be a superhero in the real world without any special powers as seen in Avatar. There is also a few villain stories. One where the villain isn't evil, but because he looks evil fights for that side as seen in Thug. You also have other stories as to why a villain becomes a villain. Plus, I can't forget the story of the superhero that was a jerk and you felt for the former villain as in Downfall. You even get superheros and villains past their prime as well as all out battles. Also, most have a twist in the story usually at the end as all good superhero stories have.

It's a fun anthology especially those that all lovers of superheros and villains should read. It's also good for those that love short stories with complex characters and plots. I gave this book 4 stars and really enjoyed reading all the short stories.

And on a personal note... I am sorry again that this took me so long to get to and write. Just keep remembering those huge kitty eyes, please. :)

On My Wishlist...

Due to be published Feb. 22, 2011
From Kelly Keaton's Web site:

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.

Kelly Keaton AKA Kelly Gay's alter ego for YA UF fiction can be found at her web site.

So, what are you wishing for this week. (and yes, I know... figures I'd be on time for this post, eh? lol)

Excuses, Excuses...

If anyone has noticed my agenda... I should have 2 book reviews up today. Unfortunately, I could not get them done. I swear *eyes grow huge* I have an excuse and here it is...

A few days ago my air conditioner broke. It would keep things cool when the temps were under 94 degrees (F, not C since I'm in the US... *sheepish grin*). Anything above that and the HEAT would kick in. It didn't get uncomfortably hot because it could be to jiggled it to get it back to cold, but it had to be done ALL the time. That sure slowed my reading down. However, if you asked my malemute if it was hot, she'd just give you a no sh** sherlock look and pant away. Anyhoo... the day finally came when the new a/c was to be put in! *does happy dance* Unfortunately, with the dust and heat because it was one of the hottest days of the week (figures) I had a migraine. Ugh. So, between that and my doberman defending my demure *cough* self I didn't have time to relax and read. So, I was going to book it and get at least one review done for today. So, of course I had to wake up to a migraine yesterday because of the new unit releasing all those gasses of newness. So, due to those true albeit total excuses, I did not get what I intended to get done. I will ASAP. So, for those that counted on my blog tour reviews I humbly apologize. The rest, I'm sure didn't care if I got it done or not. ;) I still feel bad. So, go ahead and yell at me. I just have one thing to add...

Dante's Journey by JC Marino

From Goodreads:

A flash of light and Detective Joe Dante steps through. No longer on the cobblestone streets of 1961 Boston, Joe finds himself in a horrifying new world-Hell itself. Joe was in hot pursuit of his family's killer, drug lord Filippo Argenti, when both were killed, and isn't about to let a little thing like death slow him down. So, with a healthy dose of New England stubbornness and the help of a mysterious guide, Virgil DiMini, Joe must evade angry demons, and search ever-lower through the rings of the original Dante's Inferno in hopes of finding justice for his wife and children. However, Joe will soon discover that behind every sin lies a secret and each secret revealed could land Joe in an eternity of hot water... VERY hot.

 Dante's Journey is based on Dante's Inferno from the Divine Comedy if you haven't guessed by the name. It's an updated version which takes you through a sci-fi version of hell. One with demons who are simultaneously trapped themselves while they run hell and keep the souls in their punishments. Joe is lead by Virgil as in the original version, but there is a twist. Joe doesn't immediately trust him or anyone else at that time. We also don't know Virgil's true reason for ushering Joe through hell or who exactly Virgil is in this story. Joe, unlike the character in the Inferno, is dead. Unfortunately, Joe can't even imagine that he is dead and only has one goal and thought, to find Argenti, the man who killed his family. This singular thought keeps him on his journey through the levels of hell.  As Joe travels through hell, he is transformed through truth, memories and running for his soul. This journey helps him find what is really important to him.

This was a fast and interesting read. Although it has been a long time since I read the Inferno, I enjoyed comparing what I remembered with the updated twists and turns of Marino's version. I also enjoyed the ride through hell in itself. The punishments are those of the damned's own making instead of being sentenced by an all knowing power. So, the irony of the punishments were interesting on it's own. My only criticism of this book is also something I appreciated as well. The author made hell more of a place where anyone no matter what their beliefs or religion could go. It wasn't because they were of a different religion, but because they sinned against their own beliefs and religion. So, I was glad to see that they weren't punished just because they believed differently, and I appreciated that a lot. However, since this was based on more of a Catholic book and the main character was Catholic, I think it would have been better to keep it within the Christian and Catholic realm. One reason is because not all religions believe in hell and the symbolisms could stay consistent for the main character since it was his own journey through hell we were following.

