Review: Stone Kissed by Keri Stevens

Stone Kissed

Author: Keri Stevens

Publisher: Carina Press

ISBN:  9781426891014

Release Date: December 27, 2010

Purchase Information:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Carina Press

*Novel generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley

For more information please visit Keri Steven's website.

When Delia Forrest talks to statues, they talk back. She is, after all, the last of the Steward witches.

After an arsonist torches her ancestral home with her estranged father still inside, Delia is forced to sell the estate to pay his medical bills. Her childhood crush, Grant Wolverton, makes a handsome offer for Steward House, vowing to return it to its former glory. Delia agrees, as long as he’ll allow her to oversee the restoration.

Working so closely with Grant, Delia finds it difficult to hide her unique talent—especially when their growing passion fuels her abilities.

But someone else lusts after both her man and the raw power contained in the Steward land. Soon, Delia finds herself fighting not just for Grant’s love, but for both their lives...

Review:

Stone Kissed, the debut novel by author Keri Stevens, is a masterful beginning to what I am sure is going to be a wonderful writing career. This story was richly developed with an original, unique plot that kept me reading late into the night. With a solid writing style and a fun premise this is definitely a novel that I would recommend to anyone who appreciates a beautiful statue or a simmering romance.

What really captured me when I started reading this novel was the wonderful fluidity of the writing. The voices that Stevens gave the characters was realistic and organic helping to develop the characters and to bring her whimsical world to life. The mystery that she creates surrounding the Steward House and it's fabled history as being the home of the Steward witches is somehow quaint and intriguing at the same time. As is the energy that seems to radiate from beneath its stone foundation. But, for me the most endearing quality that Stevens conveyed was the way she brought creatures and beings of stone to life. Starting off inanimate and offering up advice, these statues were endearing and their voices had a somewhat timeless quality, but quickly they evolved into ambulatory sentient beings. This was both incredible and yet believable in the context of the novel. It seemed only natural that they should evolve in this manner no matter how absurd it should sound.

The atmosphere created were also wonderfully done with the statues fitting in wonderfully with the settings involved. For instance, the hospital that had a sense of hope and grief was perfectly matched with the statue of St. Francis. His tone was one of comfort and friendship. Bert, the stone hare, was childlike and sweet adding a homey quality to the already warm and inviting Steward House. And who can forget the plurant? While this statue tends to remain immobile until there is great need, she brings with her a sense of quite protection and respectfulness standing vigil next to the gates of Delia's family mausoleum. This adds a since of quiet to the cemetery that looms despite the rest of the statuary that comes to life under her watch. Through this parallel nature the atmospheres became tangible and reflected in the inhabitants of the locale, thus creating a setting that simple descriptions alone could not accomplish.

The characters were wonderfully developed as well and had me rooting for them from the start. I instantly liked Delia, a somewhat reserved and shy woman who is fiercely loyal and charming. The fact that she talks to statues is endearing, despite the fact that they actually do talk back. The stone figures are more her family then the flesh and blood world around her until she meets Grant Wolverton, a man she has been infatuated with since her youth. Grant himself is charming as well, yet he is a complete opposite to Delia. He is aggressive, determined and a scrapper in the truest since of the word acquiring his wealth and power through hard work and determination. Yet, like Delia he's got a bit of a power in his blood as well. He is able to sense treasures, valuable relics in the most improbable of places. When Steward House and Delia holds the same allure for him, he does everything in his power to acquire them both. Thus, the romance between Delia and Grant is nicely organic, with the natural ups and downs that come with any relationship. This was an appealing aspect to them for me. I hate it when things are all sunshine and roses. Delia's self worth issues play a large part in this and Grant has his work cut out from him in assuaging these fears. It makes the relationship simmer between them and I was completely engrossed in the drama and suspense these tense moments added to their story.

In fact, the overall evolution of the characters (both stone and flesh) was wonderfully accomplished. The statures become more human and self aware while the human characters become, well, more human. Their personalities become more vibrant as does their emotions. Everything about this is completely organic and continues the fluidity that is evident within the writing style. The contradictions in the magic surrounding the characters also becomes more evident. For example, the power generated by Delia is a life force that builds unlike her cousin Ceciley, a succubus, who burns through life force and  is constantly in need of devouring more.

