tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85212136963978740262024-03-14T09:07:58.309-07:00Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance seriesOpinions of a book addictKaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-71689898078649160742011-02-13T07:01:00.000-08:002011-02-13T07:19:56.521-08:00This Dark Magic by Chryse Wymer<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOZaAm_6LNbJbBOdnqWrbHxRwpHeMbWkrH19K8i26jlA_lcEAbKr5P1VMXArNou_KkH-h-qWPsS8DQ9ABBBNGOb7EPesGKHzsfTTnXGn-KsL8ijFgGXdo4AT-MOS-SvUPMx6L8qZkYtTj/s1600/1296260564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOZaAm_6LNbJbBOdnqWrbHxRwpHeMbWkrH19K8i26jlA_lcEAbKr5P1VMXArNou_KkH-h-qWPsS8DQ9ABBBNGOb7EPesGKHzsfTTnXGn-KsL8ijFgGXdo4AT-MOS-SvUPMx6L8qZkYtTj/s320/1296260564.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Book Description</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Capital City is a tough-as-titanium riotous town, but it wasn't always that way. Only a month ago, it was a placid place to live. In this quirky dark fantasy novella, Charlie Landers must navigate a dangerous world of black magic in order to save his little corner of the universe. Somewhat silly, and crap-your-pants scary in places. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Review</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">*I received this e-book from the author for review* </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I went into this book with a bit of an acknowledged prejudice against independently published authors. My previous experience had not been good. Initially I wasn’t going to review This Dark Magic, but I thought I’d give this book a chance to change my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">First thing I noticed about This Dark Magic was that it had been edited well. Now you may think all books would be thoughourly edited, but my experience with IM’s says otherwise. So straight away I started to be less cynical about this book. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The first problem with the book that I encountered, was the metaphors and similes used in This Dark Magic to describe situations e.g. “The skyscraper resembelled a rectangular soup can, not<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>brooding and cool but ugly and barely functional”. While I think I got the general idea of what Wymer was portraying with this metaphor i.e. that a soup can in the form of a rectangualr prism would be not as functional as a round one etc., I think a general description of the scene would have given more insight into what I should be imagining. A metaphor could have been used to highlight the description.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In addition, I think more description would have also helped with the pacing of the story. For such a short book, the pace of the story felt surprisingly slow. There were times when the book jumped from one description, to another, without explaining what happened in-between or making appropriate transitions. For example, the story went from describing the skyscraper, directly to this quote: “Fifth floor. The elevators were down so I took the stairs two at a time, wheezing by the time I hit the third floor.” The problem: what happened between being outside in the car and climbing up the stairs? The change seemed noticeable and I was momentarily confused. Likely because there was no real reason to end and begin at those places in the story. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The writing was a little stilted. In the same manner as the scenes jumped, a lot of small sentences were used to quickly jump through the story and while this is perfectly fine grammatically, I found that reading the story was a little impersonal. I found it hard to relate to the characters and easily follow what was happening. However, while the story didn’t always flow smoothly, the short sentences did create an appropriate atmosphere. The short sentences heightened the feeling of desolation within the fractured city and from the city residents (including Charles). I wouldn’t like to read a full length novel written in a similar manner, but for a short story it was distinctive. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, what did I enjoy about the book? The idea about a city, which had a massive rise in killings and crime, was good; and the main storyline about a journalist who was looking into a story when he was cursed with dark magic was also promising. I also enjoyed the way the sentences were composed, in an English skill sense. It was evident that the author has a talent for writing and will likely improve her storytelling. Alot of the phrases were witty and cleverly composed. In addition, the book got more enjoyable towards the end. It was less confusing with a reduced amount of jumping between scenarios. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In general, for the first book of an independent author, I think the story was good. For an e- book that only costs $0.99 to buy at Amazon, I would recommend that fans of Urban Fantasy give this book a go. It fills a good market niche for people wanting something to read immediately when they have already maxed out their book budget. I was happily surprised by the quality and I think a lot of other people will be as well. I personally, don’t often read short stories and for people who do enjoy them more than me, it’s likely you will enjoy this book more than I did. If the book was compared to full length novels then areas such as world building and character creation could be further explored. However, these aspects can’t be expected to be explored in more detail, in such a short amount of time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My rating out of 5:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3/5</b></span></div><b></b> </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-37663675312470670202011-02-11T19:16:00.000-08:002011-02-11T19:18:45.796-08:00Follow me Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd7Nu4FPXVrZ7kPclyUUhvaHlhKdDAULZ_6SXWj74FblJAg0_IrBb9WuTqdopGd0norPYAN9J_y_SQbgAgCWWdr_yDpMS7z58nj26N0IQmX-NUwf76jUZG80Xi25LMmXrl3mGoGCKOok_/s1600/cfbmemebutton-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd7Nu4FPXVrZ7kPclyUUhvaHlhKdDAULZ_6SXWj74FblJAg0_IrBb9WuTqdopGd0norPYAN9J_y_SQbgAgCWWdr_yDpMS7z58nj26N0IQmX-NUwf76jUZG80Xi25LMmXrl3mGoGCKOok_/s1600/cfbmemebutton-2.png" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Book Blogger Hop hosted by <a href="http://www.crazy-for-books.com/">Crazy For Books</a> so head on over to join in the fun!<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">"Tell us about one of your posts from this week and give us a link so we can read it (review or otherwise)!"</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>My answer: </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">I read the most amazing book this week: <a href="http://urbanfantasy-paranormalromance-series.blogspot.com/2011/02/shadowfever-by-karen-marie-moning.html">Shadowfever</a> by Karen Marie Moning. I gave it an all time high of 5/5+. It is the final book in the MacKayla Lane series and I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion. </span></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-78199388142574267472011-02-11T18:59:00.000-08:002011-02-11T19:03:54.138-08:00Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_1ePDe_2CVyxzdzaTFs_-1hPWGQwnQ2YAmmsjc2wPncAImFl649AJ19bm3NaGIBzyf0Iq-O2CoXlLcuXH5D7SerDdoAh5IYpqfnoJWFVChlRNc15dMwR7EmLWshyphenhyphenG7xw8aPJ6GzL7bAn/s1600/51IYcsOMZOL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_1ePDe_2CVyxzdzaTFs_-1hPWGQwnQ2YAmmsjc2wPncAImFl649AJ19bm3NaGIBzyf0Iq-O2CoXlLcuXH5D7SerDdoAh5IYpqfnoJWFVChlRNc15dMwR7EmLWshyphenhyphenG7xw8aPJ6GzL7bAn/s320/51IYcsOMZOL._SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><b> Book description</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-AU">“Evil is a completely different creature, Mac. Evil is bad that believes it’s good.”<br />
<br />
MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina, were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever. <br />
<br />
Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister’s murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals who have lived concealed among us for thousands of years. <br />
<br />
What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh—a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King, containing the power to create and destroy worlds. <br />
<br />
In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves. <br />
Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman haunting her dreams? More important, who is Mac herself and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card? <br />
<br />
From the luxury of the Lord Master’s penthouse to the sordid depths of an Unseelie nightclub, from the erotic bed of her lover to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac’s journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and to make a choice that will either save the world . . . or destroy it.<br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"> </span><span lang="EN-AU"> </span><span lang="EN-AU"><b>Review</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">Karen Marie Moning is a master of Urban Fantasy. When I started Shadowfever, within four pages I could tell that the book was going to be something great. This is one series I recommend to everyone. A series that I suggest to people I want to get addicted to the genre like I am. Even though I'm sure it's possible, I can't conceptualize someone who likes the genre, not liking this series. For me this is a series where I want every book in hardcover. I want the books to last a long time. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">I had the book ready to read for over a week before I actually read it. I was super excited but I couldn't bring myself to read it because I knew that as soon as I did, I would no longer have it to look forward to and that first time read experience would be over. Eventually though, my anticipation couldn’t wait any longer and I devoured it in one day and one sleepless night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then proceeded to wish I hadn’t read it so quickly and savored it instead. After I finished it, I also didn’t want to read anything for the next few days day because I didn’t want whatever I read to pale in comparison. Of course, this all shows, how tragically emotionally involved I get when I find a series I love. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">So, do I think there is anything that could have been improved….um no. No way. Not in any of the books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was awesome. Change one thing and the whole feel of the book or series could come crashing down like a house of cards. Sometimes bits you may not like have to be there. I think Shadowfever is one of the most satisfying endings to a series I ever read. It was complex, engaging and emotional. It wasn’t rushed, it tied into the previous books, it explained all the loose ends, it didn’t end abruptly and by the end I was smiling like an idiot. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">How did this book in particular stand up to others in the series? Fantastically. The book is dramatically written, with inspired statements about life, love and pain. It uses heaps of descriptors in an effort to convey the feelings and experiences of Mac’s journey. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">Sometimes things that are said within the book are confusing, but that’s part of the charm. It leaves you wanting to know what was meant, to know all the secrets and find the hidden meanings. It gives you hints of information that you can use to formulate your own ideas. Ideas I’m never sure about because the books are in no way predictable. This book brings up a new question, what is Mac?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">I hope I successfully conveyed how awesome I thought this book and this series was. Now the question is: how long should I wait until I read the series all over again?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>5/5+</strong></span></span></div><br />
</span><br />
</div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-53894394756144364292011-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-05T06:00:06.386-08:00Awaken by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast, book 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-l2SzxcUa6mX_7NTMxbwQOYWLQRkLwAIFY-ixUrwcxuX0-63UqXmDmlz70ib8GrDyq4nJ4eS9ZF_fBTXsmq-rWvzdBsX1WG3EUfXvVdblT7MphkzPtD1QNL8bTqFRERpOeyVYjDBJEQn/s1600/n356098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-l2SzxcUa6mX_7NTMxbwQOYWLQRkLwAIFY-ixUrwcxuX0-63UqXmDmlz70ib8GrDyq4nJ4eS9ZF_fBTXsmq-rWvzdBsX1WG3EUfXvVdblT7MphkzPtD1QNL8bTqFRERpOeyVYjDBJEQn/s400/n356098.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><strong>Book Description</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><span lang="EN-AU">Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey. Dominion over Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z. But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there. Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it? Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either…<br />
