Cheap Recommends (4 of 4) - The Girl From Yesterday (The Blood Dynasty Chronicles, #1) by David L. Dawson
If you’re up for a new YA series, there are certainly worse ways to spend 99 cents. I actually quite enjoyed this novel, though I will admit there were some similar themes between this one and another one I read almost directly after it. Though I liked both, I don’t think I’d read their future books back to back because I feel like I’d mix up the stories. The cover is nice departure from the usual urban fantasy/paranormal style (and it actually reminds me of one of my favorite novels as a kid with the redhead and floral backdrop), but the story certainly isn’t. The writing could be stronger, but the story is interesting enough so I will keep up with it. If you don’t want to spend the 99 cents and you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get it for free as your book of the month! You can find it on Amazon.
Synopsis:
The planet Stoker was once home to humanity. Now it is ruled by vampires, thriving in their new utopia. The surviving humans are used as slaves and are taught that they are inferior beings.Ashlyn Fountain is brought out from cryogenic suspension in the year of 1005. She is bought as a slave by the wealthy Sublime family and given as a maid to Vienna, their eldest vampire daughter. Ashlyn quickly comes to realize that vampires are monsters, even the handsome Jensen Sublime, who bears a remarkable resemblance to the hero in her favorite vampire novel.
Cheap Recommends (3 of 4) - Sterling (Mageri Series #1) by Dannika Dark
This is probably the most expensive read at $1.99, but it shouldn’t break the bank too much. You can get this one at:
Amazon
B&N
Synopsis:
Zoë Merrick lived an ordinary life until late one night, she was brutally attacked and left for dead.Zoë didn’t just survive that night - she underwent a physical transformation and acquired unexplainable abilities. Severed from her old life, her frustration grows as she tries to comprehend what’s happening to her with the help of a stranger named Adam.
Serendipity leads her to Justus De Gradi. He’s handsome, arrogant, and not entirely human. Through Justus, Zoë learns that she is not only a Mage, but she is vulnerable until she learns how to control her power. They are not magicians, but harness and manipulate energy. The only way she will understand her power is by putting her trust in a stranger and accepting the protection that he offers.
When her immortal freedom is threatened by the one man who has a right to claim her, Zoë learns the price of freedom…and the value of loyalty.
Zoë Merrick lived an ordinary life until late one night, she was brutally attacked and left for dead.Zoë didn’t just survive that night - she underwent a physical transformation and acquired unexplainable abilities. Severed from her old life, her frustration grows as she tries to comprehend what’s happening to her with the help of a stranger named Adam. Serendipity leads her to Justus De Gradi. He’s handsome, arrogant, and not entirely human. Through Justus, Zoë learns that she is not only a Mage, but she is vulnerable until she learns how to control her power. They are not magicians, but harness and manipulate energy. The only way she will understand her power is by putting her trust in a stranger and accepting the protection that he offers.
When her immortal freedom is threatened by the one man who has a right to claim her, Zoë learns the price of freedom…and the value of loyalty.
This particular book kicks off an ongoing series, so if you’re looking for a new world to become invested in, this could be it. I started out really liking it, but as I read it it started to feel like 3 books in one, so it lost me a bit. There were a lot of drastic changes and too many characters that I didn’t connect with as well as I would have liked. The magic was pretty cool, there’s a good dose of humor, and if you like potential love triangles or polygons, you’ll get that here. I just found myself wanting more action at times. There’s a lot of human interaction which becomes boring in an Urban Fantasy/Paranormal novel. I think the next books will be better, though I’m not in a rush to get to them.
Cheap Recommends (2 of 4) - A Dark Kiss of Rapture (Renegade Angels) by Sylvia Day
Though I have yet to read one of her novels, Sylvia Day’s Renegade Angel series is currently on my TBR list, but it’s pretty far down, so when I got a chance to read this prequel for free I wanted to see if it could get a bump up to something higher. This was a decent short story, but I didn’t feel the need to bump the series up any higher at this time. I will likely get to it around 2014 if not later this year. I know Sylvia Day is pretty popular so I hope I like her writing as well. This short story is still available for FREE as an ebook on:
Amazon
B&N
Smashwords
GoogleBooks
Synopsis: Of all the Fallen, Raze’s hungers are some of the darkest and most insatiable. His brazen seductions cost him his wings, leaving him soulless and immortal, the most dangerous of seducers. He has roamed the earth for eons, hunting the rogues of his kind and protecting the humans who provide him with blood and sex. He is content with his life and the transient pleasures that flow through it… until one night and one woman change everything.
Kimberly McAdams is smart, beautiful, and wealthy. She can have any man she wants, but the moment she sets eyes on the lethally stunning Raze she knows he’s the man she needs. As one searingly erotic night burns into something deeper and far more vital than either of them expected, an adversary from Raze’s past sees a chance for revenge. Twisted by hatred, she will take from Raze what was taken from her—the precious gift of love.
