ARC Review: In the Forests of the Night

In the Forests of the Night

Kersten Hamilton

Series or Stand Alone: Goblin Wars series, book two

Release Date: November 2011

Publisher: Clarion

Pages: 288 (hardcover)

Author Site: http://home.comcast.net/~kerstenhamilton/

My Rating: 4/5

Source: Received for review from author (e-book)

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

The battle against goblinkind continues . . . but which side will Teagan be on?

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man’s forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends. Tea knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich. And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

Review:

I loved Tyger, Tyger when I read and reviewed it earlier this year! I was sooo excited when I was approached to review the second in the Goblin Wars series. In the Forests of the Night spends most of its time in the real world instead of Mag Mell. I admit the beginning was somewhat slow for me. I think the magic of Mag Mell and the first book as a whole made me think the second book was going to be the same. While still filled with plenty of Irish folklore, the magic of Mag Mell was kept in the background. Once I really got into the story and the characters I found the magic I was looking for - it was just packaged differently.

In the Forests of the Night had such great character development!! I loved seeing Teagan branch out a little bit more. She was very independent in the first book but it seemed her confidence bloomed this time around. She's still somewhat vulnerable at times but her strength always resurfaces when she needs it.  I also got what I wished for in my review of Tyger, Tyger... more Abby!!! I was really pleased with how much time was put into each character because it really helped me connect with the book.

While it had been a little while since reading Tyger, Tyger I didn't feel lost in the second book. I think it best to read the series in order to get the best possible picture but you don't miss too much if you jump right into In the Forests of the Night.  There is a lot of real-world conflict going on in this installment that I enjoyed. The ending was fast-paced and engaging and I can't wait to get my hands book three. Fans of Tyger, Tyger must continue on with the second book. And I highly recommend the series to anyone who hasn't gotten a chance to start it!

Review: Flesh and Bones

Flesh and Bones

Paul Levine

Series or Stand Alone: Jack Lassiter series, book seven

Release Date: January 1997 (hardcover)

Publisher: William Morrow & Company (hardcover)

Pages: 320 (hardcover)

Author Site: http://www.paul-levine.com/content/index.asp

My Rating: 3.5/5

Source: Received for review from author (e-book)

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

“I was sitting at the end of the bar sipping single-malt Scotch when I spotted the tall blond woman with the large green eyes and the small gray gun.”

The next thing Jake Lassiter knows, the woman pumps three bullets into the man on the next barstool.

And Jake, the linebacker-turned-lawyer, has a new client.

She’s stunning model Chrissy Bernhardt, and the dead man is her wealthy father. The defense? Chrissy claims that she’s recently recovered repressed memories of having been sexually abused by her father. Jake wants to believe her but suspects that the memories were either implanted by a shady psychiatrist or fabricated by Chrissy herself. Complicating the situation, Jake falls for his client, clouding his judgment. Is she an anguished victim or a cold-blooded killer? And what about her brother, who stands to inherit a fortune if Chrissy goes to prison? Jake wades into a quagmire of dirty water deals, big money, and family corruption, all leading to an explosive finale.

Review:

I accepted this book as apart of a blog tour (that I failed miserably to meet) because the synopsis sounded pretty decent. I hadn't read any other book by Paul Levine and Flesh and Bones is the seventh book in a series. I'm not a huge crime/legal novel lover but I found Flesh and Bones to be very enjoyable! The beginning of the novel sets up the plot and goes through introductions which was a bit slow for my tastes. Jake is an ex-Miami Dolphin  football player who now spends his time defending the citizens of south Florida. He's sitting in a bar when a beautiful woman comes in, shoots her father, and then faints into Jake's arms. Sounds exciting but I wasn't as sucked in as I wanted to be...

Eventually I found myself immersed with the story as Jake's case goes to trial. I'm so glad I stuck with the story because I found I really liked Jake's character and I really liked the writing skill of the author. He had a very warm and caring personality that surprised me. I also loved the fact that Chrissy was obviously guilty for shooting her father and Jake had to find a way to keep her from a prison sentence. I admit I rolled my eyes when the two of them became romantically involved...but again Jake's character (and Chrissy's) surprised me and I quickly warmed up to the idea of them becoming an item. The court scenes were totally engrossing and I really appreciated all the twists in the plot. I had to keep guessing and I like that about a novel!

Flesh and Bones is number seven in the Jake Lassister series and although there were some references to some background information it can still be read as a comfortable stand alone novel. I'll be checking out the rest of the books in the series and I'm interested in reading Paul Levine's other books. I think a lot of legal thriller fans will like Flesh and Bones so I definitely recommend giving this one a go =)

 

Blog Tour Review: Catriona

Catriona

Jeanette Baker

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: August 2011 (paperback)

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Pages: 464 (paperback)

Author Site: http://www.jeanettebaker.com/

My Rating: 3.75/5

Source: Received for review from Pump Up Your Book


Synopsis:

[from jeanettebaker.com]

Kate Sutherland always felt out of place in brash and modern Southern California. But when she comes to her ancestral home in the Shetland Islands to seek a mystical guide who may shed light on her true heritage, she is caught between the present day and visions of a life from five centuries past....

A fiery young woman of royal English blood, Catriona Wells is determined to save her family from the deadly political clashes of 15th-century Britain. But Cat's cunning is no match for Scottish border lord Patrick MacKendrick. When this powerful warrior betroths her against her will, Cat must decide whether she dares to love him--and to trust him with lives that are more precious to her than her own.

