Author Archive

DRAGON DIARIES BOOK 1: FLYING BLIND
Deborah Cooke
ISBN: 978-0-451-23388-2
Kindle ASIN: B004LRPDKU
June 2011
NAL Trade
Young Adult
Paranormal Romance/Light Fantasy
Trade Paperback and eBook

Zöe Sorensson is desperate to take her place as the dragon’s (called Pyr) Wyvern. Each generation has only one Wyvern and she is granted special abilities that aid the Pyr in their existence. This year she’s finally beginning to see an inkling of her powers and so she is sent to the Pyr’s version of boot camp. However, something is seriously awry and Zöe will have to fully realize her powers if she and the rest of the young Pyr are to survive.

FLYING BLIND is the first in a young adult series featuring the younger generation from Deborah Cooke’s adult books. It is not necessary to read the adult books to understand or follow the storyline of FLYING BLIND.

Zöe is immature but it is her “friends” who are even more difficult to like. Yes, all of the problems and behaviors are explained as the story unveils but it didn’t leave me feeling overly appreciative of their personalities. I think the boot camp went on a bit too long, giving us too much petty arguing and bullying to truly develop a liking for the majority of the characters. Perhaps the second book in the series will redeem some of these characters a bit more.

I really like the world building of FLYING BLIND. Hopefully, future books will give us more insight into the Pyr world without making the characters fight and argue quite so much.

THE LEAGUE SERIES BOOK 5: BORN OF SILENCE
Sherrilyn Kenyon
ISBN: 978-0446573313
Kindle ASIN: B005UK9U10
May 2012
Grand Central Publishing
Paranormal Romance/Sci Fi
Paranormal Romance/Futuristic
Hardcover

The Sentella and the Resistance have aligned to fight the government led by Arturo Cruel… but will the Resistance Zarya has fought so hard for destroy the love she has found?

Zarya Starska has been leading the Resistance while loving a secretive member of the Sentella known only as Kere. Little does she know but Kere is actually Darling Cruel, Arturo’s nephew and a member of the government Zarya despises for killing her family. Darling has his own reasons for hating Arturo, reasons far deeper than anyone other than his closest friends can imagine. Unfortunately, an attack goes deadly and now Darling has become a monster worse than Arturo, with revenge consuming him. Can Zarya help Darling recover the man he once was?

BORN OF SILENCE is the fifth book in the series but can be read as a stand alone novel. Prior to BORN OF SILENCE, we were under the impression that Darling is gay- BORN OF SILENCE gives the story behind his actions. Please note that Darling’s history is nothing short of brutal and his anger at Zarya’s seeming betrayal evokes a horrific anger.

I honestly expected to hate BORN OF SILENCE. Not even Sherrilyn Kenyon could take a character, make him into a monster, and then convince readers he was heroic and worthy of love… and yet, once again, Kenyon crafts a tortured hero who is beyond memorable! I cringed with each new revelation about Darling’s past- how could he endure so much pain and suffering? Meanwhile, Zarya has to deal with her own perceptions as she sees the damage those misconceptions can cause. An emotionally challenging read, but oh so worth it!

BORN OF SILENCE shows that The League series only gets better and better with each new entry. I’m glad that Sherrilyn Kenyon revived this out-of-print series and subsequently continued it. Spectacular and highly recommended!

ÆRENDEN: THE CHILD RETURNS
Kristen Taber
ISBN: 978-0985120009
Kindle ASIN: B0084UZ5GM
May 2012
Sean Tigh Press
Fantasy
Young Adult Fiction
Trade Paperback and eBook

Meaghan thought her dreams were just nightmares….

Meg’s whole world had revolved around her progress in school, her family, and her crush on Nick. Her dreams of another world and fire were disturbing, but she could ignore those in the cold light of day. All of that changed in an instance, however. How will Meg handle her entry into this new, darker world where creatures such as the Mardróch stalk her every move? What is Nick’s role in her life? And just how will Meg cope with all these changes?

ÆRENDEN: THE CHILD RETURNS is the first book in what looks to be a spectacular new fantasy series. Kristen Taber takes the reader on an intriguing journey into a new world where nothing is quite as you would expect. From the Mardróch to the howler monkeys, each new revelation is fresh and exciting. The world is lush and vivid, drawing the reader in even as the dangers escalate.

