Audiobook Review: The Curse of the Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones

Narrator: Lorelei King
Series: Charley Davidson #10
10 hrs. 40 min.
Unabridged
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Published: 6/28/16
Source: Library

As a Part-time PI and fulltime grim reaper, Charley Davidson has asked a lot of questions throughout her life: Why can I see dead people? Who is the hot supernatural entity following me? How do I get gum out of my sister’s hair before she wakes up? But, “How do I trap not one malevolent god, but three?” was never among them. Until now. And since those gods are on earth to kill her daughter, she has little choice but to track them down, trap them, and cast them from this dimension. 

There’s just one problem. One of the three stole her heart a very long time ago. Can the Razer, a god of absolute death and destruction, change his omniscient spots, or will his allegiances lie with his brothers? 

Those are just a few of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl running for her life, an innocent man who’s been charged with murder, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, and Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying-gods thing, we’re saved. If not, well…

My thoughts:

Finally got to this one! I wasn't disappointed either. :D I did become worried about Reyes when a lot of people who had read/listened to this one before me was complaining about him being less that forthcoming. I didn't want a stupid misunderstanding to get in the way of this couple (that is usually how it goes). Luckily my fears were unfounded. While there was miscommunication, it was cleared for our couple and for the reader.

Oh so much was clarified! We got to know more details about what is going on and yet there are still more mysteries to be had. I think what I really loved about this one is how much more confident Charley feels to me. She is still learning what she is and who she is because of it, but she really is accepting of those parts as they come and is learning to use her powers. I think I really like this Charley. I cannot wait to see what comes next and I cannot wait to get to know Beep. I have a feeling she will be more than a handful to both parents. :)

I also swear that if Lorelei King stops narrating this series, I might have to read them instead of listening to them. I don't say that often, but she is the voice of Charley and does such an excellent job of the other characters. I think it would be too jarring for me to hear anyone else narrate it. If you haven't tried this one on audio, do try it. I think you'll love it. Might also be the series to get you into audiobooks. :D

I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend it to those that love UF and snarky humor.

On My Wishlist: Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Heartless
by Marissa Meyer
464 p.
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Published: Nov. 8, 16

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love. 

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen. 

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. 

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

I know that not everyone loves retellings but I just enjoy the creativity that comes from taking something well known and making something new. After all, in a way, there is nothing really new. :)

So what is on your wishlist this week?

The Sinner by Amanda Stevens

Series: Graveyard Queen #5
384 p.
Publisher: Mira
Published: 9/27/16
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review

I am a living ghost, a wanderer in search of my purpose and place…

I'm a cemetery restorer by trade, but my calling has evolved from that of ghost seer to death walker to detective of lost souls. I solve the riddles of the dead so the dead will leave me alone.

I've come to Seven Gates Cemetery nursing a broken heart, but peace is hard to come by…for the ghosts here and for me. When the body of a young woman is discovered in a caged grave, I know that I've been summoned for a reason. Only I can unmask her killer. I want to trust the detective assigned to the case for he is a ghost seer like me. But how can I put my faith in anyone when supernatural forces are manipulating my every thought? When reality is ever-changing? And when the one person I thought I could trust above all others has turned into a diabolical stranger?

My thoughts:

I had heard about a last book being written and I was afraid that this one would be the last in the series (...especially with that ending! NO cliffie, but open). I didn't have to worry. There will be a #6 which will be featured in an upcoming wishlist post. :) *whew* and *squee* :D

This one was so creepy that I had trouble getting to sleep the first night I started the book. I set it aside for a bit because I needed sleep, but after I was refreshed I totally went through this book quite easily. Yea, you might want to keep a nightlight on or snuggle with your own ghost detecting Angus before reading this book. Oh and speaking of Angus... he's back! I love that dog. Unfortunately I don't have one of those and my huge pup would rather me protect him from those things that go bump in the night. LOL

I didn't like where things were left off in the last book romantically and I wasn't hopeful for most of the book. By the end with all the twists and turns, I'm now hopeful again that things will turn out the way we want. I need my HEA! You don't quite get that here, but you aren't left devastated either.

The mystery is twisty and quite dark and spooky. Perfect for a graveyard book. This one had me second guessing ALL the secondary characters (except Angus, of course) and I have to say I'm still not totally convinced that all are on her side even now. It feels like personal agendas are also being played while she is forced to solve some of the scariest mysteries. This atmosphere sets us up brilliantly and gives us the perfect feel for the book and I dare say the next as well.