Review:

Catriona started a bit rocky for me. I had a bit of a rough time staying focused and getting used to the jumps between Catriona Wells and Kate Sutherland. I didn't mind the different perspectives or even the different time periods...there were just moments where I felt things were moving too quickly. But when I finally found my comfy little niche I was captivated by the story and plot! I loved the historical parts of the story. This is my first time delving into Scottish history so it was a real treat! As soon as I was done I wanted to know more about James IV's story and more about Scotland. Jeanette Baker brought a lot of the characters to life and I really became interested in them.

The modern story involving Kate was more of a backdrop for me. I liked seeing how Kate's life was unfolding after she found out she was adopted and traveled to Scotland for answers. I got a bit lost when she met Maura though...The paranormal aspect of the story was also a bit iffy for me. I definitely felt the magic at times, but other times I was left a little perplexed. But don't let these observations deter you from checking this out... Catriona is a beautiful story that will appeal to a lot of readers. There are two romantic arcs to follow in the plot and like I mentioned earlier I leaned more towards the historical one involving Catriona and Patrick. Kate and Niall's relationship moved a bit too fast for me...but I still enjoyed reading it. I think I'm just in more of a historical fiction niche at the moment...

I can't express enough how strong and developed the characters were. Characters are so important to me and many other readers I'm sure. I loved the latter part of the story when the secondary characters really start to get involved with the plot. The Scotland setting, both historical and modern, was detailed and so easy to picture. Reading Catriona has definitely gotten me more interested in Scotland and I love that about good stories. I'm excited to read more of Jeanette Baker's work and I recommend Catriona to romance lovers of all kinds!

Review: Broetry

Broetry

Brian McGackin

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: July 2011

Publisher: Quirk Books

Pages: 128 (hardcover)

Author Site: http://www.brianmcgackin.com/

My Rating: 4.5/5

Source: Received for review from publisher

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

 
As contemporary poets deliver entire volumes on subjects like incest, menstruation, and pine cones, regular guys are left scratching their heads. Who will speak for Everyman? Who will articulate his love for Xbox 360, for Mama Celeste’s Frozen Pizza, for any movie starring Bruce Willis?

Enter Broetry—a stunning debut from a dazzling new literary voice. “Broet Laureate” Brian McGackin goes where no poet has gone before—to Star Wars conventions, to frat parties, to video game tournaments, and beyond. With poems like “Ode to That Girl I Dated for, Like, Two Months Sophomore Year” and “My Friends Who Don’t Have Student Loans,” we follow the Bro from his high school graduation and college experience through a “quarter-life crisis” and beyond. Packaged in a small gifty hardcover and illustrated with tasteful black and white illustrations, Broetry is a funny and sly look at modern masculinity.

Review:

I admit I can't quite remember the poetry lessons I had in school...and I'm definitely not a connoisseur in poetry (or literature, or writing, or anything actually...). I don't remember all the different type of poems or the technicalities of creative writing so take what you will from my review. Broetry is basically for the men in the world who don't like poetry... being a female who sometimes enjoyed (when I could understand it), if not always appreciated, poetry didn't deter me from enjoying the collection. From a person who enjoys all forms of humor, be it crude and vulgar to cute and corny, I found Broetry to be full of funny moments ranging from laugh-out-loud to indiscreet smiles. I even recognized some of the poetic forms McGackin used and found them clever and interesting. And I may not be able to relate to everything in the poems I still found them funny as hell!

As I was reading through the short collection of poems I found myself marking pages of my favorites and wanting to share them with everyone. Some of them include:

•  Not Another Teen Movie - composed of movie titles that are arrayed in a pretty clever relationship timeline
• I'll Take "Crazy Bitches" for $200, Alex - a play on Jeopardy and ex-girlfriends
• Whorecrux - a very clever usage of a Harry Potter term in reference to 7 "important" ex-girlfriends
• Pocahotness - about crushing on animated characters
• Yes, I Cheated on You - Being a woman I wasn't offended by this poem because I was that girl in some of my relationships...It was interesting to see a guy's perspective on the uneasy subject abou fidelity. This one is also an example of a specific type of poem, I just don't know which kind lol
• (American) Ninja Warrior - I'm having a hard time really explaining what this one was about...it could be a dual personality thing going on or different point of views arguing...its funny though!

The poems were also broken up into parts, or time periods, of a person (or man's) life. It started with high school, through college graduation, to "real life" with a "quarter-life" crisis thrown in for fun! The subject of the poems varied, sometimes wildly, and I just had a blast reading them all. Broetry is a keeper in my opinion. It may not be the best collection of poems but its a book that I know will bring a smile to my face when I need it. It's clever, funny, cute, and just plain fun! And yes, it can be educational because it does show some of different examples of poetic writing. I also think it will accomplish its goal and hit home with its target audience: the men in the world who could care less about the poetry they had to read in school...this may be the book to get them =)

Review: Bedbugs

Bedbugs

Ben H. Winters

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: September 2011

Publisher: Quirk Books

Pages: 256 (paperback)

Author Site: http://www.benhwinters.com/

My Rating: 3.5/5

Source: Received for review from publisher

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

 
FOR RENT: Top two floors of beautifully renovated brownstone, 1300 sq. ft., 2BR 2BA, eat-in kitchen, one block to parks and playgrounds. No broker’s fee.

Susan and Alex Wendt have found their dream apartment.

Sure, the landlady is a little eccentric. And the elderly handyman drops some cryptic remarks about the basement. But the rent is so low, it’s too good to pass up.

Big mistake. Susan soon discovers that her new home is crawling with bedbugs . . . or is it? She awakens every morning with fresh bites, but neither Alex nor their daughter Emma has a single welt. An exterminator searches the property and turns up nothing. The landlady insists her building is clean. Susan fears she’s going mad—until a more sinister explanation presents itself: she may literally be confronting the bedbug problem from Hell.