Stone Kissed is definitely a wonderful first novel filled with whimsy and magic. The story and characters are tautly written and enchanting and I will definitely be keeping my eye on this author!

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Scars

Advisory: Some Sexual Content

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Review: Dreams' Dark Kiss by Shirin Dubbin

Dreams' Dark Kiss

Author: Shirin Dubbin

Publisher: Carina Press

ISBN: 1426890990

Release Date: December 20, 2010

Pre-Order Information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Carina Press

*Generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley

For more information please visit Shirin Dubbin's website.

Ciaran Letang has taken care of preternatural business since childhood. Her job is soul conducting, ferrying the dead into the afterlife. She’s never had reason to be afraid. The ankou, nightmarish beasts escaped from the Dreaming, will change that tonight.

For Keoni Maka, protecting dreamers is business as usual. Meeting the enthralling, yet annoying, Ciaran is a life-altering event. One that will force him to face both his childhood demons, and those born of nightmares melded to hijacked human flesh.

The pair will have to suck-it-up and deal because the ankou pack leader plans to take dominion over the waking world—and he means to do it now. Together, Ciaran and Keoni must avert their enemy’s schemes or risk an invasion akin to dropping the Earth into the pits of hell.

Review:

Dreams' Dark Kiss by Shirin Dubbin is an interesting novella filled with action, a soul mate inspired romance and an original plot based in the world of dreams. With intricate world development as well as marvelously written characters the world Dubbin's created has a lot of potential. However, I should mention that due to its length this novella did leave me hanging a bit. While the story is resolved, and is nicely done at that, the overall disappointment at having the story end so quickly stuck with me. I would have liked to see the characters and romance explored a bit more as well as gotten more information on the Dreaming and it's inhabitants in general. So while this story didn't disappoint the overall breadth of the material did.

The world created known as the Dreaming is complex, filled with creatures and rules that defy the imagination. An interesting realm where all of your fantasies and nightmares come to life, and also the road that souls must travel to reach their final destination, the Otherside. But, this is only a small piece of the Dreaming. We quickly come to discover that this realm is larger and more diverse then we, or the protagonist, initially realized. Likewise, the creatures and beings that inhabit the world and the rules that govern the Dreaming are more complicated then originally believed as well. Some of these creatures even wish to extend their reach into the Waking World and for that they need Ciaran and the abilities she is only just discovering. Overall, this was an interesting and unique approach that had me reading to find out more about the world and creatures that exist within it.

Ciaran was a likable protagonist and her story was endearing. From her abusive relationship to her world turning upside down with the discovery that she is more then she thought possible, we are drawn in to her life and can sympathise with the situation she finds herself in. It was interesting watching her psyche and injuries sustained by her ex repair in the presence of Keoni, a Sumnian or rather Dream Guardian that she has chosen, unwittingly, to bond with. Keoni also is an extremely lovable character. His carefree, easy going nature often makes it easy to forget his prowess as a warrior who protects the Waking World from the monsters that live within the Dreaming. His charming wit is a nice contrast to Ciaran's sarcasm and the relationship between the two has a wonderful chemistry that seems to pop off the page.

Truly Dubbin has a wonderful knack for character development because the peripheral characters are equally intriguing as Ciaran and Keoni. From the other Dream Guardians to the evil Ankou who is pursuing Ciaran who supposedly holds the hope for it's plans of world domination I was enthralled by their distinct personalities and curious to learn more about them. For instance, Archer's history is a point of great interest for both the reader and Keoni. Then there is the Beast and the Man, or rather the Ankou who is pursuing Ciaran. The voice with which he speaks is wonderfully demented and dark perfectly fitting the character and I couldn't wait to read more to get a peek to his motivations.

The plot of the story is quick, with the action beginning from the first word. The writing style was fluid, but at times the use of foreign languages slowed it down a bit, as did the description of the rules involved within the Dreaming. At times these descriptions seemed a bit chaotic and left me scratching my head, but through the actions and conversations between the characters I was able to better understand the world. I think this had a lot to do with the descriptions being a lot of information in a small span of time, like they were forced into the story thus throwing off the pace and action. The passages also seemed to lack the fluidity that the rest of the novel had.

