The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa

In Allison Sekemoto's world, there is one rule left: Blood calls to blood

She has done the unthinkable: died so that she might continue to live. Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie's birthplace in New Covington, what Allie finds there will change the world forever-and possibly end human and vampire existence.

There's a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago-and this strain is deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries, if Allie can get to him in time.

Allison thought that immortality was forever. But now, with eternity itself hanging in the balance, the lines between human and monster will blur even further, and Allie must face another choice she could never have imagined having to make.

Although it took me a minute to catch back up in the story (too long between books... but then again any waiting time is sometimes too long...) but once I did I had fun with this book. This book picks up right after the first book and we find ourselves on the journey we left. As she continues on her single minded journey she runs into an old acquaintance and this alters her goal slightly. This is where I started enjoying myself the most. One word... Jackal!

Oh in the first book Jackal was a heartless bastard. In this one he's just a bastard. He made me laugh and I just loved his snark. Granted I understood why Allie wanted to remove his tongue from time to time, but I really enjoyed his snark within this book. I hope he's in the next book as much as this one... it would be sad to not have him stirring things up when they don't need to be stirred. :D

The ending you are left with a twist and a huge tease for the next book. It's not a cliffie, but you will want the next book fairly quickly. I give this book 4 stars and recommend it to Kagawa fans as well as those that like older YA.

I received this eARC from the publisher and NetGalley and no compensation for my review was given. 

Alternate covers:

(YaY! They were more accurate with the cover model)

The Sweetest Dark (The Sweetest Dark #1) by Shana Abé

“With every fiber of my being, I yearned to be normal. To glide through my days at Iverson without incident. But I’d have to face the fact that my life was about to unfold in a very, very different way than I’d ever envisioned. Normal would become forever out of reach.”

Lora Jones has always known that she’s different. On the outside, she appears to be an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl. Yet Lora’s been keeping a heartful of secrets: She hears songs that no one else can hear, dreams vividly of smoke and flight, and lives with a mysterious voice inside her that insists she’s far more than what she seems. 

England, 1915. Raised in an orphanage in a rough corner of London, Lora quickly learns to hide her unique abilities and avoid attention. Then, much to her surprise, she is selected as the new charity student at Iverson, an elite boarding school on England’s southern coast. Iverson’s eerie, gothic castle is like nothing Lora has ever seen. And the two boys she meets there will open her eyes and forever change her destiny. 

Jesse is the school’s groundskeeper—a beautiful boy who recognizes Lora for who and what she truly is. Armand is a darkly handsome and arrogant aristocrat who harbors a few closely guarded secrets of his own. Both hold the answers to her past. One is the key to her future. And both will aim to win her heart. As danger descends upon Iverson, Lora must harness the powers she’s only just begun to understand, or else lose everything she dearly loves. 

Filled with lush atmosphere, thrilling romance, and ancient magic, The Sweetest Dark brilliantly captures a rich historical era while unfolding an enchanting love story that defies time.

This book starts out with Lora, without memory, as a 10 yr. old child on the streets of London. Soon after, with the charity of nearby folks, she finds her way into an orphanage. A few years later and as war looms Lorna finds herself with an opportunity for learning at a privileged boarding school. She also finds herself amongst someone else just as strange as herself. This kicks of the start of figuring out who she truly can become.

Reading more like a historical YA I slid into the lyrical writing of the author and found myself at the beginning of a mystery. The mystery of Lorna. Not just who she was and where she came from, but what she was. I loved the writing, but still felt a bit apart from the characters even though I liked them from the beginning. Still the writing itself engaged me.

The writing isn't the only thing that engaged me, but the mystery of Lorna. Why she perceives things in the way that she does, where she came from... what it all means. During the mystery a letter suddenly appears becomes quite confusing. It seemed to have no part in the tale. You wonder about the editing, but it seems purposeful. As frustrating as this was, as confusing as it was, it also made me curious. Trusting the author I knew it would be of import and slowly the pieces came together. As the parts came together so did my connection to all the major players in the mystery. The letter also finds it's place of import. I also found myself not wanting to put the book down.

I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed Shana Abé's writing. Although this book ends fully and feels like a standalone, it is actually part of a series and I can't wait to read the next installment. I'm now on the lookout for other books by this author as well.

I received this eARC from the publisher and NetGalley and no compensation for my review was given.

Mark of the Sylph (Demons of Infernum #2) by Rosalie Lario Blog Tour

Half-demon Taeg is desperate to free his pregnant sister-in-law, who is spellbound to an indestructible book that will create an army of the undead. He is convinced that an ancient sword can destroy the book and the spell forever, but this relic has been hidden for a millennia by a powerful glamour. The clock begins to run out on his search when an old rival goes after the book and Taeg’s family in his quest for revenge. 

Librarian Maya Flores has a secret: she’s immune to magic and is well aware of the supernatural beings prowling the streets of New York City. Haunted by a brutal demon attack that took her family, she is on a one-woman mission to destroy the evil demons who did it—and any others who get in her way. 

Maya is Taeg’s best hope for uncovering the sword. 

Unfortunately, she wants nothing more than to kill him. As he fights for her trust and to save his family, she is forced to face the truth that not all demons are evil. And the worst part? She might be falling in love with one, too.