I give this book 4 stars. I think this is a great book for discussion. I think it is an interesting concept that hell is one of our own making. I think it could really springboard some interesting discussion from many points of view.

I received this book from the author and no compensation was given for my review.

Infinite Days GIVEAWAY!

How would you like a chance to win the book I just reviewed? I happened to get 2 ARCs of the same book. So, I will probably put one up for giveaway during blogfest and I will giveaway one now. Sound good? Hope so. Just fill out the form and I will end the contest on Aug. 1, 2010. The book is due to be published around that same time. US addys only, please.


Any promotion you can give this contest is greatly appreciated.


Giveaway is now closed. Winner to be announced shortly.

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

From Goodreads:

When Lenah Beaudonte, a 500-year-old vampire queen, wakes up a human teenager at an ultra-cliquey prep school, she must choose between embracing the humanity she’s always craved and saving her new friends from her vicious coven. The first in a sizzling new YA series. 

This book has a great premise. An old vampire queen decides her undead status is no longer worth "living" and wants a way out. Rhode, her maker, decides that he is willing to let her go or watch her burn. He finds away to reverse the vampire process and makes Lenah human once again. Once this happens her memories from her vampire life are juxtaposed to her new human life and I think that this really brings out Lenah's story in a very original way. You can really feel her remorse for her vampire ways as well as everything she lost by turning so young.

My problem with this book comes with her association with several very shallow people. I can see how she was initially drawn to these people since they are very similar to her coven. People who's main concern is the self. I would have thought her new education back into mortal life she would have made better choices. Plus, her new beau just didn't fit her at all. With her background and intelligence, I couldn't see her with someone so immature. I can see her wanting to experience it, but I couldn't see it lasting. It made sense that she drew her new best friend to be in that crowd since they were thrill seekers and she wanted to experience a huge range of emotions, but I also wondered about that. I would have thought any emotions would be at first overwhelming, and then curiosities. I don't think she would have so easily tolerated those shallow kids and would have had to see more of their true selves for it to have made sense to me. It's not good when you are rooting for the one person that could utterly ruin her because it just made more sense that she'd be better off with Vicken (one of her vampires).

So, how do I rate this book? Parts of the book was just brilliant. Loved the comparisons of her world. The other part just failed me. Not to the point of me not liking the book, but I just couldn't get behind her human choice. So, I give this book 3 1/2 stars. It is worth a read and I am very curious as to how the author is going to continue the series since the ending really didn't seem like a cliffhanger (which is a good thing IMHO).

I received this book through the LibraryThing early reviewer's program and from St. Martin Griffin. No compensation for my review was received.

Winner!

Thanks for everyone commenting on the post as well as the necklace. The winner for the necklace via random.org is... *drumroll*

 layla418 

You now have 48 hours to get back to me or another winner will be chosen.

Thanks to everyone who participated. Hope I got some information out there about this issue as well as this wonderful book.

Day by Day Armageddon: Beyond Exile by JL Bourne Blog Tour

From Goodreads:

START INTERCEPT 

Armies of undead have risen up across the U.S. and around the globe; there is no safe haven from the diseased corpses hungering to feed off human flesh. But in the heat of a Texas wasteland, a small band of survivors attempt to counter the millions closing in around them.

INTERCEPT COMPLETE

Survivor,

Day by day, the handwritten journal entries of one man caught in a worldwide cataclysm capture the desperation—and the will to survive—as he joins forces with a handful of refugees to battle soulless enemies both human and inhuman from inside the abandoned Hotel 23.

But in the world of the undead, is mere survival enough?

If you like your zombies sweet, awkward in a dorky way with a little paranormal love going on, you will be very disappointed. If however, you love your zombies to be mean, hungry, disgusting with a lot of war like images then you will love this book. This book has a lot of military imagery and it has to do with the main character who is, in fact a military marine man. It is he who has helped the remaining people to survive and his mission is to find as many survivors as he can.