Review:

Bedbugs is creepy, creepy, creepy! But oh so good... It isn't just a thriller/horror story. Bedbugs instills a sense of paranoia that I found frightening. The reader doesn't quite know whether to trust the state of mind of the main character which always makes an interesting read.

The characters were very realistic, which I appreciated. Susan has recently left her legal aid job to pursue her artistic dreams while leaving it to her husband, Alex, to take care of the financial obligations. They have a young daughter, Emma, who is very bright and energetic. A nanny comes by to help Susan so she can concentrate on the housework and her artwork. The family has been trying to find the right place to move to for some time and they find their dream apartment when they least expect it. I liked the landlord and her eccentricity...but there are sinister things going on in "too-good-to-be-true-land". Susan's family, her life, and her sanity are soon in a danger Susan never, ever thought to encounter.

I admit I was a little annoyed by all the modern references, especially in the beginning of the book. I felt the author didn't need to constantly name everything the characters used, i.e. Craigslist,  Ray-Bans, Facebook, etc  I just didn't feel that I needed to know every brand name the author could slap onto the pages...It was just unncessary in my opinion...But I quickly got over it as I got more into the plot of the story. I loved how realistic everything was. Bed bugs are scary, period. The stigma concerning bed bugs is very real and I hate to admit I may even contribute to it. I liked how the reader was able to witness all of suffering that took place in Susan's life and her relationships because of what was happening to her. There are many points in the story where Susan's state of mind is (with good reason) questioned. I couldn't help but imagine what I would do in her position and I honestly didn't even want to...

The ending was very good, I wasn't quite expecting it...I liked that I was kept on the "edge of my seat" during parts of the story. I'm a fan of Ben's work. It's unique and different and I like that. I'm looking forward to seeing what he dishes out next. I think Bedbugs will be a smashing hit with thriller fans...it will leave you itching for more...!! Haha, sorry I had to do it =D

Blog Tour Review: To Die For

To Die For

Sandra Byrd

Series or Stand Alone: Ladies in Waiting series, book one

Release Date: August 2011

Publisher: Howard Books

Pages: 352 (paperback)

Author Site: http://www.sandrabyrd.com/

My Rating: 3.75/5

Source: Received for review from Historical Fiction Book Tours

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

 
To Die For, is the story of Meg Wyatt, pledged forever as the best friend to Anne Boleyn since their childhoods on neighboring manors in Kent. When Anne’s star begins to ascend, of course she takes her best friend Meg along for the ride. Life in the court of Henry VIII is thrilling at first, but as Anne’s favor rises and falls, so does Meg’s. And though she’s pledged her loyalty to Anne no matter what the test, Meg just might lose her greatest love—and her own life—because of it.

Meg's childhood flirtation with a boy on a neighboring estate turns to true love early on. When he is called to follow the Lord and be a priest she turns her back on both the man and his God. Slowly, though, both woo her back through the heady times of the English reformation. In the midst of it, Meg finds her place in history, her own calling to the Lord that she must follow, too, with consequences of her own. Each character in the book is tested to figure out what love really means, and what, in this life, is worth dying for.

Review:

I still have a lot of catching up to do in the historical fiction genre and I just love discovering more and more with each book I read. And I'm quickly becoming a big fan of the Tudor time period. To Die For was a very interesting look into Anne Boleyn's rise and fall through the eyes of her very close friend Meg Wyatt. It seems most people either love or hate Anne Boleyn and I haven't read enough yet to form my own opinion. The last Tudor book I read was Diane Haeger's The Queen's Rival and the small portion of the book featuring Anne portrayed her as a temptress and I was all for being against Anne. While To Die For wasn't from Anne's point of view, it was still heavily centered around most of her life.

I know some basic facts about Anne and how she inserted herself into Henry VIII's court. She is often portrayed as manipulative, seductive, heartless, etc... Anne had power over men and she knew how to use it to get what she wanted. I liked that To Die For portrayed Anne as a not only a woman but as a human with emotions that can often lead us astray. I'm sure she wasn't the kindest woman most of the time, especially when she didn't get what she wanted. But it was nice to see how her feelings may have came into play regarding her ascension to being Queen of England. Having Meg's perspective furthered Anne's more vulnerable portrayal in this story. Sandra Byrd, while very Anne-sympathetic, still showed how Anne could be unkind and somewhat cruel in parts of the story and I appreciated Sandra being honest and still staying true to her opinion.

Meg's story was heartfelt and engaging as well. From her childhood to the tearful ending of the book I felt that I really got to know Meg and her strong personality. Her loyalty to Anne, along with her friends and family, is astounding. Her struggle with God and her own personal faith was an interesting addition to the overall theme of the English Reformation topic of the story. I strayed completely away from all types of history (European, US, etc) in school so it was nice to learn a little something about the Reformation. It was enough to get me interested even more in the time period in hopes of adding to my knowledge of what happened. I may not run to non-fiction right away to find out about certain topics but I love when a fictional novel can get my brain gears turning and my curiousity piqued.

I thought the characters were developed very nicely from Meg's servants to her brothers and her love interest. I became attached to quite a few of them and came to really dislike others. I also really enjoyed Sandra's writing style. The flow of her dialogue and writing worked well and it was hard to put down at times. I was so excited to learn that To Die For is the first book in a series. I think I'm going to really like the historical christian fiction that Sandra will put out and I think a lot of others will too!

*click here to see Sandra's book tour stops*

Blog Tour Review: Dracula in Love

Dracula in Love

Karen Essex

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: July 2011 (hardcover: August 2010)

Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Pages: 384 (paperback)

Author Site: http://www.karenessex.com/

My Rating: 3.25/5

Source: Received for review from Historical Fiction Book Tours

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

In this wonderfully transporting novel, award-winning author Karen Essex turns a timeless classic inside out, spinning a haunting, erotic, and suspenseful story of eternal love and possession.