<br />
And what about Stevie Rae and Rephaim? The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be okay with their relationship? Does he betray his father or his heart?<br />
<br />
In the pulse-pounding 8th book in the bestselling House of Night series, how far will the bonds of friendship stretch and how strong are the ties that bind one girl’s heart?</span></em><span lang="EN-AU"><strong><br />
</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><strong>Summary</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">The book starts of where it ended in the last book with Stark and Zoey on the Isle of Skye and the return of Kalona to Neferet. Zoey and Skye use their time on the Isle to recover from the Otherworld and explore their relationship but are soon called back to Tulsa after a tragedy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><strong>Review</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">What can I say except I think this series is brilliant. Every book has new developments that are heart rendering and perfectly integrated so that I’m never disappointed in the way the story moves. All the characters engage my interest with character development and engaging personalities. The plot-lines are complex and multi-layered with seamless connections between books and complications, in one single long running story. The ability of P.C. and Kristin Cast to be able to do this for such a long running series shows, what I believe to be, an impressive display of writing skill. It’s hard to keep every reader satisfied, especially with longer running series, since people expect and enjoy different things from the books they read. They also become more invested in the storyline. However, I was surprised at the amount of lower rated reviews when I looked to see what the general reaction to the book was but I guess this had something to do with it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">Awaken had a lot of new turning points in the storyline. Some were expected but well executed and others were a complete surprise to me (in particular the ending). I don’t think this book was as good as the last few and considering how emotional Burned was, I’m not surprised. I think almost anything would be diminished in comparison to the emotion stirred in the last one (if I remember correctly, I had the tissue box close by). However, Awaken showed that this series won’t slow down any time soon. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">Stevie Rae had some major developments and I’m a lot less worried about her character now. The tempo of the book was a bit different from previous books. For example, there was less group co-operation between Zoey and her friends but it makes sense with the storyline progression. There wasn’t much I didn’t like about the book, except it seemed a little slower than previous books. I think this had something to do with the lack of action in this book. However, I definitely wouldn’t call the book ‘slow’. I loved seeing the new relationship developments after the ending of Burned for Zoey and Stark and I loved the developments with Stevie Rae. There were instances where the developments were not happy but I love how P.C. and Kirstin Cast are willing to have sadder endings for the characters. Her books show that life is not always completely happy but when one door closes another opens. It also shows that when certain things happen it doesn’t mean the end of all happiness. In general, I think the life lessons used in the books are really appropriate for teenagers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">For parents: There are a few references to sex and making love in this book but no graphic descriptions. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">My rating out of 5:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">4/5</span></strong></span></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-83986081522408249402011-02-04T02:03:00.000-08:002011-02-04T02:03:59.424-08:00Follow me Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYx3Ae81JhjEmAop930ZoTB4yV_g1cvgEeM-BOX_jZ25dM2XBdmaBCIrs6PTXNnRBpbEOyfS7XtbdU1cB56BAYct_JTVLdKQSQA7AlRHd1F0-PaTznyhUvGlFDASUwsR0lEZH2nzRHf7z2/s1600/cfbmemebutton-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYx3Ae81JhjEmAop930ZoTB4yV_g1cvgEeM-BOX_jZ25dM2XBdmaBCIrs6PTXNnRBpbEOyfS7XtbdU1cB56BAYct_JTVLdKQSQA7AlRHd1F0-PaTznyhUvGlFDASUwsR0lEZH2nzRHf7z2/s1600/cfbmemebutton-2.png" /></a></div> Book Blogger Hop hosted by <a href="http://www.crazy-for-books.com/">Crazy For Books</a> so head on over to join in the fun!<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"> "What are you reading now and why are you reading it?"</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILqtBzp-dFAXwy7-oPWGVVHIvghBdcJlW2GmCENVskm1Wyrk53v5lOD0vBPhHqO0aJmckdagHKPRhA3XoYw_kdw9gppgxhAyEmIf8N4c5cgoNMCeN6_U0JpX1yu4O3UFpzxU29xmK8Z-b/s1600/n356098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILqtBzp-dFAXwy7-oPWGVVHIvghBdcJlW2GmCENVskm1Wyrk53v5lOD0vBPhHqO0aJmckdagHKPRhA3XoYw_kdw9gppgxhAyEmIf8N4c5cgoNMCeN6_U0JpX1yu4O3UFpzxU29xmK8Z-b/s320/n356098.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: orange;">My Answer:</span></strong> I'm Reading Awaken (House of Night, book 8) by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast because I LOVE this series and so far I'm loving this new book. </span></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-65435618778156053362011-02-04T01:07:00.000-08:002011-02-16T07:03:49.504-08:00Eagerly Anticipating for Feburary 2011<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><u> Adult</u></span></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwrQBW92Ki1hddqwrZK_JP_6L5p6wCnGThabS1w03mvPA1kuvLD8LsTWeYxn55kZnTm68c-7-eTwbVCLZPtPtkdgjZvm5QuBewO3Aj96MhiNs-x-pD51_cT9FaTxmG9guHnKBNTdLylOf/s1600/8273002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwrQBW92Ki1hddqwrZK_JP_6L5p6wCnGThabS1w03mvPA1kuvLD8LsTWeYxn55kZnTm68c-7-eTwbVCLZPtPtkdgjZvm5QuBewO3Aj96MhiNs-x-pD51_cT9FaTxmG9guHnKBNTdLylOf/s200/8273002.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Kimberly Frost</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Halfway Hexed (A Southern Witch Novel, book 3)</span></span><br />
<br />
New witch Tammy Jo Trask has a whole town full of trouble, in the latest from the national bestselling author of Barely Bewitched.<br />
<br />
First, there are the local residents who form a scripture-spouting posse and kidnap Tammy to "defend" Duvall, Texas, against witchcraft. Next, someone saddles her with a secret package chock full of dangerous visions, just as the president of WAM-the World Association of Magic- arrives with his entourage to investigate her. And who worse to examine Tammy's entanglement with off-limits and drop-dead gorgeous wizard Bryn Lyons than his ex-girlfriend? Not to mention that the clash between the locals and the magical visitors leads to a series of unnatural disasters that may doom them all. <br />
<br />
While the fate of the town hangs in the balance, one thing's certain: this would-be witch is ready to rumble, Texas style.<br />
<br />
Paperback: 336 pages<br />
Publisher: Berkley Trade <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(February 1, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0425238768<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0425238769<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVC5gmFB1OXSOeuOZXViwEsH0pnUDUj3MR9YdYHwPtIRh-4lfH9srJOC6B6LKEPW7QRVYjMFeA6I_WMO7BTK4UWxnDUcRTkWqBBPL1UfO4hZdfCu6KKeC7nbLD_15KBefDLTGLytknf6v/s1600/8272495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVC5gmFB1OXSOeuOZXViwEsH0pnUDUj3MR9YdYHwPtIRh-4lfH9srJOC6B6LKEPW7QRVYjMFeA6I_WMO7BTK4UWxnDUcRTkWqBBPL1UfO4hZdfCu6KKeC7nbLD_15KBefDLTGLytknf6v/s200/8272495.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Michelle Rowen </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Nightshade, book 1</span></span><br />
<br />
Jillian Conrad never believed in vampires-until she was unwillingly injected with a serum that was supposed to act as a deadly poison to them. Now, tormented half-vampire Declan Reese wants her blood to destroy the undead kingdom. Unfortunately, the serum has also made her blood irresistible to all vampires-including Declan, whose desire for Jillian is more than mere hunger.<br />
<br />
Paperback: 352 pages<br />
Publisher: Berkley <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(February 1, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0425239829<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0425239827<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JGhTvG9lqrTRYK_d4EszQb_nRAzlZyx5-hiSyMJkAtqy-_NDb6rYJpWyZKheW5gzbtGuBSHONrkOP0gCtnCOzelUmlJ-teI-OPx28gfji16WUXazx3clBsV_6N5asjqj8MdMqQFoxyTv/s1600/image_thumb51.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JGhTvG9lqrTRYK_d4EszQb_nRAzlZyx5-hiSyMJkAtqy-_NDb6rYJpWyZKheW5gzbtGuBSHONrkOP0gCtnCOzelUmlJ-teI-OPx28gfji16WUXazx3clBsV_6N5asjqj8MdMqQFoxyTv/s200/image_thumb51.jpeg" width="125" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Sophie Littlefield</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: orange;">Aftertime, book 1</span></span><br />
<br />
Awakening in a bleak landscape as scarred as her body, Cass Dollar vaguely recalls surviving something terrible. Having no idea how many weeks have passed, she slowly realizes the horrifying truth: Ruthie has vanished.<br />
<br />
And with her, nearly all of civilization.<br />
<br />
Where once-lush hills carried cars and commerce, the roads today see only cannibalistic Beaters—people turned hungry for human flesh by a government experiment gone wrong.<br />
<br />
In a broken, barren California, Cass will undergo a harrowing quest to get Ruthie back. Few people trust an outsider, let alone a woman who became a zombie and somehow turned back, but she finds help from an enigmatic outlaw, Smoke. Smoke is her savior, and her safety.<br />
<br />
For the Beaters are out there.<br />
<br />
And the humans grip at survival with their trigger fingers. Especially when they learn that she and Ruthie have become the most feared, and desired, of weapons in a brave new world….<br />
<br />
Paperback: 384 pages<br />
Publisher: Luna; Original edition <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(February 15, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0373803362<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0373803361<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS388qDarJELnccnGOE6zhWpAk7qr0kvQ0tyYoBbsoVrqj7_VFlAYbNnRItcA97ua-Bobxqc5D_pKAzhz2CTNsuD-W35O0RFtXdWwxd1iKIYGcQtiqCCUrPFVkMWdKltOEFLC1vF-C7SXw/s1600/6750765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS388qDarJELnccnGOE6zhWpAk7qr0kvQ0tyYoBbsoVrqj7_VFlAYbNnRItcA97ua-Bobxqc5D_pKAzhz2CTNsuD-W35O0RFtXdWwxd1iKIYGcQtiqCCUrPFVkMWdKltOEFLC1vF-C7SXw/s200/6750765.jpg" width="128" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"> Suzanne McLeod</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: orange;">The Bitter Seed of Magic (Spellcrackers, book 3)</span></span><br />
<br />
On the surface, Genny's life seems ripple-free right now. Finn, her sexy boss, has stopped pushing for a decision on their relationship. The seductive vampire Malik al-Khan has vanished back into the shadows. And the witches have declared her no longer a threat. But unless Genny can find a way to break the fertility curse afflicting London's fae, she knows this is just the lull before the magical storm. Then a faeling - a teenage girl - is fished out of the River Thames, dead and bound with magic, and Genny is called into investigate. As she digs through the clues, her search takes a sinister and dangerous turn, exposing age-old secrets that might be better left buried. Then another faeling disappears, and Genny finds herself in a race against time to save the faeling and stop the curse from claiming its next victim - herself!<br />
<br />
Paperback: 416 pages<br />
Publisher: Gollancz; Export ed edition <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(February 17, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0575084324<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0575084322<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSrnY-BJFMfvF2A6VFWdCPX7c9JN6g3yhBcTzvKAFEFpzE51fvWBgoCr48Y2QgmeSannw0QugZF-F7-iH30yOlNEfXiywrV4mmznjpeARLbGJeTJ_X6QpcsyU53ZfJiezEyJu55hZbsiR/s1600/8230578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSrnY-BJFMfvF2A6VFWdCPX7c9JN6g3yhBcTzvKAFEFpzE51fvWBgoCr48Y2QgmeSannw0QugZF-F7-iH30yOlNEfXiywrV4mmznjpeARLbGJeTJ_X6QpcsyU53ZfJiezEyJu55hZbsiR/s200/8230578.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Adrian Phoenix</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;"> Etched in Bone, book 4</span></span><br />
<br />
SON OF A FALLEN ANGEL. FORGED IN VAMPIRE’S BLOOD. SWORN TO A MORTAL WOMAN. IF DANTE FALLS, THE WORLD FALLS WITH HIM. . . . <br />
<br />
THREE LEGACIES ETCHED IN BONE <br />
<br />
More beautiful and powerful than any creature the world has ever seen, Dante Baptiste has become the supreme target of the three worlds that spawned him. The mortal agents of the Shadow Branch have tried to control his mind through psychological torture. The vampire elders who guide nightkind society have plotted to use him in their bloodthirsty bid for power. And the Fallen have waited for millennia for Dante to claim his birthright as their Maker. But Dante belongs to no one—except the woman he loves. . . . <br />