I think my only other issue with this book was the fact this it was a novella. At 120 pages this is a really quick read. With so much to be explored within the story, this just sort of left me feeling a little...well, empty. With all the action and nicely developed characters it was a disappointment to have the story end so suddenly. However, I feel I should clarify that statement as Dubbin does a marvelous job of tying up the novella as well as not making the ending seem abrupt. In point of fact I did enjoy the end of the novel and the almost redemptive quality about it, a theme that seems to work throughout the novel.

So, in the end I found this to be quite an enjoyable read despite the little hindrances and the length. The action and romance kept me interested throughout and the original premise was wonderfully developed and explored. Dubbin did a marvelous job at bringing this fantastical world to life.

My Rating: 3½ out of 5 Scars

 

Advisory: Some Sexual Content

December 2010 Book Releases

December 7, 2010

• Maya Banks, No Place to Run (KGI Series #3)
• Gerry Bartlett, Real Vampires Have More to Love (Glory St. Clair Series #6)
• P.C. Cast, Eternal: More Love Stories with Bite (Anthology)
• P.C. Cast, Goddess of Legend (Goddess Summoning Series #7)
• Laura Childs, Bedeviled Eggs (Cracklesberry Series #3)
• Nancy A. Collins, Right Hand Magic (Golgothom Series #1)
• Sheila Connolly, A Killer Crop (Orchard Series #4)
• Beverly Connor, One Grave Less (Diane Fallon Forensic Investigavtion Series #9)
• Gini Koch, Alien Tango (Katherine "Kitty" Kat Series #2)
• Juliet Marillier, Seer of Sevenwaters (Sevenwaters Series #5)
• Richelle Mead, Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy Series #6)
• Sara Shepard, The Lying Game (The Lying Games #1)
• Susan Wright, Demon Underground (Allay Series #2)
• Rebecca York, Day of the Dragon

December 14, 2010

• Carrie Jones, Entice (Need Series #3)
• Bonnie Dee, Like Clockwork
• Jillian Larkin, Vixen
• James Patterson, The Gift (Witch and Wizard Series #2)

December 21, 2010

• Shirin Dubbin, Dreams' Dark Kiss
• Ellen Hopkins, Identical
• Lesley Livinston, Tempestuous (Wonderous Strange #3)
• Robert Muchamore, The Dealer (Cherub Series #2)

December 28, 2010

• D.D. Barant, Killing Rocks (The Bloodhound Files #3)
• Kresley Cole/Gena Showalter, Deep Kiss of Winter
• Robert Crais, The First Rule (Joe Pike Series #2)
• Melissa de la Cruz, Bloody Valentine (Blue Bloods Series #7)
• Ted Dekker, Immanuels Veins
• Katherine Fisher, Sapphique (Incarceron #2)
• Diana Pharaoh Francis, Crimson Wind (Horngate Witches Series #2)
• Lisa Gardener, Live to Tell (Detective D.D. Warren Series #4))
• Simon R. Green, The Good, the Bad and the Uncanny (Nightside Series #10)
• Kim Harrison, Black Magic Sanction (Rachel Morgan Series#8)
• Nancy Holzner, Hellforged (Deadtown Series #2)
• Stephen King, Full Dark, No Stars
• Dean Koontz, What the Night Knows 
• Jane Ann Krentz, In Too Deep (Arcane Society #10)
• Vicotria Laurie, Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls (Ghost Hunter Mystery Series #5)
• Patrick Lee, Ghost Country
• Gary McMahon, Pretty Little Dead Things (Thomas Usher Series #1)
• Douglas Preston, Impact
• Alix Rickloff, Earl of Darkness 
• Linda Robertson, Arcane Circle (Persephone Alcmedi Series #4)
• Maragret Ronald, Soul Hunt (Evie Scelan Series #3)
• Fred Saberhagen, The Dracula Tape (Dracula Series #1) 
• Keri Stevens, Stone Kissed

**If I missed any titles please Contact Me and let me know and I will update this post. Remember, all release dates are tentative and subject to change.

