Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs

Series: Mercy Thompson #3
287 p.
Publisher: Ace
Published: 1/2/08
Source: tbr pile

"I could smell her fear, and it satisfied something deep inside me that had been writhing under her cool, superior gaze. I curled my upper lip so she could get a good look at my sharp teeth. I might only weigh thirty or so pounds in my coyote shape, but I was a predator..." 

Mechanic Mercy Thompson can shift her shape - but not her loyalty. When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it's up to Mercy to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not. 

Mercy's loyalty is under pressure from other directions, too. Werewolves are not known for their patience, and if Mercy can't decide between the two she cares for, Sam and Adam may make the choice for her...

My thoughts:
Finally! Yes, I finally decided I needed to catch up with this series. I was so glad I picked up this book. It held me captive until I finished it. I also am SO happy that the love triangle is solved. I figured it would go the way that it did, but not how it did. Hm... can I volunteer for the one that wasn't picked? LOL

There is also a incident that I wasn't sure if I would like the way it was handled or not. However, I stuck with the story and ended up feeling that it was handled very well. I LOVED how Adam learned what she was going through. It really kicked Adam up a huge notch for me in the way he responded. While the ending didn't feel completely right, knowing Briggs she won't let it go. I can't wait to pick up the next book

I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed this installment and I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series.

Audiobook Review: Ensnared by A.G. Howard

Series: Splintered #3
Unabridged
Narrator: Rebecca Gibel
26 hrs. 56 min.
Publisher: Blackstone Audio Inc.
Published: 1/6/15
Source: Audiobook Jukebox for review

After surviving a disastrous battle at prom, Alyssa has embraced her madness and gained perspective. She’s determined to rescue her two worlds and the people and netherlings she loves, even if it means challenging Queen Red to a final battle of wills and wiles … and even if the only way to Wonderland, now that the rabbit hole is closed, is through the looking-glass world—a parallel dimension filled with mutated and violent netherling outcasts. 

In the final installment of the wildly popular Splintered trilogy, Alyssa and her dad journey into the heart of magic and mayhem in search of her mom and to set right all that’s gone wrong. Together with Jeb and Morpheus, they must salvage Wonderland from the decay and destruction that has ensnared it. But if they succeed and come out alive, can everyone truly have their happily ever after?

My thoughts:
I enjoyed the first 2 books in this trilogy and HAD to know what happened. This is the last book! It was a moral imperative for me to find out what will happen to our trio. I also have to state that this is one of two YA books that have done a successful love triangle. It made sense in this series and it concluded in a perfect way.

 The beginning of the audio starts off where we last left our heroine. We get to know more about her dad and find out he is more than a one dimensional character. We also get to know more about how Aly has changed and how much stronger she has become. While Aly and her dad prepare for what needs to be done to set things right and really getting to know each other for the first time it does make the story drag a bit. AnyElsewhere was interesting so the story picks up from there.

I have to admit that I wasn't totally on Team Jeb's side. He wanted her to totally deny her netherling side and only embrace her human side. I always hated that. Morpheous wanted her to embrace both sides, so I liked him better for that, but yes, he did play the trickster god which will frustrate out heroine. In this book both of them were jerks at the beginning but do come together in the end. They even find it within themselves to place ego aside and work together. Yes, it is at this point I wanted both for Aly.

The conclusion to the story had me quite worried. Various scenarios played in my head and I didn't care for most of them. However, this ending was perfect. I loved the epilogue and it felt bitter sweet. I don't often enjoy ending books to a series or trilogy, but I really enjoyed this one. I loved listening to it on audio and I'm thinking about going back and starting with book 1 on audio. Rebecca Gibel voiced all the characters perfectly. I wasn't expecting to enjoy Jeb and Morpheous's voices but it really fit. Her accents of the various characters really helped bring this final installment to life. I highly recommend this book on audio.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I recommend it to those that love retellings, Alice in Wonderland, and something creative. I do plan of visiting Wonderland again in the future, this time all on audio.

Of Fire and Ash by Amber Argyle

Series: Fairy Queens #1.5
64 p.
Publisher: Starling Publishing
Published 1/8/15
Source: From author for review

One promise can change everything. 