The character depictions of Meg and Nick are superbly done. I love seeing Meg’s awakening to the hidden dangers as well as to her own powers and role. She has a decided knack for finding trouble but her heart is always in the right place. Nick’s own frustration at his new role is understandable, even as he struggles with his feelings towards Meg. I can’t wait to see how this relationship grows and changes!

ÆRENDEN: THE CHILD RETURNS is a book that steadily builds in pace to a thrilling conclusion that has this reader anxious for the second book. Kristen Taber does a spectacular job at crafting a new world and making it both believable and captivating. Friend or foe, danger or harmless- each piece fits seamlessly into the world she has created. I can’t wait for ÆRENDEN: THE GILDONAE ALLIANCE! Easily recommended!

SKIN TIGHT
Ava Gray
ISBN: 978-0425235164
Kindle ASIN: B003NX7OGE
June 2010
Berkley Sensation
Paranormal Romance/Dark Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback and eBook

Mia Sauter was hired for a job at Micor Technologies to uncover who is stealing the company’s funds… she didn’t expect to see Addison Foster again. This time he is using the name Thomas Strong. What secrets is he hiding? Even worse, what secrets does Micor Technologies harbor?

SKIN TIGHT is the second book in the series. While it stands alone, I would strongly suggest first reading SKIN GAME to see Mia’s prior involvement with Addison Foster. The prologue gives a glimpse of it but the first book puts the full perspective into play and helps the reader understand Mia’s reaction to the man now called Thomas.

SKIN TIGHT goes deeper into understanding the powers and how they came into being. Quite honestly, I enjoyed the scenes with the lab and Dr. Rowan more than I did the romance. Dr. Rowan is as creepy as you would expect and I love the unexpected twists as that plotline progresses. The romance itself is a darker one, as both Mia and Thomas have a somewhat criminal bent.  The conclusion is uplifting, however, and I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the third book

THE EDGE SERIES BOOK 3: FATE’S EDGE
Ilona Andrews
ISBN: 978-0441020867
Kindle ASIN: B0052RDIC8
December 2011
Penguin Putnam/Ace Books
Paranormal Romance/Dark Fantasy
Paranormal Romance/Shape Shifter
Mass Market Paperback and eBook

It was going to be her last job- and the last time she’d have contact with her family….

Audrey Callahan has worked hard to escape her family’s history of running cons in the Edge. Despite her misgivings, however, she is unable to refuse her father’s request for one last con. Unfortunately, it goes horribly awry and now she’s caught between two factions, the Mirror and the Hand. She’s forced to align herself with Kaldar Mar, a con man working for the Mirror. Will Kaldar and Audrey succeed in stopping the Hand?

FATE’S EDGE is the third book in the Edge series. While it can be read as a stand alone tale, the subplot involving George and Jack is best appreciated in the context of the series as a whole. Readers familiar with the series will already know how the Edge, the Broken, and the Weird work, but new readers will have missed the world building that has occurred over the course of the series.

The ongoing battle between the Hand and the Mirror escalates in the prior book, BAYOU MOON, where Kaldar’s desire for vengeance emerges. Kaldar isn’t going to let anyone get in his way, even as he finds himself falling for Audrey. Audrey has her own issues to contend with. She’s been repeatedly burned by the con men in her family, most especially her brother, and she’s unwilling to trust Kaldar as a result.

However, it is not the romance between Kaldar and Audrey that makes FATE’S EDGE so appealing. Quite honestly, they are my least favorite couple of the series. Instead, it is the prominent role Jack and George play that make FATE’S EDGE truly work as they steal the show. Their adjustment to their new lives has not been an easy one but the spirit with which they attack their problems is enjoyable to see. I only hope we will continue to see more and more of them in future books!

http://store.samhainpublishing.com/demon-bait-p-6552.html?osCsid=37c40a9a40c6205ff622189fb10254a0

CHILDREN OF THE UNDYING SERIES BOOK 1: DEMON BAIT
Moira Rogers
ISBN: 978-1-60928-554-8
Kindle ASIN: B005F0WRAQ
November 29, 2011
Samhain Publishing
Paranormal Romance/Dark Fantasy
Paranormal Romance/Futuristic
eBook

The anti-demon signal (ADS) is all that stands between the humans and the demons, but the system has been failing more and more lately. Marci has been working as one of the technicians but she has to keep her genetics a secret or she will lose everything. However, the latest ADS failure leaves her trapped with mysterious stranger, Gabe. Gabe has his own secret too… will it destroy them even as the attraction between them grows?

