Lost Mojo by Kris Sedersten

Lost Mojo (Mojo #1)
Author: Kris Sedersten
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | Amazon


Lost Mojo by Kris Sedersten is the prequel to the novel I've previously reviewed, Mojo, the first novel in the Mojo series. Revised since it's previous release, this novel sports a haunting tale of young ghost chasers and their indoctrination into the world of the paranormal.

Overall, this novel has a great plot and likable characters. There's a chilly aire to the novel pthat perfectly brings out the eeriness of the paranormal, you know, those feelings that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Cleverly devised, Sedersten is masterful at bringing you into the haunted worlds she creates sucking your into the story to where you stay up late into the night just to see what happens next.

The only critism I found in the novel is that some of the dialogue can be a little rigid. Every now and again the flow of the story is broken by the rigidity, but the overall enjoyment of the novel tends to make one over look these minor bumps in an otherwise smooth road. Also, the perspective shifts can be a little sudden and even blurred in places making you have to take a moment and sort out where in the world you are and who's eyes you are seeing it through.

In the end though, this novel is a definite must read. I found it to be enjoyable and addictive. Definitely what I've come to expect from Sedersten when it comes to ghostly tales and she delievers full force! So if you're in the mood for a chill, be sure to pick Lost Mojo up, it won't disappoint!

My Raiting: 4 out of 5 Scars

The Puppet Masters by Robert A Hienlein

The Puppet Masters
Author: Robert A. Hienlein
ISBN: 143913376X
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

The Puppet Masters by Robert A. Hienlein is a time tested classic of the science fiction genre. With action, aliens, and a healthy dose of paranoia, this novel is an interesting if not engrossing read.

Travel with a host of characters in a world that no longer resembles the world we know. Set in a distant future you are set to tag along with the governments clandestine agents to stop the invasion of an alien species that take humans' bodies hostage, using them for their own nefarious purposes.

Clevely written with interesting characters, this is an action packed, non-stop action novel that will have you gripping the edge of your seat in some spots. However, there are a few lag points and a few areas where you do have to push through a bit throwing off the flow of the novel. Getting used to the new futuristic world was also a little bit of a challenge as you are just sort of plunged in, there's very little ease. But, on the plus side this makes for a novel that starts with a bang!

Overall, I enjoyed the novel and have always been a fan of the premise. If you like aliens, science fiction, or just a little action, then this is definitely a read worthy of the beach!      

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Scars

 

Review Submission Format Change

This is just a note to say that the acceptable format for Reviews has changed. Unfortunately at this time I am no longer capable of accepting eBooks in any format. I apologize for this inconvenience. If you have not heard back from me and you have requested a review, please consider this as it may not simply be from disinterest. If you are capable of providing a hard copy (ie any printed copy be it bound or simply printed from a computer printer) then please resubmit your request.

Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House by M.C. Beaton

Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House
By: M.C. Beaton
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0312994826
Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

Agatha Raisin, snug and warm in her Carsley cottage, has that same old feeling-boredom-until a report of a haunted house sends her and new neighbor, handsome Paul Chatterton, to investigate. Suddenly, middle-aged Agatha is aglow with romance and excitement.
But the glow fades fast. It turns out Paul is a cad. The victim of the haunting is a universally disliked old biddy. And the ghost is most likely someone playing a dirty trick. Then an old lady is soon found murdered. But never fear! For Agatha, solving a homicide is more fun than hunting a ghost. She quickly has a theory and a risky scheme. And she is about to make a startling discovery which can be her greatest triumph ... or leave her heartbroken, in trouble with the police, and in danger of losing her reputation - or her life.

Agatha Raisin and the the Haunted House is the 14th novel in this cozy mystery series featuring a cranky, eccentric amateur sleuth that is both likable and unique. With enjoyable locals, gossip and all the intrigue of the bustling metropolis of London, this small town mystery holds an a full size serving of fun.

 Agatha Raisin and the the Haunted House is a quaint British cozy that utilizes a host of characters and interactions that can range from the droll to the maddening with all of the gossip and intrigue of a small English village. While the mystery often takes a back seat to some of the relationship dynamics, this novel presents a great character analysis that is easy to read and entertaining. Full of back-biting, in-fighting and yes, even a little bit of romance, this makes for an interesting "who-done-it".   However, while I did greatly enjoy the novel, there were some aspects that may be a little irksome to the avid mystery fan. For instance, the mystery at times can take a back seat the the man-hungry Agatha's pursuit of her neighbor, but overall, this doesn't detract from the fun and colorful characters, nor the persnickety nature of Agatha herself.  

Cleverly written with tidbits of British humor, this is one series that I recommend for some light reading while at work or on a rainy day. I will definitely be picking up more of this series as I find them!   Rating: 4 out of 5 Scars  

BLR Returns

BLR returns. I am now accepting review requests, however, all books must be hard copies. I apologize for the inconvenience, but if you are an ebook author, I will accept printed copies via home printers. But, for the time being, no ebooks will be accepted.

I look forward to getting this site back in order so be sure to check back for more updates, new reviews, and goodies!