The fairies must never know of Nelay’s sight, for the attention of such dark and terrible creatures brings more things dark and terrible. 

But when Nelay's father is near death, the fairies are the only ones who can save him. All they require is a simple promise that she'll return the favor one day.
Sometimes promises are deadly.

My Thoughts:
Knowing that the newest book in the series was coming out soon I was glad to have this novella for review. I enjoy these worlds and I've been very curious as to how this world is shaping up. This is a novella you can read without reading the first book and it is an introduction to Nelay's story.

Yes, expect a cliffie since it is an introduction.

Panar is the other character I found interesting in this introduction. He is Nelay's brother and I suspect will play a big role in the story to come. I had some problems with her parents, but at least they were present in the story.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I think I will enjoy Nelay's adventure and can't wait for her full story to come out. I recommend this to those that enjoy YA with magic and the Fae.

Giveaway: Unbreakable by W.C. Bauers

Sci-fi is becoming more and more popular again and I've gotten the opportunity to offer you Unbreakable by W.C. Bauers. It features a female marine. The deets are below:

368 p.
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 1/13/15

The colonists of the planet Montana are accustomed to being ignored. Situated in the buffer zone between two rival human empires, their world is a backwater: remote, provincial, independently minded. Even as a provisional member of the Republic of Aligned Worlds, Montana merits little consideration—until it becomes the flashpoint in an impending interstellar war. 

When pirate raids threaten to destabilize the region, the RAW deploys its mechanized armored infantry to deal with the situation. Leading the assault is Marine Corps Lieutenant and Montanan expatriate Promise Paen of Victor Company. Years earlier, Promise was driven to join the Marines after her father was killed by such a raid. Payback is sweet, but it comes at a tremendous and devastating cost. And Promise is in no way happy to be back on her birthworld, not even when she is hailed as a hero by the planet's populace, including its colorful president. Making matters even worse: Promise is persistently haunted by the voice of her dead mother. 

Meanwhile, the RAW's most bitter rival, the Lusitanian Empire, has been watching events unfold in the Montana system with interest. Their forces have been awaiting the right moment to gain a beachhead in Republic territory, and with Promise's Marines decimated, they believe the time to strike is now.

 Giveaway Deets:

US/CAN only. Just fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter. 

Good luck!

Craft Book Review: Shaggy Dog Eats! by Christy Bright

Subtitle: 24+ Recipes for Easy, Delicious Dog Treats
56 p.
Publisher: Beachbrights Publishing
Published: 12/01/14
Source: from Net Galley and publisher for review

Now you can make your own healthy dog treats without spending a fortune. All the recipes in this book have been developed and made in my very own kitchen. There is a recipe for every special taste and sensitivity. Also, most of the ingredients can be modified. Have some fun and play around. Your four-legged friends will thank you. 

Most of these recipes are fast and easy to make. They also make great gifts and are perfect for bake sales raising money for animal rescue organizations.

A portion from every sale of this book will support animal rescue.

My thoughts:
First, I have to say that I love a book that gives back. I love that a portion of this book supports animal rescue. I also found the recipes in the book very easy to do. While I don't like to cook I will cook for my dogs. Perhaps that can be seen as animal cruelty but luckily they haven't complained. :) Oh and trust me, they can complain without using words.

While I couldn't use all the recipes in the book (I have one dog on a special diet) several of them are easily changeable. There are even recipes in the book that are extremely simplistic that anyone can use. For example, her ingredients for the kong toy. I feel that for some that was almost too simplistic and obvious while other people might like the suggestions. For me, the best recipe was for the sweet potato crisps for one dog (although I may omit one ingredient) and salmon patties for another. I have no doubt that my malamute will love the salmon one. She just loves fish.

I give this book 3 stars. I recommend this book for those that are just starting out wanting to make treats for their dogs at home. They are easy to follow and easily changed.

Blog Tour: The Originals by Julie Plec

Welcome to my tour stop for The Originals: The Rise created by Julie Plec.

From the creator of The Originals, the hit spin-off television show of The Vampire Diaries, come three never-before-released prequel stories featuring The Original vampire family.

This tour runs January 12th-30th and it will consist of reviews, special content and spotlights. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.