My Review:


I read the first book in this series, Blood of the Demon, (review linked) but that was quite some time ago. So, I forgot most of what had happened. Luckily for me the book was written in a way that I wouldn't have had to read the first book to understand this world (although that never stopped me before... LOL). However, toward the end of the book, some of the things came back to me. Still, I would call this one a standalone, but you will probably want to go back to read that first book.

I did like both the main characters Maya and Taeg. However, a good portion of the book was dedicated to both Maya and Taeg wanting to get together and yet pushing each other away. I know that a lot of people like this kind of tension, but after a bit... for me, it got old. Even after saying that, I have to admit that there needed to be quite a bit of that or I wouldn't have bought her trusting him at all. It's a hard balance to create. I also thought that she trusted him too early in the game. Even so, in the end her trust didn't feel false. I know, I do sound a bit conflicted with this book but that's not always a bad thing. :) It kept my curiosity going.

In the end I give this book 3 stars. I find myself really liking the world here and I really liked the characters including the secondary characters. I'm guessing all the brothers will get a book and I'll happily read them all. I recommend this series to PNR fans.

I received this eARC from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

Find Mark of the Sylph on:

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Book Depository

About the author:

Formally trained as a corporate and real estate lawyer, I practiced law for 5 years before finally admitting to myself that negotiating contracts wasn’t nearly as fun as dreaming up stories. As an avid reader of romances and supernatural stories, I knew I wanted to write urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Tales of vampires, demons, and other supernatural beings ensued.

I’m currently working on the Demons of Infernum series, a series of paranormal romance novels featuring four sexy half-demon brothers and their reluctant heroines.

When not writing, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son in our home state of Florida, as well as searching out things that go bump in the night. I still haven’t found any, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

If I ever do find evidence of the supernatural, it remains to be seen whether I’ll jump around in excitement, or run screaming in terror (but I’m betting on the latter)!

Find Rosalie at:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

There is a tour-wide giveaway!

Deets:

3 Prize Packs (3 Winners from within the US) and 1 book retailer gift card worth $20 for an international winner. 

Prize Pack Includes:

• 1 autographed copy of Blood of the Demon (Demons of Infernum #1) 
• 1 autographed copy of Mark of the Sylph (Demons of Infernum #2) 
• 1 autographed copy of For Love of an Angel (Fallen Warriors #1) ~ 35,000 word novella 
• 1 ruby heart angel-wing necklace (like the one worn by the heroine Ruby in Angel’s Kiss, Fallen Warriors #4) 
• 1 nifty double-sided, tasseled bookmark 
• 1 Blood of the Demon refrigerator magnet 
• Virtual XOXOs from Rosalie (lol…priceless) 

INT Giveaway

• $20 Gift Card to the Book Retailer of Winner's Choice 
• More virtual love from Rosalie :-)

To enter

Fill out rafflecopter form below:

Throwback Thursday: Jane Yellowrock

Meme hosted by Melissa My World in Words and Pages. It's about books that are already on the shelves and are waiting to be read. Go to her website to join in!

This weeks submission:

Blood Cross
(Jane Yellowrock #2)
by Faith Hunter

Jane Yellowrock is back on the prowl against the children of the night...

The vampire council has hired skinwalker Jane Yellowrock to hunt and kill one of their own who has broken sacred ancient rules — but Jane quickly realizes that in a community that is thousands of years old, loyalties run deep... 

With the help of her witch best friend and local vigilantes, Jane finds herself caught between bitter rivalries — and closer than ever to the secret origin of the entire vampire race. But in a city of old grudges and dark magic, Jane will have to fight to protect both sides, even if no one will protect her.

Oh I read the first book, Skinwalker (review linked) and really enjoyed it. I can't wait to dive into this one. I won it recently and I need to catch up on this series! 

So, what is on your UF tbr?

Btw, looking for a good UF series to get into? I'm currently running a giveaway for the Horngate Witches series (first 3 books in the series!). Just go HERE for the post to enter! US only.
If PNR is more your style, come back tomorrow for a review and a blog tour-wide giveaway (that one has both a US and Intl giveaway)!

Showers of Books Giveaway Hop: Horngate Witches series!

I'm giving away 3 books in the Horngate Witches series (reviews linked)! Yep, that is the first 3 books in the UF series to ONE winner.

The books:

Bitter Night
(Horngate Witches #1)
by Diana Pharaoh Francis

SOMETIMES YOU CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES. AND SOMETIMES, THEY CHOOSE YOU... 

Once, Max dreamed of a career, a home, a loving family. Now all she wants is freedom...and revenge. A witch named Giselle transformed Max into a warrior with extraordinary strength, speed, and endurance. Bound by spellcraft, Max has no choice but to fight as Giselle's personal magic weapon — a Shadowblade — and she's lethally good at it. But her skills are about to be put to the test as they never have before.... 

The ancient Guardians of the earth are preparing to unleash widespread destruction on the mortal world, and they want the witches to help them. If the witches refuse, their covens will be destroyed, including Horngate, the place Max has grudgingly come to think of as home. Max thinks she can find a way to help Horngate stand against the Guardians, but doing so will mean forging dangerous alliances — including one with a rival witch's Shadowblade, who is as drawn to Max as she is to him — and standing with the witch she despises. Max will have to choose between the old life she still dreams of and the warrior she has become, and take her place on the side of right — if she survives long enough to figure out which side that is....