Review: Awakened by a Kiss by Lila DiPasqua

Awakened by a Kiss

Author: Lila DiPasqua

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Series: Fiery Tales, Book 1

ISBN: 0425235564
Purchase Information:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

For more information please visit Lila DiPasqua's website.

*Won via giveaway @ Babbling About Books

HISTORICAL ROMANCE - Three classic fairytales—“Sleeping Beauty,” “Puss in Boots,” and “Little Red Riding Hood”—cleverly retold with enough sensual twists to prove wickedly ever after does exist…



Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, the notorious rake, Adrien d’Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss—and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress—and this time, he has no intention of letting her go…


Little Red Writing: Nicolas de Savignac, Comte de Lambelle, has been assigned by the King to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers. He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother's house, or to a ravishing woman who would stir his deepest hunger…


Bewitching in Boots: Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants—and she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King’s private Guard. A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he's every bit the man he once was—and more than man enough for her..

Review:

This is actually another first for me as I normally don't read historical romance, little lone a historical romance that has absolutely no supernatural or paranormal attributes. In truth, I always assumed the worst about anything with the title 'romance' thinking that it had little-to-no depth and was simply sappy sentimentality focused on unbelievable and overly steamy sex. I definitely had to re-evaluate that stance once I read this novel! I simply loved it and diPasqua surpassed my wildest notions with this masterful collection of re-tellings. She managed to created depth within the characters, interesting stories, and wonderful setting, but I was correct on one aspect! The sex was definitely extremely steamy and only went to show that the series title of Fiery Tales was aptly chosen.

'Sleeping Beau', the first tale in the collection, was an enchanting re-telling of the classic 'Sleeping Beauty', The story of the philandering bastard son of the King finding that one woman who steals his heart is touching. It was wonderful watching the evolution of his character from essentially a man-whore to a caring and loving man. The time period the story takes place in is well described as well, and it gives a nice sense of atmosphere. Also, the emotions evoked from the story are wonderfully realized. It draws the reader into the tryst of Catherine and Adrien and as they become closer and ignore their better judgement to stay detached, we fall in love right along with them. While sex and romance novels of this sort go hand in hand, I must say that I didn't feel overwhelmed by the scenes. In fact, I think that they served perfectly to help build the budding relationship between the two and to quickly show the building chemistry in such a short span of time.

'Little Red Writing' was definitely not the story that I thought it would be. While I didn't exactly expect a cottage in the forest and a girl running through the woods with a picnic basket, I certainly didn't expect the intrigue of a poison pen tale. However, I must say that I really enjoyed this one quite a lot more then the first. The character building was brilliant and I found all of them to be enjoyable. The way diPasqua captured the era was likewise marvelous. The lack of rights towards women, the lack of freedom of speech and the general harshness of the rule really came through. The emotions were wonderfully captured. All the desire and longing between the two interspersed with the guilt and dread that built throughout the story as to the identity of Deluc was nicely dramatic and suspenseful, adding a quick pace.

'Bewitching in Boots' was by far my favorite however. The strong alpha male Tristan is aggressive and oh so tempting while Elisabeth is feisty and strong. The two coming together set off sparks and I couldn't help but become engrossed. The setting is beautifully written as is the back story of the characters. The storyline itself was at heart sweet and kept the racy theme of the novel and had me rushing to finish. This story was by far the strongest of the three, or at least for me, and I think diPasqua chose a wonderful way to close out the novel leaving the reader more then satisfied by the tales.

Overall, diPasqua has a wonderful writing style that really drew me into the book. I found it to be highly enjoyable and I definitely won't be writing off this genre in the future! Be sure to keep an eye out for her next installment in the Fiery Tales series, The Princess in His Bed, which is currently available.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Scars

Advisory: Strong Sexual Content

Want It Wednesday [5]

Shadowglass (Shadowfae Chronicles #2)

by Erica Hayes

A seductive magic mirror, deep in a demon's lair. A simple warning: don't stare at the glass. A light-fingered fairy who can't resist.

For Ice, a compulsive fairy thief, life is a wild party of mayhem, fae trickery and magical confidence scams. She's never cared about rules or warnings, so when she filches a demon's beguiling magic mirror, she can't resist taking a peek.