Title: The Originals: The Rise

Author: Julie Plec

Series: The Originals, book 1/3

Release date: Tuesday, January 27

Format: Trade

Price: $12.95 U.S. / $14.95 CAN.

Pages: 352

ISBN: 9780373788897

eISBN: 9781460349731

Imprint: Harlequin HQN

Book Description:

Family is power. The Original vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together always and forever. But even when you're immortal, promises are hard to keep.

Arriving in New Orleans in 1722, Original vampire siblings Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah Mikaelson believe they've escaped their dangerous past. But the city is lawless, a haven for witches and werewolves unwilling to share territory. The siblings are at their mercy…especially after Klaus meets the beautiful and mysterious Vivianne. Her impending marriage is key to ending the war between the supernatural factions—and Klaus's attraction to her could destroy the uneasy alliance. As Elijah works toward securing a piece of the city for his family, and Rebekah fights her unexpected feelings for a French captain, will Klaus's volatile desires bring their world crashing down—and tear them apart for good?

 Pre-order link: http://alloyentertainment.com/news/special-pre-order-bundle-for-the-originals/

• An exclusive Originals cast poster to all who pre-order and complete the form using the above link!

Goodreads

Review

Source: From CBB Book Promotions

My thoughts:

Fans of the show rejoice! I think you will end up loving this book. This is the story of how they got first established in New Orleans. This is how they became the premiere family in that area. It reads like an episode of the show and you get the full arc story without having to wait for the next episode. No cliffies here. None needed.

I did have a few problems with with the book but they were minor. I kept comparing the characters with the ones on the show. In some ways they were perfectly matched and in others, it just seemed a bit off. Not everyone will have this problem but I encountered it more than once. Mostly it was that I felt Klaus was too optimistic. Of course the events in the story were probably one of the reasons that created our self persecuted and cynical Klaus since the book is really a prequel.

I think fans of the show will welcome getting into the heads of the Original vampire family. That was probably my favorite part. We get a bigger glimpse into each of the original vampire's mind and heart. It also makes a great companion to a interesting show. I recommend it to fans and those that enjoy an interesting take on vampirism. I give this one 3 1/2 stars and I would welcome reading another episode set in this era. So many interesting adventures left to be had. :)

Author Bio:

Julie Plec is the co-creator & executive producer of The Vampire Diaries & the creator of The Vampire Diaries spin-off, The Originals. Plec got her start as a writer and producer on the ABC Family series Kyle XY. She also collaborated on the CW drama The Tomorrow People. Her screenplay adaptation The Tiger’s Curse is in development at Paramount, and she will produce the feature @emma with Darko Entertainment. Past feature production credits include Scream 2 and Scream 3.

Giveaway:

15 prize packs including: A copy of The Originals: The Rise and a copy of The Originals season 1 on DVD.

US/Canada only

Ends Feb. 4, 2015

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

Series: Waverley Family #2
304 p.
Publisher: St. Martin Press
Published: 1/20/15
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review

It's October in Bascom, North Carolina, and autumn will not go quietly. As temperatures drop and leaves begin to turn, the Waverley women are made restless by the whims of their mischievous apple tree... and all the magic that swirls around it. But this year, first frost has much more in store. 

Claire Waverley has started a successful new venture, Waverley’s Candies. Though her handcrafted confections—rose to recall lost love, lavender to promote happiness and lemon verbena to soothe throats and minds—are singularly effective, the business of selling them is costing her the everyday joys of her family, and her belief in her own precious gifts. 

Sydney Waverley, too, is losing her balance. With each passing day she longs more for a baby— a namesake for her wonderful Henry. Yet the longer she tries, the more her desire becomes an unquenchable thirst, stealing the pleasure out of the life she already has. 

Sydney’s daughter, Bay, has lost her heart to the boy she knows it belongs to…if only he could see it, too. But how can he, when he is so far outside her grasp that he appears to her as little more than a puff of smoke? 

When a mysterious stranger shows up and challenges the very heart of their family, each of them must make choices they have never confronted before. And through it all, the Waverley sisters must search for a way to hold their family together through their troublesome season of change, waiting for that extraordinary event that is First Frost.