Cheap Recommends (1 of 4) - Inhale (Just Breathe Trilogy, #1) by Kendall Grey
I’m a bit on the busy side and have managed to read faster than I can review! On the plus side, Vampire Academy led my poll, so I’m giving it a go. I’m on Book 3 already which is a very good thing, so thanks for the recommend everyone! In the meantime, I wanted to take a little time to share a few books I’ve recently read that I think you guys may like. I’m going to post them in a series:
Inhale (Just Breathe Trilogy, #1) by Kendall Grey
Synopsis: After years of suffocating under her boss’s scrutiny, whale biologist Zoe Morgan finally lands a job as director of a tagging project in Hervey Bay, Australia. Success Down Under all but guarantees her the promotion of a lifetime, and Zoe won’t let anything—or anyone—stand in her way. Not the whale voices she suddenly hears in her head, not the ex who won’t take no for an answer, and especially not the gorgeous figment of her imagination who keeps saving her from the fiery hell of her dreams.
Gavin Cassidy hasn’t been called to help a human Wyldling in over a year, which is fine by him. Still blaming himself for the death of his partner, he keeps the guilt at bay by indulging in every excess his rock star persona affords. That is, until he’s summoned to protect Zoe from hungry Fyre Elementals and learns his new charge is the key to restoring order in the dying Dreaming. He never expects to fall for the feisty Dr. Morgan…nor does he realize he may have to sacrifice the woman he loves to save an entire country.
I nabbed this one for free, but the ebook is currently at a whopping 99 cents on B&N and Amazon. It’s the first of a trilogy which is now complete. There are 4 short stories as well centering on supporting characters. I read the first short story and was surprised to find that it was straight up erotica, with content I’m sure some readers would find objectionable, so be forewarned. For the main book, like with countless Urban Fantasy novels, there are some sex scenes but the story and world building are at the forefront. I think it walks the line between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance which may be just right for fans of both. There’s a lot to learn with this world, but I think it will all settle in for me by the second book. The concept is great and I look forward to completing the series. It’s original in a genre where it’s becoming difficult to truly stand out. Proceeds for Kendall Grey’s books and short stories go to whale education, so it’s nice to know that she peddles smut for the greater good ~_^.
Freebie Watch! The Taken (Celestial Blues #1) by Vicki Pettersson
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble.com
They seem to really be promoting this author recently. Considering her Signs of the Zodiac Series, which was recently on sale for $.99. I nabbed those. I’d nab this too if I didn’t already have it. I’m actually nearing the halfway point for this one myself.
Description:
“Exceptional. Mystery, crime scene drama, and more than enough romance to keep the heart pumping blend seamlessly into an enthralling read that kept me glued to the pages.”
—Kim Harrison
“A delectably dark paranormal thriller. I’ve always been a fan of Pettersson’s work, but she knocks it out of the park with this one.”
—Kelley Armstrong
Vicki Pettersson, author of the New York Times bestselling Signs of the Zodiac urban fantasy novels, breaks out with The Taken. The first book in her sexy, supernatural noir mystery series, Celestial Blues, The Taken features a former p.i.-turned-fallen angel and a beautiful, tough Las Vegas reporter—the most unorthodox pair of avengers since Jeaniene Frost’s Cat and Bones—joining forces to confront a terror that threatens to wreak murderous havoc in both the mortal and the immortal worlds. A dark and delicious mix of noir mystery, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance, The Taken is a must-read treat for the insatiable fans of Nalini Singh’s angel books, and for the many, many readers who have made Kelley Armstrong, Charlaine Harris, Kim Harrison, and Laurell K. Hamilton fantasy superstars.
Kim Harrison - Facebook Chat Takeaways (Major Ever After Spoilers Ahead)
So if you didn’t have a lot of time to read through the Facebook chat Kim held at Harper Voyager’s page on Friday, you’re in luck. Here are the top 5 important things you need to know (in no particular order):
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
- Jenks and Belle will not become a couple. Though they are getting closer, it will be more of a comrade in arms type of relationship.
- Ceri and Pierce’s deaths will impact the series, but it will not be on Kisten’s level.
- When the last books hit re-write mode, there’s a chance we’ll learn more about Al’s wife (no guarantee though). But in other news, he apparently also knew Trent’s mom and her death is why there are no pixies in Trent’s garden.
- Gonna direct quote this one. Take it for what you will:
Renee Martin: Okay my question is, are you ever going to let Rachel and Trent do it already? It’s driving me around the bend
Kim Harrison: Hi Renee. OMGosh, you’re going to like book 12.
- The last scene of the final Hollows book was originally going to end on a beach. But it’s recently been changed to Trent’s stables.