Crimson Wind
(Horngate Witches #2)
by Diana Pharaoh Francis

THERE ARE GOOD GUYS. THERE ARE BAD GUYS. AND THEN THERE’S MAX. Max knows what trusting the wrong person can cost you. Her former friend Giselle, a powerful witch, enslaved Max years ago, turning her into a Shadowblade—a deadly warrior compelled to fight for Giselle. But there’s more at stake now than Max’s thirst for revenge. The Guardians, overseers of the magical world, have declared war on humanity and on any witches not standing with them. Max and Giselle have come to an uneasy truce in order to protect what’s left of Horngate, their coven’s home. Max would do anything for Horngate—even give herself over to a mysterious otherworldly creature in the nearby mountains in exchange for his help. But first, she intends to save the mortal family she left behind. And Alexander, the Shadowblade warrior who could be her closest ally or her deadliest enemy, is going with her.

On a road trip into the unknown, Max and Alexander face wild magic, desperate enemies, and battles that bruise both body and soul. But the greatest challenge will come from unexpected revelations that test everything Max believes about who she is—and where her loyalties lie...

Shadow City
(Horngate Witches #3)
by Diana Pharaoh Francis

The world is falling apart. The magical apocalypse has come. Now is the time to guard the covenstead against both raiders and refugees. But Max has been stolen by a powerful demi-god who is determined to force her to find a way to use a magical power she never knew she had—even if it kills her. Meanwhile, back in Horngate, a Fury is birthing. When the creature breaks free of the fragile bonds that enclose her, her rage will scour the covenstead from the earth. Max finds herself in the Shadow City, a place of mysteries and magic, where she must battle for her freedom or become a slave to creatures of dreadful greed and power. Back in Horngate, Alexander must swallow his anger and pride if he hopes to defeat the Fury, a creature that no one has ever successfully fought before.

In the end, it will be courage, friendship, faith and loyalty that win the day. Or else so one will live to see tomorrow.

The fourth book, Blood Winter, which is NOT a part of the giveaway was recently published. Just think, you could be totally prepared for that book (review linked in title)!

Btw, don't forget to go to the rest of the participants in this hop! If you need the addy for the list just go HERE!

I'm footing the bill for the giveaway, so it's US only. To enter for the 3 pb books, just fill out the rafflecopter form below:

Hot Blooded (Jessica McClain #2) by Amanda Carlson

It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.

Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps.

Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers.

Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.

All in a day's work for a girl.

The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties...

This book picks up right after the last book left off. It is the journey you were expecting and it did not disappoint. Lots of action and adventure in harrowing circumstances. In fact it was nearly never ending. It makes sense since the evil Selene wouldn't give up her prize easily. You also get some more insight into the world in which they live and you are also learning with the rest of them. Most of the things weren't known to the weres because they had no need to learn them. The group realizes now that is a mistake. So, I suspect we will be getting even more in depth world learning as the series progresses.

We also learn more about Jessica's abilities and we meet more secondary characters. Danny is the comic relief and I can't wait to see more of him. We also meet some vampires and we really get to know the detective, Ray who gave her hell in the last book. With those characters you appropriately like the ones you are supposed to and even warm up to the others except the evil ones. :) My only complaint is that you know no more about Rourke in this book than in the first. Very frustrating but also something to look forward!

I give this adventure 4 stars. I enjoyed it and it reminded me a lot of the Persephone Alcmedi series I recently reviewed. Both have a strong intelligent female with great power who is prophesied to bring justice to the world. I'm enjoying that angle. One warning.... this book also ends with a sort of cliffie. I actually don't like this. The adventure is complete, but the start of the next series is the ending of this one as it was in the first book. I would have liked it better if she stopped one chapter back. I would have still craved that next book (without frustration!). This book is out today!

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

Full Blooded (Jessica McClain #1) by Amanda Carlson

Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared. 

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her. 

But not everyone is on board. The werewolf Rights of Laws is missing text and the superstitious werewolves think that Jessica means an end to their race. It doesn’t help when Jessica begins to realize she’s more. She can change partway and hold her form, and speak directly to her wolf. But the biggest complication by far is that her alpha father can't control her like he can the rest of his wolves. 

When a mercenary who’s been hired by the vampires shows up to extract information about the newly turned werewolf only days after her change, they find themselves smack in the middle of a war and there's no choice but to run together. When it’s up to Jessica to negotiate her release against her father’s direct orders, she chooses to take an offer for help instead. In exchange, Jessica must now swear an oath she may end up repaying with her life.

 I have to say that I throughly enjoyed this book. In fact it just took me a little over a day to finish it because I just had to know what happened next. It's a fun UF with a good dose of PNR. I really enjoyed the pace of the book which was quite fast. It seems that like other heroines, Jessica has nothing but trouble coming her way.