Review: Dark Souls by Paula Morris

Dark Souls

Author: Paula Morris

Publisher: Scholastic

ISBN: 054525132X

Purchase Information:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

*Novel provided by the publisher for a honest review

Dark Souls by Paula Morris is yet another in a long line of paranormal romance novels geared towards young adult readers in a sea of eerily romantic tales. Honestly, I didn’t hold out a lot of expectations for it simply because this is at times becoming something of a cookie cutter genre. But, that said, I have to admit I was quite impressed upon first glance by the high quality of writing and description that Morris puts in to her opening pages. In truth, it was this that really sparked my interest and made me eager to start reading more. In the end, I found this to be a great read with some truly engaging characters and an atmosphere that was eerie wholly dimensional. So, if you are looking for a ghostly romance to read this Halloween, I eagerly endorse this novel as being worthwhile.


To begin, the characters are wonderful. From the beginning of the story we are drawn in to the tragic past of the main character Miranda and the eerie talent she comes to possess. She’s withdrawn with some very deep emotional issues that are nicely expressed making her something of a complex yet accessible character. Enter Nick, a charismatic and mysterious boy who captivates her interest, and I must admit, my own. From the moment he appeared I wanted to know more. Also worth mentioning was the family dynamic, which I really loved. It was nice seeing concerned, involved parents that were attentive and caring. They were very much present within the story, something that you don’t often see, wanting to spend time with their children exploring a new city. So many novels simply gloss over this dynamic making for absentee families, which usually works for the story, but always leaves a very unbelievable family connection that always somehow disappoints. I can definitely say I applaud Morris for being able to create a world around a functional family showing that it can be done!

The world building is first rate with lots of history and atmosphere thrown in to make the locale come to life. I was enthralled by York’s history and all of the ghostly lore which couldn’t have been more appropriate for this tale. It also really lent itself to the ever unfolding twists and turns that the novel takes as well as the ensnaring mystery that lies at the heart of the story. Truly, I am all about the atmosphere, and Morris really delivered with surprising attention to detail and wonderfully vivid imagery.

The writing itself was really quite good. The narrative flowed flawlessly making this an easy quick read that drew you in to the characters’ lives and the chilly streets of York. At times, I will say that the quality dropped a bit, making for a few rough patches where the pace lagged. As a whole, however, I found this to be a read that kids and adults alike can enjoy. I should also mention, this novel is fully young adult friendly.

Overall, this is good read perfect for Halloween, especially if you need something quick and interesting to pass a rainy day!

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Scars

Guest Post with Katie Salidas

About the Author:

Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkin off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons. She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime… And, She still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write.

And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale…Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment.

Vampire Bites
Author: Katie Salidas
Purchase Information:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Enjoy three novella-length stories of love, lust, and vampire bites.



House of Immortal Pleasures:


Blind folded, and kidnapped by her friends, Daphne is whisked away to the famed, House of Immortal Pleasures, a Vampire-run Brothel in Pahrump, Nevada.

Sometimes the only way to mend a broken heart is to get back in the saddle. At least that is how Daphne's friends see it. And since Daphne isn't showing any signs of letting that happen, they take it into their own hands. With a few shots of liquid courage, a pat on the ass, and a donated gold card, Daphne is unwillingly sent to meet her creature of the night, Connor.


Karma & Melodies:


Ten years after she was stolen from the mortal world, Kendra runs into the man she had always loved. But she's not longer a human and he's a popular musician on tour with his band. Can they find a way to make love work?


Halloween Fantasies:


Touted as the sexiest party of the year, the annual Halloween Fantasy Ball is the one place a girl can let loose and succumb to her wildest fantasies. Disguised as a sexy vampire huntress, Sasha captures the attention of Dante, a real life creature of the night. And this sexy vampire has a few fantasies to share.

Vampires have been legend since the dawn of time. Stories and myths can be found in the most ancient of civilizations. They have proven time and time again that they have sticking power. They go through cycles of hot and cold but over the centuries, they’ve never gone away.


I think one of the things that keeps the vampire genre so popular is the fact that they grow with the times. The vampire is so versatile. They can be good, evil, sexy, monstrous, and on many occasions, anything in-between.

As with any fiction, I think some of our love of those creatures has a lot to do with the “escape factor.” It’s that ability to set aside the normal day-to-day existence and dare to step into a world filled with creatures and things that we can only dream about.

Sure, at times those things can scare us, but more often than not, they just send that chill of excitement up our spines.

Who doesn’t want to be the heroine of a story being scooped up by the dark and dashing vampire? C’mon admit it; you want to feel his hot breath on your skin and the sensual scrape of his fangs before he sinks his teeth into you. But don’t worry, this one won’t kill you.. He just wants a taste. A prequel if you will before your night of excitement truly begins.

Remember, vampires are predators. It is in their nature. And, let’s face it women, we do like being chased (by men we want to catch us.) They are the ultimate bad boys too! They have piercing eyes that can reach into your very soul and mesmerize the pants right off of you. Not that many of us might mind that… LoL. Once they’ve got you in their strong, capable arms, you just want to melt.

It’s easy to see why they have such appeal, and for me, they have always been a favorite creature. I couldn’t help but write about them. Sometimes my stories are erotic, sometime just sweet romance, but they always include a vampire. Why? Because the vampire is just so darn irresistible!

So if you’d like to check out any of my work, including Vampire Bites stop by www.katiesalidas.com and read a sample or two. If you like what you see, all of my novels and novellas are available in every ebook format!

http://www.katiesalidas.com/


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Twitter: http://twitter.com/QuixoticKatie

Be sure to follow the tour to its next stop for more goodies and giveaways:

Breathing Books