My thoughts:
It has been quite a while since I read Garden Spells. You do not have to have read that book to read this one, but I recommend it because it was such a good book. However, if you only have a chance to read this one, do not worry you will not be lost.

To me, Sarah Addison Allen is the author I go to for magical realism. I was curious to read more of the Waverley magic. I was not disappointed with this book. I enjoy magical realism as it seems to bring the extraordinary out of being "different" and entertains me more than most chick lit out there. In this book there is also an added theme running through the Waverley women and girls. The theme of finding oneself and accepting who you are despite your fears. It was a theme I quite enjoyed.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. While it didn't have quite the impact that Garden Spells had on me it still wove it's magic about me and I enjoyed myself with the Waverleys. I recommend it to those that enjoy magical realism.

Art Book Review: Daily Painting by Carol Marine

Genre: Art
Subtitle: Paint Small and often to Become a More Creative, Productive and Successful Artist
192 p.
Published: 11/4/14
Publisher: Watson-Guptill
Source: Blogging for Books for review

A unique system for jump-starting artistic creativity, encouraging experimentation and growth, and increasing sales for artists of all levels, from novices to professionals. 

Too many artists find themselves in a frustrating rut: unable to sell paintings hanging in galleries, bogged down by projects they can't finish "or "abandon, and using any excuse to avoid working in the studio. Author Carol Marine was herself suffering from painter's block--until she discovered "daily painting." The idea is simple: do art (usually small) often (how often is up to the individual) and, if you desire, post it and sell it online. Today Marine is among the best and most celebrated daily painters, and the curator of the popular online gallery dailypaintworks.com. In her debut, "Daily Painting," Marine reveals the tips and tricks that helped her and other daily painters pick up the paintbrush and start creating beautiful, bountiful, marketable work.

My thoughts:
I love this book! This book really gets down to everything you need to know to successfully start painting every day. It is one way that I do plan on painting (I do have a legit excuse... swear!) so I love having this book to get me inspired and help in the form of a few exercises to help improve your drawing and painting skills. This book can be used by a beginner as well as those more advanced and looking for something to better themselves or just get past a block. The book is aimed primarily at oil painters (since the author does primarily oil, it makes sense) but there are also examples and interviews by artists who paint in other mediums. She even makes mention that a pottery artist was helped by doing small pieces everyday!

I give this book 5 stars. If you are looking for something to really jumpstart your art I highly recommend this book. Little known fact: This blog was supposed to be a daily painting blog, but life had other plans. I will do this one day and now I feel as if I have a guide on how to make it happen.

Audiobook Review: Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels #4
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Unabridged
13 hrs. 7 min.
Publisher: Tantor Media
Published: 5/25/10
Source: Library/Hoopla

Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren't for the magic. When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it arose. 

Kate Daniels works for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, officially as a liaison with the mercenary guild. Unofficially, she cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to handle---especially if they involve Atlanta's shapeshifting community. 

When she's called in to investigate a fight at the Steel Horse, a bar on the border between the territories of the shapeshifters and the necromancers, Kate quickly discovers that there's a new player in town. One who's been around for thousands of years---and who rode to war at the side of Kate's father. 

This foe may be too much even for Kate and Curran, the Beast Lord, to handle. Because this time Kate will be taking on family.

My thoughts:
You know if you step back and look at what went on in this book you would say that it is all about relationships. Romantic relationships with misunderstandings, coming together and facing a problem together. Family relationships, some that include friends you consider family and those crazy relatives you don't want anyone to know that you are related to each other.  Okay, this makes it sound like chick lit.... as long as you ignore all the bloody fights. But then again... some family dynamics seem tame compared to the shenanigans that exploded here. (fyi note: I do not watch reality tv but I've seen the commercials! LOL)

I have to say I loved this book in the series. The series just seems to be getting better and better. In fact I was sad to have had it ended. I just didn't want to put it down. Reneé Raudman also does an excellent job with the narration and I do plan on doing the rest of the series in audio. I highly recommend this series on audio (if you haven't guessed already!). I also give this relationship book 5 stars. This series really captures a dysfunctional family in a fun way. :D I recommend the series for those that enjoy UF.