From the shadowy banks of the river Thames to the wild and windswept Yorkshire coast, Dracula’s eternal muse, Mina Murray, vividly recounts the intimate details of what really transpired between her and the Count—the joys and terrors of a passionate affair that has linked them through the centuries, and her rebellion against her own frightening preternatural powers.

Mina’s version of this gothic vampire tale is a visceral journey into Victorian England’s dimly lit bedrooms, mist-filled cemeteries, and asylum chambers, revealing the dark secrets and mysteries locked within. Time falls away as she is swept into a mythical journey far beyond mortal comprehension, where she must finally make the decision she has been avoiding for almost a millennium.

Bram Stoker’s classic novel offered one side of the story, in which Mina had no past and bore no responsibility for the unfolding events. Now, for the first time, the truth of Mina’s personal voyage, and of vampirism itself, is revealed. What this flesh and blood woman has to say is more sensual, more devious, and more enthralling than the Victorians could have expressed or perhaps even have imagined.

Review:

While I have the original story of Dracula sitting on my bookshelf I have yet had the chance to read it. The only prior knowledge I have of Bram Stoker's work is through the movie featuring Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder...(yes, I liked it). Having said that I think I would have liked to have the prior knowledge of the original story. But even without it, Dracula in Love was a really interesting story from Mina's point of view. Not only was the point of view different but the entire idea of Mina and the Count being lovers through time was a twist I came to enjoy.

Looking at Dracula in Love without basing my opinion on any other adaptation is rather easy. I found the beginning of the novel more enjoyable than the ending and that sort of disappointed me. I liked the description of Mina's past and how she grew up. I found myself really liking her simple and calm personality though her childhood wasn't favorable. I didn't mind the overall feminist feel of the story either. Mina even goes as far to tell the reader that everything we know about the tale is false... It was an interesting twist.

But the let down started happening when the Count and Mina finally came together...The intrigue, passion, and mystery surrounding their relationship was built up so nicely. But I felt their relationship sort of fell flat after a while. The passion was still between them and the obvious love between the Count and Mina was present and it was even romantic...but I just didn't feel the "oomph" I felt in the beginning. I was quite surprised at how much I actually got into reading about the women in the asylum. I can only imagine what the research was like for Karen Essex.

Overall, Dracula in Love was a nice read. I liked the characters but never really got attached or involved with them. I liked some of the things Karen Essex with with the mysticism and lore of vampires and magic but sometimes things got a little lost for me. I'll definitely be reading more about Dracula and Karen's other work. I like her writing style and I'm looking forward to reading the other time periods she has written about. I think a lot of people will enjoy the different adaptation Karen provides in Dracula in Love.  
 
 
 

Blog Tour Review: Warrior Reborn

Warrior Reborn

KH LeMoyne

Series or Stand Alone: The Guardians of Eden series, book two

Release Date: April 2011

Publisher: Digital Crystal Press

Pages: 290 (e-book)

Author Site: http://www.khlemoyne.com/

My Rating: 4.25/5

Source: Received for review from The Bookish Snob Promotions

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

They are the Guardians of Eden; each created with a unique supernatural talent.

Having successfully hidden her abilities from humans for two hundred years, Briet quietly applies the gifts of cellular-level vision to help patients in need. Until she meets her human soul-mate, Jason Ballard.

Jason holds the reigns to the protocol Briet’s patients’ need for recovery. But can she trust a man all too human and grounded in his world to understand hers, much less believe her? When a deadly threat targets her patients, he is the only one she trusts to help stop an evil only the two of them can fight.

Jason has a perfect success rate for delivering of new drugs from test-to-market. Used to influencing people, rules and guidelines delineate every facet of his professional and personal life. The last thing he expects is to be tempted to waiver by the new spitfire doctor on his latest test team. Especially as she starts stirring up issues. Dangerous issues. Issues flagging jeopardy for the lives of the children in the test. Issues the drug manufacturer, his employer, would prefer be ignored. An unacceptable outcome, forcing Jason to walk a dangerous line between job and conscience as he plunges with Briet to ferret out the twisted scheme in time to save her patients.

Review:

I have such a soft spot for paranormal books that involve the topic of soul mates. It was actually Christine Feehan’s Carpathian series that started my love for paranormal romance. Her Carpathian series is very big about lifemates and finding one’s other half. The Guardians of Eden series reminds me of the Carpathians but only in the soul mate aspect of the stories. KH LeMoyne’s Guardians are very different from the Carpathians. I might have even enjoyed the Guardians and their unique characteristics a little bit more than my beloved Carpathians. I’ll have to read more of the series to make a conclusive decision but I’m really looking forward to more of LeMoyen’s writing and her Guardians.

Warrior Reborn is the second in the Guardian of Eden series and is fine to start if you haven’t read the first book, even for those like me who anally like to read things in order. Briet is a very compassionate female lead. She cares so much for the children she works with as a doctor in the human world. Her unique Guardian ability to see the human body at the molecular level helps in her current work in a new drug trial in treating cancer. I knew from the very beginning when she started questioning her findings that it was going to cause trouble for her.

Jason more or less manages the drug trial for the pharmaceutical company. Briet realizes very early on that he is her mate and struggles with how to let Jason know. Jason’s past and his personality make Briet hesitate on whether he’ll be able to accept the reality of the Guardians. I thought it admirable that Briet was willing to sacrifice so much for Jason. And watching Jason slowly come to terms with his feelings towards Briet was very satisfying.