This book is written like a diary and at first did not really capture my attention. In fact, I thought it was a bit redundant even in the action scenes when he rescues a grandmother and grandson. When he goes on a mission to gather supplies with some military comrades, the helicopter goes down. He ends up being the only survivor in the crash. This is where the book really starts to shine. Surviving day by day, each day a new horror awaits. Eventually he almost comes to his demise if it wasn't for one man who had been shadowing him for a few days. They were both wary of each other with good cause until they could see they were the only two humans left in the area. A quick bond was formed and I loved that his new comrade was an old enemy. One who had become a terrorist, but upon seeing true terror could not see any use in deeming anyone left an enemy.

The book was a visual journey into survival and it looks like it is open to yet another book. This one was book 2 in this series and I had not read book 1. I didn't need to read it to really get into this book, but it made me curious as to what horrors were explored in the first. Book one is Day by Day Armageddon and apparently has quite a following. I feel that the people who enjoyed the last book will enjoy this one as well. 

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. Like I said, if you like your zombies with lots of gore, you won't be disappointed. Just don't have a big meal before reading. :D

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

From Goodreads:

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems. 

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.

This book is a fun adventure full of faeries who chose to be evil and are called goblins. The main characters Teagan, Finn and Aiden are very likable. In fact, I just fell in love with Aiden the 6 year old boy. A lot of humor comes from his character and he is able to say things that make you laugh. Teagan, is also a very likable character and she uses her brain to get them out of trouble many times. So, Finn wasn't the only hero in this story and I loved that. Finn is also very aware of his responsibilities and always wants to do the right thing no matter what his circumstances are in his life. He falls for Teagan but doesn't want to break her heart. However, it doesn't stop him from helping her rescue her father in Meg Mell which has befallen an evil spell by an evil enemy. He is aware of the risk, but will risk it without asking anything from Teagan. Makes him a very loveable hero in this story.

I think my only big criticism in this book is a completely personal one. It had to do with St. Patrick, himself. He only makes a few mentions in this book, but I've never saw him as a hero. I've always had a soft spot for all the snakes he drove out of Ireland and I don't agree with forced conversion. Yes, for those that don't know... the snakes were not of the animal kind, but the human kind. He displaced people from their homes. I'm not saying he had an easy life or was evil, I just don't see him as a hero. So, you see, it is completely personal reasons and I hope the author and my Catholic friends forgive me of this transgress. It really didn't impact that much on my enjoyment as a whole in the book, but loud mouthed me just had to say something. ;)

I give this book 5 stars. I so recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a fun paranormal adventure book. Quite honestly the blurb above and the cover don't do justice to the book. It exceeded my expectations and I can't wait for the next installment (which I hope there is going to be one).

I'd like to thank the author, Kersten Hamilton for suggesting I read it, NetGalley, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the opportunity. No compensation was given for my review.

On My Soap Box... On My Wishlist... and Giveaway!

First, I'll start on my soapbox. As I posted in the last review that I had something more to say. Well, as I first started this book, Katiebabs of Babbling about Books and More had a post about Cindy Pon's book, The Silver Phoenix. It was about book whitewashing of the covers and how both Borders and Barnes and Noble either had no books in stock or very little so they could state that it needed a new cover to do better at their stores. The complete and well thought out post and subsequent discussion is HERE. In the past I admit I didn't pay attention to this type of problem out there in the industry. I mostly bought or read books based on suggestions before I started blogging. As I started to do more blogging and finding lots more books because recommendations grew, I noticed that, like others, I gravitated toward certain covers and away from others. In fact, I often mention the covers in my reviews now. So, for a company to deem that I just couldn't handle a cover with someone of color on it is just horrible. It's almost like saying that we only find beauty in such a small definition. Yes, they are more concerned with the bottom line, but by actually making up your "facts" in this way is just wrong. Plus, it's not very flattering to the rest of us book buyers out there. 

