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2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
read 0 books toward her goal of 75 books.
New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
10) PJ Schnyder
11) Kait Ballenger
12) Denise L. Wyant
13) Lucy Monroe
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Monday, October 31, 2011
Review: Haunting Embrace
Haunting EmbraceAuthor: Erin Quinn
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Mists of Ireland #4
ISBN: #978-0425243138
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
ENDLESS LOVE
Within Meaghan Ballagh surges the blood of an ancient sorceress whose long ago love for the druid Áedán ended in treachery—a fate that ensnares Meaghan herself when she is thrust into the past. She can feel the desire between the sorceress and the handsome druid rise inside her. To ensure her survival, she must piece together the history of the woman who haunts her and the man who needs her.
ETERNAL BETRAYAL
Áedán recognizes Meaghan. He always will. For the spirit of his one true love—and immortal enemy—is in her. A woman for whom Áedán once risked everything he ever had only to be repaid with betrayal and eternal damnation. This time, he’s not going to let Meaghan escape—because together they have the power to change their destiny.
As the passion between them grows, so do their fears of arousing an ancient, haunted, and forbidden love, and for changing a past that could irrevocably destroy the future.
What VampBard’s talking about: |
Haunting Embrace, the fourth in this series by Quinn, was an excellent read! Even though I've not read the prior three books in the series, I felt perfectly at-home in the beautifully crafted paranormal world the author created. Confession time: I participated in an author chat with Erin Quinn, and found her to be very forthcoming about her writing process, as well as down-to-earth. Yup. I wanna meet her for coffee on a weekly basis! Even her responses to the questions posed were well-written and thoughtful!
What to gush about first... the BAD GUY!!!! Cathan MacGrath is the original bad-seed-turned-evil. Just because he was born in the right place at the right time, he was destined to be SOMETHING... and the plot of the story portrayed him as Mr. Overcome-With-Evil-And-Power-Because-He-Was-Compensating-For-Other-Shortcomings. Sucked into the Book of Fennore because of his compulsive desire to be powerful, Cathan managed to boot a powerful Druid out of the Book, and usurped his power – and then some. Towards the end of the story, I really loved how Quinn described Cathan as the spitting image of his father, Brion. The malevolent spirit that chased down the main characters – derived from Cathan and his quest for power – kind-of had Invasion of the Body Snatchers written all over it. His spirit (or a portion thereof) would inhabit and do the dastardly deeds necessary to ensure that Cathan would ultimately achieve absolute power. MMMmmmmhhhmm... I sort-of got into this baddie.
Love. Meaghan! She's pretty much a younger version of myself (imagine that...). Opinionated, outspoken, and truly unique, Meaghan struggles to keep her 'filters' in the 'on' position. 'Internal Monologue' isn't really her forte. Destiny has dealt her a tough hand – by the end of the book, she sees dead people and can read emotions. Intense, true? Oh yeah...she's in love with a Druid, too. One that used to live inside the Book of Fennore, and used to run around with the White Fennore...Ayayuh. He loved her. Had to learn to live without her. Meaghan is pretty much a self-sufficient chica; She's always had to rely upon others, and is used to fending for herself. Most of all, she is used to wearing her heart under five labels that can be time-consuming and difficult to manage, even on a good day. She managed to stay alive whist inside the Book of Fennore, time-traveled, ended up in a time period prior to her birth, and seemingly didn't miss a beat. Wowza. This girl's got it together! Me? I would have been a blithering idiot, with a puddle of drool for a pillow. Never once did she question her sanity, even in all of the odd situations that were presented.
Evil-turned-lover-and-protector. Yup. That'd be Aedan. While imprisoned in the Book of Fennore, Aedan was the evil Druid 'everyone' talks about. Funny thing, the entire time we see him, Aedan gives us nothing but positive behaviors and heroic deeds to discuss. No mind-games. No trickery. Even when he does use magic, it's because he feels that he's in a situation in which both he and Meaghan are threatened, and magic is the only way out. What truly draws me to Aedan, however, isn't the magic potential, the Druid-ness, or the sexy brogue. This attentive hottie falls head-over-heels for Meaghan and completely dotes on her. His moral imperative is keeping her safe, even at the cost of his own life. While Quinn does give us a physical description of Aedan, it's not the crystal-clear, inch-by-inch description that we've all grown to know and love from the typical romance author. She leaves a bit to our own imagination.