<br />
ONE PASSION SWORN IN BLOOD <br />
<br />
Determined to face the Fallen and the world on his own terms, Dante hopes to piece together his shattered past and claim his future, with FBI agent Heather Wallace at his side. But in Heather’s human family awaits an unexpected enemy. One who could rip Heather from Dante’s heart and fill the holes with bullets. One who could force Dante to choose his darkest destiny—as the Great Destroyer. . . .<br />
<br />
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages<br />
Publisher: Pocket <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(February 22, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 1439137307<br />
ISBN-13: 978-1439137307<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYfbeC-88taMYBnGRIdabifh5tdb6xHfte3_wPsEJvnzE78WVvQUujOG5mLxVIzZp-No4eqfUtEFD8GjORkoLxD3IrgvYe3N1MXnrITFQQrOjznKKNzbtK7C9hap8VKILkpm0QfIYoPT3/s1600/7757683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYfbeC-88taMYBnGRIdabifh5tdb6xHfte3_wPsEJvnzE78WVvQUujOG5mLxVIzZp-No4eqfUtEFD8GjORkoLxD3IrgvYe3N1MXnrITFQQrOjznKKNzbtK7C9hap8VKILkpm0QfIYoPT3/s200/7757683.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"> Jaye Wells</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: orange;">Green Eyed Demon (Sabina Kane, book 3)</span></span><br />
<br />
Things to do:<br />
<br />
1. Rescue sister.<br />
2. Murder grandmother.<br />
3. Don't upset the voodoo priestess.<br />
<br />
The clock is ticking for Sabina Kane. Her sister has been kidnapped by her grandmother, the Dark Races are on the brink of war, and a mysterious order is manipulating everyone behind the scenes.<br />
<br />
Working on information provided by an unlikely ally, Sabina and her trusty sidekicks--a sexy mage named Adam Lazarus and Giguhl, a Mischief demon--head to New Orleans to begin the hunt for her sister. Once there, they must contend with belligerent werewolves, magic-wielding vampires and--perhaps most frightening of all--humans.<br />
<br />
But as much as Sabina is focused on surviving the present, the past won't be ignored. Before she can save those she cares about most, she must save herself from the ghosts of her past.<br />
<br />
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages<br />
Publisher: Orbit <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(February 22, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 031603777X<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0316037778<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFWuGYO_JtWyUCb-KXXxJMkyj70RjsHOsZen9ZmCTe6YITqG_nXexNuaRMFwFZr2ydVj-cHQN70F0_UbJPcJNX0y-gZjonGN_UIywJ17SnBI0I5y0L-2U-7w9DPekGGuiFlRE7y6kKw2q/s1600/8840097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFWuGYO_JtWyUCb-KXXxJMkyj70RjsHOsZen9ZmCTe6YITqG_nXexNuaRMFwFZr2ydVj-cHQN70F0_UbJPcJNX0y-gZjonGN_UIywJ17SnBI0I5y0L-2U-7w9DPekGGuiFlRE7y6kKw2q/s200/8840097.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Richelle Mead</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: orange;">Iron Crowned (Dark Swan, book 3)</span></span><br />
<br />
New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead takes readers back to the Otherworld, an embattled realm mystically entwined with our world--and ruled by one woman's dangerous choice. . .<br />
<br />
Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham is the best at banishing entities trespassing in the mortal realm. But as the Thorn Land's queen, she's fast running out of ways to end the brutal war devastating her kingdom. Her only hope: the Iron Crown, a legendary object even the most powerful gentry fear. . .<br />
<br />
Who Eugenie can trust is the hardest part. Fairy king Dorian has his own agenda for aiding her search. And Kiyo, her shape-shifter ex-boyfriend, has every reason to betray her along the way. To control the Crown's ever-consuming powers, Eugenie will have to confront an unimaginable temptation--one that will put her soul and the fate of two worlds in mortal peril. . .<br />
<br />
Paperback: 352 pages<br />
Publisher: Zebra <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(February 22, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 1420111795<br />
ISBN-13: 978-1420111798<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8plNaVcjYYvoNppBnAk34_9hz4_RTbB4vztFYXcGzyxRXked2f7EdLLq-wMIQdd2U3qXWxFXAb1_Tqi1kRduUtRBuVv-TmdVEd1b0TaLBzguv0cU2qEDRbHduKLUmkkOqUkFKCrSeEhe/s1600/8138071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8plNaVcjYYvoNppBnAk34_9hz4_RTbB4vztFYXcGzyxRXked2f7EdLLq-wMIQdd2U3qXWxFXAb1_Tqi1kRduUtRBuVv-TmdVEd1b0TaLBzguv0cU2qEDRbHduKLUmkkOqUkFKCrSeEhe/s200/8138071.jpg" width="132" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Kim Harrison</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Pale Demon (Rachel Morgan/The Hollows, book 9)</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Condemned to death for black magic and shunned, Rachel Morgan has three days to somehow get to the annual witches convention in San Francisco and clear her name. If she fails, the only way she can escape death is to live in the demonic ever after . . . for ever after. <br />
<br />
Banned from the flight lists, Rachel teams up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack, headed for the West Coast for his own mysterious business. But Rachel isn’t the only passanger along for the ride. Can a witch, an elf, a living vampire, and a pixy in one car survive for over 2,300 miles? And that’s not counting the assassin on their tail. <br />
<br />
A fearsome demon walks the sunlight, freed after centuries of torment to slay the innocent and devour souls. But his ultimate prey is Rachel Morgan. While the powerful witch with nerves of steel will do whatever it takes to stay alive, even embracing her own demonic nature may not be enough to save her.<br />
<br />
Hardcover: 448 pages<br />
Publisher: Eos <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(February 22, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0061138061<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0061138065<br />
Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1 inches<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NKZhl4Lpysb5uTCFumhkHftZzf5h5W6wQEznTOuYbcTNyUIwG8ceCo3e-OOo83OSXMEy3EnjmaED5NarNTReLtxZG3VloVZcxk5jCX5L2uCKZAvI8hM1ma8urSN2If7gIJ6y8R-fGnhi/s1600/6871617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NKZhl4Lpysb5uTCFumhkHftZzf5h5W6wQEznTOuYbcTNyUIwG8ceCo3e-OOo83OSXMEy3EnjmaED5NarNTReLtxZG3VloVZcxk5jCX5L2uCKZAvI8hM1ma8urSN2If7gIJ6y8R-fGnhi/s200/6871617.jpg" width="123" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jeaniene Frost</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, book 5)</span></span><br />
<br />
The highly anticipated continuation of Jeaniene Frost's New York Times and USA Today bestselling Night Huntress series, in which Cat and Bones face an enemy unlike any they've met before.<br />
<br />
Danger waits on both sides of the grave. <br />
<br />
Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance...<br />
<br />
With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"--the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war. ...to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.<br />
<br />
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages<br />
Publisher: Avon <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(February 22, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0061783188<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0061783180<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><u>Young Adult</u></div><div align="center"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXd267PmxCxJOpxiWaE7OUx9Vq71LPg8272v39pD-r8xpn5OyGSesDNeB1KQ-K4ZkAz1EBFImKLEUlvi6TQcvNbaQCvC1SkK_RBSIe2hG5Gyd7YRsnZ3JMeKxfKpOyaP6GfymGF6BJYC-Q/s1600/7827221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXd267PmxCxJOpxiWaE7OUx9Vq71LPg8272v39pD-r8xpn5OyGSesDNeB1KQ-K4ZkAz1EBFImKLEUlvi6TQcvNbaQCvC1SkK_RBSIe2hG5Gyd7YRsnZ3JMeKxfKpOyaP6GfymGF6BJYC-Q/s200/7827221.jpg" width="131" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Kimberly Derting</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Desires of the Dead (The Body Finder, book 2)</span></span><br />
<br />
The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found. <br />
<br />
Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life. <br />
<br />
As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.<br />
<br />
Reading level: Young Adult<br />
Hardcover: 368 pages<br />
Publisher: HarperCollins <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(February 15, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0061779849<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0061779848<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKzQXVPiVx-msFfFtPEnMUcUfb8_51iwOlnCCTZiBhSZAmgMoMdZsLQk3IR3iXFLu1I4aj3wWsgZ9f5tt8BCGwuB8yuvS08xBzG5xJ4yVTHyRE83wRykJBlYOzeRFfEfbwRwzx0WpVfuO/s1600/8662410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKzQXVPiVx-msFfFtPEnMUcUfb8_51iwOlnCCTZiBhSZAmgMoMdZsLQk3IR3iXFLu1I4aj3wWsgZ9f5tt8BCGwuB8yuvS08xBzG5xJ4yVTHyRE83wRykJBlYOzeRFfEfbwRwzx0WpVfuO/s200/8662410.jpg" width="132" /><br />
</a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Shannon Delany</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Secrets and Shadows (13 to Life, book 2)</span></span><br />
<br />
Nothing’s simple when you run with werewolves. Jess Gillmansen thinks she’s seen it all but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she’s suspected. With Jess’s realization that the Rusakovas’ mother is still alive and imprisoned, the group’s choices become harder and trust more important. Lines are drawn and relationships change as the broken Rusakova family struggles to reunite long enough to free their mother and people who Jess always just took to be normal people show themselves to be much, much more.<br />
<br />
Reading level: Young Adult<br />
Paperback: 320 pages<br />
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(February 15, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0312609159<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0312609153Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-55405667920744695852011-02-03T23:56:00.000-08:002011-02-03T23:56:58.930-08:00Eagerly Anticipating for January 2011<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">This feature is a little late but better late than never</div><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><u> Adult </u></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN4NUlt4utcWt80XsNskNvF6xFssGHA3L-6GvpSvKS_7FZnMoPRB-WCWeBXNSlXqJV-kWT8Wx6Qm7a3XQKvfp8z3tS-11wsTT1RzpFwaOu6k428AQS-cPHbUbMY9SJ_yNOfXQIaSvDCH-/s1600/7746424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN4NUlt4utcWt80XsNskNvF6xFssGHA3L-6GvpSvKS_7FZnMoPRB-WCWeBXNSlXqJV-kWT8Wx6Qm7a3XQKvfp8z3tS-11wsTT1RzpFwaOu6k428AQS-cPHbUbMY9SJ_yNOfXQIaSvDCH-/s200/7746424.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Nicole Peeler </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">T</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">empest's Legacy (Jane True, book 3)</span></span><br />
<br />
After a peaceful hiatus at home in Rockabill, Jane True thinks that her worst problem is that she still throws like a girl - at least while throwing fireballs. Her peace of mind ends, however, when Anyan arrives one night with terrible news . . . news that will rock Jane's world to its very core.<br />
<br />
After demanding to help investigate a series of gruesome attacks on females -- supernatural, halfling, and human -- Jane quickly finds herself forced to confront her darkest nightmares as well as her deepest desires.<br />
<br />
And she's not sure which she finds more frightening.<br />
<br />
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages<br />
Publisher: Orbit; 1 edition <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(January 1, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 031605660X<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0316056601<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKthEu6dspnCV5K5LTMsP3yJhChUR5C_GLh7hZTKPkFsPoBvRDRruCZDKPWDd_Ilzo-kSTCwZl7MwX8u8Xnj2e-24rlmyClWMdD0mHcJuOczZm7r6GiXp0hSE1GVoFihDE0x_o58HTpHtf/s1600/7828816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKthEu6dspnCV5K5LTMsP3yJhChUR5C_GLh7hZTKPkFsPoBvRDRruCZDKPWDd_Ilzo-kSTCwZl7MwX8u8Xnj2e-24rlmyClWMdD0mHcJuOczZm7r6GiXp0hSE1GVoFihDE0x_o58HTpHtf/s200/7828816.jpg" width="123" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Faith Hunter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: orange;">Mercy Blade (Jane Yellowrock, Book 3) </span></span><br />
<br />
Jane, a shapeshifting vampire-hunter-for-hire, crosses paths with a stranger who has arrived in New Orleans, enlisted to hunt vampires who have gone insane-or so he says...<br />
<br />
Paperback: 320 pages<br />