Personally, I'm a bit confused. I was one who just loved the cover. If you look at the other comments in Katiebab's post, people who were less thrilled about it usually complained about the color (anti-pink girls) but not about the race. Look on Goodreads reviews and you will see that most were attracted to the cover. So, I charge Borders and B&N with being total snooty snots with their choice of not carrying the book with that cover. While I do not think there is enough evidence to charge with racism, there is enough to charge them with not believing that their buyers have intelligence. So, do I suggest buying this book with all the controversy? (Young people close your eyes) HELL YEA! (okay, you can open them now) It's a great book and didn't deserve the treatment it received. Plus, the more we buy books with characters with color in them, that itself will, I believe, start to send a good message to those snooty snots. :)

Oh, and speaking of books that have characters with color... Cindy Pon, herself, is having a giveaway of several books like this. Just comment at her blog. What a wonderful idea! Also, take a look at her list and put them on your own wishlist. I know I have. ;)

Which brings me to my Wishlist...

Fury of the Phoenix is #2 by Cindy Pon (to be published in April 2011)

From Goodreads:


When Ai Ling leaves her home and family to accompany Chen Yong on his quest to find his father, haunted by the ancient evil she thought she had banished to the underworld, she must use her growing supernatural powers to save Chen Yong from the curses that follow her.

Well, now for the giveaway...

I'm going to giveaway a necklace that I made with the cover on it. I had two main reasons for making this necklace. One is protest. I want to protest the practice of whitewashing our covers. The second is to promote this great book without having to give up my copy (hey, it was signed specifically to me... and well, I'm a greedy snot). So, I made a pendant like I had blogged about here. This is the cover of the book on one side and the jade pendant on the other. Obviously, the pictures are not mine, and I am giving this away FREE. So, if you wanna... you got to leave a comment. Please leave your e-mail addy if it's not in your profile. I'll end this on Friday July 16, 2010. It's 15 1/2 inches long, with pendant, it's 17 1/2 inches. Doesn't need a clasp, it should just slip over your head. Hope you think it's worth a comment. :) US addys only, please.

Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

From Goodreads:

No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters. 

But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined. 

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help. 

It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more.

If you want to take a journey across ancient China and through mythical Chinese lands of beauty this book will not disappoint. It is also a wonderful paranormal journey with a beautiful young woman when such things were unheard of for women. Her journey to find her father is met with mythological creatures she only read about in her father's books. She also finds an enigmatic companion who's life becomes entwined with her own. Chen Young and Ai Ling become fast friends and true allies throughout this colorful, mythical adventure.

This book is a wonderful and fun journey much like the art films recently making it's debut on the American culture scene. The main character Ai Ling is very likable and I love the fact that she was a strong character even though she had no defensive training and had lead a sequestered life which was typical within her ranking in society. Sometimes she was frustrating in her rash decisions, but she learned from those decisions as well. I loved that about her character. There was violence and some sexual references which may not be appropriate for very young kids, but I think it was well done and it was within a cultural reference. Older teens will love this book. I gave this book 5 stars and can't wait for the next installment of this series. "The Fury of the Phoenix" should be here in April, 2011.

I won this signed book from the Supernatural Underground and Cindy Pon as seen in this post.

Cindy's Website 
Cindy's Twitter
Cindy's Etsy Site

On a side note... I will be doing another post concerning this book. It will have a giveaway, but not of the book. Just keep that in mind and sick around to find out what it's about. ;)

Dark and Disorderly by Bernita Harris

From Goodreads:

"I was standing there naked when my dead husband walked into my bathroom..."

Lillie St. Claire is a Talent, one of the rare few who can permanently dispatch the spirits of the dead that walk the earth. Her skills are in demand in a haunted country, where a plague of ghosts is becoming a civic nuisance.

Those skills bring her into conflict with frightened citizens who view Talents as near-demons. Her husband comes to see her as a Freak; so when Nathan dies after a car crash, she is relieved to be free of his increasingly vicious presence. Lillie expects to be haunted by Nathan's ghost, but not to become Suspect #1 for her husband's murder and reanimation.

But what's most surprising of all is the growing attraction between her and psi-crime detective John Thresher. He thinks that Lillie killed Nathan--and Nathan must agree, because his zombie is seeking revenge. Now she and Thresher must work together to solve her husband's murder--before his corpse kills her...

This book is the first book in a series of Lillie St. Claire. Her past was not happy and was in fact orphaned at the age of 5. She has had to endure a lot of prejudice because of her "Talent" at an early age and so has no solid sense of self. When she meets the charismatic and sociopathic former husband, Nathan, the torture continues until she doesn't know what is true and false in the world. Despite this, she finds some strength but never feels strong since she constantly has her husband's abusive talk in her head. Her talents and a sudden rise in paranormal activity bring the attention of the feds and particularly Johnny Thresher. Thresher becomes enamored, but his police attitude doesn't allow himself to fully fall into Lillie's spell easily. They both fight an attraction all the while trying to figure out exactly who killed her husband and who reanimated him. Also, who could be wanting Lillie dead as well?