All the White Fennore stuff aside, Aedan fell quickly for Meaghan. The occasional glimpses of Elan – the ghostly White Fennore – that caught Aedan off-guard, I feel, were meant to bring him closer to Meaghan. Elan knew they were meant to be together, and she truly wanted Aedan to have his HEA, and realized that he needed this happiness for them both to be able to let go of one another in some fashion, thereby enabling the Book to be bound in a different manner for safety's sake.
Minor characters really played a major role in this novel. Actually, I wouldn't really consider many of them 'minor' in the traditional sense. Jamie, Kyle and Eammon – the Keepers of the Book of Fennore – were instrumental in convincing Meaghan, indirectly, of her purpose in the grand scheme of things.
Over-all, the grammarian/English teacher rarely cringed whilst reading Haunting Embrace. LOVED the dialectical Irish brogue and language patterns. The setting was spot-on, based on my own personal research. Love paranormal romance? Irish lore? Magic and the Druids? Pick up Haunting Embrace by Erin Quinn. I can't say enough about her authenticity and attention to detail, as well as her command of language. Kudos!
VampBard’s Rating: |
Books in the Series:
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday Snippet #82
Last Breath
by: Rachel Caine NAL
November 1, 2011
Shane couldn’t go quite as fast as Myrnin wanted, but that was good; as it was, Claire felt she was hurtling uncontrollably down a dark tunnel, like something flung out of a slingshot. It was a deeply unsettling feeling. As short a drive as it was, she was relieved when Shane hit the brakes and slid to a stop at the Founder’s Square guard post, manned by a uniformed cop. He was starting to explain when Myrnin rolled down his window and snapped, “Call Amelie and tell her I’m coming. Tell her to be waiting.”
“Sir!” the cop said, and practically saluted. Not because Myrnin was so commanding, generally, but right now, he sounded very focused.
He was actually very scared, Claire thought. And that raised her personal terror scale all the way up into the red zone. “Myrnin, what’s in the envelope?” she asked.
He didn’t answer, but then, she didn’t really expect him to. “There, take a left,” Myrnin said, leaning over the seat to point.
“Get your hands out of my face, man,” Shane said, but he followed the directions, and steered the car down the ramp into the parking garage beneath Founder’s Square. It was crowded today, and as he looked for a parking space, Myrnin growled in impatience, opened his door in the back, and bailed.
“Hey!” Claire called. Shane found a parking spot and pulled in. They got out at the same time, and caught up with Myrnin as he punched the elevator’s call button for about the hundredth time in thirty seconds. “Chill out, Myrnin, you’re going to break it. Listen, it’s coming.”
He was practically vibrating with tension, and she couldn’t understand why. She’d seen him in many bad situations, and even in the worst, even with Bishop, he hadn’t been this freaked. When the elevator doors parted, he shoved his way in and jammed the floor button just as frantically as he had on the outside. Claire finally put herself physically between him and the control panel, out of a very real fear he was going to shove his finer through the button and short out the electronics altogether.
Myrnin took in a breath – unusual, except when he was talking – and slumped against the back wall. He pulled off his hat and wiped his forehead with a trembling hand, as if he were sweating, though Claire was pretty sure he couldn’t, physically. “It was only a matter of time,” he said, but it was in a whisper, and Claire didn’t think he meant for her to hear. “Inevitable.”
“Myrnin, what in the hell is going on?” She looked at Shane, and saw that he was watching her boss with a worried frown, too. He knew this was freaky, too. “What’s in the envelope?”
“A word,” he said. “Just a word.”
“Must be a hell of a word,” Shane said.
“It’s a short one,” Myrnin said. He was watching the lights climb on the elevator display, and finally, the car lurched to a stop and the doors slid open. “I’ll take it to her. You to – go home. Now.”
“Wait!” The elevator doors started to close after him, and Claire slapped a hand in place to stop them. “Myrnin, what’s the word?”