What I do think I enjoyed most was a lot of the plot angles were missing in this book that you get with this genre. One was that the heroine somehow forgets that they need to follow rules and that there will be consequences. This is one plot device that always bothers me. However, in this book Jessica is usually on top of those things and never forgets the consequences. Instead of her beast knowing what is best, it is Jessica and she often has to convince or remind her wolf. I liked that because the baser instincts SHOULD be the wolf's and not the insipid female which happens a lot. Even when she has to defy rules, she does it in full awareness. Yes, Jessica may not be a brainiac, but she does have smarts and uses her brain.

I also like that even though she is new and in the dark about what it means (another familiar plot device), she is forging ahead not by bumbling (even though she has no choice at times) but by using the knowledge she DOES have to try to figure out the best way out of or into a situation. I also like the way she was introduced to her mate and that it felt like they were mated even in such a short time. Sometimes that is a hard thing to pull off.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters and how carefully the world is constructed. Plot points were not ignored for the ease of moving things along. In other words, you felt that if there was a threat made, it would be followed through if forced. It would not be moved aside for the sake of the story.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I deducted a 1/2 star since everything was not wrapped up. It wasn't exactly a cliffie but it was a bit abrupt (not too much, but enough) and some things introduced in the end was not solved. That might have been better to start the second book instead of having it at the end of the first. Luckily the second one is already out and available. :)

I received this ebook from NetGalley and the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

Spellcaster (Spellcaster #1) by Claudia Gray

When Nadia’s family moves to Captive’s Sound, she instantly realizes there’s more to it than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia senses a dark and powerful magic at work in her new town. Mateo has lived in Captive’s Sound his entire life, trying to dodge the local legend that his family is cursed - and that curse will cause him to believe he’s seeing the future … until it drives him mad. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl—Nadia—from a car accident come true, he knows he’s doomed.

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his family’s terrible curse, and to prevent a disaster that threatens the lives of everyone around them. Shimmering with magic and mystery, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s new novel is sure to draw fans of the Hex Hall and Caster Chronicles series, and fans of the hit CW TV show The Secret Circle.

I had fun with this book. I really enjoyed Nadia as our heroine and Mateo as our hero. In fact, I really loved Mateo... he was the broken hero who comes through despite the consequences. I also enjoyed the other minor characters in this book. All had their place and some, like her little brother, were quite cute.

There were parts of this book that is typical YA. No love triangle so that is a huge plus. :) However, you do have a girl who is just learning her powers coming up against something unfathomable and still sees herself as a lone wolf able to defeat it. You also do get drama, but it is overshadowed by the main story. I also enjoyed the way she did spellcasting. Often it had to do with memories and the way you connect to them. Oh yea, and you get a parent who actually cares and it's a father! Happy with that since the parents are usually absent and non-caring... especially the father.

I give this book 4 stars. The ending is quite open so I can't wait for the next installment, but it isn't a cliffie. You just know that they aren't going to be in for a pleasant ride.

I won this ARC from Pitch Dark and no compensation for my review was given.

Throwback Thursday: Legend Series

Meme hosted by Melissa My World in Words and Pages. It's about books that are already on the shelves and are waiting to be read. Go to her website to join in!

My submission this week:

Legend (Legend #1)
by Marie Lu

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem. 

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets. 

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

...and...

Prodigy (Legend #2)
by Marie Lu

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.
It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

I won both of these books... first, Prodigy from Tumbling Books and second from Mel at Mel's Random Reviews. No one has ever accused me of winning things in order. :)

Any "winning" books still on your tbr?

All Seeing Eye by Rob Thurman

Picking up a small pink shoe from the grass forever changed young Jackson Lee’s life. Not only did its presence mean that his sister Tessa was dead—murdered and stuffed in the deep, black water of a narrow well—but the shoe itself told him so. 

Tessa’s death triggers an even more horrific family massacre that, combined with this new talent he neither wants nor can handle, throws Jack’s life into a tailspin. The years quickly take him from state homes to the streets to grifting in a seedy carnival, until he finally becomes the cynical All Seeing Eye, psychic-for-hire. At last, Jackson has left his troubled past behind him and found a semblance of peace. 

That is, until the government blackmails him. Helping the military contain the aftermath of a bizarre experiment gone violently wrong, everything Jackson knows about himself will change just as suddenly as it did with his little sister’s shoe.
And while change is constant...It’s never for the better.

Jackson's story is the background to this mystery. It starts with how he got his powers of psychometry and how he deals with it in his life. The way the story of his life unfolds is a bit different than what we are used to in these stories. Instead of having it laid out before us, we are often playing catch-up, but nothing is missed. Even though there were times you knew you were missing information, you knew it was coming since this book is not part of a series. I actually enjoyed the way information was doled out. Made you pay attention.

There are more than one murder mystery within this thriller book. A lot of twists and turns within trying to solve it and also trying to figure out who to trust and who to not. I found the twists easily solved, but it did not deter my enjoyment of the tale. I found the journey even more entertaining than solving those twists. I also enjoyed the characters in this book. Especially Jackson, the good anti-hero with a lot of snark who will worm his way into your heart... eventually. :) I really enjoyed Jackson.

The ending of this book was probably my favorite part of this book. I won't spoil a thing, but it was quite satisfying and exactly what I wanted to "see". I would recommend the book on the basis of that ending. I also give this book 4 1/2 stars. It's an entertaining read especially for those that like mystery and thrillers.