Ansgar, who is a Guardian himself, is Briet’s very overprotective brother but his actions are both understandable and sometimes warranted. Although Briet is very independent she can be forgetful and somewhat reckless at times. Ansgar is a very nice contrast to Briet’s personality and the obvious love between the two is a nice addition to Briet’s story. I’m actually really looking forward to Ansgar’s story…whenever that may come around =)

Warrior Reborn was a great surprise of a read. While the writing wasn’t always spot on for me I found the style, characters, and storyline very enjoyable. I think I’m really going to like The Guardian of Eden series. I’ll be going back to read Turen (the newly proclaimed leader of the Guardians) story and I can’t wait to read Tsu’s story which should be book 3. I can see a lot of people coming to really like the unique aspects of KH LeMoyne’s Guardians. I know I certainly do!

P.S. (cover talk)

I like that the cover depicts Briet. The cover model is gorgeous and I like that it goes well with book one’s cover.

Blog Tour Review: Halith

Halith 

Kristen Kelly

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: March 2010

Publisher: Pale Criminal Works

Pages: 424

Book Site: http://www.bookmasters.com/marktplc/02917.htm#summary

My Rating: 3.75/5

Source: Received for review from Pump Up Your Book

Synopsis:

[from pcwbooks.com]

Halíth presents the fantastical world of Aessyra where prophesy tells of an evil brewing and only “the One” can stop it. Halíth’s journey begins when she steals away from an impending marriage to a fat merchant, deemed by her uncle to be a good match. In a fit of passion, she runs away in the deep of night, with nothing to her name, and is soon transformed from a scared 16 year old girl to a young warrior ready to answer her fate. In the beginning, Halíth embraces her new adventurous lifestyle focusing on fighting battles, learning the trades of the Dwarves, and drinking and making merriment in local taverns. Soon; however, Halíth’s true test of maturity comes when the Great War finally breaks out across Aessyra. The Haddu, a coalition of Orcs, trolls, and others faithful to a demonic religion, are swarming over the land, seeking to usher in the Third Darkness. Halith must grapple with challenges within and without as she dodges assassins, endures the betrayal of those closest to her, and tries to make sense of her so-called “destiny.”

Review:

I haven’t read many fantasy quest novels yet but I’m slowly working on adding more of the genre into my reading. Halith isn’t an epic tale by any means but it successfully transported me into another world without over-complicating things for me. Even if the map of Aessyra wasn’t provided for reference I still wouldn’t have felt lost. Kirsten does a remarkable job describing the different parts of Halith’s world and all of the characters she comes into contact with. I will admit that the novel started out a bit awkwardly for me though. After spending four years at an abbey Halith is sent to live with her uncle but chooses to run away from nobility life. She spends a great deal of time worrying about others (including the reader) thinking her a wayward brat for running away. I kind of admired and liked the fact that she was determined to make sure people knew the reasons for her actions. She doesn’t want to spend her life as a broodmare. She has a calling to be a warrior just like her father, the High King.

Now that is all fine and dandy, absolutely no issues there for me. But one or two chapters later Halith does this 180-turnaround thing. I respect that she wants to be a warrior, even in Halith’s world women warriors are very rare, but her personality shifts a little too quickly from shy and timid to fierce warrior-girl/woman. The transitioning just kind of smacked me in the face a little bit. But soon after her 180 freak-out Halith started to really grow on me. The middle part of the book consists of her on different missions, meeting different people, and discovering who she is. It reminded me of quest-like video games (which I love to play). Every time she completed something it seemed some other issue would pop up for her to deal with. Although I’m sure if was frustrating for her character, I rather enjoyed it!

Something I really personally liked in the book was the violence. Weird, I know, but let me explain. The violence wasn’t sugarcoated or tip-toed around. It also wasn’t blown out of proportions with blood and guts flying in every direction. It was written just right where it was realistic and bold. It was a part of the book I really appreciated. I also loved the characters, especially the female ones. While Halith meets many different male characters that she becomes close with and/or enemies with, it was the different female characters that grabbed my attention. They sort of formed this motley crew of strong girls/women that were independent and strong yet still needed support from one another. I loved the fact that they were so different and yet fit together nicely like a puzzle.

The ending was a little disappointing for me just because I enjoyed the middle of the book so much. I appreciated that Kristen kept up the camaraderie between characters until the very end though. I just felt everything was a little too rushed for my tastes. I still really enjoyed Halith overall. The tale is one of self-discovery and independence. Halith has not only solid enemies but unseen ones as well as she must battle a prophecy laid before her and a fate she’s determined to undermine. I’m really interested to see what Kristen will come out with next and if in fact Halith will have a sequel or at least be revisited in another book. I think adventure fans and/or fantasy fans will really like Halith and Kristen’s writing.

P.S. (Cover Talk)

It’s fitting. I like the depiction of Halith, although what she’s wearing could go a little better with how her outfit was described in the book. I like the cover though.

Blog Tour Review: Solstice

Solstice

P.J. Hoover

Series or Stand Alone: Book one in a planned series

Release Date: May 2011

Publisher: Andrea Brown Literacy Agency

Pages: 189 (Smashwords edition)

Author Site: http://www.pjhoover.com/

My Rating: 4/5

Source: Received for blog tour from Pump Up Your Book

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

Where Mythology and Dystopia meet...

Piper’s world is dying. Global warming kills every living thing on Earth, and each day brings hotter temperatures and heat bubbles which threaten to destroy humanity. Amid this Global Heating Crisis, Piper lives with her mother who suffocates her more than the chaotic climate. When her mother is called away to meet the father Piper has been running from her entire life, Piper seizes an opportunity for freedom.