He turned to look at her, and that look – that look chilled her, all the way down.
“Run,” he said. “It says run. Now go home.” And he moved, vampire speed, down the hallway.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Review: Heart of Steel
Heart of SteelAuthor: Meljean Brook
Release Date: Nov. 1, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Trade
The Iron Seas #2
ISBN: #978-0425243305
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
As the mercenary captain of the Lady Corsair, Yasmeen has learned to keep her heart as cold as steel, her only loyalty bound to her ship and her crew. So when a man who once tried to seize her airship returns from the dead, Yasmeen will be damned if she gives him another opportunity to take control.
Treasure-hunter Archimedes Fox isn’t interested in the Lady Corsair — he wants her coldhearted captain and the valuable da Vinci sketch she stole from him. To reclaim it, Archimedes is determined to seduce the stubborn woman who once tossed him to a ravenous pack of zombies, but she’s no easy conquest.
When da Vinci’s sketch attracts a dangerous amount of attention, Yasmeen and Archimedes journey to Horde-occupied Morocco — and straight into their enemy’s hands. But as they fight to save themselves and a city on the brink of rebellion, the greatest peril Yasmeen faces is from the man who seeks to melt her icy heart…
What I’m talking about: |
Book #1 of The Iron Seas series, The Iron Duke (review HERE) was hands down the best book I read last year, so it was with great anticipation that I opened the cover of Heart of Steel. I can tell you right now, I was NOT disappointed!
Although it takes place in the same intricately-crafted, alternate world as Duke, Heart has its own feel and rhythm, primarily due to the differences in the main characters (who were introduced in the first book). Yasmeen and Archimedes are not Mina and Rhys, and this story is a reflection of their uniqueness. One could easily read Heart of Steel as a stand alone - but this series is SO incredible, I don’t suggest you skip the first book.
The story opens shortly after the conclusion of The Iron Duke, with Yasmeen seeking out the sister of the famed adventurer, Archimedes Fox, to inform her of her brother’s death. However, when Yasmeen arrives, she discovers that someone has beaten her to the home and plans to rob Yasmeen of the expensive da Vinci sketch she stole from Fox. Soon after that, she is taken captive by the not-so-dead Fox himself - who also wants the valuable sketch.
Yasmeen is a mercenary, a Captain and a trained assassin. She is accustomed to dodging danger and surviving the rough side of life. She enjoys her freedom and feeling the wind on her face as she travels from port to port. Ms. Brook does an excellent job of creating a tough woman that doesn’t “go soft” for a man. Yasmeen cares fiercely for her crew and those she finds worthy of her trust and loyalty. She can love another and will show compassion, but on her own terms. She’s happy in her life, which doesn’t change because she falls for Fox. It’s just amazing story-telling!
Archimedes Fox is determined to fall in love with Yasmeen. He is taken by her ways and exotic look. He is a man that is used to being chased, hunted and surviving close calls, and as such, understands where he fits in Yasmeen’s life. As expressed in this quote, Fox understands and appreciates all that is Yasmeen:
Perhaps drugging the woman he intended to fall in love with wasn’t the accepted method of kindling a passionate romance, yet Archimedes considered it the most sensible way to proceed.
Yet, he is no push-over to her demanding personality. I LOVE that he stands behind her - not as a subservient man, but to always have her back. He is unafraid to express himself, but is willing to live by her rules. They truly are the perfect fit.
The story flows seamlessly and has a bit of a mystery at its center. As Yasmeen and Fox work together to figure out who has stolen the sketch, they discover several little sub-plots, which all weave together to create one fantastic story. And the humor... just sublime. Without giving spoilers, I felt that the “neat and tidy” ending was a great little twist away from what I assumed would occur.
Once again, Ms. Brook builds a fantastic adventure on the backs of amazing characters. I seriously cannot say enough about how phenomenal I find the world of The Iron Series, and now I’ll stalk Meljean patiently wait for the next book (Molten - late next year).