I received this book from Pocket Books and no compensation for my review was given.

Top Off Tuesday: Mark of the Sylph

I have been enjoying this meme on Felicia's The Geeky Blogger's blog and have finally found some time to join in. The other players are Amanda from On a Book Bender, Christi from Smitten with Reading. Button made by Missie at The Unread Reader

My submission:

Mark of the Sylph
by Rosalie Lario

Half-demon Taeg is desperate to free his pregnant sister-in-law, who is spellbound to an indestructible book that will create an army of the undead. He is convinced that an ancient sword can destroy the book and the spell forever, but this relic has been hidden for a millennia by a powerful glamour. The clock begins to run out on his search when an old rival goes after the book and Taeg’s family in his quest for revenge. 

Librarian Maya Flores has a secret: she’s immune to magic and is well aware of the supernatural beings prowling the streets of New York City. Haunted by a brutal demon attack that took her family, she is on a one-woman mission to destroy the evil demons who did it—and any others who get in her way. 

Maya is Taeg’s best hope for uncovering the sword. 

Unfortunately, she wants nothing more than to kill him. As he fights for her trust and to save his family, she is forced to face the truth that not all demons are evil. And the worst part? She might be falling in love with one, too.

Nice shiny chest. :D Oh and I'll have a review/ with a giveaway (from the tour) on the 26th. 

So, what is on your ToT this week?

Blood Winter (Horngate Witches #4) by Diana Pharaoh Francis

NEW GAME. SAME RULES. SHE FIGHTS. THEY DIE. 

Max always does her job, no matter how brutal and bloody. That’s how it’s been ever since she was enslaved by a witch, turned into a supernatural warrior, and assigned to protect the coven of Horngate. But her job just got harder.... 

Waves of wild magic have returned much of the world to a time when fairy tales were real and danger now lurks behind every tree and bush. As winter descends and food, heat, and water are harder to come by, many have turned to Benjamin Sterling for protection. Leader of the Earth’s Last Stand cult, Sterling claims to be the Hand of God, but his power and charisma secretly come from a dark and terrible source. With devout followers eager to do his sadistic bidding, he has his eyes on Horngate and its magical inhabitants. To save those she loves, Max will knowingly walk into a trap. But when the cult strips Max’s soul bare for all to see, will even Alexander—her lover and her strength—remain? And if she were to lose him, what does it matter if she gains the whole world....

I have to say that this was another great addition to the Horngate Witch series. I'm also heartbroken to hear the rumor that this may be the last one. NO! I'm hoping that it is only a rumor since this book didn't feel like an end of the series type of book. It's not a cliffie book. It is complete, but threads left open with one of them I really need a resolution. NEEDS! Nope, not an ending at all... *sigh*

Anyway...

Within this book we are dealing with what seems like a zealot witch with a lot of power running a deadly cult. Looks in this world are rarely what they seem and it is the case in this story as well. Again, Max is faced with insurmountable odds and only her wit and snark pull her out. I also love that the blades are getting snark rubbed off on them. It's fun to see them tease each other and it brings a smile to my face.

My biggest criticism comes from the romance in this book. Granted it is a UF series and so there is going to be very little romance. However, Max and Alexander both have quite a bit of angst in this book and sometimes you just wanted to kick drop both of them so they can get it together. In the end it is resolved, but I'm not telling you which way it went. All I will say is it made sense. :D

I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed my time here and if I don't get another book I will be VERY disappointed. I need Max to go and demand another story of hers be told. Trust me, they wouldn't say no to her. :)

I received this book from Pocket Books and no compensation for my review was given.

Bloggy note:

I will be giving away the first 3 books by this author on the 24th. So mark your calendars and stop by for a chance. Yea, I'm mailing them so it will be US only. Still love ya international peeps! 

My reviews of the books:

Bitter Night

Crimson Wind

Shadow City

Blog Tour: The Demon's Daughter by Paula Altenburg

Hunter is the only man capable of killing the demons that left the world in ruins. But when he’s hired by a notorious priestess to bring a thief to justice, the Demon Slayer gets more than he bargains for. 

Airie was raised in an abandoned temple as a priestess’s daughter, having no idea of her true origins. In a time when any half-breed spawn of a demon is despised by mortal and immortal alike, not knowing the truth is the only thing keeping her safe. 

Forced to flee her home in the wake of disaster and discovery of who she is, Airie must place her trust in a man who believes she should never have been born. And when a demon uprising threatens lives he has sworn to protect, Hunter has to make a choice: abandon Airie to an uncertain fate, or overcome his own personal demons and love her for who she truly is.

I have to admit that I had a hard time at first really getting connected to the characters. Almost as if I was being held a bit back a bit while watching what was going on. However, I did get into the world building quite a bit. In fact, the world building was very good. This world helped me to connect to Airie about 1/4 of the way through. The connection stuck to the end of the book.

Hunter is also a character I struggled to connect with. I didn't quite get the same connection to him as I did Airie, but it was still pleasant enough and he was a good hero with this story. The secondary characters were also a good fit for this world and I enjoyed them as much. The connection there was not expected so I didn't struggle with those characters at all. The secondary characters really enhanced the primary characters, especially Blade (Hunter's bestie) and the women who work for Blade.