DEMON BAIT is the first book in a series that is quite fascinating. The world alternates between the post-apocalyptic demon-infested world and the virtual plane. Moira Rogers does an excellent job at integrating the two. There are some lingering questions that will hopefully be addressed in later books as the potential is here for a superb post-apocalyptic tale.

The romance between Gabe and Marci happens quickly but fits the context of the world Moira Rogers has created. I really like how the author took a hero with some very serious flaws in how he handles the relationship and made him likable. Marci is a tough, intelligent heroine and I hope we see more of both of these characters in future books.

DEMON BAIT is an excellent start to the Children of the Undying series. I look forward to seeing just where Moira Rogers takes us in future books.

VAMPIRE FEDERATION SERIES BOOK 2: THE CROSS
Sean McCabe
ISBN: 978-0451413161
Kindle ASIN: B005GSYYL2
December 2011
Signet Select
Horror
Urban Fantasy
Thriller
Mass Market Paperback

The Vampire Federation has kept the peace for many years, ensuring that vampires remained the thing of myths and legends. Now, the Federation has come under attack by Gabriel Stone and his group of rebels. The discovery of the Cross of Ardaich has changed everything, however.

Federation agent, Alex Bishop, has been breaking all the rules lately, and her latest misstep now puts her directly in the crossfire. Worse yet, Detective Joel Solomon is furious that she has changed him into a vampire and seeks revenge. Will he be willing to work together with her when a greater evil emerges?

THE CROSS is the second book in the Vampire Federation series and picks up immediately where UPRISING left off. Sean McCabe provides the reader with a brief summary so that one can jump right into the series. The relationships between the characters are developed further in this second book, as are the motivations driving the main characters.

Sean McCabe’s vampires are definitely not sparkling but instead are dark and gritty. THE CROSS is not for the faint-hearted as the scenes can be quite graphic at times. It has elements of a horror novel although it probably is more of a dark fantasy tale. The serial killer, Ash, introduced in THE CROSS is one of the most psychotic characters I’ve encountered in a book in awhile. His viciousness would give Hannibal Lector lessons!

THE CROSS is pure entertainment! Alex, Joel, and Dec are characters I’ve grown to like. The inclusion of Chloe and her skepticism adds a nice touch to the series. I can’t wait to see where this goes with the emergence of the Übervampyrs and their origins. Highly recommended!

L.O.S.T. SERIES BOOK 2: ENEMY MINE
Karin Harlow
ISBN: 978-1439177877
Kindle ASIN: B004INH9UY
September 2011
Pocket Star Books
Paranormal Romance/Dark Fantasy
Paranormal Romance/Vampire
Mass Market Paperback

Nikko thought his past was behind him, as he focuses on his new identity as a L.O.S.T. (Last Option Special Team) operative. His latest mission is giving him a bad feeling- but not as bad as when he sees a ghost from the past. Selena Guererro was the love of his life… until he killed her and gave up his life as Johnny. How is Selena still alive? Who is she working for? And how will he react when he discovers she is half-daemon?

ENEMY MINE is the second book in the L.O.S.T. series but it is a stand alone story. While characters from the first book, ENEMY LOVER, reappear, it is not necessary to know the history from the first book to understand the events of ENEMY MINE. The only caution I would have for readers new to the series is the plethora of characters can be a bit overwhelming at first.

Karin Harlow crafts an intense paranormal romance, one that addresses some sensitive issues. Nikko’s anger at Selena is more than understandable, but his past actions have destroyed him emotionally. Karin Harlow does an excellent job at taking a flawed hero and a flawed heroine, both of whom have done the unthinkable, and making a romance between them work.  Quite honestly, I didn’t think I could learn to like Nikko because of the violent way the earlier relationship with Selena ended- but Karin Harlow makes it work.