My Rating: |
Stories in the Series:
Burning Up - contains Iron Seas Novella
The Iron Duke (The Iron Seas 1)
Wild & Steamy - contains Iron Seas Novella
Heart of Steel (The Iron Seas 2)
Ebook Deals for Halloween
Sourcebooks eBook Deals!
Dear Readers... I want to share with you some SPOOK-TACULAR eBook deals from SOURCEBOOK going on during October. Look for the deals wherever Sourcebook eBooks are sold, but please be patient if pages aren’t uploaded immediately on the dates listed below, as it does take their eBook retail partners a little bit of time to update/upload their information. Note that the Paranormal Romance sale doesn't start until FRIDAY OCTOBER 28.
Also—do you LOVE hearing about Sourcebooks' eBook deals and romance novels? Become a CasaVIP by clicking HERE. You can also receive the latest information about their ebook deals by joining their newsletter by clicking HERE.
Halloween Spotlight: Plain Fear Forsaken for $2.99!
(10/25/2011 – 11/03/2011)
Plain Fear Forsaken by Leanna Ellis
Hannah Schmidt pines for Jacob, the boy who saved her life when she drowned, bringing her back from the brink of death by breathing life into her. But Jacob is gone, buried. Levi Fisher loves Hannah. But he knows how much Hannah loved his brother Jacob. He also knows the troubling event that took Jacob out of their lives…. So when a stranger named Akiva comes into their community, carrying with him a dark secret, their love and beliefs will be put to the test. And Hannah must choose between light and dark, between the love she vowed to carry with her and a new possibility of love---a decision that will decide the fate of her soul.
Vampires, Werewolves, and Witches, Oh My! Paranormal Romance for $0.99!
(10/28/2011 – 11/03/2011)
Wicked by Any Other Name by Linda Wisdom
Stasi Romanov uses just a little witch magic in her lingerie shop, running a brisk side business in love charms. A disgruntled customer threatening to sue over a failed love spell brings Trevor Barnes to town. Trevor's the best attorney around, and he just happens to be a wizard. Everyone knows that witches and wizards make a volatile combination—sure enough, the sparks fly and almost everyone's getting singed. Add to that Cupid playing a practical joke, a lunar eclipse that nearly precipitates a witch hunt, and some very mysterious goings on at the magical lake, and the feisty witch and gorgeous wizard have more than simply a possible lawsuit on their hands. Can they overcome their objections and settle out of court—and in the bedroom?
Kiss at Your Own Risk by Stephanie Rowe
Trinity Harpswell is a cursed Black Widow--death and mayhem are all part of the job description. If she can manage to go just one more week without accidentally killing someone, she’ll break this killer curse and put her Black Widow days behind her. When sexy Blaine Underhill III shows up at her door and asks for her help rescuing his friend from the clutches of Death’s evil grandma, Trinity gets pulled into a daring high stakes adventure. As Blaine and Trinity join forces to take down a series of underworld assassins, they may just learn that love is the deadliest game of all.
The Wolf Next Door by Lydia Dare
Rogue, Rake…Werewolf. Years ago on a full moon, Lord William Westfield gave way to his inner beast and nearly ruined young Prisca Hawthorne. Knowing he can never trust himself in the arms of the woman he loves, he throws himself into a debauched lifestyle. When Westfield discovers he has a rival for Prisca's love, he decides if she's going to marry a Lycan it damn well better be him. But time is running out as Prisca's other suitor takes an instant and potentially fatal dislike to Westfield.
Merely Magic by Patricia Rice
The daughter of one of the strongest magical lineages, Ninian Malcom Siddons is a powerful witch. Determined to only use her magic for good, she lives a simple, solitary life as a healer in her village, where she meets Drogo… Lord Drogo Ives believes only logic and science can explain the wonders of the universe and doesn’t believe the local folklore about Malcolm witches and Ives men, until he meets Ninian.
Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spear
Devlyn is a beta male werewolf in a pack of grays, Bella is the female red werewolf he rescued as a pup. When the pack’s alpha male tries to rape her, she flees and lives as a lone werewolf until Devlyn comes to bring her back to the pack. The two get embroiled in danger when a local red werewolf goes on a killing spree. While fleeing the murderer and the police, and keeping their whereabouts hidden from the vengeful alpha male of their pack, they find that their love is deep and their mutual attraction irresistible, but Bella knows that if she mates with Devlyn, he’ll have to fight the wicked alpha male, and it’s a fight to the death . .