But when Piper discovers a world of mythology she never knew existed, she realizes her world is not the only one in crisis. While Gods battle for control of the Underworld, Piper's life spirals into turmoil, and she struggles to find answers to secrets kept from her since birth. And though she’s drawn to her classmate Shayne, he may be more than he claims. Piper has to choose whom she can trust and how she can save the people she loves even if it means the end of everything she’s ever known

Review:

I know dystopian novels are becoming a huge trend in the YA genre. But I don’t think I’ve come across any that interweave mythology into its pages. I’m a big fan of mythology related books and I have tons of dystopian novels on my TBR list so I was immediately interested in reviewing Solstice when I was asked. Solistice is a very unique, entertaining, and well written book that I think will be very successful in the YA world.

Global warming is a very real and scary thing and P.J. does a superb job detailing the effects of the Global Heating Crisis happening in Piper’s world. The heat was beyond oppressive and having something similar happening to the Earth was forefront in my mind at all times. I’m not a big fan of heat. I’m not happy with anything really over 85 degrees. With temperatures never really going below 105 in the novel I could only imagine how horrible it was to live in a world where water and a/c use was monitored and rationed and where cooling gel was sprayed on you every time you went outside. I actually don’t know how I myself would adapt to a world like Piper’s.

The mythology part is more closely entangled with the love triangle within the novel. I did have a hard time at first transitioning between Piper’s world and the Underworld when it was first introduced. My brain didn’t really come to terms with putting the dystopian and mythological parts together cohesively. However, I was quick to become engrossed in each part of the book. The love triangle between Shayne, Piper, and Reese is so much more than a typical love triangle. It isn’t just two boys fighting over a girl. There is a huge power struggle between the two boys and Piper’s feelings towards each are passionate and very intense. I loved that P.J. didn’t tip-toe around Piper and her feelings. She’s torn between Shayne and Reese and as the pieces of her past start to come together she’s left feeling confused, frustrated, and afraid.

I loved the characters and I loved how the dystopian part of the novel tied in so well with the mythological part in the end. Solstice is highly original and a really great read that combins so many great elements together. I think a lot of people are going to really enjoy the book and what it has to offer the YA genre!

P.S. (cover talk)

It’s beautiful. It depicts the global warming aspect while leaving some room for a mysterious feeling that ties in with the Greek mythology of the novel.

Review & Giveaway: Being

Being

T.R. Mousner

Series or Stand Alone: Book one in a planned series

Release Date: March 2011

Publisher: Tamara Mousner

Pages/Format: .pdf ebook

Author Site: http://www.trmousner.com/

My Rating: 3.5/5

Source: Received for review from author

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

For elite extraterrestrial pilot EBN-Reyoz-X, awaiting rescue while hiding out in a trailer park in Lancaster, California, is a grueling nightmare. She’s injured, lacks proper supplies and can’t blend in with the indigenous population because she’s seven feet tall and can’t control the trail of wildflowers blooming in the wake of her footsteps. She’s unprepared to begin sexual maturity in the alien land and when she develops feelings for Shale, the mute teenage boy next door, she’s convinced circumstances can get no worse.

Except rescue never comes and once word spreads that her touch holds miraculous healing abilities, EBN must find a way to fix her ship, evade capture by the United States Air Force and survive long enough to return home.

Review:

Although I have a lot of sci-fi books on my TBR I haven’t really had a chance to delve into the genre. Being succeeds in providing many of the reasons why I want to read sci-fi and reminds me to have an open mind when I read them. I enjoy books that are able to convey universal messages from the author with subtlety and grace. Being was mostly successful in not being too brash about environmental issues that should be important to every person living on Earth. Overall Being is a nice breathe of fresh air in the YA genre!

I also enjoyed how smooth the different POVs between EBN, Shale, and Aix went. EBN, while somewhat knowledgeable on Sent (human) life, is injured and completely alone after crash landing on Erox (Earth). After numerous unsuccessful attempts to contact her grand-Ada (grandfather) for a plan of rescue EBN copes by befriending Shale. Although she has broken many rules by getting involved with Shale and his sister, EBN begins to feel things she has never felt before. It was so easy to start to really care for EBN and her well-being as she struggled through each day.

Shale has his own issues to work through as he comes to term with his feelings for EBN. I found it fascinating how different Shale and EBN’s opinion of each other’s appearance was with the rest of the world. Both Shale and EBN were irresistibly drawn to each other and both were beautiful to the other person. The rest of the world found them weird, gawky, and too different. Their blossoming relationship was a very welcoming part of the book and one I really enjoyed.

I think my favorite character is Aix because I was more interested in his mission to finding the truth about EBN. He is brave and intelligent just like his sister and I felt his POV was more interesting. I say that because he’s back on Pharallax and his POV talks about his culture and the similarities/differences between Sent life and Adelian and Nadreen life. I love when authors are able to really step out of their comfort zones and create new worlds and ideas and still tie them in to modern life.

I’m looking forward to seeing what T.R. comes out with next regarding EBN. Being was exciting, different, and filled with loving values that will come across very easily. Love, family, and taking care of where we live is important to T.R. and her characters as it should be important to everybody. I think Being will be a real winner with YA and adult readers alike.

P.S. (cover talk)

While I’m not totally in love with it I think it goes along with the story nicely. I also know the cover has a special place in T.R.’s heart which is pretty cool.

Thanks to the lovely Tamara Mousner I have an ebook copy available for 1 winner!

To enter simply fill out this form!

Giveaway ends July 21st

Open Internationally

Good Luck!

Review & Giveaway: Ada, Legend of a Healer

Ada, Legend of a Healer

R.A. McDonald

Series or Stand Alone: Book one in a planned (Legend of a Healer) series

Release Date: January 2011

Publisher: House of Lore

Pages: 260

Book Site: http://www.adaslegend.com/

My Rating: 4.25/5

Source: Received for review from publisher

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

No sickness, No injuries, No pain, No limits.

If you had the power to heal, what would you do?