 My biggest complaint came at the very ending. It felt a bit rushed and almost too saccharine, but yet still satisfied my need for an HEA. I give this bok 3 1/2 stars. I really recommend it for the world building and to those that like a fun PNR with some adventure. I would definitely read more books by this author. 

Throwback Thursday: Paranormacly

Meme hosted by Melissa My World in Words and Pages. It's about books that are already on the shelves and are waiting to be read. Go to her website to join in!

This is a book I've wanted to read ever sense it first came out. I finally got a copy when it was on a good sale (sale is long past) but I haven't had time to read it. The book?

Paranormalcy
by Kiersten White

Evie's always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours. 

But Evie's about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. 

So much for normal.

So, what book you couldn't wait to get still sits on your shelves or ereader?

Bitter Night (Horngate Witches #1) by Diana Pharaoh Francis

SOMETIMES YOU CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES. AND SOMETIMES, THEY CHOOSE YOU...

Once, Max dreamed of a career, a home, a loving family. Now all she wants is freedom...and revenge. A witch named Giselle transformed Max into a warrior with extraordinary strength, speed, and endurance. Bound by spellcraft, Max has no choice but to fight as Giselle's personal magic weapon — a Shadowblade — and she's lethally good at it. But her skills are about to be put to the test as they never have before....

The ancient Guardians of the earth are preparing to unleash widespread destruction on the mortal world, and they want the witches to help them. If the witches refuse, their covens will be destroyed, including Horngate, the place Max has grudgingly come to think of as home. Max thinks she can find a way to help Horngate stand against the Guardians, but doing so will mean forging dangerous alliances — including one with a rival witch's Shadowblade, who is as drawn to Max as she is to him — and standing with the witch she despises. Max will have to choose between the old life she still dreams of and the warrior she has become, and take her place on the side of right — if she survives long enough to figure out which side that is....

I know this is a strange way to say I'm catching up on my series reading with book 1, but it's true. I actually started with Crimson Wind which is the second book in the series. I was not lost and became quickly enthralled with the series, but I had to read Shadow City (#3) before I read anything else because the second one ended with a cliffie. So, now I'm catching up and read that first book.

Oh I'm glad I did. I didn't feel like I was missing anything, but I did get a much better feel for some of the characters like Alexander. I had an idea of what happened, but now I know. I also got to find out how she first met "Scooter", a powerful entity that plays a main role in the next 2 books.

As far as the story goes, it is filled with kick arse adventure with an equally kick arse main female character. She also has a very vulnerable side which does not take away her strength, but adds to it. Oh and plenty of snark from our heroine. Loved that. You also have some interesting characters that you will want to meet. The world is built around ours, but holds secrets that most of us are unaware, but will become aware in short order. There are the fae, gods, witches and humans who have become preternatural. It's a world that will have endless possibilities. Yes, you can safely say this has become one of my fave UF series.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I really loved finding out more about the characters I'm already invested. Do pick up this series if you are a UF series fan.

I received this book from Pocket Books and no compensation for my review was given.

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Novellas

Tell Me Something Tuesday, a meme started by CambriaHebert, but now hosted here on Rainy Day Ramblings. It is a chance to get to know your fellow bloggers by sharing fun stuff, discussions and more. Grab the question and post your answer on your blog and link up! Have fun!

Question:

Novellas...how do you feel about the current trend of novellas? What do you like about them? What don't you like? 

I like novellas when they are a part of an overall series. I like it when it fills in the gaps. Books like:

Nice holiday theme. Can be read as a stand alone, but much better within the series (Bigtime series for this one). Sometimes these are fun! (Review)

(Review) This was a gap filler  (#5.5) for those of us itching for the next book.

Same with:

(Review) And trust me, I do want that next book (this one is #2.5), but this one helped...

Then you have stories that only serve to frustrate you because it is NOT part of a series and you desperately want it to be one! :D

(Review)
Which was part of an anthology (as some of the novellas you can get now were) and also leads me to think of:

(Review) In which many of us are now begging Ann Aguirre to make Thistle and Thorne a real series.
(other anthologies I've reviewed)

Of course there are still novellas I do want to read... like those that give us the POV of another character:

Yep, it's Logan's POV (I really need this one... yes, need LOL).

So, all in all I don't LOVE novellas, but they do serve their purpose. :) I enjoy them but usually end up wanting more. What about you? Novellas? Yea or nay?

Book Tour: Breeders by Katie French

About The Breeders - Goodreads, Amazon, Lulu

Sixteen-year-old Riley Meemick is one of the world's last free girls. When Riley was born, her mother escaped the Breeders, the group of doctors using cruel experiments to bolster the dwindling human race. Her parents do everything possible to keep her from their clutches-- moving from one desolate farm after another to escape the Breeders' long reach. The Breeders control everything- the local war lords, the remaining factories, the fuel. They have unchecked power in this lawless society. And they're hunting Riley. 

When the local Sheriff abducts the adult members of her family and hands her mother over to the Breeders, Riley and her eight-year-old brother, Ethan, hiding in a shelter, are left to starve. Then Clay arrives, the handsome gunslinger who seems determined to help to make up for past sins. The problem is Clay thinks Riley is a bender-- a genderless mutation, neither male nor female. As Riley's affection for Clay grows she wonders can she trust Clay with her secret and risk her freedom? 