Strange Neighbors by Ashlyn Chase
When all-star pitcher and shape-shifter Jason Falco buys a small apartment building, he sees it not only as an investment but as a place to escape the demands of major league baseball. That is, until he meets his tenants— a sarcastic unemployed crime-fighter vampire; a wereraven with a morbid sense of humor; a super-friendly salesman werewolf; and two witches with an owl who work as phone sex actresses. Not to mention a beautiful, all-too-human nurse. But with all the hooting, howling, and hollering going on, how's an all-American shapeshifter supposed to sweep a girl off her feet?
Emma and the Vampires by Jane Austen and Wayne Josephson
In this hilarious retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma, screenwriter Wayne Josephson casts Mr. Knightley as one of the most handsome and noble of the gentlemen village vampires. Blithely unaware of their presence, Emma, who imagines she has a special gift for matchmaking, attempts to arrange the affairs her social circle with delightfully disastrous results. But when her dear friend Harriet Smith declares her love for Mr. Knightley, Emma realizes she’s the one who wants to stay up all night with him. Fortunately, Mr. Knightley has been hiding a secret deep within his unbeating heart—his (literally) undying love for her… A brilliant mash-up of Jane Austen and the undead.
The Wild Sight by Loucinda McGary
Haunted by visions of Druid priests and Celtic warriors, Donovan O’Shea left home in Northern Ireland and immigrated to America. With his father ill, he returns to help sell the family property and pub, and now, to his dismay, the “sight” has returned. He inherited the talent from his long-lost mother, who told him to keep it a secret, and he has. He is soon involved in the archaeological excavation on his family’s land and meets American Rylie Powell. Her father walked out on the family when she was a toddler, and she now believes that Donovan’s father is also hers. Donovan knows in his heart this cannot be true as the attraction between them is palpable. In between checking out DNA tests and family histories, the two become involved with murders past and present stemming from the Troubles, a quest that requires Donovan’s gift. Northern Ireland’s violent past combined with supernatural elements add an intriguing twist to this modern love story.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
ARC Review: Last Breath
Last BreathAuthor: Rachel Caine
Release Date: Nov. 1, 2011
Publisher: NAL
Morganville Vampires #11
ISBN: #978-0451234872
Genre: Young Adult
Format(s): Hardcover (352 pgs), Paperback (4/2012), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
With her boss preoccupied researching the Founder Houses in Morganville, student Claire Danvers is left to her own devices when she learns that three vampires have vanished without a trace.
She soon discovers that the last person seen with one of the missing vampires is someone new to town-a mysterious individual named Magnus. After an uneasy encounter with Morganville's latest resident, Claire is certain Magnus isn't merely human. But is he a vampire-or something else entirely?
What Una is talking about: |
I picked up the Morganville Vampires by accident. There was a short story in an anthology and it really piqued my interest. Last Breath is the eleventh book in the Morganville Vampire series and the world continues to fascinate me while the characters continue to enthrall me. Ms. Caine has expanded on the departure we saw in her last book and it only enriched the experience.
Last Breath finds the residents in the Glass house in the center of scrutiny. Without spoiling anyone who has missed reading the previous book (Bite Club - review HERE), we begin with the ramifications of our cliffhanger. Sides are once again being drawn between the vampires and humans with our heroes – the Glass House residents – Michael, Eve, Shane and Claire, once again caught in the middle. There is a new evil that has infiltrated the town and it puts the last nemesis, Bishop, to shame. However, I will say that the book summary (see above) does not seem to match my feeling or personal understanding of the actual book plot. Or more to the point, I feel that it was a little misleading. I did read an uncorrected proof so maybe this is the reason. That being said, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel.