Publisher: Roc; Original edition <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(January 4, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0451463722<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0451463722<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK4Uc97890Q0Ord2k1nLjGlwhNhK5QDh0BNDWoKcUxbdVq9D698kfxyY-dgtPd-lH_5XU0KhD60Uxq5zd1-vw62FzjAJ5VyapvvlDFgMkBr414iUq8XDzWOTVHFFqvwzPNrt2mK-wJcTc/s1600/8107779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhK4Uc97890Q0Ord2k1nLjGlwhNhK5QDh0BNDWoKcUxbdVq9D698kfxyY-dgtPd-lH_5XU0KhD60Uxq5zd1-vw62FzjAJ5VyapvvlDFgMkBr414iUq8XDzWOTVHFFqvwzPNrt2mK-wJcTc/s200/8107779.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KwzlmMGWJCAbBHpjuzOxzeMaBU-npeOGOxcbUHp8HBMQT_i2wCAUenRs_WFyr1hoEF1gr2MnqM4rb6HyxQk2Dy0VEU_pPvS8dx6hIPbIo6lXdIbdECQ-VL_I1xed4h94LNoT5mnGBOmn/s1600/51jW2AmcT-L._SL500_AA240_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><span style="font-size: large;">Diana Rowland </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Secrets of the Demon (Kara Gillian, Book 3)</span></span><br />
<br />
Homicide detective Kara Gillian has a special talent: she can sense the "arcane" in our world, and there's quite a bit of it, even in Beaulac, Louisiana. She's also a summoner of demons, and works on a task force that deals with supernatural crimes. Her partners are attractive and smart FBI agents, but they're not summoners, and they're not telling Kara why they are on this special force with her. <br />
<br />
To make things worse, Kara has pledged herself to one of the most powerful of demons-a Demon Lord-who helped save her partner's life, but now expects things in return. Meanwhile, she's trying to solve a string of murders that are somehow tied together by money, sex, rock music and...mud. But how can she concentrate on the case when she's not even sure who-or what-her partners are?<br />
<br />
<br />
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages<br />
Publisher: DAW; Original edition <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(January 4, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0756406528<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0756406523<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxitptC__wQHhaflJqPHORbO6SsASr35fYbrOdueHJtnXeeyLJoezypXS-MFJdHA8fJN8_M4bIZaJYtBjmIhwfVFXV5Ar4nzCgsGNvv8_FhgEVGdpviZy6GnEDJ_YnRi2MZfb1Ws53OSNr/s1600/7936594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxitptC__wQHhaflJqPHORbO6SsASr35fYbrOdueHJtnXeeyLJoezypXS-MFJdHA8fJN8_M4bIZaJYtBjmIhwfVFXV5Ar4nzCgsGNvv8_FhgEVGdpviZy6GnEDJ_YnRi2MZfb1Ws53OSNr/s200/7936594.jpg" width="123" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Jess Haines</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Taken By The Others (H&W Investigations, book 2) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Once, New York P.I. Shiarra Waynest's most pressing problem was keeping her agency afloat. Now she's dealing with two dangerous, seductive vampires who have been enemies for centuries. The only thing Max Carlyle and Alec Royce agree on is that they both want Shia - for very different reasons. Max is determined to destroy Shia for killing his progeny, while Royce's interest is a lot more personal. That's not sitting well with Shia's werewolf boyfriend, Chaz. As the feud between Max and Royce gets ever more deadly, a powerful vampire-hunting faction is urging Shia to join their side. Shia has always believed vamps were the bad guys, but she's discovering unexpected shades of grey that are about to redefine her friends, her loyalties - and even her desires.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Paperback: 352 pages<br />
Publisher: Zebra; Original edition </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(January 1, 2011)</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 1420111884<br />
ISBN-13: 978-1420111880<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-Sn7yt2QxgPa7TyjrCSnW6bHoivzIU4yWF6gS8ousUKIZglr1upTCaQ25FQT5tnYIVK7Ogv2DGG1BNpPhGgJdWBoR5n554wJTrfsCYgiDvq8ac3OPTGRbP0NDjYRhF5-n6fWn8zsiwkR/s1600/7304203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-Sn7yt2QxgPa7TyjrCSnW6bHoivzIU4yWF6gS8ousUKIZglr1upTCaQ25FQT5tnYIVK7Ogv2DGG1BNpPhGgJdWBoR5n554wJTrfsCYgiDvq8ac3OPTGRbP0NDjYRhF5-n6fWn8zsiwkR/s200/7304203.jpg" width="121" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Karen Marie Moning </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Shadowfever (MacKayla Lane, book 5) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> In Dreamfever, Karen Marie Moning has left listeners with the most heart-stopping cliff-hanger to date. Shadowfever will answer all the questions fans have been dying to know in the final chapter of MacKayla Lane's shockingly suspenseful and deeply satisfying adventure.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Hardcover: 608 pages<br />
Publisher: Delacorte Press </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(January 18, 2011)</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0385341679<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0385341677<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJptPy5YYp4ToEikAyqDVCl3ogHN7A0HTZNNgFH3r2lYGXS6jchwc5k71mkjYMRrwr7GqWDOJrzUikkNogY1sbRp__nLSgp41sqe5Kp1coNsxvTm3aQyu8j46jOrwyEm4L5uEhffTv9zJr/s1600/7294543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJptPy5YYp4ToEikAyqDVCl3ogHN7A0HTZNNgFH3r2lYGXS6jchwc5k71mkjYMRrwr7GqWDOJrzUikkNogY1sbRp__nLSgp41sqe5Kp1coNsxvTm3aQyu8j46jOrwyEm4L5uEhffTv9zJr/s200/7294543.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Tracey O'hara</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Death's Sweet Embrace (A Dark Brethren Novel, book 2) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> After centuries of secret conflict, humans and parahumans have reached an uneasy truce. But unspeakable evil now threatens the tenuous peace. <br />
<br />
Teenaged shapeshifters are being slaughtered by a sadistic serial killer who rips their still-beating hearts from their paralyzed bodies. A task force forms to halt the madness, including the vampiric Aeternus Antoinette Petrescu, as well as Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, members of enemy Animalian tribes . . . and forbidden lovers. <br />
<br />
A centuries-old blood feud has divided their shapeshifting peoples, and if their passion is discovered it will doom them both. But past hostilities must be put aside, for the killer they seek is but the first sign of the all-consuming nightmare of The Dark Brethren.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages<br />
Publisher: Eos </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(January 25, 2011)</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0061783145<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0061783142</span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Young Adult </u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br />
</u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8UCLQo6Lm0fm98SBSkFv23EmxDpLTjvFxhyxpggd52Ov6Zm8znqui1HQEYR4i1CBllqle9TUPcrJs7BiwB3So-WH8C4egZ7UjU5-vyy4fcWvFWDIHQapUVHWhONbGpFYyMxKPrpeo5gE/s1600/8487363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8UCLQo6Lm0fm98SBSkFv23EmxDpLTjvFxhyxpggd52Ov6Zm8znqui1HQEYR4i1CBllqle9TUPcrJs7BiwB3So-WH8C4egZ7UjU5-vyy4fcWvFWDIHQapUVHWhONbGpFYyMxKPrpeo5gE/s200/8487363.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><br />
Rachel Vincent<br />
My Soul to Steal (Soul Screamers, Book 4)<br />
<br />
Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can't just pretend nothing happened. But "complicated" doesn't even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.<br />
<br />
See, Sabine isn't just an ordinary girl. She's a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people's fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.<br />
<br />
And Sabine isn't above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.<br />
<br />
Reading level: Young Adult<br />
Paperback: 352 pages<br />
Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(January 1, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0373210272<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0373210275<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkGllbcAbu5-p3IRTW-AumCTrObFXGu-SNNu2YOpDsViO2C7VGbb_VY0SsuofJv-vFTWLwM0QUR7Ks5InS7kpKseUTrZKwmlvPTgzvQNpOOpQlhuZZrYLA7Qq67K0iZT-EfTVvZ4sqDrB/s1600/7933598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkGllbcAbu5-p3IRTW-AumCTrObFXGu-SNNu2YOpDsViO2C7VGbb_VY0SsuofJv-vFTWLwM0QUR7Ks5InS7kpKseUTrZKwmlvPTgzvQNpOOpQlhuZZrYLA7Qq67K0iZT-EfTVvZ4sqDrB/s200/7933598.jpg" width="131" /></a></div> P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast<br />
Awakened (House of Night, book 8)<br />
<br />
Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey. Dominion over Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z. But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there. Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it? Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either…<br />
<br />
And what about Stevie Rae and Rephaim? The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be okay with their relationship? Does he betray his father or his heart?<br />
<br />
In the pulse-pounding 8th book in the bestselling House of Night series, how far will the bonds of friendship stretch and how strong are the ties that bind one girl’s heart?<br />
<br />
Reading level: Young Adult<br />
Hardcover: 304 pages<br />
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(January 4, 2011)</span></span><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0312650248<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0312650247<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4CxNiULY5jb5gk5gzoq9N-8_GxUlksZd2OQZy4u7gc_ulpobfdMjXEf5xn0GuucEke8eyoQLhvpqqC0oo_BNXVq8D_vd_EQy3pglHelvCawr2XJfEyM9CcHO1FX2yHFGo9gyRrqC9mKn/s1600/8161632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4CxNiULY5jb5gk5gzoq9N-8_GxUlksZd2OQZy4u7gc_ulpobfdMjXEf5xn0GuucEke8eyoQLhvpqqC0oo_BNXVq8D_vd_EQy3pglHelvCawr2XJfEyM9CcHO1FX2yHFGo9gyRrqC9mKn/s200/8161632.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> Jenna Black </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Shadowspell (Faeriewalker, book 2)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana’s in trouble, since it’s common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her – and her rare Faeriewalker powers – dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking’s got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Reading level: Young Adult<br />
Paperback: 304 pages<br />
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Original edition </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">(January 4, 2011)</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 0312575947<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0312575946</span><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-38043693822855230842011-02-03T01:32:00.000-08:002011-02-03T01:32:26.998-08:00Vicious Grace by M.L.N. Hanover - The Black Sun's Daughter book 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuicwr7tHA-mVy-SpC_kBaEoBfdkZtnL-tbSPKXo6x6bsi-U0TWlblbwMPrytRzmE3fLX3L-haoGtUmIWjM8_QPO-A_sKXpn-2QQHPokpFmJIe3z-JfvyLVr_hu4b3XZ_CZA9jz4BSl7b/s1600/n354669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuicwr7tHA-mVy-SpC_kBaEoBfdkZtnL-tbSPKXo6x6bsi-U0TWlblbwMPrytRzmE3fLX3L-haoGtUmIWjM8_QPO-A_sKXpn-2QQHPokpFmJIe3z-JfvyLVr_hu4b3XZ_CZA9jz4BSl7b/s400/n354669.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Book description</strong><br />
<br />
When you’re staring evil in the eye, don’t forget to watch your back . . . <br />
<br />
For the first time in forever, Jayné Heller’s life is making sense. Even if she routinely risks her life to destroy demonic parasites that prey on mortals, she now has friends, colleagues, a trusted lover, and newfound confidence in the mission she inherited from her wealthy, mysterious uncle. Her next job might just rob her of all of them. At Grace Memorial Hospital in Chicago, something is stirring. Patients are going AWOL and research subjects share the same sinister dreams. Half a century ago, something was buried under Grace in a terrible ritual, and it’s straining to be free. Jayné is primed to take on whatever’s about to be let loose. Yet the greatest danger now may not be the huge, unseen force lurking below, but the evil that has been hiding in plain sight all along—taking her ever closer to losing her body, her mind, and her soul. . . .<br />
<br />
<strong>Summary</strong><br />
<br />
After the unexpected death of her Uncle Eric, Jayne Heller found out she had inherited all of his vast estate and all of his paranormal legacy. This legacy included his work helping people affected by 'Riders'. Riders is the generic term for things that possess people, some examples are vampires, lycans, spirits, voodoo gods, and types of demons.<br />
<br />
Jayne gathered a group of men that worked with her uncle Eric and hired them to be part of her circle, so they could guide her in how to deal with the Riders. In this latest installment, Vicious Grace, they've been summoned to Chicago, to a hospital that is experiencing some very disturbing problems. The person that called them to the hospital is Jayne's lover Aubrey's ex wife, Kim.When helping to rid the hospital of a rider and in the process save the world, Jayne and her compainions find out startling revelations about Eric.<br />
<br />