Caressed by a Crimson Moon (Rulers of Darkness #3) by Amanda Greene - If you want hott, it’s got hott.
The third Rulers of Darkness tale presents us with a new hero and heroine. For centuries Hadrian Lucretius, Vampire King of the Validus Clan, has been cursed with dark and violent memories of his past. He’s practically earned the reputation of the seven deadly sins all wrapped into one. Eva Maldonado, daughter of the Silveria Shifter Pack’s alpha, has been offered to him as a gift in hopes of maintaining peace between vampires and their kind. Whisked away to the secluded fortress high in the Carpathian Mountains, Eva senses more beyond his frightening veneer. And he senses more beyond her broken spirit. Drawn to one another like moths to a flame, will they be each other’s saviors or ultimate undoing?
You definitely get what you expect based on the synopsis and the cover. I felt like this one teetered on the erotica line a little more than its predecessors which felt more like your usual paranormal romance. The chemistry between Eva and Hadrian is very strong and the love scenes are well done, if gratuitous after a while. There’s a lot of unresolved sexual tension that may become frustrating for the reader, but that’s become the norm in this genre. I liked the appearances of characters from the prior novels. Though a paranormal romance, it allows everything to tie in to the current story a bit better.
When it comes to this series, I the first one remains my personal favorite. I enjoyed the regency feel and I felt like the focus leaned more towards the story and plot progression. I’d likely rank this one second though. Their secluded setting provided a similar feel.
This is quality paranormal romance. The writing, atmosphere, the angst, and the dynamic between the hero and heroine are all quite good. It’s just a matter of your tastes and your mood. I’m urban fantasy fan first so other details tend to catch my attention and I find myself wanting those fleshed out and explored more. Greene presents a supernatural world that can be pretty complicated between the various species all vying for control.
The books are standalones, but you definitely see glimpses of potential lead characters for the subsequent novels. I look forward to the sequels.
*ARC provided by the author.
Hollows Digest - Kim Harrison Q&A This Friday! She’s been all over the place!
Hi everyone! Just giving you a heads up that Kim Harrison is doing a Q&A at Harper Voyager’s Facebook page this Friday from 2-3pm EST. She’s currently polling at her page as to whether spoilers will be allowed:
https://www.facebook.com/questions/10151462492864940/
I vote “yes” to spoilers of course. If I can attend I’ll be there! And besides, the book has been out a few weeks already! Most people willing to carve out an hour in their afternoon on a Friday have probably read it. Friday you can check in here:
https://www.facebook.com/HarperVoyagerBooksUS?ref=ts&fref=ts
She’s also done a ton of interviews. I can hardly keep up!
http://www.wyso.org/post/book-nook-ever-after-kim-harrison
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/harper-voyager
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/video_chat/59
That’s just to name a few! Thankfully she’s listed a bunch herself at her website:
http://www.kimharrison.net/
I watched the ustream and goodreads interviews and I plan to listen to the radio interview. Has anyone checked out the others? Please feel free to share any juicy tidbits!
Full Moon Rising (Riley Jenson Guardian #1) - I still don’t know what to make of this one
Keri Arthur’s debut series, Full Moon Rising, takes us down under to Australia where Riley and Rhoan Jenson, twin vampire/werewolf siblings, take on the not so easy task of protecting the human race from their supernatural counterparts. However, the biggest question remains; who will protect them? Riley is left to ponder this after her brother goes missing on one of his missions. It doesn’t help matters that the full moon is approaching, making Riley susceptible to moon heat, putting her need to mate above all else. But her will is strong and it will be tested as the prospects, werewolf and vampire alike, are tempting.
Her search for her brother uncovers an unholy harvest, where someone powerful is pulling to strings to create clones with the potential to become ultimate warriors. Possessing the best of both worlds like Riley and Rhoan makes them a huge target. Can Riley get to her brother in time before it’s too late? Can she save herself from a similar fate?
Regretfully, I’m not on a good roll with my choice of books lately. I read this book a few weeks ago, so it’s interesting to mull it over and think about what I can actually remember. To be honest, it’s not much! It was shockingly dull at times. More story and less sex would have benefited it. It walks the line of UF and PNR, but not in a good way. I could have done without rapey werewolves taking up so much page time, though I honestly can’t even remember the sex scenes. The characters lacked a lot of dimension and originality. Riley certainly takes a page from Anita Blake’s world with her need of a “harem” to satisfy her insatiable needs. And the more prevalent that became there, the less I cared about the series so ultimately I dropped it.