This was a fun book full of mystery and lots of paranormal activity. Not only do we have the mystery of Nathan, but a personal mystery of who and what exactly Lillie is as well. My main criticism is Lillie herself. I understand that she had been through a lot, but her constant whining about not being strong started to get on my nerves a bit. Now, if perhaps more of her abuse with her husband was revealed even in her private thoughts it might have seemed less whiny. Not that I wanted to be a voyeur, but it would have put that constant worry in a more comparative light. It would have made her strengths even stronger as well. I do think that as we see more of Lillie, however, I think that worry will get less and she will be more confident in her self and in her own strengths. I personally want to see what happens to Lillie as the story goes on.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. It was an interesting first book and I think we really start to understand and get to know Lillie St. Claire.

I'd like to thank Carina Press through NetGalley for this book. No compensation for my review was given.

On My Wishlist...

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (Oct. 19, 2010)

From Goodreads: While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.


So, what are you wishing for this week?

NetGalley

I seem to have found out that several of my blogging friends have not heard of NetGalley yet. So, here is a quick rundown of the site. 

Just goto NetGalley and sign up as a reviewer. You fill in a few things on your profile (like your blog addy) and then search the galleys they have available. You can search by genre, publisher, or what has recently been added. Not all publishers are on NetGalley, but many are and several more are signing up. You click on request if you are ready and then you wait. The publisher reviews your request and either accepts or denies it. Once you are accepted, you can then download usually to several formats. All are currently available only as ebooks and are either ARCs or Galleys (hence the name). After you have read the book and reviewed it, you can copy, paste your review, where it's reviewed (some want to know if you have posted it to other places other than your blog) and you also click review completed. The publisher will get a notice of your review. You can also deny a review if you just can't finish the book for some reason. Oh, and you don't have to memorize all of this, the instructions on the site are quite clear and easy to follow. You can follow NetGalley on Twitter as well. :)

Hope this quick post helps those out there that haven't heard of this great site!

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland

(published, Sept. 6, 2010)

From Goodreads: Seventeen-year-old Louisa Cosgrove longs to break free from her respectable life as a Victorian doctor's daughter. But her dreams become a nightmare when Louisa is sent to Wildthorn Hall: labeled a lunatic, deprived of her liberty and even her real name. As she unravels the betrayals that led to her incarceration, she realizes there are many kinds of prison. She must be honest with herself - and others - in order to be set free. And love may be the key...

In this book Louisa is a strong, independent young woman who does not want to follow convention and become a "lady" as her station demands. Her father was quite indulgent and loved the fact that Louisa wanted to follow in his footsteps even though at that time women were not allowed to be doctors. As she grows and becomes more and more discontent with her station, her secret slips out as to what she really wants to do with her life. With her father's death, she no longer has the support of her dream and falls under the "protection" of others trying to direct her life. She ends up in an asylum for the insane without any explanation as to why it was happening. Not only does she get stripped of her dreams, and freedom, she also loses her identity of her own name.

The mystery of who and why this was done to her is slowly revealed throughout the book. Some of the reasons are expected and some are not. I think that this mystery was well presented as well as to how the asylum affected Louisa. The only part I found unbelievable about the asylum was the lack of diseases within the walls. The did present a few, but in places like that at those times, an outbreak of one serious disease would run rampant throughout the whole place. In this book, it seemed confined to it's specific patients. Also, although the staff was abusive, I thought the abuse was light for the times. However, it is a YA book and I would shudder to think how it would be written if more accurate. Given those criticisms, they are light and do not interfere with the book as a whole. I also love the fact that Louisa does find love in the end, but it may be surprising to some. I hope not. To say more might spoil the ending so I will leave it there.

I give this book 4 stars. I think this was a pretty good YA book and I recommend it for those audiences. There is a slight mention of sex, but it was not graphic.

I'd like to thank Haughton Mifflin Harcourt through netgalley for this book. No compensation was received for my review.