<strong>Review</strong><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">This is one of those series where you forget how good it is until you read the next book. Then, when you’re reading it, you are like ‘I LOVE this series’. I lost a lot of sleep because of this book. I could not put it down. It just got better and better and when I got to the end, I pondered what could be coming in the next book for awhile.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">There are so many great things about this book and when combined they create an edge of your seat experience that is thrilling. Some of the things that helped to create the amazing read include: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jayne’s jealously of Aubrey’s wife and in opposition to this the respect for her that she has and the friendship she has found with her, the tension between Aubrey and Ex, the mystery that links back and forward through the books, Jayne’s character development and her stagnation, the fascinating detailed world of riders and magic, the mystery of her uncle Eric and the secrets the characters are keeping, Chogyi Jake’s wisdom and Jayne’s determination to follow the legacy of her Uncle to the possible loss of her life even though she is out of her depth, and finally the revelations, their impacts…..and then the pain, the guilt and the realisations.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">It was a seemingly, well researched book, with the description of hospital functions being accurate and well integrated, real history components used for explanations about the Riders.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">I think this is the best book in the series so far. So if you have already read and liked the first two books, I don’t think you will be disappointed. If you are a first time reader I would recommend going back and reading the first two before you read this one as the content of other books will help you appreciate this book more. Despite the recap at the beginning, I wouldn’t suggest you read this as a stand-alone book. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"> My Rating out of 5:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>5/5</strong></span></span></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-19267723568449973872011-02-02T20:59:00.000-08:002011-02-02T21:08:54.668-08:00Waiting on Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdUfwOK0lRfpYZfSZIoaNYSQPXKjF-Ck4D46EZUO55PmQ4CNckcU0_PB0me4J_R6i6m-YA9t9l-SiBPxlCpfHXRe_Of0tWNe7nyyqYqQMVIN-GvOf0fiK6yE7PJr2Gkn-HxEN26XvFnn9/s1600/New+WoW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdUfwOK0lRfpYZfSZIoaNYSQPXKjF-Ck4D46EZUO55PmQ4CNckcU0_PB0me4J_R6i6m-YA9t9l-SiBPxlCpfHXRe_Of0tWNe7nyyqYqQMVIN-GvOf0fiK6yE7PJr2Gkn-HxEN26XvFnn9/s1600/New+WoW.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a>, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.<br />
<br />
Go check out Breaking the Spine if you are interested in participating in Waiting on Wednesday! This week's book:<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;"> Iron Crowned (Dark Swan, Book 3) by Richelle Mead</span></span></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">Publication date: February 22, 2011</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GhkzgRLjXSv2SS4zgYFHnWhswCQwgDhDx0SzhQsF-rA1mKyQ6-HDueZJMoxcYJPSm7GEJD06SkvnkycI6olhztgxAMBCdOK9wA_W2SCoZYkWMvUigwYltsgP-s_A6VwTN2nG22LtObBO/s1600/8840097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GhkzgRLjXSv2SS4zgYFHnWhswCQwgDhDx0SzhQsF-rA1mKyQ6-HDueZJMoxcYJPSm7GEJD06SkvnkycI6olhztgxAMBCdOK9wA_W2SCoZYkWMvUigwYltsgP-s_A6VwTN2nG22LtObBO/s320/8840097.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br />
<b>Book Description</b><br />
<br />
New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead takes readers back to the Otherworld, an embattled realm mystically entwined with our world--and ruled by one woman's dangerous choice. . .<br />
<br />
Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham is the best at banishing entities trespassing in the mortal realm. But as the Thorn Land's queen, she's fast running out of ways to end the brutal war devastating her kingdom. Her only hope: the Iron Crown, a legendary object even the most powerful gentry fear. . .<br />
<br />
Who Eugenie can trust is the hardest part. Fairy king Dorian has his own agenda for aiding her search. And Kiyo, her shape-shifter ex-boyfriend, has every reason to betray her along the way. To control the Crown's ever-consuming powers, Eugenie will have to confront an unimaginable temptation--one that will put her soul and the fate of two worlds in mortal peril. . .Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-369348759748794082011-01-26T08:43:00.000-08:002011-01-26T09:06:35.291-08:00Review: Tracey O'Hara - Death's Sweet Embrace - Book 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguikD9TZIqr3Qb60KsTZkwAmflF_eWA7rKcIGYtyhlyWlfbGVTqKpdKVLr-aGm4w44FCzjiDbP6fpnzCh-APyBdxehpxd4ZccKlXso9ztjvaB85Jeh17CzgZp0MtyBAaa4hL7ZlxHCyUe7/s1600/51MnphwwgDL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguikD9TZIqr3Qb60KsTZkwAmflF_eWA7rKcIGYtyhlyWlfbGVTqKpdKVLr-aGm4w44FCzjiDbP6fpnzCh-APyBdxehpxd4ZccKlXso9ztjvaB85Jeh17CzgZp0MtyBAaa4hL7ZlxHCyUe7/s400/51MnphwwgDL._SS500_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Book Description</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>After centuries of secret conflict, humans and parahumans have reached an uneasy truce. But unspeakable evil now threatens the tenuous peace. </i><i><br />
</i><i><br />
</i><i>Teenaged shapeshifters are being slaughtered by a sadistic serial killer who rips their still-beating hearts from their paralyzed bodies. A task force forms to halt the madness, including the vampiric Aeternus Antoinette Petrescu, as well as Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, members of enemy Animalian tribes . . . and forbidden lovers. </i><i><br />
</i><i><br />
</i><i>A centuries-old blood feud has divided their shapeshifting peoples, and if their passion is discovered it will doom them both. But past hostilities must be put aside, for the killer they seek is but the first sign of the all-consuming nightmare of The Dark Brethren.</i><i><br />
</i><i> </i><b> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Review </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I got this book as an ARC for review. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I must admit I was hesitant about this book when I found out that the protagonist had changed to Kitt, a friend of Oberon’s (a secondary character in Night’s Colds Kiss). I tend to treat a spin off book with the same distrust I would give a TV series spin off or a sequel of a classic Disney movie. However, when I read Death’s Sweet Embrace I really enjoyed it. Antionette and Christian were still featured as secondary characters so I could see what they were doing and experience some more fight scenes featuring Antionette, while I learnt about Kitt and grew to love her as well. In essence, demoting Antionette to a secondary character really worked. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Kitt is a snow leopard shifter with black and white hair which is distinctive to the race. She works as a lecturer of parahuman forensic pathology. Raven is the love interest and he was a werewolf. The crime aspect of the story reminded me of the early work by Laurell K Hamilton’s with Anita Blake. Tracey O’Hara displayed the same attention to detail when examining the body post-mortem.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The story was layered with Raven and Kitt’s history. At the beginning it could be a little confusing where a feeling was created where you knew you were missing something, but this added to the intrigue. Just like the first book in the series, death’s sweet embrace had a fascinating mystery involving a serial killer that kept you wondering. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
The book was a little slow at the beginning possibly because of the, at times, frustratingly slow revelations of information concerning Kitt and Raven’s past. In addition, the romance wasn’t filled with as much chemistry as I would have expected with their history. In this way it felt more like a dark urban fantasy than a paranormal romance, more focused on the world and the storyline than the romance. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, I still enjoyed the romance between Kitt and Raven. I loved the idea of these two characters being apart for twenty years but still loving each other, as well as the progressively revealed story about why they separated and the sacrifices they made in their lives. I also really felt for Kitt and while reading I was continually hoping she would get treated with more fairness, be given access to her children and be accepted back into her pack. I was completely surprised when I found out why she was exiled by her father.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On a side note, I was very curious as to how old Kitt was when I read that the shape shifters (Animalian) could live for several hundred years. This wasn’t answered in the book. Raven had to be at least 80 but there was no mention of Kitt’s age that I noticed except a few things mentioned that leads you to conclude that she has to be at least 40 or older. I also had some standout favourite scenes that I absolutely loved. First I loved how Antionette helped Kitt get rid of some unwanted suitors, including the fight afterwards; it was so funny (If you have read the book you’ll know what I mean). Second, the idea for the shadow combat game was great. A unique twist on the idea of using magic and paranormal abilities to compete i.e. baseball with vampire players in the Twilight series and Quidditch in Harry Potter. Finally, one of my favourite parts was when Christian jumps out and surprises Antionette and Kitt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In summary, I’m looking forward to reading the next book. I’m especially looking forward to learning more about the Dark Brethren.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My rating out of 5:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4/5 </b></span></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-45236837004102087262011-01-26T03:32:00.000-08:002011-01-26T03:32:23.977-08:00Waiting on Wednesday - Green-Eyed Demon (Sabina Kane) Jaye Wells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH0-3QkCHung-qqXmF1G6mpVpbQOesgMfpTxfqK4O1ZF7nPCp1i46YZME1JWyl8fMML4TDmZGywR27GuzhDisG1QCRTuC0apPpm_mqFGAKltZSinLoIkmsw8bJX8bSiuzOGK9zC1hcE5H/s1600/New+WoW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH0-3QkCHung-qqXmF1G6mpVpbQOesgMfpTxfqK4O1ZF7nPCp1i46YZME1JWyl8fMML4TDmZGywR27GuzhDisG1QCRTuC0apPpm_mqFGAKltZSinLoIkmsw8bJX8bSiuzOGK9zC1hcE5H/s1600/New+WoW.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a>, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.<br />
<br />
Go check out Breaking the Spine if you are interested in participating in Waiting on Wednesday! This week's book:<br />
<br />
<div align="center"> <span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;">Green-Eyed Demon (Sabina Kane, book 3) by Jaye Wells </span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"> Publication date: February 22, 2011</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdRo10HfESiXT3WIfvd1Yux2GGPVH_mvbXTM4uclQeoxSgBdru-8sCOFTcQXqY8774D7rkjzv-G9dnUPBULLe-ytWiU6TZq9YRxNxp2vOt9ipcGbPkklH5Wk5X9XtKn8ZmobgRSGKzC34/s1600/51m9iS3O1lL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdRo10HfESiXT3WIfvd1Yux2GGPVH_mvbXTM4uclQeoxSgBdru-8sCOFTcQXqY8774D7rkjzv-G9dnUPBULLe-ytWiU6TZq9YRxNxp2vOt9ipcGbPkklH5Wk5X9XtKn8ZmobgRSGKzC34/s320/51m9iS3O1lL._SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Book Description:</strong> </span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-size: small;">Things to do:<br />
<br />
1. Rescue sister.<br />
2. Murder grandmother.<br />
3. Don't upset the voodoo priestess.<br />
<br />
The clock is ticking for Sabina Kane. Her sister has been kidnapped by her grandmother, the Dark Races are on the brink of war, and a mysterious order is manipulating everyone behind the scenes.<br />
<br />
Working on information provided by an unlikely ally, Sabina and her trusty sidekicks--a sexy mage named Adam Lazarus and Giguhl, a Mischief demon--head to New Orleans to begin the hunt for her sister. Once there, they must contend with belligerent werewolves, magic-wielding vampires and--perhaps most frightening of all--humans.<br />
<br />
But as much as Sabina is focused on surviving the present, the past won't be ignored. Before she can save those she cares about most, she must save herself from the ghosts of her past.<br />