I admit, this is a young adult novel that does have the young adult aspects – language, slang, angst, but it does so in a way that allows adults like me to relate to the reality and not be irritated by it. Ms. Caine does an expert job in crafting this series. In the previous book, she allowed us to glimpse portions of the story from Shane’s perspective (up until then, the stories were told from Claire’s point of view). In Last Breath, Ms. Caine pulls out the stops and gives us insight into several other characters, all of whom I have been wondering about their perspective. It truly added a new refreshing aspect and overall enriched the novel immensely.
The Morganville Vampire series is a young adult novel that I would recommend mothers and daughters could share. I would say that it is best for ages mature middle school age through high school and up. There are, what I would consider some adult choices that are made and I feel are not appropriate for young/elementary school age or immature students.
Suffice to say, this is another great book in a wonderful series. Last Breath took mine away several times. I admit, I did get worried and teary-eyed in a few places. However, Ms. Caine did not disappoint. Go out and try the Morganville Vampire series, but I do not recommend you start with Last Breath. There is such a rich back-story, it is well worth starting at the beginning or, at least, you can start at book 9, Ghost Town, (review HERE) as Twimom did.
Una’s Rating: |
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
To celebrate the release of LAST BREATH, the 11th book in the New York Times bestselling Morganville Vampires series, Rachel Caine is throwing a
“Welcome to Morganville Bash” in a city near you!
Readers who purchase books at the store will be eligible to win free raffle bags filled with notebooks, pencils, vampire swag, books and other cool Penguin gear goodies!
There will also be free goodies for everyone who attends.
Come to the bookstore, meet RACHEL CAINE, have your books signed, and participate in a raffle drawing to receive cool prizes!
Wednesday, November 2nd
MURDER BY THE BOOK
2342 Bissonett Street
Houston, TX 77005
6:30 PM
Thursday, November 3rd
BARNES & NOBLE #2662
Oakview Mall
3333 Oakview Drive
Omaha, NE 68144
7 PM
*w/ Chloe Neill
Saturday, November 5th
VEGAS VALLEY BOOK FESTIVAL
Historic Fifth Street School
401 S. 4th St
Las Vegas, NV 89101
ALL DAY
Sunday, November 6th
BARNES & NOBLE #2614
Roseville
2100 North Snelling Ave
Roseville, MN 55113
2 PM
*w/ Chloe Neill and Andrea Cremer
Monday, November 7th
BARNES & NOBLE #2808
5275 Harvery Street
Muskegon, MI 49444
7 PM
Tuesday, November 8th
BARNES & NOBLE #2086
301 Main Street
Exton, PA 19341
6 PM
Wednesday, November 9th
BARNES & NOBLE #2908
3454 Erie Boulevard East
Dewitt, NY 13214
7 PM
Saturday, November 12th
BARNES & NOBLE #2344
861 NE Mall Blvd
Hurst, TX 76053
3 PM
Labels:
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Morganville Vampires,
NAL,
paranormal YA,
Rachel Caine,
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Review: Chosen By Fate
Chosen By FateAuthor: Virna DePaul
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Para-Ops Series #2
ISBN: #978-0425243992
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
Although he keeps company with a vampire and a were, human Shaman Caleb O'Flare can definitely hold his own. But neither his psychic ability nor his healing powers can help his sexy-as-hell teammate, Wraith—a ghost with no memory of her human existence, who cannot experience touch without pain.
No wraith has managed to exist past its tenth year, so her time is about to run out. She wants only two things before accepting her fate: to learn her human identity, and experience one night with Caleb. Willing to risk any amount of pain, Wraith propositions him. But when a sign of impending death appears on his chest, Wraith sacrifices her own needs on the chance that sex with her could kill him.
Caleb doesn’t understand Wraith’s change of heart but refuses to let her push him away. As the team travels to Los Angeles to investigate a series of crimes in the feline community, Caleb sets out to prove to Wraith that pleasure and love are worth any risk—including death.
What B is talking about: |
Ten years ago, Wraith awoke with no memory, no identity, and no family. Reborn as a wraith, she’s spent that time trying to build a new life, only discovering one she thinks is worth living recently, when she joined the Para-Ops team assembled by the FBI. Carrying a secret that prevents her from getting too close to anyone else, she’s facing her greatest battle yet trying to stay away from her team’s healer, Caleb O’Flare.