Oh and that ending! I knew there had to be another since there are a couple of things still needing to be solved and I cannot wait to get my hands on that book! Oh and what a great ending. So perfectly sets us up but doesn't let us down. I want to say more because I do think I squeed a bit at the end (um... I know that sounds bad, but it wasn't... LOL). I highly recommend this book to horror fans (I'm a wimp and loved it, just sayin'), UF fans, and those that love a good paranormal mystery. This is one to read in order. If you haven't started this series now, do it! We'll wait... *taps fingers*

Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge

Series: #1
448 p.
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Published: Sept. 27, 16
Source: Edelweiss and Publisher for review

When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched. 

The heirs of the city’s most powerful—and warring—families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan—and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die. 

Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong—killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy . . . and perhaps turn against his own clan. 

Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city—but she’s the only one who believes it’s in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death—and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara. 

Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting. . .

My thoughts:

 I loved this author's other retellings and seeing the creepy cover I jumped at reading this book. While I did like the dark world she built here and it did engage me, it just fell a bit flat for me. I don't think this will be how everyone will experience this book but, in my case, it happened this way for me. I think that it was because it was a retelling of such an iconic and famous play and I have a feeling I would see it differently if it wasn't a retelling. This usually doesn't bother me and I've read other retellings of Romeo and Juliet and it didn't bother me, but for some reason I think it got in my way here. Perhaps it is because the world is SO different and I would have enjoyed it if it was labeled more as an original story.

This is also a very dark story. VERY dark. In fact there was no HEAs in this book. Now it is possible it may end in an HEA (I believe this is supposed to be a duology) but this book does not give you that happy feeling at the end. In fact the foreboding is for more darkness and pain emotionally and physically.

While this book may not have totally captured me in full, I still have enjoyed it enough and it has made me so curious as to what will happen next. How will they resolve things? How are all the players in this twisted dark play going to come together? Will there be no HEA or a final resolution in the end? While I realize this sounds like it ends in a huge cliffie, it does not, but it does not feel complete. I must know where this story will take me.

I give this book 3 stars. While I didn't love everything about this book the darkness really did capture my attention and curiosity. I really need to know if things will come to the light or wither in darkness.

On My Wishlist: Yesternight by Cat Winters

Standalone
384 p.
Publisher: William Marrow
Published: Oct. 4, 16

A young child psychologist steps off a train, her destination a foggy seaside town. There, she begins a journey causing her to question everything she believes about life, death, memories, and reincarnation. 

In 1925, Alice Lind steps off a train in the rain-soaked coastal hamlet of Gordon Bay, Oregon. There, she expects to do nothing more difficult than administer IQ tests to a group of rural schoolchildren. A trained psychologist, Alice believes mysteries of the mind can be unlocked scientifically, but now her views are about to be challenged by one curious child. 

Seven-year-old Janie O’Daire is a mathematical genius, which is surprising. But what is disturbing are the stories she tells: that her name was once Violet, she grew up in Kansas decades earlier, and she drowned at age nineteen. Alice delves into these stories, at first believing they’re no more than the product of the girl’s vast imagination. But, slowly, Alice comes to the realization that Janie might indeed be telling a strange truth. 

Alice knows the investigation may endanger her already shaky professional reputation, and as a woman in a field dominated by men she has no room for mistakes. But she is unprepared for the ways it will illuminate terrifying mysteries within her own past, and in the process, irrevocably change her life.

I've only read one book by this author, but I really want to read more. This sounds so good!

What is on your wishlist this week?

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Series: Three Dark Crowns #1
416 p.
Publisher: HarperTeen
Published: Sept. 20, 16
Source: Edelweiss and Publisher for review

Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions. 

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown. 

If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest.

My thoughts:

Having really enjoyed Anna Dressed in Blood I couldn't wait to get to this book. It did hold some of the darkness that I enjoyed in Anna, but I'm afraid it didn't hold my attention in the same manner. I think it had to do with the worldbuilding in this book. While the world builds slowly we are sort of thrown into the world without footing. We don't quite know what is going on and it was disconcerting and I needed more. It is also disturbing in terms of those of us who hate to see animals harmed. While nothing was so bad it made me put it down, I became a bit distracted in wanting to know if the animals are safe. I know others who feel the same way so it may worry them as it did me, but again, it wasn't too bad in that regard either and it is still readable.