The three embark on a journey across the scarred remains of New Mexico-- escaping the Riders who use human sacrifice to appease their Good Mother, various men scrambling for luck, and a deranged lone survivor of a plague. When Riley is shot and forced into the Breeder's hospital, she learns the horrible fate of her mother—a fate she'll share unless she can find a way out.

Review:

Let me tell you I did not expect this book. I knew it was dystopian and that it would have some dark themes running through this book, but I really didn't expect something so dark. Yes, this comes from someone who has said that YA doesn't go dark enough. Well, this one was close to pitch dark.

Now, for those that don't like it too dark, I do suggest you give this one a try. It's very engaging and you really get a feel for Riley and her situation. You become quite entangled in her adventure and that is why it becomes so dark. You root for Riley, but you cannot see a solution for her that would allow a perfectly happy HEA, only a best case scenario. In this world being a woman is dangerous. You are not human, you are property, period. You will also like the love interest, Clay. I enjoyed his character growth as much as Riley's.

I don't want to give away too much. Some of the interest came with figuring out how harrowing life is in this dystopian world. I would suggest that this is for older YA groups as well as adults. It has talk about rape and some gore. It fits the world though and makes it quite realistic. The ending is pretty complete, but you can see there are threads open that lend itself to a series. Yes, I do want to know what happens next. I give this book 4 stars.

~~~~~~~~~~

About Katie French - website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads

Katie French imagined herself an author when her poem caught the eye of her second grade teacher.

In middle school she spent her free time locked in her room, writing her first young adult novel. Though her social life suffered, her love for literature thrived. She studied English at Eastern Michigan University, where she veered from writing and earned an education degree. She spent nine years teaching high school English.

Currently she is a school counselor, doing a job that is both one of the hardest things she’s ever done and the most rewarding. In her free time she writes, reads great books and takes care of her two beautiful and crazy children. She is a contributor and co-creator of Underground Book Reviews, a website dedicated to erasing the boundaries between traditional and non-traditional publishing. She lives in Michigan with her husband and two children.

Kismet Book Touring is giving away 10 ebook copies of this book! To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below. The giveaway is being run by Kismet.

AimeeKay Review: Succubus Rising (Telepathic Clans #3) by B.R. Kingsolver

The Goddess has plans for Brenna and Rebecca, and the Goddess has a wicked sense of humor.

Rebecca Healy is a true wilder, growing up with no contact or knowledge of other telepaths. Discovered by a Clan member on the streets of San Francisco, she felt like she’d hit the jackpot. Finally, she knew what she was, or at least she thought she did. 

When Brenna O’Donnell, long-lost heir of the O’Donnell Clan, and the strongest telepath in history, is returned to her family, she and Rebecca form a tight bond. Brenna has it all, looks, money, power, and men falling all over her.

Rebecca isn’t jealous, but it would be nice to find someone who would really love her and stick around in the morning. She’s intrigued by a handsome South American general, but of course, he has his sights set on Brenna. Carlos de Vargas wants more than love. His Clan has its back to the wall, and they hope for an alliance with O’Donnell. An alliance that would lead to war. 

The story began in The Succubus Gift and continued in Succubus Unleashed. In Succubus Rising, questions are answered and new mysteries are revealed.

I really enjoyed the first two books of the Succubus series, so I am glad to say that I enjoyed this one as well. Before reading my review however be forewarned that there are some definite spoilers in here so please proceed knowing you have been warned.

I really love the characters, especially Brenna and Rebecca. I love watching their interactions and their friendship. One of the greatest underlying stories of the books is the stories of their friendship. I liked that this edition of the series really let Rebecca shine. Proving that, even though she IS Brenna’s ‘Shadow’, it doesn’t mean she was meant to live in it. I think this helped to really show that their friendship is one of equals. Brenna has also completely embraced her family and the succubus life style. She no longer has the moral issues that plagued her in previous books and is able to stand on her own without second guessing herself.

On that note I want to comment about the whole Succubus/Telepath life style. While Brenna has her ‘soul mate’, she is NOT monogamous. This is a very significant change from your typical ‘soul mate’ romance. But Kingsolver has really made the romance in their world work. I’m not saying that I would want an open relationship *shrug* not my thing. But Brenna’s love isn’t twisted or warped. What she feels for the ones she loves is pure and simple love. The sex that she has that isn’t love related, and more related to her job or to her powers, isn’t made to seem sluttish, it is just part of who she is and the author again is able to make it work. I never once feel that she is heartless or cruel, everything she does is because of her gifts or to benefit those she cares for and for that reason, at least I think, is why I don’t think I look at her any differently than I would heroines who only have sex with their chosen ones.

I will say that there are parts of the story that bothered me, and they weren’t sex related. The whole relationship between Rebecca and her mother is the issue. Considering how the clan has been portrayed up to this point in the stories I really wondered why her mom let her be raised and hurt as a child the way that she was. I would have thought that if her mom had known what was going on she would have stepped in with the full backing of the clan and rescued her long before she was found as a wilder.