Malicious enchantment strikes, and Ice can no longer tell a lie. If she can't undo the spell, she'll have to turn respectable. Two words: no way.

It sounds simple, especially when Indigo, a frosty metalfae thief, agrees to help her, as he too has fallen foul of the mirror's mischief. But when the mirror's victims start turning up dead, it seems someone doesn't want Ice or Indigo cured. As they draw closer to answers — and to each other — Indigo remains stubbornly silent about the nature of his enchantment. Is he the killer's target? Or does he harbour a more chilling secret?

Primal Hunger (Pendragon Gargoyles #1)

by Sydney Somers

Kennedy Beaumont loves her bartending job, even if her spirited nature sometimes gets her in trouble. Like threatening to hose down one of Pendragon’s co-owners. When it comes to Tristan, she could use a good hosing down herself—maybe it’ll help her stop casting him as the star of her wickedest dreams. Since he goes out of his way to avoid her, it ought to be easy to put him out of her head—until he reluctantly offers her a ride home.

Gargoyle shape-shifter Tristan Callaghan hasn’t had time for anything other than recovering the mystical dagger that was used to permanently lock his brother in a prison of stone. The cat inside him should have stopped craving Kennedy’s touch long ago, but now that she’s sitting next to him in his car, his very human need for her is sharper than ever.

The distraction is costly. In a split second, Kennedy finds herself thrust into a dangerous, millennia-old hunt for Excalibur. A hunt that marks her for death—and leaves Tristan with a painful choice—sacrifice his family, his quest…or the one woman meant to be his.

Die For Me (Revenants #1)

by Amy Plum

DIE FOR ME is the first of three books about Kate, a sixteen-year-old American who moves to Paris after the death of her parents. She finds herself falling for Vincent, who she discovers is not the typical French teenager he appears: he is something else entirely.

DIE FOR ME presents a new supernatural mythology presented in a city where dreams are sometimes the same as reality.

Review: Wolfsbane and Mistletoe

Wolfsbane and Mistletoe

Authors:  Various

Publisher: ACE Trade

ISBN: 0441017622
Purchase Information:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository


Let's Face it - the holidays can bring out the beast in anyone. They are particularly hard if you're a lycanthrope. Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner have harvested the scariest, funniest, saddest werewolf tales, by an outstanding pack of authors, best read by the light of a full moon and with a silver bullet close at hand.


Review:

Wolfsbane and Mistletoe has a host of tantalizing tales focused on werewolves, all filled with either Christmas Cheer or just plain Scroogery. While most add a supernatural flair to the holiday, others bring about a melancholy that reminds the reader why the holidays can be so glum for some, adding mirthless perspective to an otherwise cheery season. With horror, humor and a plethora of other emotions as well, this is a fun read that is wonderfully suited to the holiday season!

While I don't want to go into great detail about these shorts and spoil them for the reader, I can tell you that some of the stories truly outshine the others. Most notable in this anthology are: 'Gift Wrap' a Sookie Stackhouse short by Charlaine Harris, 'Lucy, at Christmas Time' by Simon R. Green, 'Christmas Past' by Keri Arthur, 'The Star of David' by Patricia Briggs, and last but certainly not least, 'Milk and Cookies' by Rob Thurman. And while these tidbits shone a bit brighter then the rest for me, that's not to say that all the stories weren't wonderful. In fact, I love anthologies simply to read authors that I otherwise might over look. This compilation had the perfect balance of writers that were not well known to me and ones that I simply adore, making each tale unique and satisfying. Authors included in this novel are:

Charlaine Harris, Toni L.P. Kelner, Kat Richardson, Alan Gordon, Carrie Vaughn, Patricia Briggs, Dana Stabenow, Nancy Pickard, Karen Chance, Keri Arthur, Rob Thurman, J.A. Konrath, Donna Andrews, Simon R. Green, and Dana Cameron

This is a wonderful book for any supernatural fan or werewolf lover to bring in the holiday season. Perfect reading material for the airport, in the car or on the go! With stories that are short and sweet, so to speak, its easy to pick up and put down as you shuffle towards you destination.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Scars

Review: Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs

Bone Crossed

Author: Patricia Briggs

Publisher: Orbit

Series: Mercy Thompson Series, Book 4

ISBN: 044101836X
Purchase Information:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

For more information please visit Patricia Briggs's website.