As a Shaman, Caleb has devoted his life to helping and healing others whenever he can. Used to talking to his ancestors, the spirit guides of his people, nothing should rattle him about working with his Para-Ops team; comprised of a dharmire, a were, a mage, and one very sexy wraith. Too bad his body and his heart have other ideas when it comes to the independent, immortal Wraith: he’s never wanted anyone more.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Chosen By Fate, but was pleasantly intrigued right from the prologue. I do feel that I missed quite a lot by beginning the series with the second book, rather than the first, Chosen By Blood. DePaul has created some wonderful creatures, called Otherborn, but a lack of full understanding of these different species made some aspects of the novel difficult to follow.
DePaul is definitely a capable author, maintaining what appear to be multiple, unrelated machinations, then drawing them together at the end, while keeping most of the “tells” throughout the narrative low-key, if not altogether invisible. She’s likewise able to balance several complex characters within most scenes, all of them somehow damaged, yet none falling victim to their pasts, nor acting overly valiant.
Wraith and Caleb’s maneuvering around one another, which was interrupted by bouts of one of them being in pursuit of the other, was a little frustrating at first. Once their desires have evolved into a mutual need, however, they crash into one another, taking whatever they can before it’s too late. And together, they’re scorching.
Chosen By Fate turned out to be a surprising trip through the often dangerous world of the Para-Ops team. DePaul adeptly gives each member of the team a vibrancy that allows for a willing investment in their roles within the story as a whole. While I’d very much like to go back to read the series origins, and I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for the next addition to the series.
B’s Rating: |
Books in the series:
Review: Drink Deep
Dear Readers: Please help me welcome my friend Wendy, a big fan of the Chicagoland Vampire series. She brings you today’s review of...
Drink Deep Author: Chloe Neill
Release Date: Nov 1, 2011
Publisher: NAL
Chicagoland Vampires #5
ISBN: #978-0451234865
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can’t tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city iself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven’t been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.
That’s when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.
Chicago’s mayor insists it’s nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She’ll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who’s behind this, and stop them before it’s too late for vampires and humans alike.
What Wendy is talking about: |
Warning: If you haven't read Book 4, Hard Bitten, then this review contains a MAJOR spoiler.
This installment of the Chicagoland Vampires series starts off in a really dark place: Ethan's dead and Cadogan House is in receivership with the Greenwich Presidium (the "GP"), blood is being rationed and junk food is off of the House menu! Everyone is grieving for Ethan, especially Merit, which is realistic but kind of gloomy.
I missed Mallory and Catcher in this book. Although a lot of the story revolves around them, Merit doesn't directly interact with them very much. All of Merit's primary partners are off of the table for most of the book and it causes the story to drag a little bit.
Although there was an embedded mystery for Merit to solve (what's wrong with Lake Michigan?!) there wasn't a lot of character development until the last 50 or so pages. Then... boom! With a major twist the whole series went sky-high and all of the major characters underwent huge life changes. I really wish the rest of the book had been as exciting as the end.
Honestly, this story felt a little bit like filler. It was like a moderately cute "transition boyfriend" that you go out with while you're waiting for "the ONE". Ms. Neill just announced that there are at least 5 more books to come in this series and I do think she has set herself up for some great storylines. I'm just ready for them to start now!
Wendy’s Rating: |
CHLOE NEILL APPEARANCE INFORMATION:
Thursday, November 3, 2011 @ 7:00 PM
BARNES & NOBLE
Oakview Mall
3333 Oakview Drive
Omaha, NE 68144
Meet Rachel Caine & Chloe Neill!
Sunday, November 6, 2011 @ 2:00 PM
BARNES & NOBLE
2100 North Snelling Ave
Roseville, MN 55113
Meet Rachel Caine, Chloe Neill, and Andrea Cremer (author of the Nightshade series)!
Come to the bookstore, meet the authors, have your books signed, and participate in a raffle drawing to receive cool prizes!
BOOKS IN THE SERIES
Friday Night Bites (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 2)
Twice Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 3)
Hard Bitten (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 4)
Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires, Book 5)
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