ENEMY MINE packs a powerful punch. The action is nonstop, the emotional intensity is high, and the paranormal storyline takes some interesting twists that leave the reader on the edge of their seat. Highly recommended!

THE ENVY CHRONICLES BOOK 3: ABANDON THE NIGHT
Joss Ware
ISBN: 978-0061734038
Kindle ASIN: B00395ZYX6
March 2010
Harper Collins Publishers/Avon Books
Paranormal Romance/Futuristic
Mass Market Paperback

The world has been devastated, destroyed by a group of wealthy men in the Cult of Atlantis (now called the Elites or Strangers). Survivors exist, but they avoid the zombie-like creatures called the gangas as well as the Elites/Strangers. A resistance has begun to build however, and Quent Fielding is part of this growing force.

Quent has just one regret… that he didn’t kill his father all those years ago. Instead, his father helped destroy the world while Quent was trapped in a cave, emerging 50 years later without having aged a day. He also now has the power of psychometry. The only thing that Quent desires now is revenge- and the elusive Zoë Kapoor to stay by his side. Unfortunately, Zoë is also seeking her own revenge. Will Quent and Zoë find a way to appease their past wounds and find love in this new post-apocalyptic world?

ABANDON THE NIGHT is the third book in the Envy Chronicles. Joss Ware gives the reader sufficient history to understand all that has transpired in the series. However, ABANDON THE NIGHT reads much better in the context of the series as a whole. The mystery behind the Elites and the Cult of Atlantis has deepened in each book, while we’ve been watching the romance between Quent and Zoë gradually build. ABANDON THE NIGHT shows the culmination of this romance.

Joss Ware again employs the technique of interspersing journal entries of the past throughout the tale. As much as I enjoyed the current story between Quent and Zoë, I found myself peeking ahead at the journal entries. I keep hoping Joss Ware will write tales about the characters who survived the Change as the tidbits are quite compelling.

The world building of the Envy Chronicles continues to amaze me. Yes, it’s dark and disturbing- but Joss Ware makes it oh so fascinating as well! The resiliency of the characters and their ability to adapt and even bring modern conventions into such a world is astounding. Zoë’s home in particular strikes me as a place of comfort and security, even in a world where horrors abound on a daily basis.

ABANDON THE NIGHT is yet another phenomenal installment in the Envy Chronicles! This is one of those series I just don’t want to end. Highly recommended!

NIKKI GLASS SERIES BOOK 1: DARK DESCENDANT
Jenna Black
ISBN: 978-1451606799
Kindle ASIN: B004IK98D8
May 2011
Pocket Books
Urban Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback

Nikki Glass thinks the phone call rescuing her from the boring blind date is a lifesaver. Little does she know how much her world is going to change….

Nikki is a private investigator, currently working a case involving an ex-girlfriend and a mysterious cult. A phone call from a client sends her to the cult’s mansion and that’s when things get a little strange. Now Nikki finds herself in the midst of a group of people claiming they are Liberi Deorum (children of the gods). Even stranger, they claim that Nikki is one as well… and she now finds herself targeted by a rival group calling themselves the Olympians. Both groups want Nikki… but for what purposes?

Wow! DARK DESCENDANT is full of twists and turns from practically the first page. Jenna Black plunges the reader into a fantastic world where mythology clashes with the modern world, and surprises lurk around every corner. I can’t rave enough about the world building in DARK DESCENDANT as the complexity is both astounding and intriguing.

Nikki’s character is key to the success of such an intricate world, however. Her disbelief is understandable, even as she sees wounds miraculously heal. In fact, it is her disbelief that makes the unbelievable seem, well, believable! Nikki’s character is easy to like. From the moment we meet her on her boring blind date, Nikki’s voice shines through clearly.

DARK DESCENDANT is the first book I’ve read by Jenna Black but I can guarantee it won’t be the last! One nice change from the current trend in the book industry- DARK DESCENDANT doesn’t end on a cliffhanger. Yes, there are obviously more mysteries to be unveiled in future books but we aren’t left with a story that is incomplete. Highly recommended!