Marsilia, the local vampire queen, has learned that Mercy crossed her by slaying a member of her clan. Now, she's out for blood. But since Mercy is protected from direct reprisal by the werewolf pack-and her relationship with its sexy Alpha-it's not Mercy's blood Marsilia is after...

Review:

Have you ever read a series that you simply couldn't put down? That you couldn't wait to get your hands on the next installment? Well, the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs is just such a one for me. You can always be certain that these novels will have a wonderful mix of action, suspense, magic and a touch of romance that will leave you wanting more.

Bone Crossed begins immediately where the last novel leaves off allowing us to jump right back into the action and drama that is Mercy's life. After being attacked and raped by Tim she is still scarred, both emotionally and physically, and the moment to choose her Alpha is upon her. The moment she gives in to Adam I couldn't help but squeal like a school girl. It was truly a moment I've been waiting and hoping for since reading the first novel and the moment didn't disappoint. It was filled with tenderness, passion and understanding about Mercy's recent trauma which only made it that much more special and proved that Mercy did indeed make the right decision. However, the moment is quickly over and the chaos that seems to plague her ensues yet again. One thing can be certain with this novel, there is always something going on! Throughout, we are led through one situation to the next. With old grievances coming back to bite her in the backside and new ones looming over her head, I was riveted and enthralled.

And yet despite all the goings-on, the chaos around Mercy never spreads into the writing. In fact, this is one of my favorite aspects to Briggs's writing. There is such a fluidity about it that no other author has been able to duplicate. The plot lines are always intricate and even though she allows some of the issues to drop for a time, when they are revisited they still pack the immediacy they originally held. For example, in this novel the death of Andre is brought to bare. Stefan is punished and Mercy is declared a traitor to the seethe. However, despite the obvious simplicity of the situation, the design of this is so much larger then the reader can imagine. And yet, the end result makes so much sense! You can see the pieces coming together and understand the characters so much better because of it.

But, not only does the plot line intrigue me, the characters do as well, and not necessarily the ones you'd expect. While I love Mercy (I mean who couldn't? She's beyond awesome) I can't help but love Adam and Stefan more. While they are supporting characters they still are astoundingly well developed and you build a kinship with them that is hard to explain. I think it's the little quirks in their characters that make them seem so lively. Look at Stefan for instance, a vampire who rides around in the Mystery Machine and loves Scooby-Doo. Yet, despite being a bit of a dork, he is known in his seethe as the Soldier-extremely powerful and unbelievably loyal. While a monster, both by his own admission and his vampiric nature, he is more human then one can believe. He protects and loves Mercy as much as he is able, choosing her over his seethe and his Mistress which rouses a bit of contention in the vampire hierarchy. Not to mention his heroic thwarting of the claim and desire of a powerful master vampire called the Monster over her. And then there's Adam. What can you say about him? His love of Mercy is cosmic and I loved how this novel explored the Mate bond as well as the Pack bond that now connects them. The fact that he accepts Mercy and her independence without question or dispute just makes me love him more. And while these two are by far my favorite characters all of them are just as well imagined. Brigg's has a way of making them seem effortlessly organic, from the villains to the heros and even those few in between that you can't even begin to classify in such simple terms.

Likewise, the world created in this series is diverse and the societies extremely well explored. The mythos is intricate and constantly being built upon and yet it maintains a continuity that other series often don't have. And as the series progresses we come to find out more about not only the fae, the wolf structure, and the vampire seethe, but also a bit about Mercy and what she is truly capable of as a Skin Walker. There is always something new being added to keep the series fresh, and yet keeps a rigidity that helps the reader understand the rules of the world.

My only complaint about the novel was that it did take me a few minutes to get back into the story. With it beginning so abruptly where it left off it took me a bit longer then in previous novels to become reacquainted with the characters and the recent history from the previous book, Iron Kissed. Add to that an extremely action packed first couple of chapters and it became a little cumbersome. However, despite this, I was engrossed immediately and couldn't pull myself away until I finished!