</span></em></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-18377632905778291472011-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-23T06:00:03.053-08:00Richelle Mead - Last Sacrifice - Vampire Academy Book 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQAdC5UIo_G6UTbFeXOHBnnexuZ6N-EzVcTDPfdv19dA7_v7aQ5xEq6-SOsTej5_e76613IUewwwo7OgBWpceBl60zXpd30RStA19jpyPctlDn-CfjqhbNZyG-buL4uwjFKd17g9Kzslc/s1600/51rz8TzoWhL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQAdC5UIo_G6UTbFeXOHBnnexuZ6N-EzVcTDPfdv19dA7_v7aQ5xEq6-SOsTej5_e76613IUewwwo7OgBWpceBl60zXpd30RStA19jpyPctlDn-CfjqhbNZyG-buL4uwjFKd17g9Kzslc/s320/51rz8TzoWhL._SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b> </b><b> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Book Description</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><i> </i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><i>Rose is on trial for high treason and the death of Queen Tatiana. Someone is trying to frame her and it looks like even Dimitri might not be able to save her now.</i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Review</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">*May contain spoilers*</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Out of the whole series I think this book was the one I least enjoyed. That being said it was still fabulous. Richelle Mead is one of my absolute favorite authors. I've never read a book of hers that I haven't really enjoyed and most likely gushed over. So when I say I think this book could have been better it is based on really high standards. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">First for a last book there were quite a few loose ends. Richelle has mentioned there will be a spin off series so I’m assuming these issues will be resolved in those books, since they don't directly relate to Rose. There were lots of little things but one issue that was not completely concluded was the servitude of the Dhampirs to the Moroi. I was really hoping there would be some change here. There was some indication by Lissa that there would be change concerning it in the future, but that was it. The same thing can be said for the Moroi fighting.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Second it felt a bit rushed in some aspects and drawn out in others. The romance between Rose and Dimitri had a sudden turn-around from Dimitri saying he couldn’t love anyone anymore, too I love you, and I want to be with you. In contrast the search for Lissa’s sister was longer than I thought it needed to be. I thought this could have been completed quicker and enabled Rose to return to court to flesh out the situation between Rose, Adrian and Dimitri and embellish on the conclusion and some of the loose ends. I think this would have been a better solution than cheating on Adrian. By the end of the book I felt really bad for Adrian. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A lot of time in the book was spent in Lissa’s perspective at court. I found a lot of this pointless. Usually I enjoy reading the bits where this happens but there was too much of it in this book. I would estimate 50% with Rose and 50% with Lissa. Most of this time with Lissa was searching for the queen’s killer and court duties which could be a bit boring at times. Other things that got concluded too quickly was the insanity Rose was gaining from Lissa, her relationship with her parents and her response to how she caused potential problems for other characters that helped her such as Jill. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My rating out of 5</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">4/5</span></b></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-73416916472180313492011-01-22T22:29:00.000-08:002011-01-22T22:29:06.894-08:00Afterlight - Elle Jasper<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqA78i4-IJuN0lZpHtWV_to00WgPkoNGoUsdqhhUZrYvexSOHRG-p3lUbX_t0hzt_j-4I0-IvfncM6bw7yxlen7UZwOBlEPUakR4hOu5ogW8qB99SG99-AQOFdtmgC1mSE5Kc0t6ET-lN/s1600/51dePJKiokL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqA78i4-IJuN0lZpHtWV_to00WgPkoNGoUsdqhhUZrYvexSOHRG-p3lUbX_t0hzt_j-4I0-IvfncM6bw7yxlen7UZwOBlEPUakR4hOu5ogW8qB99SG99-AQOFdtmgC1mSE5Kc0t6ET-lN/s320/51dePJKiokL._SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Book Description</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Savannah's most unconventional tattoo artist, Riley Poe, lives on the edge. Now she's put over the edge when her younger brother is taken by a sinister cult led by vampires. Her only ally is the hot-tempered vampire Eli Dupre, attracted to Riley's beauty and rare blood type. To save her brother from certain un-death, Riley faces dangers she's never dreamed of, ruthless bloodthirsty enemies, and an evil of endless hunger that wants to devour it all...</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Summary</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Riley Poe, a tattoo artist and a former wild child, is a mortal with blood that irresistible to vampires. Riley’s brother begins to turn into a vampire after releasing two powerful and long entombed vampires. To save her brother Riley joins up with the Dupre vampire family to destroy the evil vampires before her brother finishes his transformation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Review</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I really enjoyed Afterlight. I was initially attracted to the cover but was unsure on how good the story would be. I soon realized that this was going to be a great series. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The characters are engaging, the storyline is interesting and the romance is full of sexual tension and denied chemistry. Each character has a distinct personality. For example, there is Giles, the head of the Dupre family. He is upfront and doesn't beat around the bush, but he is a loving father and husband. His wife, Elise, seems delicate and too caring to hurt anyone but can fight and defend her family with the best of them. Then there are the Dupre brothers, Seraphin, Jean-Luc and Eligius (also called Phin, Luc and Eli). Luc and Phin are two peas in a pod but Luc is a bit vain in an adorable way, while Phin is a lot more laid back. Eli, Riley's love interest, is really protective of Riley, has a good sense of humor and can be a bit of a badass. The youngest Dupre, Josephine (Josie) is a two hundred plus year old vampire trapped in the body of a fourteen-year-old. She acts like a modern teenager with a healthy dose of mischief and a carefree attitude. Victorian, one of the escaped vampires, becomes obsessed with Riley and shows that even characters cast in the villain role can be intriguing. Finally Riley is really caring and protective but also resilient, determined and tough. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In general, there are a lot of similarities to the Twilight series but it is still a unique story. Elle created a world that was vivid and detailed with character history and context creation. The romance was a little predictable but still really enjoyable.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My rating out of 5</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">4/5 </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-88709816827241117002011-01-13T10:30:00.000-08:002011-01-26T09:20:09.917-08:00Tracey O'Hara - Night's Cold Kiss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlYMZfcEF75gVK5YadetZQ1LoegZeBdgaNK3th25beEVeN5g6fTz_Ojq3XyxQ7yMRYc02cpkPCpVD-kcpX0fiC9e3Yk6MnMNEensxN-5myo1900FKis5znoj4Xo_yDPjhNZ_cfiK_KkDQ/s1600/9780061783135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlYMZfcEF75gVK5YadetZQ1LoegZeBdgaNK3th25beEVeN5g6fTz_Ojq3XyxQ7yMRYc02cpkPCpVD-kcpX0fiC9e3Yk6MnMNEensxN-5myo1900FKis5znoj4Xo_yDPjhNZ_cfiK_KkDQ/s320/9780061783135.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Book description</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>The tension between the Aeternus, an ancient vampiric people, and humanity has been mounting for over a century. But when rogue vampires begin to drain humans in order to achieve an illegal blood-high, all bets are off. <br />
<br />
After the death of her parents, Antoinette Petrescu devoted her life to becoming one of the top Venators, the elite hunters who destroy the rogue Necrodreniacs. Her kill count is legendary and her skills superb. <br />
<br />
But now the serial killer who killed her parents has returned. And to stop him Antoinette must join forces not only with the Aeternus, but also their most legendary killer. One that is both dangerously attractive, and involved in buried secrets of her past. More dangerous still, a dark attraction grows between them--one that could doom both races.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span lang="EN-AU"><b>Summary</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">When Antoinette Petrescu was a child she witnessed the death of her mother by a Necrodreniac vampire. This experience made Antoinette feel resentment to all vampires. This resentment fuels her motivation to hunt down criminal vampires, as part of an elite Venator corps. However, Antoinette may have finally met her match when she realises her mother’s murderer may still be alive and hunting her. Helping her is Christian, a sexy Aeternus vampire.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><b>Review</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">Nights Cold Kiss has a dark serial killer plotline that incorporates mystery with romance, action and good world building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To counter the dark plotline, Victor, Christian’s best friend was successfully used to lighten the sometimes dark feeling of the book and bring about humour, witty conversation and one-liners. In fact, I loved the Victor character. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">Christian and Antionette have a lot of differences that make them an unlikely match. Christian’s grief over the murder of his wife and father influenced him to kill many humans in his search for their killers, enough to gain the title of the crimson executioner. In comparison, Antionette hates any type of vampire (Aeternus and Dreniacs) since the death of her mother and sister. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there was instant chemistry between Christian and Antionette. Both characters are drawn to the other despite their denying it to themselves and each other. Their relationship is often fiery with lots of sexual tension and suspense. However, I would have liked a little more romance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">Excluding Victor, the character portrayal was probably the weakest area of this book. Christian and Antionette were not always the most likeable characters. There were moments where Christian could be domineering and aggressive (in an unattractive way) and moments where Antionette could be headstrong and rude. In addition, I felt the characters lacked character development. I think there could have been a bit more subtlety and more depth. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the mystery element of the plotline. There were times when I thought I had it all figured out and that it was maybe even a bit obvious but then I would be surprised with a great plot revelation. I also really enjoyed the action scenes. In fact, I thought the plotline, in general, was really good.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">In summary, I think you could tell the book was Tracey’s debut book but it was enjoyable anyway. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing how she progresses as a writer. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">My rating out of 5</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: large;">3/5</span></span></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-8496460645738743122011-01-12T16:40:00.000-08:002011-01-12T16:40:02.114-08:00Waiting on Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjns4PdkaOpf-ZPaU4f7OL-gcfHcOYzxcFNAiKqXo11gDZ4z46ZUuo09TTGDHc0iK9zX2LWQNObYURpsICXXNMjZ5tpc7FjarHKdj67BFMyCeBa4lCCvjXIFFN_YJLHkq_wuBAO-q5SQsEI/s1600/New+WoW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjns4PdkaOpf-ZPaU4f7OL-gcfHcOYzxcFNAiKqXo11gDZ4z46ZUuo09TTGDHc0iK9zX2LWQNObYURpsICXXNMjZ5tpc7FjarHKdj67BFMyCeBa4lCCvjXIFFN_YJLHkq_wuBAO-q5SQsEI/s1600/New+WoW.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a>, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.<br />
<br />
Go check out Breaking the Spine if you are interested in participating in Waiting on Wednesday! This week's book:<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;"> Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 4) by Chloe Neill</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"> Publication date: May 3, 2011 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tFL4Egdzk0tkQYHzlntXDKmPXLemryC_KqyNl70Xi7UdK9NngOzelXpJz3GyM9yEk8r1xi00GZSOSOKw1JAuRobdojn5Ft860qOi2DtsqMWx1L0n-DHFrbG8ZmevGUkatIfXOyXIaUBl/s1600/51kbWrE2R%252BL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tFL4Egdzk0tkQYHzlntXDKmPXLemryC_KqyNl70Xi7UdK9NngOzelXpJz3GyM9yEk8r1xi00GZSOSOKw1JAuRobdojn5Ft860qOi2DtsqMWx1L0n-DHFrbG8ZmevGUkatIfXOyXIaUBl/s320/51kbWrE2R%252BL._SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Book Description: Not yet released</span></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-54026878402189987522011-01-11T19:42:00.000-08:002011-01-11T20:24:08.914-08:00Floods in Brisbane, Australia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOYp13crJfuDv0fT0pIEebCz2fT6fG7LsvM9yzxr1U-9i5C-He3VWCeszP0yr9OTR3kAYSEZq86EG9eRaZ6JtYx1hf1ihvzz6fIouDXpq8vgIlGAVtE_ddXFvGpglwnOWGvJtt9cL06rS/s1600/brisbane+in+flood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOYp13crJfuDv0fT0pIEebCz2fT6fG7LsvM9yzxr1U-9i5C-He3VWCeszP0yr9OTR3kAYSEZq86EG9eRaZ6JtYx1hf1ihvzz6fIouDXpq8vgIlGAVtE_ddXFvGpglwnOWGvJtt9cL06rS/s320/brisbane+in+flood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo taken from SMH..com.au</span></div><br />
Much of Brisbane and upper NSW has been declared disaster zones. The Brisbane CBD has been flooded with about 100,000 people predicted to be cut off from power for the next few days and 24,000 people have already registered that they will be homeless.<br />