I gave this series a chance because I began to take a liking to the spin-off series, Dark Angels, with Risa Jones. That didn’t have the best start either, but the second book was a lot better. I am hoping Keri Arthur’s writing can at least stay the same in that respect. What the Riley world has going for it is that I kind of know how things work out since she and her HEA are present in the Dark Angels series as side characters. I understand that as prequel there’s a chance her writing simply improved later on and the second book may not be much better, but I’m hoping for something to pull me in and make me like the leading lady, the supporting cast, and the world as a whole. 1 down, 8 to go…hopefully.
Vicky Pettersson series sale for Kindle and Nook users! 6 books for 99 cents each!
Hi Guys! Not to spam you all with deals, but Harper Collins currently has a pretty awesome sale for Kindle and Nook owners. Vicky Pettersson’s Signs of the Zodiac series is on sale for 99 cents a piece. That’s 6 books for $5.94! I’m not sure how long it will last, but I’m definitely jumping on it.
POLL: Which book should I read next? You decide!
I haven’t had one of these in a little while, but I noticed I was feeling pretty indecisive about some upcoming books on my TBR list. I’m currently reading two books (one is a trilogy which I’ll likely complete), but after that, I will read whichever book wins this poll! A little help here people!
Sealed with a Curse (Weird Girls #1) by Cecy Robson - Not what I was hoping for
It should come as no surprise that the Wird sisters, affectionately called “Weird” sisters, don’t always have it easy. Products of a curse gone awry, they possess unique powers that sometimes do more harm than good. And right now, the former is in effect when it turns out that one of the sisters killed a vampire. That’s a big no-no punishable by death unless self-defense can be proven. But the community might have bigger fish to fry as their vampires are becoming rabid, which is definitely not good for PR. So Celia, the eldest of the Wird clan, has to take the lead as they work with them to keep everyone safe.
I started out liking the story. There are a number of funny elements and punchlines, there’s lots of action and eye-candy for those of us with the imagination for it. It’s definitely on the lighter side of urban fantasy which I typically prefer, but overall it didn’t feel very cohesive. It had all of the parts, but the more I read the more it began to fall flat for me and that should be the other way around.
The love-triangle/love-interest set up from Celia to all of her sisters has a very contrived and amateur quality in its execution, and it didn’t really match the level that I think this series could be capable of. I didn’t find myself invested in it at all, and it may have to do with the characters themselves lacking a sense of depth and I’m referring to the cast as a whole. It’s hard to pin down their personalities. Darker urban fantasy series tend to be a little better about that because there’s more emotion involved, but it isn’t an impossible task in the lighter ones. For instance, The Hollows does it very well and I don’t really consider that one dark.
So far I’m on the fence as to if I want to continue this one, but I’m leaning towards no at this time. If the second book is supposedly better I might give it a try, but I’m definitely in no rush.
Amazon Daily Deals - Beautiful Creatures for $2.99
With the newly released film, this is a perfect time to promote the books. $2.99 is a pretty great deal. Even better it looks like you can get all four of the series for $2.99 a piece.
Click here for the deal!
Milo 2.0 by Debra Driza - A tentative start but it gets better
First off, I want to thank you all for being patient while I try to work out a couple of snags with my site’s transition. Things aren’t perfect quite yet, but I do have a new review ready to go…finally
If you’re a fan of films like Robocop, Artificial Intelligence and Bourne Identity then Milo 2.0 
might be right up your alley, only with a young adult flavor thrown in. This new series centers on Mila, a seemingly normal teenage girl whose world is turned upside down after a freak accident reveals that she’s not quite human. In fact, she’s a cyborg military experiment, removed from their clutches to prevent those with ill intentions from doing more harm than good. With her identity revealed, she must go on the run with her “mom,” one of the engineers who fled with Mila, making tough decisions that cause her question whether she’s truly more man or machine.
I think I read this book at the right time. I was looking for something a little different from the usual urban fantasy or contemporary series. I am a fan of sci-fi stories and this is very well done for young adult genre. I think Debra Driza is positioning herself well, carving out her own little niche in the YA realm.
The book starts off with the typical day in the life of a teenager, so it was a little slow for me. I don’t read YA very much anymore because I no longer find the high school thing very interesting, and those I do read have little to none of that element. However, it has its place here in the story because the reader is allowed believe in Mila as a normal teenage girl. She’s very emotional and when she learns her true identity and purpose it’s very easy to sympathize. This technique (though in reverse) reminded me of Artificial Intelligence and how Haley Joel Osment’s character was handled. I may have cried during that movie and I go on record to say that I am NOT a crier!
I did think it was a little ridiculous that the military would design a teenage cyborg for the purposes of infiltrating groups and gathering intel as opposed to an adult, but I let it go. If you start reading the book and are a little disenchanted with it keep reading because the action really does pick up. I was on the edge of my seat with next to no idea of what would happen next. I found Mila to be easily likeable and though she may not be a human girl, she’s still a “real” girl to me. While a next book is definitely obvious, I’ve read worse cliffhangers so don’t let that dissuade you. I’m not sure if this is an ongoing series or a trilogy in the works, but I’d like to know what happens next and that’s always a good feeling to have at the end of a book. I recommend it.