Overall, this novel had to be my favorite in the Mercy Thompson series! It was filled with everything you could ever want in an urban fantasy novel and the writing is beyond reproach. Ever expanding, addictive and above all else, fun-if you haven't read this series yet you are definitely missing out.

My Rating: 5 out 5 Scars

Tyger, Tyger-Now Available

For those who missed the November 15th release of Kersten Hamilton's amazing debut novel in the Goblin Wars series, Tyger, Tyger, now's the time to check it out with this amazing trailer released today!

Also, don't forget to check out my review HERE!

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures-goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty-are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right.

The goblins are coming.

Blog Hop Friday

Follow My Blog Friday

Follow My Blog Friday

This blog hop is hosted by Parajunkee's View and it is my first time participating in this hop.

This weeks featured blogger is: Ginger @ GReads! Be sure to head over and check out her blog!

This week's question is: How long have you been book blogging?

Not very long. In fact, I'm only just going on my second month! So far it's been a lot of work getting this place together, but I am having a wonderful time with it and meeting lots of wonderful people.

18+ Blog Hop

This tag along is hosted by Laurie @ Bitten By Paranormal Romance. If you would like to be involved you can chek out the post here to be included in the tag along.

Since this blog is still so new and this fits perfectly with the genre that I focus on, I thought it would be a wonderful way to meet new bloggers like myself. Mainly I like to read anything that falls under the paranormal/supernatural umbrella and especially those that have a nice chemistry between the characters!

So, if you would like to follow me or would just like to say hi, please feel free! I am always looking for new blogs to follow that will be giving reviews and recommendations of books within the genre and always looking to meet some new people :)

This Weeks question: What is one of your resent hot read?

Well, mine I just finished reading and reviewing. It was Shadowfae by Erica Hayes. A brilliantly written novel that I really enjoyed!

Review: Shadowfae by Erica Hayes

Shadowfae

Author: Erica Hayes

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Series: The Shadowfae Chronicles #1

ISBN: 0312578008

Purchase Information:

Amazon | Borders | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

For more information please visit Erica Hayes's website.

Imagine a secret world veiled in fairy glamour and brimming with unearthly delights. A city swarming with half-mad fairies, where thieving spriggans rob you blind, beautiful banshees mesmerise you with their song and big green trolls bust heads at nightclubs. And once you're in, there's no escape...


In a city infested with psychotic fairies and run by sadistic vampire mafiosi, life as a soul-sucking succubus rarely involves lacy lingerie, hot guys or great sex.

Enslaved by a demon lord, Jade must spend her nights seducing vampire gangsters and shapeshifting thugs. After two hundred years as a succubus, she burns for freedom and longs to escape her brutal life as a trophy girl for hell's minions.

Then, she meets Rajah, an incubus who touches her heart and intoxicates her senses. Rajah shares the same bleak fate as she, and yearns just as desperately for freedom. But the only way for Jade to break her bonds is to betray Rajah—and doom the only man she's ever loved to a lifetime in hell.

Review:

Shadowfae is the debut novel of author Erica Hayes and the first book in her darkly seductive and erotic Shadowfae Chronicles. It drags the reader into the seedy under belly of Melbourne and into the darkest possible realm of  the fae. The fast paced and exquisitely rendered world of this novel had me reading late into the night with it's taut, gritty noir-esque tone.

The world created by Hayes is complex, diverse and depicted with flowing adjectives that lured me into the sensuous and grungy lives of the characters. It is definitely not the usual fae-fare where good and evil are easily distinguishable. Instead, the characters are all evil to some extent and predators in the truest sense of the word, making this not a realm of black-and-white but one of varying shades of grey. While some characters have redeemable qualities despite their dark natures, others are left without question to be truly vile monsters. The gritty drug addled streets and profuse violence of this alternate Melbourne make for a perfect desolate atmosphere that reflects the emotions of the characters wonderfully.