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It will be the biggest flood in 118 years. The last flood of similar proportions was in 1974. Since that time the Wivenhoe Dam was built to stop further similar disasters. The 174-foot-high dam has been doing controlled releases since 8 o'clock last night to avoid critical capacity. It has been theorized that if the dam was to break all of Brisbane would be flooded.<br />
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Over the next couple of days there is likely to be a shortage of water due to treatment plants reaching maximum capacity.<br />
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So far 12 people have died with critical concerns for another 18. At the present time there are still 68 people missing. Some areas have been flooded several times.<br />
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Areas such as Ipswich and Toowoomba have been particularly affected. Toowoomba had little warning when the waters rose in minutes. It is understood the Australian Defence Force is working at Toowoomba Hospital to set up a morgue for at least 20 bodies resulting from Monday's flash flooding.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kYUpkPTcqPY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Sickness is a concern for people in flood areas and people who are going into the water.<br />
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Our thoughts are with those people affected by the flooding.Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-54734395443009561092011-01-05T03:47:00.000-08:002011-01-05T03:49:51.119-08:00Waiting On Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3nrtSn6-Wg58nVP_v8dtVQIsys68erC7Zzy5sUr5a_-hPh5zGf5_GOG1qYXZDLBP37figiY5DM_hjRuvXh3hR0-V1DWkSAs-jP_ivqGR3EEdFlEF1L3IlaQCOet6aqPacwZlFI_1TRqm/s1600/New+WoW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3nrtSn6-Wg58nVP_v8dtVQIsys68erC7Zzy5sUr5a_-hPh5zGf5_GOG1qYXZDLBP37figiY5DM_hjRuvXh3hR0-V1DWkSAs-jP_ivqGR3EEdFlEF1L3IlaQCOet6aqPacwZlFI_1TRqm/s1600/New+WoW.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by<a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/"> Breaking the Spine</a>, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.<br />
<br />
Go check out Breaking the Spine if you are interested in participating in Waiting on Wednesday! This week's book:<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Publication date: January 18, 2011</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VHob57TPU0HUGUgL6LcH43a7jHBNmXe3dEYtvt7FMaME-WcEtI299rtYB1RDGchmWHXeBMkBX1UUAyQ7QUuaL7MSMPEujm7RACHhWOD3TdlsMxJJWL0DIEJ7rfveuA1svRdqIhBDNfOG/s1600/51IYcsOMZOL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VHob57TPU0HUGUgL6LcH43a7jHBNmXe3dEYtvt7FMaME-WcEtI299rtYB1RDGchmWHXeBMkBX1UUAyQ7QUuaL7MSMPEujm7RACHhWOD3TdlsMxJJWL0DIEJ7rfveuA1svRdqIhBDNfOG/s320/51IYcsOMZOL._SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Book description </b></i></span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever.<br />
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Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister's murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals that have lived concealed among us for thousands of years.<br />
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What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief, while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh--a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King that contains the power to create and destroy worlds.</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-23351011095447221572011-01-05T03:23:00.000-08:002011-01-05T04:13:17.277-08:00Review: Linger by Maggie Stiefvator<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj6cNYrNJntaR17AA_WY7CNRCJ3GLQA-onAVyU4DSSs56I1BncoU7IuWfRkwk5wMmZMpN1paL6iV67xbNYz8NUVJNu7A7kglaKN9KbYqY85FPOE0YKY02TmmaWEuiIUmpqwFgScVBJAke/s1600/image_thumb%255B1%255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj6cNYrNJntaR17AA_WY7CNRCJ3GLQA-onAVyU4DSSs56I1BncoU7IuWfRkwk5wMmZMpN1paL6iV67xbNYz8NUVJNu7A7kglaKN9KbYqY85FPOE0YKY02TmmaWEuiIUmpqwFgScVBJAke/s320/image_thumb%255B1%255D.png" width="215" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Book description</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one. <br />
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Just a few months ago, it was Sam who was the mythical creature. His was the disease we couldn't cure. His was the good-bye that meant the most. He had the body that was a mystery, too strange and wonderful and terrifying to comprehend. <br />
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But now it is spring. With the heat, the remaining wolves will soon be falling out of their wolf pelts and back into their human bodies. Sam stays Sam, and Cole stays Cole, and it's only me who's not firmly in my own skin.</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Review</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Linger was just as beautifully written as Shiver (see <a href="http://urbanfantasy-paranormalromance-series.blogspot.com/2011/01/review-shiver-by-maggie-stiefvator.html">review</a>). The love between Sam and Grace was really beautiful. I could really feel their love through Maggie’s writing; the emotions were so clear. In fact the emotions of all the characters were strong and compelling. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In linger, Maggie uses two more points of view (POV): Isabelle and Cole. Both of these characters were complex with hidden torments and motivations. All the characters were completely human. No character was perfect. All were realistic in that that had times where they could be selfish or considerate. Isabelle and Cole were not always kind or sensitive but this did not make them unlovable. They had too much character and enough redeeming qualities to move them away from bad or unfeeling to complex and relatable. In fact Isabelle was my favourite character. Their story of improving themselves, self-forgiveness and healing was touching and confronting. I also adored how honest and upfront Isabelle was. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, once again, I found Linger slow to read. Not really a lot happened for the first half of the story. While the characters explored their relationships with each other, their own feelings and reminisced a lot for the purpose of character introduction, when I got to half way and thought about what had happened it was interesting to realize that I couldn't really identify much of a plot-line. As a result of this I enjoyed the second half of the book far more than the first half. While I liked the introduction of Isabelle and Cole the four different POV’s contributed to slowing down the plot progression. In essence, the story had emotional development with little plot development. The exception to this was the cliff-hanger ending. The ending was well thought out and interesting leading to a (potentially) really good book with Forever. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">While I enjoyed Linger I can’t say I think it is as good as the hype lead me to believe (sorry to those who loved it). In fact there were times when I was a little bored and went off to do other things even though there was nothing else I particularly needed or wanted to do. While Maggie’s lyrical writing makes wonderful quotable material, I don’t think the story was particularly memorable. </div><br />
My rating out of 5:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3/5</span>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-15764405096184460362011-01-04T06:48:00.000-08:002011-01-04T18:13:41.797-08:00Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvator<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbUKB77FyknolxsmpqYKuWajz2MJQHtRw7fLtV6WEQgOVvGF-oc5Sh9OpBTElI-IMRUesmNXIPY3Qf1pZGX9e-4yTDp2E8PRx-YxAxuRCahlMU1HWlvdalnTW2Ts7Y0OfwwIQNyL9SvwK/s1600/shiver.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbUKB77FyknolxsmpqYKuWajz2MJQHtRw7fLtV6WEQgOVvGF-oc5Sh9OpBTElI-IMRUesmNXIPY3Qf1pZGX9e-4yTDp2E8PRx-YxAxuRCahlMU1HWlvdalnTW2Ts7Y0OfwwIQNyL9SvwK/s320/shiver.png" width="218" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Book description</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Summary</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shiver explores the relationship between Grace and Sam. When Grace was young she was attacked by wolves. One of the Wolves saves her and Grace develops a fascination with them and in particular the wolf that saved her (Sam). In time, Grace discovers Sam shivering on her back porch, then witnesses his transformation to wolf. The world falls into place for Grace with this discovery but it might all be taken away because Sam might not be able to turn into a human again. Instead, Sam may be stuck as a wolf forever. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Review</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think the key feature of Linger was the beautifully written prose. There was a lot of descriptive language including metaphors, similes and poetic writing but it was also just really well written. To me the word beautiful can sum up the whole book. When, in the future, I think back to Maggie’s book that is what I will best remember.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The love story between Grace and Sam felt like a real, once in a life time, true love relationship. I think this feeling was, in part, largely created by the beautifully written prose, in contrast to gaining this impression from the story line or what the characters think or say. In spite of this it was still believable. In fact, I think it was more believable than if Maggie had explicitly stated how much they loved each other. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The character creation was also very well done. Both characters had a lot of depth and dimensions. Maggie created a complete view of the characters instead of a basic outline of a person. I felt that I really understood them as people and could understand their reactions to events and possibly even predict their reactions to future situations. Maggie achieved this though a detailed personality analysis, a clear character history and descriptions about their current environmental situation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There were a few things that reduced my enjoyment of the book. First of all, Grace’s initial obsession with the wolves was a little weird. I thought it was sweet that there was such a connection between her and Sam after he saved her as a girl but it was a bit strong and a little unhealthy. After Grace’s attack looking for ‘her’ wolf and the wolves in general, were what her life seemed to revolve around. In addition, when she said her relationship had changed with the wolf lately (i.e. since she got older) and she couldn’t talk about it as easily with her friends, in combination with her previously made mention to not finding the right boy yet to have a boy friend, I couldn’t help but think ….. ‘beastiality’. I knew he was a werewolf, but she didn’t (at that point). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Second, there wasn’t a lot of falling in love. They almost started out as ‘in love’ from the first meeting and at most the relationship developed over the first few nights after Sam had turned into a human. If you’re a fan of love at first sight this might be a good romance for you but for me it left the story a little lacking. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, the story line was also a little lacking. The story seemed very slow. Not much happened in terms of a main plotline except descriptions by Grace and Sam to with their relationship and the problems involved with it, such as the possibility of Sam turning back into a wolf forever, at any time. The sub-plots were not explored to any great degree and they were in general far too predictable. In fact the whole story was a little too predictable. There was also a noticeable absence of tension between the characters. This made me a little bored with their relationship despite the obvious connection between them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Of note for parents, there is a reference within the book to making love with the use of protection. However, the scene was discrete. It did not have detailed descriptions instead there was only a vague outline of the act. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My rating out of 5</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">3/5</span></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-69516402871008941382011-01-02T20:49:00.000-08:002011-02-06T04:18:32.173-08:00Book Chick City reading challengesI found some more 2011 reading challenges that look really good. Both are hosted by <a href="http://www.bookchickcity.com/">Book Chick City</a>. The first should be fairly easy since it is for Urban Fantasy and Horror and Urban Fantasy is my favorite genre. The second should be interesting because it is to read 100 books in 2011 and I've never counted the amount of books I read. It should be interesting to see where 100 books get me.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">The Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge 2011</span><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.bookchickcity.com/2010/11/sign-up-horror-urban-fantasy-reading.html"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5221105520_92f9ce9b86_o.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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Challenge Details<br />