For fifteen-year-old Ada discovering that she can heal feels more like a curse than a gift. When she learns of the mystery surrounding her mother’s disappearance, and sees the indifference of so-called friends, she sets out for Paris to find her.

The power to heal protects her, but also has her hunted by a man who sees her as nothing more than his fountain of youth. Ada realizes her true power is her will to survive, and that her only chance at freedom is to become the best at escaping.

Review:

I haven’t read a book in one sitting in quite a while. I forgot how it felt to be sucked in by a really great story. I forgot how time seemed to be non-existent and not really matter much. R.A’s writing is simple, clean, and very engaging. And I just love the fact that there are illustrations in the book. I never considered myself a big visual learner or anything but when a book has pictures to go along with the story I always seem to enjoy it better. I just like images to go with what I’m reading about. Of course, good books that can put images in my head from written details win major points with me as well. But back to my point…the illustrations go perfectly with Ada’s story. They are dark yet full of heavy emotions, like Ada herself.

Ada’s had a tough childhood bouncing around different foster homes and dealing with different adults that never took the time to get to know her or really take care of her. It doesn’t really help that Ada’s got a pretty bad attitude about life and isn’t afraid to show it. What really sets her apart from the rest of the world isn’t the way she dresses, the way she talks, or the way she acts…it’s her amazing healing abilities. She’s always been able to heal herself and others and looks upon her gift like a burden.

After getting kicked out of her last foster home Ada’s only hope is her estranged aunt Jessie. Jessie is very mysterious when she’s first introduced but she’s very kind and has a warm personality. After spending some time with Ada Jessie tells her that she is a healer too. She also tells Ada a little bit about her past and Ada soon learns that her mother is in Paris. Ada doesn’t remember much about her mother because she’s been in foster care for so long. After Ada finds out her mother is a healer Ada is determined to find her and more information about who she is. The adventure really begins in Paris when Ada embarks on her journey to find her mother. It’s in France where Ada’s transformation begins. Ada becomes a different person as danger presents itself almost daily and she is forced to come to terms with her healing powers and make them apart of who she is.

I enjoy having to put myself in a character’s shoes and ask myself what I would do in their situation. R.A. provides some really great reading guide questions that really help to open the reader’s mind. At first glance, I would of course love healing abilities. I would probably also be of Jessie’s mind and want to help everyone out with my gift. However, Ada’s attitude about being a healer makes sense to me as well. She doesn’t really resent her abilities so much as she feels she shouldn’t have to be responsible for every sick and hurt person. I know I myself would be torn, wanting to save the entire world but have some semblance of a normal life. It’s really a tough decision and one that I could probably go on and on about…

Ada, Legend of a Healer was not what I expected. It was so much more than just a story of a girl with powers. It highlighted an independent teen facing the world alone with danger and tribulations around every corner. It’s full of fast-paced action, a sweet-budding romance, and a deep underlining message that will get you to question your own beliefs. I’m really looking forward to seeing what R.A. has in store for Ada next.

P.S. (cover talk)

Like the other artwork in the book, I find it dark yet emotionally powerful. It goes really well with the story!

Thanks to House of Lore I have 2 paperback copies available for 2 lucky readers!

To enter simply fill out this form!

Giveaway ends July 18th.

US/Canada Entrants Only

Good Luck!

Review & Giveaway: Recovery

Recovery

Alexandrea Weis

Series or Stand Alone: Nicci Beauvoir series, book two

Series Order: To My Senses (2007), Sacrifice (TBA)

Release Date: March 2011

Publisher: CreateSpace

Pages: 296

Author Site: http://www.alexandreaweis.com/

My Rating: 4.25/5

Source: Received for review from author

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

A killer is lurking among the ruins of Katrina-ravaged New Orleans.

A killer she knows.

Still devastated two years after the mysterious murder of her beloved David Alexander, Nicci Beauvoir surprises everyone in the Big Easy by returning to her hometown with a new admirer: the cool and contentious Dallas August. But the attractive stranger is asking a lot of questions about David’s death, making Nicci’s family and friends speculate about his true intentions. Only Nicci knows that Dallas, a high-priced corporate spy, has come to New Orleans to flush out David Alexander’s killer. Playing the part of her lover, Dallas escorts Nicci around town hoping to get closer to his possible suspects. But hiding amid the city’s elite is a jealous maniac waiting to make Nicci suffer. As the days pass and the danger grows, Nicci’s relationship with the handsome spy turns from adversarial to amorous. Desperate to unearth the identity of David’s murderer, Nicci and Dallas decide to lure the killer out of the city for one final showdown. It is a deadly decision that could cost Nicci everything. But it may be her only chance for… Recovery

Review:

I came across a review of Recovery not too long ago at Jackie’s blog (House Wife Blues and Chihuahua Stories) that really got me interested in the book. After reading the comments I left on her review, Jackie contacted me, along with Alexandrea, to set up a possible review on my blog for her novel. I’m so glad I came across Jackie’s review because I really enjoyed Recovery and Alexandrea is such a pleasure to work with!

Although Recovery is the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone novel. I hate reading out of order and I will admit I would prefer to have read book one, To My Senses, first. Nicci Beauvoir is slowly adjusting to life without David. Losing the only man she’s ever really loved has taken a very heavy toll on Nicci. And now that she’s published her first novel she’s trying very hard to come to terms with her loss. That is until she finds out that David’s murder may have not have been just a random act of violence but could have a lot to do with Nicci and her presence in his life. Enter: Dallas August.