As a succubus Jade is just as much a killer as the vampiric and demon mobsters that rule the streets, but she is complex and pitiable. Despite beginning the novel on a near note of necrophilia, I was swept away by the rapture of her sexual need and the shame it invokes in her. With serious self-esteem, self-loathing and emotional issues from over a hundred years of sexual abuse, she is still somehow endearing. Her desire to be wanted and loved instead of deplored as a whore gives her a naivete that I couldn't help sympathizing with. Rahajni, an incubus, however, was a show stealer for me. He's charming and cunning and when he falls for Jade it's a tenderness that is heart warming. He is everything that she wants and needs offering her only support and aid, giving rather then demanding. But, you can't always have a happily ever after can you? Rahaj wants his freedom from his demon bonds so he can finally have a life where he can love as he chooses. Jade is the largest obstacle in his path as she comes to desire freedom of her own. However, unlike Rahaj's desire to live and love Jade only wishes to be free of the mortal coil and find peace where no one can demand or take from her again. The fluidity of this relationship makes the characters extremely compelling and I greatly enjoyed watching the relationship flow and ebb.

The villains of the story are also wonderfully complex. While most are wholly vile and deserve the nasty fates that befall them there is a sense of sympathy when they meet their ends. Yet it is the life of pseudo-villain Kane that I found most appealing. Though we sparsely see him through the novel, his is a perfect example of why you can feel sympathy for them. While these creatures have power and stature in the dark world, they are no different then Jade and Rahajni with a lingering sense of loneliness. But, where the atypical hero/heroine take out their emotions on themselves with self recrimination, the villains have a tendency to strike out at the world, killing because of spite and jealousy and using and abusing those around them until the rest of the world is as miserable and turbulent as their inner self. Because of this, the book is filled with dark themes, mainly those of abuse (sexual, physical and drug abuse).

As with any succubus/incubus based novel it goes without saying that sex is going to be involved, however, in this case the vast majority of it is unpleasant and uncomfortable. Sex is most often used as a weapon, brutal and violent with everyone coming out a victim. This contrasts nicely against the few true moments of tenderness showing the vast difference between abuse and love. I actually loved the fact that this novel explored the darker natures of humanity and brought them to bare in this wonderfully crafted novel where none of the unpleasantness is shied away from. It brings a realistic, albeit bleak, edge to the story and lives of the characters and a believable quality to their emotions.

This novel was wonderfully written with a concise descriptive tone that I truly adored. While the darkness of the novel can be a bit depressing, I actually found the moments of contentment all the brighter for it. While this novel won't appeal to everyone because of it's graphic nature, I couldn't help but enjoy the nightmarish ride. With only the tip of the fae realm Hayes created being revealed, I can't wait to read more of this wonderfully grim series.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Scars

Advisory: Graphic sexual content, strong themes of violence, drug use and abuse.

Want it Wednesday [4]

I saw this over at Rex Robot Reviews and I really loved the idea, especially considering my wishlist is massive and seems to be never ending. During Want It Wednesdays I will post three books off of my wishlist. Feel free to post comments, your thoughts on any of these books or any recommendations that you might have! And as always, Happy Reading!

Drawn into Darkness (Soul Gatherer #1)

by Annette McCleave

Serving a five-hundred-year sentence as a Soul Gatherer-one who battles demons for the souls of the dead-Lachlan MacGregor keeps his distance from humans. That is, until the lovely Rachel Lewis knocks on his door, begging for help.

As they struggle to rescue her daughter from the clutches of a powerful demon, Lachlan finds himself increasingly drawn to the artistic single mother. But when Death assigns him an unbearable task, he's left wondering who will provide more for his soul.

The Replacement

by Brenna Yovanoff

Mackie Doyle is not one of us. Though he lives in the small town of Gentry, he comes from a world of tunnels and black murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess. He is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now, because of fatal allergies to iron, blood, and consecrated ground, Mackie is fighting to survive in the human world.

Mackie would give anything to live among us, to practice on his bass or spend time with his crush, Tate. But when Tate's baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably into the underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem. He must face the dark creatures of the Slag Heaps and find his rightful place, in our world, or theirs.

My Immortal (Seven Deadly Sins #1)

by Erin McCarthy

In the late eighteenth century, plantation owner Damien du Bourg struck an unholy bargain with a fallen angel: an eternity of inspiring lust in others for the gift of immortality. But when Marley Turner stumbles upon Damien's plantation searching for her missing sister, for the first time in two hundred years it's Damien who can't resist the lure of a woman. But his past sins aren't so easily forgotten-or forgiven.