The world finally started to develop about midway through the book. Most of my attention was hoping two of the queens would develop powers. There is a twist in this plot and unfortunately I guessed it quite early. I also am guessing at another twist to be revealed and won't be surprised to find out it is true. However, even though it was easy to guess, it did not take away from the story as a whole.

My continued frustration was one that wasn't resolved by the end. There were characters I needed to know more about but never got that information. This just added to my frustration about the worldbuilding. I will say that by the end the world was a bit better established and the book much more interesting. It is enough to pull me through to the next book.

I give this book 3 stars. Even though it was a shaky beginning for me, I did find some interest in the end. I do feel that parts will start to sort itself out more as the series goes along and I do hope more of the holes are filled in the next book. I do want to read the next book to find out what happens. I also have a feeling this will be a book you will love or hate. I found myself in the middle of that pack.

Audiobook Review: Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels #6
Narrator: Reneé Raudman
Unabridged
15 hrs. 6 min.
Publisher: Recorded Books
Published: July 30, 13
Source: Library

Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost. 

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta. 

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap…

My thoughts:

THANK YOU LIBRARY! They got this one in on CD and I immediately started listening to it. I guess bugging them forever pays off. LOL I swear I'm addicted to this series. This was no exception and Reneé Raudman's narration is spot on as ever. I swear as long as she is narrating I will want to listen to this series. She made 15 hrs fly by in no time at all!

I love that in this one it is all about pack and who belongs in it. Not everyone is shifter nor are they the same kind of shifter to belong to Kate and Curran's pack. I think that is why I love this series so much. There is diversity even though there is a lean toward the same even in this world. This one gave me all the feels and I even wanted to smack Curran for his part in hurting Kate. Oh Kate did hurt, but luckily it was mostly physical... although the emotional ones were pretty hard to take. I did forgive Curran (appropriate groveling on his part LOL) but there was one emotional scene that just about killed me. It was a NOOooooOOOOO! moment and I'm still upset about it. It is an appropriate and intentioned upset... but I want to go back and change that one thing. No, I'm not telling and you will have to experience that part for yourself. 

The only niggle I would have in this story was Hugh D’Ambray. I did like having his character in this one and how he is the closest mirror to Kate's skill. However, not everything here worked for me. I wasn't sure how to take a couple of things and I hesitate to state them because it would be spoilery in nature. However, I will say they are minor niggles and do not detract from the story as a whole for me. 

I give this audiobook 4 1/2 stars. Again, it is masterfully narrated and I highly recommend this series (read it in order!) to anyone who enjoys UF. In fact, this series should be a must read for those that enjoy UF. :D

Alternative PB cover which I think is so much better. :D

Spotlight Post: Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova

I just reviewed Labyrinth Lost (review linked) last week which I loved and recently I was made aware of a giveaway and some fun things associated with the book. Thought I'd share with you!

About the book:

Labyrinth Lost
by Zoraida Córdova
Series: Brooklyn Brujas #1
336 p.
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Published: Sept. 6, 16
Goodreads Link
Buy Links

Nothing says Happy Birthday like summoning the spirits of your dead relatives. 

Alex is a bruja, the most powerful witch in a generation…and she hates magic. At her Deathday celebration, Alex performs a spell to rid herself of her power. But it backfires. Her whole family vanishes into thin air, leaving her alone with Nova, a brujo boy she can’t trust. A boy whose intentions are as dark as the strange marks on his skin.

The only way to get her family back is to travel with Nova to Los Lagos, a land in-between, as dark as Limbo and as strange as Wonderland…

About the Author:
Zoraida Córdova was born in Ecuador and raised in Queens, New York. She is the author of the Vicious Deep trilogy, the On the Verge series, and the Brooklyn Brujas series. She loves black coffee, snark, and still believes in magic. Send her a tweet @Zlikeinzorro or visit her at zoraidacordova.com.

Social Media Links:

Author Website                           Instagram

Labyrinth Lost Website             Author Tumblr

Facebook                                      Labyrinth Lost Tumblr

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Read an Excerpt at Sourcebooks

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To download just pop out the page (upper right hand corner of pic) and then select download (arrow pointing down) or print (pic of printer) to get the page!