Audiobook Review: Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels #3
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Unabridged
10 hrs. 50 min.
Publisher: Tantor Media
Published: 8/6/09
Source: Library/Hoopla

When magic strikes and Atlanta goes to pieces, it’s a job for Kate Daniels…

Drafted into working for the Order of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems than she knows what to do with these days. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that’s saying a lot. 

But when Kate's werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation leads her to the Midnight Games—an invitation only, no holds barred, ultimate preternatural fighting tournament—she and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, uncover a dark plot that may forever alter the face of Atlanta's shapeshifting community…

My thoughts:
Um... can I say "WOW!" Yea, I totally get what the fuss is about. This book totally captured me and I didn't want to put it down. I also have liked Curran but in this one... again... I see what the fuss is about. He isn't as present in this one bodily but yet was there for every step all of the characters took. I also LOVED the way he is expressing himself to Kate. I had to laugh and smile a few times especially in the epilogue. ;D

We also get more of the thread that is running through Kate's life. We got hints of an overall arc concerning her blood but it is revealed in this book. I guess I should clarify... not everything is revealed but this is really where that mystery arc starts. I cannot wait to find out more.

I give this audio 5 stars. I'm totally captivated and I will continue to do these books on audio. I really enjoy Renée's narration. I don't often like it when women narrated men but in this case I find she does an exceptional job and I cannot hear anyone else as Kate. I hope she does all the books in this series. I recommend this series for those that enjoy UF and a kick arse heroine. Yea, the men in the books aren't to shabby either. LOL ;)

Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

Series: The Hollows #1
416 p.
Publisher: Harper Torch
Published: 7/1/04
Source: TBR pile

All the creatures of the night gather in "the Hollows" of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party ... and to feed. 

Vampires rule the darkness in a predator-eat-predator world rife with dangers beyond imagining -- and it's Rachel Morgan's job to keep that world civilized. 

A bounty hunter and witch with serious sex appeal and an attitude, she'll bring 'em back alive, dead ... or undead.

My thoughts:

I have to admit that I had trouble really getting into the worldbuilding in this book at first. I even had trouble with liking Rachel Morgan the main character and her vampire friend Ivy. I did love the pixie Jenks and his family from the start which helped me with the other characters as I read more into the story. Despite my problems, there was just enough to interest me and keep me going. I was glad I continued and the story really took off for me about half way through. It kept growing on me from there and I ended up liking all the characters. I also started liking the worldbuilding but I still have some small quibbles with it which will probably solve itself as the series goes along. That happens a lot with fantasy and urban fantasy.

I didn't like the possible romance presented in this book. However, it is UF and romance isn't usually the star in books like this. Romance often takes it's time and needs a few books to really get established. It might happen here, it might not. So therefore I'm not too concerned about this potential romantic entanglement.

I give this first book 3 1/2 stars. I can see the potential here and I have a feeling that this is a series that will get better as it goes along. I recommend it to those that enjoy UF and want something witchy for their read. I can't wait to continue this series.

Audiobook Review: Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones

Series: Charley Davidson #7
Narrator: Lorelei King
10 hrs. 30 min.
Unabridged
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Published: 10/21/14
Source: TBR pile

Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there's that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she's ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life. 

But all of that combined barely scratches the surface of her problems. Recent developments - and a few distressing prophesies - have forced her to become a responsible adult. Exactly the kind of adult she's never aspired to be. To conquer such a monumental task, she's decided to start small. Really small. She gets a pet. But how can she save the world against the forces of evil when she can't even keep a goldfish alive? A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it. We're doomed.

My thoughts:
What could be better? A series I love, great humor (I LOL'd so many times!), secondary characters I want as family or at least friends, and one smokin' hot demon. *fans self* Yea, you can say I am addicted to this series.

I love Charley's attitude in this book. Faced with certain doom in the form of the twelve, hell hounds who cannot be killed, she still refuses to let them totally change all aspects of her life. She still wants to do what makes her Charley. While this is great for her clients, it is not the same for her cohorts. In fact I believe that several of those cohorts will have several white hairs before this is done. Can demon's get white hair? Hm... I bet Charley will find a way.