Dallas, a very close friend of David’s, is a spy that has been hired to find David’s killer. He also works for the same high-priced employer that David did. He’s got a very cold demeanor but he is extremely precise and is very good at what he does. He tags along as Nicci’s new lover when she returns to post-Katrina New Orleans after her book promotion. And although her family is highly suspicious of Dallas, he’s determined to get closer to the people in Nicci’s life in order to eliminate suspects. Neither is prepared for the passion that slowly starts to burn between them despite the dangerous surroundings.

So Alexandrea provides enough background information for the book to be read by itself. However, I felt a little left out since book one was about David and Nicci. But I’m just being a whiney baby. Reading Recovery has only made me want to read To My Senses that much more. Although I liked Dallas and Nicci, my favorite characters were Nicci’s family, her father and uncle in particular. I’m a sucker for romance and paranormal things but if you give me characters that can have hilariously written dialogue I am a happy, happy camper. Nicci’s family is dysfunctional but fun and I had such a great time with them. But I’ll happily admit the banter and tension between Nicci Dallas was equally fun!

I enjoyed being able to feel the author’s obvious love and respect for New Orleans through her writing. I haven’t been there myself, before or after Katrina, and I can’t imagine the devastation that the storm caused for the beloved city. Alexandrea’s descriptions were powerfully written and an important aspect of the novel since the city meant a lot to Nicci as well.

I’m looking forward to what awaits Nicci and Dallas in the next installment and I’ll definitely be reading To My Senses so I can catch up with everything. Recovery is a great mystery/romance novel that is fast-paced and filled with really fantastic characters.

P.S. (cover talk)

I like the New Orleans style feel to it.

I have 3 paperback copies of Recovery up for grabs courtesy of the lovely Alexandrea Weis.

To enter simply fill out this form!

Giveaway ends July 10th!

US Entrants Only

Good Luck!

Blog Tour Review: Queen By Right

Queen By Right

Anne Easter Smith

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: May 2011

Publisher: Touchstone

Pages: 528

Author Site: http://www.anneeastersmith.com/

My Rating: 4.5/5

Source: Received for blog tour from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

From the award-winning author of A Rose for the Crown, Daughter of York, and The King’s Grace comes another masterful historical novel—the story of Cecily of York, mother of two kings and the heroine of one of history’s greatest love stories. Anne Easter Smith’s novels are beloved by readers for their ability “to grab you, sweep you along with the story, and make you fall in love with the characters.”

In Cecily Neville, duchess of York and ancestor of every English monarch to the present day, she has found her most engrossing character yet.History remembers Cecily of York standing on the steps of the Market Cross at Ludlow, facing an attacking army while holding the hands of her two young sons. Queen by Right reveals how she came to step into her destiny, beginning with her marriage to Richard, duke of York, whom she meets when she is nine and he is thirteen. Raised together in her father’s household, they become a true love match and together face personal tragedies, pivotal events of history, and deadly political intrigue. All of England knows that Richard has a clear claim to the throne, and when King Henry VI becomes unfit to rule, Cecily must put aside her hopes and fears and help her husband decide what is right for their family and their country. Queen by Right marks Anne Easter Smith’s greatest achievement, a book that every fan of sweeping, exquisitely detailed historical fiction will devour.

Review:

Still being a novice in the historical fiction realm I like to think I still know a good story when I read one. Queen by Right was a very compelling read that both educated and entertained me. I’m not at all familiar with England in the mid 1400’s or the War of the Roses and the fight for the English throne between the York and Lancaster family. I also admit I had never heard of Cecily of York before reading the synopsis of Queen by Right. So going into this chunkster of a book with absolutely no prior knowledge was a wee bit scary. The book took me much longer to finish than I had anticipated…not because I had a hard time getting through it though. On the contrary, Queen by Right was a book to savor in a peaceful room where one could totally immerse themselves in the characters and politics of the time period. I wasn’t able to find the solitude for it sadly. But I’m delighted to report that I have found a superb story-teller in Anne Easter Smith. It is historical fiction like Queen by Right that gets me excited to dive into the genre!

Cecily of York, or Proud Cis, is such a strong female character. Stuck in a time period where women, even those of high rank, are more property than anything else she still stands out as a proud and independent woman (as independent as she can be at least). I adored the beginning of the book and getting to know Cecily during her childhood. She was lucky enough to get to know and fall in love with her husband Richard before they were married. Being a romantic at heart it was nice to see their love shine all the way through both of their lives.

Politics and court intrigue really come to the forefront of the novel after Cecily gets married. I liked the fact that although a lot of information was being provided I didn't feel it was too dry or muddled in any way. The best thing about reading historical fiction is learning things about history without really realizing it. I remember sitting in history class (or any class for that matter lol) and being bored most times either about the subject matter or the way I was being taught. And I may have been a lazy student... but thats a tale for another time. The point is that Anne has taken some already interesting historical figures and put a spin on their story that even lazy learners could easily enjoy.

I enjoyed the fact that Anne Easter Smith provided a list of characters, genealogy charts and a map to help. I admit the number of characters was a bit overwhelming and the fact that a lot of them had the same name didn’t help either. But that was minor setback in such a fantastic and engaging story. I read in an article from Anne’s current resident city of Salem, MA where she says "I try to serve those readers who are looking for accuracy in historical fact and yet I also engage those who want a good story with strong characters, a little romance and lots of period detail." Now I may not be the go to person to check on accuracy of historical fact but I know that I was thoroughly engaged and very happy with my reading experience. I’ll be reading more of Anne’s work and more about this time period.

P.S. (cover talk)

Again, still a beginner in historical fiction so I’m not too familiar with the cover themes yet. I read on another blog that the castle pictured on the cover is Raby Castle where Cecily was born and the falcon actually has importance in the story as well. So you know anything that ties into the story on a cover is a winner in my eyes =)

**Click here for a chance to win a paperback copy of Queen by Right!! (US Only, Ends June 24th)**