*ARC provided by publisher.
Ever After Tour Signing - Diva and Kim in Austin!
Since Kim Harrison is not stopping close enough to me this year, and won’t be attending San Diego Comic Con, I have decided to live vicariously through some of my lucky followers and friends. Our very own Diva was able to meet Kim during her stop yesterday in Austin, Texas. Diva was so kind as to provide a write-up that I’ll post below. There’s definitely some food for thought in there!
Last night I had the pleasure of meeting Kim Harrison for the first time as her book tour brought her to Austin, Tx. A friend and I, said friend also being a devoted Hollows fan, made the hour long drive to see her and the trip was completely worth it. The signing was held at Book People, which is a very cool independent bookstore and if anyone is ever in the Austin are I highly recommend checking it out. We arrived a little over an hour early and that was plenty of time to secure second row seats right in front of the speaker’s podium.
Kim appeared right on time and even though she has often said that speaking in front of people is slightly outside of her comfort zone, she appeared fresh and relaxed. She began with the usual reading of a book excerpt. This time around it was another Trent/Rachel scene which marks at least the second year in a row that she has selected a scene with the two of them. Good omens, perhaps, for fans of the duo. Once the reading was done Kim began the Q&A portion of the evening. She fielded the usual questions that seem to pop up at every event, i.e. the correct pronunciation of Al’s name, what authors inspire her, why the play on Clint Eastwood titles, why did she kill Kisten. Apparently there is a significant segment of the population that never goes online for this information, lol.
There were a few nuggets of interesting information however. Kim revealed that the pilot/tv adaptation
that the CW network had been working on had cut out Jenks. Blasphemy, I say. The chrysalis that
Rachel snatched from Al and that has long sat on her windowsill will, in fact, come back into play and
we will find out its significance. By the sounds of it this may happen in the final book but whenever
it happens it will shed some light into why Al has been so “bitter” and “vindictive” (Kim’s chosen
adjectives), and why he sees himself in Rachel. So some good stuff in store for Al fans everywhere.There were, surprisingly, no real character based questions so I ponied up the one and only Trent
related question. Looking back through the series, I’ve always been curious about the two times that
Kim was seemingly prepared to pair Trent off with someone. The first time of course being his marriage
to Ellasbeth and the second time being when Ceri was introduced. If you recall, Ceri thought that Trent
was handsome and she seemed like a perfect fit for Trent, on paper. Kim acknowledged that it had
been her intention to pair Trent off both times, that she has tried to toss these women at Trent but it
never stuck. Maybe like none of Rachel’s men have ever stuck? Hmm? Anyway, Kim said that Ceri is
much happier with Quen. Ellasbeth, however, is another story and hang onto your hats people because
Kim confirms that Ellasbeth will be around for the rest. Of. The. Series. Is that a collective groan I hear?
Thought so. According to Kim, Ellasbeth is too strong and determined, has too much money and too
large of an ego to just go quietly into that good night. She also reminded the audience that Trent is
“very duty oriented” sooooo…make of that what you will. Personally, I still refuse to believe that she
would sentence Trent to a marriage with that harpy, shrew of a woman. That’s my story and I’m sticking
to it.Once the Q&A was over Kim took a brief moment to take a group picture with everyone who was
wearing a tour t-shirt. I had mine on! Then signing began and my friend and I were lucky enough to be
in the first batch of people. Kim’s husband was there and he was just as gracious and personable as Kim.
He entertained us all while we waited our turns in line, answering more personal questions about Kim
and their home life – all with Kim’s blessing, of course. While I was in earshot I learned that Kim’s eldestson is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps and that he is due to get out of the military
the same date that their youngest son will be graduating from high school. He joked that he’s not sure if
they’ll be empty nesters that day or have a full house again.Since she seemed so open and friendly, I wasn’t nervous at all about getting some one-on-one face time
with Kim when it came my turn to get my book (and Nook!) signed. She recognized my name as being
one of the occasional posters on her Drama Box and she gave me a big hug, which just totally made my
night. I didn’t ask her any additional questions, just told her that I was going to trust her on the whole
Ellasbeth thing. She laughed but hey, at least it wasn’t the evil, maniacal type of laugh.So there you have it. The Ever After book tour is officially in the history books for me and Kim did not
disappoint. Here’s to looking forward to 2014 and book 12. And to all the Ever After re-reads until then.
Thank you, Diva, for sharing the experience!