<ol><li>Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011 </li>
<li> Rules: To read TWENTY FOUR (24) horror & urban fantasy novels in 2011 (24 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!)</li>
<li>You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.</li>
<li>You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.</li>
<li>At the beginning of Jan 2011, you will find a link to add your reviews.</li>
<li>You don't have to have a blog to join in, just head over to <a href="http://www.bookchickcity.com/2010/11/sign-up-horror-urban-fantasy-reading.html">Book Chick City</a> for those details.</li>
</ol>Reading List<br />
1. <a href="http://urbanfantasy-paranormalromance-series.blogspot.com/2011/02/vicious-grace-by-mln-hanover-black-suns.html">Vicious Grace by M.L.N. Hanover </a> 2. <a href="http://urbanfantasy-paranormalromance-series.blogspot.com/2011/02/awaken-by-p-c-cast-and-kristin-cast.html">Awaken by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast, book 8</a><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011</span><br />
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<center></center><center></center><center><a href="http://www.bookchickcity.com/2010/12/sign-up-100-books-in-year-reading.html"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5163/5307059148_7088e55e3e_o.jpg" /></a></center>Challenge Details<ol><li>Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011</li>
<li>Rules - Read 100 or more books in 2011</li>
<li>All books can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.</li>
<li>Only print books and ebooks count (no audiobooks).</li>
<li>You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.</li>
<li>At the beginning of Jan 2011, I will add a link so you can add your reviews but this is not obligatory.</li>
<li>You don't have to have a blog to join in, just head over to <a href="http://www.bookchickcity.com/2010/12/sign-up-100-books-in-year-reading.html">Book Chick City</a> for those details.<br />
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</ol>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-31034095676090650522011-01-01T17:32:00.000-08:002011-02-06T04:18:09.171-08:00Parajunkee's View Challenges<a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/">Parajunkee</a> is hosting two reading challenges for 2011! One involves <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/2010/12/vampire-challenge-2011-sign-up-post.html">vampires</a> and the other is <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/2010/12/shifter-challenge-2011-sign-up-post.html">werewolves</a>. So of course I'm joining. First I love a good challenge and second vampires and shifters....these are my standard book diet :) hmmm... maybe it won't be that much of a challenge.<br />
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Here are the details:<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/2010/12/shifter-challenge-2011-sign-up-post.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5239774327_1da209618c_o.jpg" /></a></center>THE RULES: <ul><li>Post about this challenge on your blog stating that you are participating. That post is the link that you will include in the Mr. Linky below. The link should be the post link not just your blog link.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Grab the button and display it in the post (use grab code underneath the button) or on your sidebar so others can join in the fun.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Challenge goes from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011</li>
</ul><ul><li>The challenge is to read 20 books that have a <span style="font-size: large;">vampire</span> as a <span style="font-size: large;">main </span>character, either protag or antagonist (for vampire challenge)</li>
<li> The challenge is to read 20 books that have a <span style="font-size: large;">shifter</span> as a <span style="font-size: large;">main</span> character, either protag or antagonist (for shifter challenge)</li>
</ul><ul><li>There will be a post that goes up for January 1 where you add each book as you read them and discuss books read in the comments. Post for <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/2011/01/vampire-challenge-review-link-up.html">Vampire challenge</a> and post for <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/2011/01/shifter-challenge-2011-review-link-up.html">Shifter challenge</a>.</li>
</ul><div align="left"> Reading list for Vampire challenge Reading list for Shifter challenge</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">1. <a href="http://urbanfantasy-paranormalromance-series.blogspot.com/2011/01/summary-when-antoinette-petrescu-was.html">Night's Cold Kiss by Tracy O'Hara </a> 1. <a href="http://urbanfantasy-paranormalromance-series.blogspot.com/2011/01/review-shiver-by-maggie-stiefvator.html">Shiver by Maggie Stiefvator</a><br />
2. <a href="http://urbanfantasy-paranormalromance-series.blogspot.com/2011/01/review-tracey-ohara-deaths-sweet.html">Death's Sweet Embrace by Tracy O'Hara</a> 2. <a href="http://urbanfantasy-paranormalromance-series.blogspot.com/2011/01/review-linger-by-maggie-stiefvator.html">Linger by Maggie Stiefvator</a><br />
3. <a href="http://urbanfantasy-paranormalromance-series.blogspot.com/2011/01/richelle-mead-last-sacrifice-vampire.html">Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead</a><br />
4. <a href="http://urbanfantasy-paranormalromance-series.blogspot.com/2011/02/awaken-by-p-c-cast-and-kristin-cast.html">Awaken by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast, book 8 </a> </div><div align="left"><br />
</div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-9826461221080515362010-12-30T23:33:00.000-08:002010-12-30T23:33:41.171-08:00Follow my Book Blog Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_S1BgZRGsSaozR6aZ92UFCVKGL-EQmaYSU9a1XlJSl35YBpokwYn8f8wHkGEwfHyAOJEN3eUXxz0NHSyT6FsZ6Fn3csWHI-lbwnPNrlpK8yWt-YkLDgxVPye_F6nucG1bvd4iL8eQLDw/s1600/4710921228_bf32d46f6d_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_S1BgZRGsSaozR6aZ92UFCVKGL-EQmaYSU9a1XlJSl35YBpokwYn8f8wHkGEwfHyAOJEN3eUXxz0NHSyT6FsZ6Fn3csWHI-lbwnPNrlpK8yWt-YkLDgxVPye_F6nucG1bvd4iL8eQLDw/s1600/4710921228_bf32d46f6d_o.png" /></a></div><br />
Hosted by <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/">Parajunkee's View</a>:<br />
Hi welcome to Follow Friday! Let me tell you what is going on today. For New Years we are having a light hop...you can choose to join in if you would like, but I know that everyone is going to be super busy. I didn't want to stop it, in case people were banking on me having one, but I don't have a feature for today. I will ask a question though? <span style="color: orange;">WHAT ARE YOUR NEW YEARS BOOK BLOGGING RESOLUTIONS?</span><br />
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My book blogging resolutions are as follows:<br />
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<ul><li>Post more regularly</li>
<li>Comment more when I visit blogs</li>
<li>I hope to continue to bring honest and interesting reviews for my followers</li>
<li>Learn more about HTML</li>
</ul>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-53090386789602246842010-12-29T23:00:00.000-08:002010-12-30T01:44:43.762-08:00Back from HolidaysI'm back from a great holiday at Melbourne, Australia.<br />
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Over the Christmas period I went to Melbourne to have a holiday with the in-laws and see the Ashes at Melbourne cricket ground. Congratualtions to all the English supporters on retaining the Ashes. The English team performed really well. Since I'm an Aussie it was a bit disappointing though.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJKBrmHYGBwXUqe2iXhtsUM-PhjMoHtnO1RUC_RS_P1ZTXZ0FYCoUHf8A-Ml-gNxNouMnvYN_TZ2J7X2ISlFbUc76QseENHIYzokbN55IT2TPgfRVulG8XPnL_4WWQTMjTzL7FHUjR1O3/s1600/pointing%2527s+walk+of+shame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJKBrmHYGBwXUqe2iXhtsUM-PhjMoHtnO1RUC_RS_P1ZTXZ0FYCoUHf8A-Ml-gNxNouMnvYN_TZ2J7X2ISlFbUc76QseENHIYzokbN55IT2TPgfRVulG8XPnL_4WWQTMjTzL7FHUjR1O3/s200/pointing%2527s+walk+of+shame.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ricky Ponting</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Photo: Ricky Ponting's walk of shame<br />
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Unexpectedly I don't have a lot of reviews to post because I haven't been reading much. Weird I know! My husband and I have been thinking of buying a house so we have been doing quite a bit to do with that and I got a new job!Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-37877205184709646482010-12-08T03:50:00.000-08:002010-12-08T04:05:24.825-08:00Review: Shannon Delany - 13 to life - book 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: orange;"></span></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: orange;"><br />
</span></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">Shannon Delany - 13 to life - book 1</span></span></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAd3DbAjQyKY9Tm6uZ89XlT6MlXTtFFpoulZUMkcqdGes00Gedt7y0S0DXkYVCMDhAvmMxgxHCnIcrh5cvGs-VYJ_6m_Owo9n_XhpEP6AgPPi2r-KzfBhxLZtlAc2PGN4OS2LDQ6vM3al/s1600/516G4t-ghOL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAd3DbAjQyKY9Tm6uZ89XlT6MlXTtFFpoulZUMkcqdGes00Gedt7y0S0DXkYVCMDhAvmMxgxHCnIcrh5cvGs-VYJ_6m_Owo9n_XhpEP6AgPPi2r-KzfBhxLZtlAc2PGN4OS2LDQ6vM3al/s320/516G4t-ghOL._SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><b>Book Description</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><i>Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing. Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town. It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid…</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><b>Summary</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">When a new student comes to Junction High, the mysterious Russian-American turns Jessica's world completely around. At first Jessica can’t stand Pietr, but as she gets to know him she can’t deny the attraction between them. Soon she is drawn into his world and her belief that she has been through the worst she could imagine, when her mother died is tested. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><b>Review</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">Jessica Gillmansen is now one of my favourite protagonists. She is fun loving, caring, funny, altruistic, brave, hardworking and smart. Her only downfall from being a great role model is her propensity to lie a lot, even though she usually means well. I also loved how Jessica didn't instantly fall for the love interest Pietr. She only started to when she found out more about him. This was a refreshing change from some of the books I've been reading lately. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">The story was fascinating. The twists and turns were making me dizzy but it was so interesting I couldn’t stop for a rest. As we progress through we find out more and more about the characters as they reveal their secrets and history. Some revelations are easy to anticipate while others left me gob smacked. The only negative aspect I can comment on is the relatively slow way the plot progresses. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">One other aspect I didn’t particularly like was the two guys (Derek and Pietr) that Jess liked. Both had (in my opinion) annoying traits that stopped me from getting attached to them. Derek was a classic ‘jock’ character who, after saying he liked Jess, quickly moved onto kissing and dating another girl (for Jessica's sake, of course). Pietr was not as bad but he was very self pitying and after being (fairly easily) pushed into a relationship with Jess’s best friend (by Jess...long story), he later seemed to be quite happy to keep dating her (and later kissing her), while maintaining that Jess was the one he wanted. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">There were quite a few questions that were left unanswered at the end of the book but there was no real cliff-hanger instead it just ended quite suddenly. However, once I reached the ending I didn’t feel really anxious to read the next book as I suspected I would be. I will be reading it when it comes out though. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU">My rating out of 5</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4/5</b></span></span></div>Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8521213696397874026.post-70230565817821532542010-12-03T10:31:00.000-08:002010-12-03T10:35:43.259-08:00Finally finished University for the yearI have finally finished Uni for the year, which is very exciting for me. <br />
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I'm going to have a lot more time for reading and blogging in the immediate future so look out for all the book reviews. <br />
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I will be going on holidays for a week over Christmas and I won't be able to post during this time but I'm sure I'll have lots of books to catch you up on when I get back.Kaza (UF/PR series)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07974124012547410473noreply@blogger.com0