While this one was full of humor, there was a tear or two shed. Not everything works out in the end and this event also shoves her in a slightly new direction. Yea, I want to know more too, but like me you will have to anxiously await the next installment in this series.

I also can not end this review without saying something about the narration. Lorelei King nails this book as she did the others. Yes, she is the reason I have done every book in this series so far on audio and will continue. I highly recommend this series on audio.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. Again another great and entertaining installment in this series. I hope it never ends.

Lowball Edited by George R. R. Martin and Melinda M. Snodgrass

Series: Wild Cards #22
368 p.
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 11/4/14
Source: From publisher for review

Decades after an alien virus changed the course of history, the surviving population of Manhattan still struggles to understand the new world left in its wake. Natural humans share the rough city with those given extraordinary—and sometimes terrifying—traits. While most manage to coexist in an uneasy peace, not everyone is willing to adapt. Down in the seedy underbelly of Jokertown, residents are going missing. The authorities are unwilling to investigate, except for a fresh lieutenant looking to prove himself and a collection of unlikely jokers forced to take matters into their own hands—or tentacles. The deeper into the kidnapping case these misfits and miscreants get, the higher the stakes are raised. 

-“The Big Bleed” by Michael Cassutt-“Those About to Die” by David Anthony Durham-“Galahad in Blue” by Melinda M. Snodgrass-“Ties That Bind” by Mary Anne Mohanraj-“Cry Wolf” by David D. Levine-“Road Kill” by Walter Jon Williams-“Once More, for Old Time’s Sake” by Carrie Vaughn-“No Parking… “ by Ian Tregillis 

Edited by George R.R. Martin and Melinda M. Snodgrass

My thoughts:
I had not read any of the Wild Card stories prior to reading this one. You don't have to know a thing about those stories to get into this book. It reads like a standalone. I was actually expecting an anthology with all the authors writing the book but I got a full book. In one way it was a bunch of stories about various characters taking the spotlight at one time or another, but it felt cohesive. I feel that is the work of the two editors, George R. R. Martin and Melinda M. Snodgrass.

There were some lulls to the story I would think about skipping but then something would catch my attention. A character would have an interesting trait and I was captivated. The pacing felt a bit uneven when this happened, but not as much as you would think with so many authors. And although you sometimes felt you would have rather followed one character so you didn't feel like you only got a partial story at the same time it felt complete enough. It was just a bit different than what I am used to reading in the format I have been reading. I did enjoy it.

I give this book 4 stars. I recommend it to those that love the Wild Card series. As I said you can read it as a standalone. I also recommend it to those that enjoy sci-fi fantasy.

Low Midnight by Carrie Vaughn

Series: Kitty Norville #13
320 p.
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 12/30/14
Source: ARC from publisher for review

Low Midnight spins out of the series on the wave of popularity surrounding Kitty's most popular supporting character, Cormac Bennett, a two-minded assassin of the paranormal who specializes in killing lycanthropes.

In his first solo adventure, Cormac, struggling with a foreign consciousness trapped inside him, investigates a century-old crime in a Colorado mining town which could be the key to translating a mysterious coded diary… a tome with secrets that could shatter Kitty's world and all who inhabit it.

With a framing sequence that features Kitty Norville herself, Low Midnight not only pushes the Kitty saga forward, but also illuminates Cormac's past and lays the groundwork for Kitty's future.

My thoughts:
If you have been reading this series you know about the enigmatic and taciturn character Cormac. This is his book and his adventure. You get to see what a bit of his world is like as we follow him into solving two mysteries. One, a murder mystery over a 100 years old.

While trying not to spoil things for those that have not caught up to #13, I will say that this is a good addition and important to the over all arc in the story running through this series. I have a feeling some things here could be key into unraveling the long game.

I also enjoyed getting to know Cormac a bit more. Those that may want to know everything about Cormac will be disappointed as he will still retain some of his mystery. However, you feel as if you have gotten to know him a bit better and see how loyal and true he is to his family, Kitty and Ben. You also get to find out that he regrets something I can't reveal because it would be a spoiler for someone reading the early books. :D

I give this installment 4 stars. It is a good addition to the series and I recommend it to those that enjoy UF werewolf stories with a lot of magic and mystery thrown in.