COVER REVEAL! Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6)
It’s okay, but I’m not crazy about it. The cover models are constantly changing so it’s hard for me to get a read on how Kate is supposed to look. This model looks like a teenager. I almost thought this was the cover for some new YA series until i saw the title.
http://www.ilona-andrews.com/news/publishing-news/cover-reveal-magic-rises
Don’t Forget! Kim Harrison Live Goodreads Q&A Tomorrow!
Tune in at 2pm EST/11am PT on Wednesday to see Kim live! I will totally be at work but I think I can take a later lunch for Kim!
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/video_chat/59
And if you haven’t seen it, you can catch her Q&A from the other night here:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/harper-voyager
Key takeaway: Rachel is technically a virgin after every reset curse!
Sins & Needles (The Artists Trilogy #1) by Karina Halle - You’ll want the next book ASAP!
Synopsis: Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents’ latest scam. Now she’s much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for – Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie’s counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she’s not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie’s plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn’t dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it’s one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.
Review: When it comes to books I rarely venture into contemporary territory, but after enjoying Karina Halle’s Experiment in Terror series, I decided to give her new Artist Trilogy a chance. The gritty and offbeat theme seemed particularly enticing, and after diving into the unpredictable and tumultuous world, you don’t really want to come out.
Ellie is definitely one of the darker protagonists, but it makes her decisions all the more interesting. Though she does bad things, she is sympathetic character. Though you can’t excuse some of her actions, she never really had a chance and just survives as best she can with the cards she’s been dealt. After such a tragic childhood, she could easily be worse.
Camden is even more intriguing. Since the book is not from his POV his decisions and reactions can be harder to gauge. Based on the synopsis he definitely has a dark streak and you never really know what will set him off. That said, as I read the actual book he wasn’t as dark as I thought he’d be based on the synopsis. It was more about what was going on around him as opposed to the character himself. I didn’t come into this expecting to like Camden but you can’t help but fall for him over time.
There’s a lot of chemistry between Camden and Ellie and the flashbacks to their past were a good device to cement the relationship and allow the reader to become invested in where things can go from here. In the life of crime, there are forces bigger than the both of them that can change everything, but their moments are far from cliche and corny. That’s one of Karina Halle’s best qualities as an author. Her main characters and their relationships are rarely cookie-cutter, conventional, or contrived.
Based on the subject matter and the main characters with questionable morals, I am not sure if this book is for everyone. It might be too dark and times are rarely happy, but I enjoyed it a great deal. It is one of my favorite contemporary series now and I am thrilled that she writes fast enough so that the second book isn’t too far behind.
*ARC provided by the author.
Once Burned (Night Prince #1) - Jeaniene Frost - Vlad Vlad Vlad!
While Vlad Tepesh lends himself as a fantastic supporting character in the Night Huntress series, his personality has the word “lead” written all over it, and Jeaniene Frost was smart to take advantage of it.
He gets his own storyline that introduces his potential better half, Leila. Though mortal, a freak accident as a child leaves her with the unusual ability to channel electricity into psychic powers. Her powers are attractive to a group of vampires with malicious intentions who need her abilities to reach out to Vlad, the most infamous of them all. His power to wield fire gives him a significant upper hand, but everyone has a weakness and his adversaries may have found his through Leila. However when they meet, you don’t need chemistry lessons to know that fire + electricity = one dangerous combo.
On the heels of a Vlad-less Night Huntress book #6, I wasted no time getting to this spin-off to get my fix. Though this series is the Night Prince, the story is told from Laila’s POV, so we can’t get into his mind quite as much as fans were likely hoping. I didn’t mind it much because I actually liked Laila’s character. Though tragic and sympathetic, she’s not helpless. I look forward to the evolution of her powers over the course of this series. Sparks were certainly flying between her and Vlad, and so far I approve. There appears to be substance to her which I’ll take any day over the typical disposable heroine. Her powers at times reminded me of Rogue from X-Men, who also wears gloves to protect those close to her. She is one of my favorite characters and Rogue/Gambit is one of my favorite all-time fictional ships. It’s just that while Gambit couldn’t handle Rogue’s power; Vlad can handle Laila’s, allowing them to be more tactile.
Vlad himself is everything I wanted and then some. I feel like Frost wanted to let loose a bit more with him here. He’s sexy, hilarious, frustrating, and terrifying all at the same time. I love those types of dynamic characters in literature. However, this book was written making it clear that there would be more to come. Vlad is extremely private and even though he heats up the sheets, it’s a taller order to heat up his heart. With centuries of success comes centuries of pain, so I’m glad it may take multiple books for this resolution. I like it when my characters truly earn their happiness, and standalone books rarely cut the mustard or me when it comes to that.
There could have been a bit more development with the story, but the characters carried it enough that I found the read satisfying and refreshing from Cat & Bones’s world. It’s part one of a trilogy after all. I’m just glad I don’t have a long wait for the next one.