Rafflecopter Giveaway for 2 Copies of Labyrinth Lost with Signed Labyrinth Lost Bookmarks

Runs September 6-September 19 (US & Canada only)

Sponsored and giveaway run by Sourcebooks. Enter via rafflecopter below:

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Poison or Protect by Gail Carriger

Series: Delightfully Deadly #1
147 p.
Publisher: Indie
Published: 6/21/16
Source: tbr pile

Can one gentle Highland soldier woo Victorian London’s most scandalous lady assassin, or will they both be destroyed in the attempt?

New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger presents a stand-alone romance novella set in her popular steampunk universe full of manners, spies, and dainty sandwiches.

Lady Preshea Villentia, the Mourning Star, has four dead husbands and a nasty reputation. Fortunately, she looks fabulous in black. What society doesn’t know is that all her husbands were marked for death by Preshea’s employer. And Preshea has one final assignment.

It was supposed to be easy, a house party with minimal bloodshed. Preshea hadn’t anticipated Captain Gavin Ruthven – massive, Scottish, quietly irresistible, and… working for the enemy. In a battle of wits, Preshea may risk her own heart – a terrifying prospect, as she never knew she had one.

Buy Poison or Protect today to find out whether it’s heartbreak or haggis at this high tea.  

Warning: Contains men pleasing women, and ladies who know what they want and ask for it, sometimes in detail. May also contain plaid, appearances from favorite characters, and the strategic application of leather gloves.

My thoughts:

I love this world even though I have yet to read the Parasol Protectorate adult series, however I have read the Finishing School series which I loved. This novella set in the same world and is the first in a series of novellas. You can read it without reading any of the other series but this book is set in the time between the FS series and the PP series.

The story is a novella but it is a complete story. Preshea was not the easiest person to like when we first met her in the Finishing School series but she is a full adult now and with several dead husbands in her wake which leads to a rather unflattering (but acceptable in her line of work) moniker, the Mourning Star. She is hired out to both stop a betrothal (without killing someone) and protect an important Earl who is important to the paranormal community in secret. However, Preshea doesn't count on Gavin to be either her equal or distraction. Luckily they are on the same side.

As this is a novella, the romance is quick and hot. However, it didn't bother me that they fell for each other so quickly. The way the author handled the romance was believable enough and it enhanced the storyline and mystery surrounding our couple. They are well matched and what each other had been seeking even if they didn't know it consciously. I love how each felt they were unlovable for different reasons but found trust and true love with each other.

I give this novella 4 1/2 stars. The mystery and romance could have used a few more pages, but that is because I would have wanted more. In truth, it was well balanced and a well told. I highly recommend it to those that have enjoyed this steampunk world and those that enjoy a good paranormal romance.

Arts and Crafts: In The Hoop Projects

I started doing in the hoop projects recently with the embroidery machine I stole borrowed. ;) Don't worry, I'm allowed to steal borrow it since I have been "commissioned" to do projects for the real owner. :D

This is all done on the hoop in an embroidery machine. You just add and subtract things (like the appliqué part) as it sews. It sounds complicated, but following the instructions for this one was easy. I just had to make sure I didn't skip a step which I almost did a couple of times after the first one. I get lazy and try to lean on my terrible memory for such things. Not good, but I made it through! This design is by Disorderly Threads and it was easier than it looks. It was my first in the hoop (ith) project that I've done. I think my favorite one is the fall leaves one in the front. 

Occasionally the designer at Disorderly Threads gives us a freebie and this was the next ith project that I made.

I added the bit on the back from another embroidery file I had.

It came out to only be 3.5" by # 3.5" so I thought it would make a good holder for my emergency information paper (it barely fit). I guessed at the placement for the back (I had to embroider the emergency information inside part first) and I can see I was a little off. Guess I need more practice at placement. It still worked out though.

I have one other pattern by her I want to make but haven't yet. I can say that I have enjoyed making these and they are fast projects. A beginner can do these, just be mindful of the steps and there should be no problems. All steps are numbered and there are plenty of pics to keep you straight. 

So have you been crafty lately?

On My Wishlist: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Crooked Kingdom
Series: Six of Crows #2
448 p.
Publisher Orion Children's Books
Published: Sept. 27,2016

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world.

I enjoyed the first book and sadly didn't get this one for review. Oh well, cannot wait for the library to get it! :D

What is on your wishlist this week? 

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova

Series: Brooklyn Brujas #1
336 p.
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Published: Sept. 6, 2016
Source: From publisher and NetGalley for review

Nothing says Happy Birthday like summoning the spirits of your dead relatives. 