Despite my issues with that I did really enjoy this one. There are so many possibilities opening up in Kingsolver’s world. I can’t wait to see how Rebecca and Brenna’s journey unfolds in future novels. Also, and I have to put this in, the first part of the book had me really cracking up. I literally forced my boyfriend to listen to me recap it to him. It was one of those ‘Oh my God’ perfect scenes. I say read the novel if only for the first scene alone. Again there is a list of the powers and their definitions at the end of the novel. I hope at one point in the future maybe a side book can be written to accompany the novels that explains all the powers and where exactly their names come from. Since most are obviously named after the clans where the gifts are most genetically prominent, but maybe something explaining who the first recorded users were?

I love this series. Overall I give it 5 out of 5 stars, and this book I give 5 out of 5 easy. I think that this novel can stand on its own even without reading the previous books, but I recommend reading them in order so you can truly appreciate how Brenna and Rebecca have grown and evolved from their humble roots.

Throwback Thursday: Geekomancy

Meme hosted by Melissa My World in Words and Pages. It's about books that are already on the shelves and are waiting to be read. Go to her website to join in!

My submission this week:

Geekomancy
by Michael R. Underwood

Clerks meets Buffy the Vampire the Slayer in this original urban fantasy eBook about Geekomancers—humans that derive supernatural powers from pop culture. Ree Reyes’s life was easier when all she had to worry about was scraping together tips from her gig as a barista and comicshop slave to pursue her ambitions as a screenwriter. 

When a scruffy-looking guy storms into the shop looking for a comic like his life depends on it, Ree writes it off as just another day in the land of the geeks. Until a gigantic “BOOM!” echoes from the alley a minute later, and Ree follows the rabbit hole down into her town’s magical flip-side. Here, astral cowboy hackers fight trolls, rubber-suited werewolves, and elegant Gothic Lolita witches while wielding nostalgia-powered props. 

Ree joins Eastwood (aka Scruffy Guy), investigating a mysterious string of teen suicides as she tries to recover from her own drag-your-heart-through-jagged-glass breakup. But as she digs deeper, Ree discovers Eastwood may not be the knight-in-cardboard armor she thought. Will Ree be able to stop the suicides, save Eastwood from himself, and somehow keep her job?

I got this one a while back when it was free. Can't wait to dive in.

So, what is on your list this week? 

Audio Review: This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

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.

Well, I thought I'd try to get caught up with the series and although I have this in print, I thought I'd try it in audio. Luckily my library had it in the format I could use. Tavia Gilbert is the narrator and I have to honestly say that I did not like her pacing at all. It was too fast for most of the book, but that pacing was fine for the most intense action parts of the book. I also have to say that I did not like her Bones accent. Actually, the accent was "okay", but the voice for bones was just too wrong for me. Her voice actually seemed to raise a bit to do his parts. I was also not thrilled with the Mancheres voice either. It did distract me a bit from the book as a whole.

As for the book. I loved it. This one had quite a bit of humor and I LOL'd quite a bit. In fact I woke up my dog and got a dirty look for laughing too loudly. Yep, Cat had her snark on and even toward herself. Vlad also had a few really good one liners. Oh yea, can't wait to read his book. Yes, you can safely say I enjoyed the humor a lot.

We also get some good secondary characters involved in this book. Mencheres, Vlad, and even Marie Laveau. I have to admit, even though Marie has her own agenda and is on her own side, I like the ghoul. She is smart and quite devious. I hope there is more with her in further adventures with Cat.

I give this book 4 stars. It's possible I may rate it higher with a reread. I guess we will have to see. I didn't love the audio, but I did love the book and the adventure.

Alternate cover (I like much better):

Thrill Ride (Black Knights Inc. #4) by Julie Ann Walker

Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose. 

She Won't Back Down 

Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight…

I have to admit it took me a little longer to get into this one at first. Both Rock and Bill seemed to be laminating way too much about not falling in love with the girl they were obviously in love with. I mean, I get those guys were really trying to convince themselves but it got old after a bit. It did ruin a bit of the jungle adventure in the first half of the book for me.

However, I really got into the second half. Even though they were still professing their non-love it was lessened by the action and twists on trying to figure out who was the bad guy and how to clear Rock's name. The book really took off for me then. Oh and Rock! Sorry, but I kept getting Gambit in my head from X-men. It was the accent that did me in. I can see why Vanessa fell for his accent.

I will say though that I really enjoyed Vanessa throughout the whole book. I liked how she threw herself into situations in which she knew she had fear. I also liked Eve (Bill's intended). Still a bit flighty but yet trying to conquer her fears. Somehow I find that more brave than facing down a bullet with the guys. Even so, it was nice to be surrounded by hot men at all times. :D

I give this book 4 stars. Despite the slow beginning, I did have some fun with the crew. I can't wait for Bill's arse to be kicked most likely in the next book. :)

I received this eARC from Sourcebooks and NetGalley and no compensation for my review was given.

I'm also nominating this cover for:

I have been enjoying this meme on Felicia's The Geeky Blogger's blog and have finally found some time to join in. The other players are Amanda from On a Book Bender, Christi from Smitten with Reading. Button made by Missie at The Unread Reader

So, any thrills in your ToT?