One Grave at a Time (Night Huntress #6) by Jeaniene Frost - Finally All Caught Up!
It’s tough enough trying to take down vampires and ghouls galore, but what about ghosts? Particularly ones that continue to wreak havoc beyond the grave for centuries on end? It’s not an easy fix, but Cat and Bones are determined to do it. Heinrich Kramer, a witch hunter who’s been dead for centuries, has the ability to become corporeal for one night of the year every All Hallows Eve. This allows him to torment and murder innocent women. One of his victims turns to our favorite vampire duo for help because they may be the only ones who can put a stop to it once and for all.
I’ve stated how I tend to like the odd books with this series. As an even numbered book this sort of broke that pattern, though it’s not really a favorite. I am not typically a ghost person, so I believe it says something when I can be engrossed enough to want to see what happens next. Frost makes it very easy to hate the villain and want to see him get his loooong overdue comeuppance.
The story was okay, but I admit that I missed Vlad somethin’ awful this time around. I know that he gets his own novel, but he’s become the character I most look forward to reading about in this series. I understand it’s Cat and Bones’s story but the heart wants what it wants.
Cat has been mellowing out a little more lately, in turn making her less annoying to me, but there were a couple of eye-roll inducing instances, particularly when she harps on how she was apart from Bones for 4 years. I just didn’t connect with that “angst” because they’re together now, have been for a few years, and will probably be together for centuries to come-a luxury (or curse) most couples won’t have.
All in all, while I didn’t have the Fever experience with this series (I read all 5 books in 6 days), I’m pretty proud of myself for sticking it out and getting it done. Now I look forward to Vlad’s book!
Happy Happy HOLLOWS DAY!!
Hi everyone! Today is the big day! Ever After (The Hollows #11) is out a whole month early for our reading pleasure. Since I pre-ordered the hardcover through Amazon, I actually received my book yesterday, which was pretty sweet! And while I can’t wait to read the final product, I have decided to repost my review of the ARC for this book that I read back in October. So yeah, I think it’s been long enough that is refresher is in order, not that I could forget much ~_^! I doubt my sentiments will change. Thank you all for voting on my poll from this weekend. The strength of ebooks is really telling, especially for a series that was established well before this format came to fruition! I myself prefer reading ebooks these days, but I started reading and collecting The Hollows in paper form and I own every hardcover since Book 5 (For a Few Demons More), so I think it only fitting that I collect them all. There are only TWO books left after all. I hope you all enjoy it. I guarantee most of you will, and I encourage you to share your thoughts! HAPPY HAPPY HOLLOWS DAY!!
Review: Ever After – Like the finest of wines, The Hollows gets better with age
As you can see, I present definitive proof that I’ve indeed read the book! And man oh man is it fantastic! It’s my new favorite! I normally worry about using that term too loosely because it could diminish the potential quality of the series as a whole, but I genuinely think it’s the best book thus far. Kim Harrison has done it yet again and all signs point to her doing it two more times, and in epic proportions.
This time the Ever After, home of the demons, is shrinking at an alarmingly fast rate, placing the existence of magic in a pretty vulnerable position; without one there couldn’t be the other. So as if our favorite itchy witch, Rachel Morgan, didn’t have enough problems, this just sprang up to #1. If she can’t solve this one, she won’t have any others. If she can’t fix it, the demons want her head as her botched leyline creation caused this mess in the first place. And no one wants to see that happen more than her old buddy, Ku’Sox, the former day walking demon who had the misfortune to cross Rachel and lose. He even resorts to abducting her friend and goddaughter as insurance…and boy is it effective. Thankfully she’s got Trent Kalamack and Algaliarept by her side to restore balance and take him down once and for all. But the price may be too high for things to ever be the same again.
I know there was criticism about not a lot happening in A Perfect Blood, though I personally enjoyed the old-school Hollows style mystery. But for those of you who didn’t, for EVER AFTER I think a better question is what didn’t happen! There was so much going on that I genuinely can’t recall a dull moment. I think I felt and continue to feel every emotion possible, but I ultimately finished the book in pure euphoria. In case you needed a little reminding, Harrison presents really harsh realities and difficult decisions that prove she’s an author with guts. I don’t think I’ve experienced so many pulse pounding moments since For a Few Demons More (book 5). This book left me reeling like no other.
The scenes that take place in the Ever-After were some of the best of the series. The race against the clock really made this book so intense. Learning the history of the demons and the elves and the eventual degradation of their relationship was great, though I would have loved even more insight. I just can’t get enough of it.
And that brings me to Big Al, who was totally amazing. Fans will absolutely adore him in this book as we learn more about his personal back story. He’s much more prominent here than in A Perfect Blood and that’s fine by me because he literally lights up the pages and keeps things exciting in his own peculiar way.