Alex is a bruja, the most powerful witch in a generation...and she hates magic. At her Deathday celebration, Alex performs a spell to rid herself of her power. But it backfires. Her whole family vanishes into thin air, leaving her alone with Nova, a brujo boy she can't trust. A boy whose intentions are as dark as the strange marks on his skin. 

The only way to get her family back is to travel with Nova to Los Lagos, a land in-between, as dark as Limbo and as strange as Wonderland...

My thoughts:

This story is a reminder of the hero stories of old. Ones where the hero finds strength within and learns who they are and will become. This follows that classic formula but has some important differences. First, it is a mixture of cultures. Not only the Latin culture of the Brujas but also a smidgen of the Santeria culture add depth to the journey of old. This otherworldly adventure is compelling even if the dance steps all have been seen before. Although this sounds predictable (and it is to a degree), there are aspects to the story that twist and surprise. Trust, betrayal, love and disappointment are all a important part of her journey and help Alex decide what kind of person she wants to be and how she wants to treat others. Like Alex, you may not be completely certain who will help or hinder your journey but all aspects you find are important and would not have brought the same results without it. To me, this is a good coming of age story.

My only real niggle with the story has to do with the romance. While some of it seemed predictable, we find that it isn't what we thought. There was one big twist which I enjoyed but at the same time just didn't quite feel. While this aspect of the story fails a bit for me here, it has potential in the stories to come. Alex's story isn't done yet so I may come around to loving the romance in her journey.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I really loved the cultural take on this story. This is a familiar story with a few surprises you didn't quite see. I highly recommend the book to those that enjoy a hero (heroine in this case) story as well as those that enjoy YA fantasy.

It Happened one Dooms Day by Laurence MacNaughton

Series: A Dru Jasper Novel #1
280 p.
Publisher: Pyr
Published: 7/12/16
Source: from publisher for review

Can her magic save the world — before his curse destroys it? 

Magic is real. Only a handful of natural-born sorcerers can wield its arcane power against demons, foul creatures, and the forces of darkness. These protectors of the powerless are descendants of an elite order. The best magic-users in the world.

Unfortunately, Dru isn’t one of them. 

Sure, she’s got a smidge of magical potential. She can use crystals to see enchantments or brew up an occasional potion. And she can research practically anything in the library of dusty leather-bound tomes she keeps stacked in the back of her little store. There, sandwiched between a pawn shop and a 24-hour liquor mart, she sells enough crystals, incense, and magic charms to scrape by. But everything changes the day a handsome mechanic pulls up in a possessed black muscle car, his eyes glowing red. 

Just being near Greyson raises Dru’s magical powers to dizzying heights. But he’s been cursed to transform into a demonic creature that could bring about the end of the world.

Then she discovers that the Harbingers, seven fallen sorcerers, want to wipe the planet clean of humans and install themselves as new lords of an unfettered magical realm. And when they unearth the Apocalypse Scroll, the possibility of a fiery cosmic do-over suddenly becomes very real.

There’s only one chance to break Greyson’s curse and save the world from a fiery Doomsday – and it’s about to fall into Dru’s magically inexperienced hands...

My thoughts:

Set in Denver, CO and sounded like it had humor in it, I decided to read this one. I have to admit I was not captivated by the cover at first glance, but didn't mind it when I really looked at it. I guess it wasn't eye-catching enough for me personally.

This is a short book, but as I was reading it the characters bothered me. I couldn't put my finger on it until I realized that the characters all seemed a bit juvenile to me. Their attitude spoke to me more of YA characters where you are expected to be not just less confident but are still at the start of learning about themselves. When I sort of made the switch in my brain the book worked better for me, but I admit, it still bothered me somewhat. I suspect that this won't be an issue for most people reading the book but I thought I should mention it since it does affect my star rating.

The book humor didn't give me loud laughs but I did smile. It was a fun and interesting adventure and I did like the characters despite my niggle about their behavior. I really liked Hellbringer, the car (yes, the car) who didn't have much to do in the book overall, but made me very curious as to how sentient the car had become and where the character would go. The group tackles the main adventure and it feels complete. However, this is no simple ending. While I appreciate an arc that was introduced at the end, I did not like the cliffie provided. Ugh... give me some closure in one of the storylines, or at least a bigger hint at the status of one of the characters. Don't want to say more or I'll spoil it.

I give this book 3 stars. It is an entertaining book and a short one. I recommend it to those looking for a fast read full of the 4 horsemen, peril, some romance and some questions at the end.