After having read Trent’s POV in the bonus chapter of A Perfect Blood, I saw everything he did in a whole new light, and boy was it refreshing. He’s got his own personal demons to work through and it really makes you feel for the guy. He is in a rock and a hard place, accepting his actions that have led to certain consequences while still working to find the best solution possible. I loved seeing him use more magic. I feel like elves have a pretty powerful arsenal that deserve more exploration, so it was nice to see Harrison skim the surface here with the insinuation of even greater things. Magic is amped up for the elves, while more human qualities are amped up for the demons, so it was an interesting trade off.
His teamwork with Rachel was one of my favorite parts of the book. The tension was insane and placed so well all throughout. It’s seriously amazing to go back and read passages from Dead Witch Walking and then look at them now. Their progress is usually one step forward, two steps back, but the slow burn for this ship is probably what will make it my all-time #1 favorite if they end up together *fingers crossed*.
This book was just about everything I could ask for, but it wasn’t 100% flawless. With so much ever after, elf and demon action, the story manages to throw in a smidgeon of development in vampire politics. Unfortunately it felt very much like an afterthought and briefly broke the overall flow. We know vampires won’t get a lot of focus until the final book 13, so 10 or so pages of development came off a random at best and forgettable at worst.
All in all, this is an absolute MUST READ for fans of the series. Since Black Magic Sanction and Pale Demon the series has been invigorated and manages to improve as we reach the final stretch. That is a rarity for 95% of series that make it this far. I think it helps a lot that Kim Harrison has an end in sight and continues to write towards that. Many others have jumped-the-shark by this point. The Hollows is absolutely revving up for a grande finale and I cannot wait to be there.
Poll: How will you be purchasing EVER AFTER (The Hollows #11) on or after this Tuesday?
It’s no secret that we’re all Hollows nuts around these parts. I’ve actually been noticing a bit of a calm before the storm when it comes to the interwebs. Though I didn’t have time to hold a proper giveaway (though I hope you’ll like the consolation prize), I am a little curious about evolving buying habits and want to know how you all plan to get your mits on your copy. I’ve been pre-ordering hardcovers since my closest bookstore closed down, and same day delivery means it works out pretty well.
This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress #5) by Jeaniene Frost - Better than the previous book
Though vampires are arguably at the top of the food chain, somehow they are turning up missing. It becomes doubly suspicious after rumors circulate about an impending ghoul/vampire war. It takes a ghoul to know a ghoul, and Cat and Bones will need to enlist help from the ghoul queen of New Orleans, but is she a friend or foe? There’s no real time to find out.
I am noticing a fairly bizarre pattern for myself with this series; I tend to enjoy the odd books much better than their even counterparts. Though I wasn’t completely on board with the premise this time around, I was much more engaged than during the prior installment. Unless I was just getting used to thing, I had noticed the amount of humor slipping a bit with this series. I can safely say that it was a bit more prominent this time, or at least it struck the right cord with me, which I hadn’t been experiencing for a little while.
Cat seems to be adjusting to her full vampire status better, along with some pretty cool upgrades, inadvertent as they may be. I am finding her slightly less annoying since the change. Bones had me laughing a couple of times too (poking fun at Twilight), but, again, Vlad Vlad Vlad steals the show for me. He probably has my favorite quote of the novel. It’s making me smirk just thinking about it:
“Premature inflammation! Very embarrassing, I don’t like to talk about it!”
It’s okay, Vlad. Happens to the best of us.
Even though I had a few laughs, overall this definitely is not the series at its best. The end was pretty predictable which cost it some points for me, but it sets up the future books to potentially be more interesting.
Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress #4) - Felt like filler
Cat and Bones have more than earned a vacation. Away from their tough jobs, away from the politics, away from danger. But while Paris starts off as the perfect getaway, peculiar dreams (or are they memories?) have been haunting Cat night after night. It turns out she may be married to Gregor, a powerful vampire, and has been since long before she met Bones. Hubby #1 wants his wife back. Needless to say, that doesn’t go over well with Cat or Bones, but Gregor’s power is greater than theirs combined.
The title says it all. This book felt like filler to me. The premise didn’t really lend itself well to future plot development, at least not in a sense that rings true. It technically does because there is a huge change, but I feel like practically anything could have spurred that major change along. I never felt like Cat and Bones’s’ relationship was truly threatened so there was no tension or suspense, just contrived melodrama. Just about everything is forgettable about this story save for the final 25%.
There is one plus, I think Vlad has emerged as my favorite character of this series. He’s witty, fun, badass, and overall a well-done interpretation of Dracula. It’s a difficult character to really harness and make unique, but I think Jeaniene Frost does a great job with him. It’s just never enough. But knowing he has his own spinoff, makes me feel much better.
Follow YOUR URBAN FANTASY
crystal on 
Anne on 