Waiting on Wednesday: Bad Blood by Kristen Painter

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 


Bad Blood by Kristen Painter

Description:

Samhain approaches, bringing with it the final melding of the mortal and othernatural worlds. No one knows just how much power the night holds...

Violent murders occur in Paradise City as counterfeit comarré are systematically hunted. The police and the Kubai Mata have more than enough trouble to keep themselves occupied. As war erupts at home, Malkolm and Chrysabelle head to New Orleans to recover the Ring of Sorrows. Chrysabelle is forced to make a life and death decision and will realize that her relationship to Malkolm may have fatal consequences.

The clock is ticking . . .

Why?

1. Because I'm only having to now wait 24 hours till it comes out, and I'm getting a bit impatient!
2. I loved the first book.  The mystery and the difference between Ms. Painter's vampires versus other authors' vampires is wonderful.  
3. Yes, this book is dark, but the play and flow of the previous book, leads me to hope that this one will be just as amazing!
4. Look at this cover.  The contrast of the black/gray/white with the blood red and gold.  It is a striking picture.   The beauty versus the deadliness of the cover can't help but hope and wonder if anyone will survive (That and the title asks the same thing!)
5. I've read the first book, already bought and plan to read the second book, and am waiting for the third book, so of course I'm waiting!

What are you waiting for?

Happy Reading!


Cana

Lily in the Snow and Other Elemental Tales by Christine E. Schulze

Description


Jewett ran. 


He and the earth carried her, the earth granting a gracious speed, as if it could feel through his arms, the rarity of the gem he held, the urgency of its protection... 


Mica Schist, a rock Elemental, has always felt secure in her caves high in the snowy mountains. Protected by her adoptive older brother, Pearson, and befriended by the bats of her cave, it is the only life she has ever known. 


Until an outsider, Jewett, an earth Elemental, arrives, illuminating Mica not only to the possibility of a whole new world outside hers, but of a life with the young man who opens that world to her. 


When Jewett unmeaningly brings great danger to Mica, her only chance of being saved is to escape with him into the woods he loves so much; it is a dream any girl would have, to flee danger with her newfound love. 


But upon entering his world, she realizes how fragile she truly is, why Pearson always seemed too obsessed with protecting her. Jewett's world, though beautiful, is harmful; no longer connected to her rocks, their security and oneness with her, she finds that the smallest things in his earthern world hurts her. The simple scraping of her skin against the bark of a tree, her falling on the forest floor--even Jewett's touch. All of these, so harmless to anyone else, make the soft mica crystals covering her from head to toe shed away too easily. 


And when an Elemental loses all of her crystals, it can only mean one thing: death. 


How can Mica choose between saving her life and saving her new life with Jewett? 


My Review

Lily in the Snow and Other Elemental Tales by Christine E. Schulze

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an anthology of short stories about the Elementals, of which I love to read about. There are six stories and each one is full of romance, adventure and even a bit of mystery. I honestly can’t tell you which story I enjoyed the most, though I think if I was going to be forced to pick one, I’d pick Lily in the Snow…. And that might just be because I enjoyed the ending.
I personally love Ms. Schulze’s short stories, just for the fact that they are fast paced and full of adventure and romance. Once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down. I know that I had a hard time, though after each story, I did take a moment to review in my head what had happened, and caught up with other books as well.
Overall, this was a great collection of short stories. I highly recommend this anthology.




Happy Reading!


Cana

What are you reading Monday?

It's Monday! What are you reading is hosted by Book Journey . Each week we spotlight the books we are reading, planning on reading or just finished reading.

So I've got to admit, I haven't really been reading as much as I normally would. It has just been one of those months where I don't.  


What I read the past weeks:

What I'm reading

What Will I be Reading? (Well, at least this is the goal :P)

And probably some more... We will just have to see.  It is Christmas Gift making time, so we all know how that can change our plans.  Maybe in the next couple of weeks, I'll show off what gifts I've made  :)

So what are you reading?

Happy Reading!


Cana

An Exchange Of Gifts by Anne McCaffrey

Description

When Meanne, a princess of the realm, runs away from her father's castle and an unwanted suitor, little does she realize the hardships and difficulties that lie ahead of her. Loneliness is the worst part - until she finds a fellow refugee, a boy named Wisp. Together they must make new lives for themselves. Yet they both have secrets - hidden pasts and magical powers that can tear them apart!

My Review

An Exchange Of Gifts by Anne McCaffrey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Princess Meanne has run away, going to the only place she feels is safe: the old charcoal maker’s cabin in the middle of the woods. It isn’t long before Wisp comes wandering into her life. She can’t help but feel that there is more to him that meets the eyes, but she has no idea what. Both have secrets, but can they look past the secrets and find the support and love they both desire?
I love this short novella. It shows the strength a person can have when they have to make a decision that is hard. It also shows how trusting someone can lead to absolutely wonderful things. The play of the relationship between Meanne and Wisp is more than friendship, but doesn’t automatically point at romance.
The magic of this little book is like a breath of fresh air. Meanne has an unusual gift of the green thumb (she can make anything grow), which is also extremely unfortunate that she is a princess, because they don’t let princesses garden. Wisp’s power isn’t revealed until almost the end of the story, but when you finally find out it makes so much sense.
I personally love this story and have re-read it many a time. I highly recommend this book and wish that there was another book to let us know what happens after the end of the book.


Happy Reading!


Cana

Crave by Melissa Darnell

Description

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

My Review

Crave by Melissa Darnell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savannah has always felt different, especially after 4th grade and all her friends from the Clann refused to be her friends anymore. Now in high school, life is hard, but it gets even harder when the truth is revealed to her. She is half witch/ half vampire, a dhampir, and she is changing.
Tristan has always loved Savannah, but his parents forced him to stay away from her. After many trials, he finally decides the final result is worth the risk and starts pursuing Savannah.
But will their desires and love for each other be enough to survive two different species and the decisions made centuries ago?


First of all, though I really truly enjoyed this book, Savannah irritated me beyond belief. How in the heck can you forget so much that you are told about vampires PLUS not do your own research? On top of that, her need to blame all these things on the witch’s side so she denied that she was becoming a vampire is really annoying. Now I realize that we all did this type of denial (though how many of us actually have discovered that we are 1/2 vampire?), but as an adult now, I see the error of her (and my) ways.


This story is enjoyable, but you really need to get past the first 5 chapters before the story really starts picking up. I had a hard time until after Chapter 5; it was just that the story seemed to drag just a bit. Though I loved the prologue, it was a great attention getter, and I read as fast as I could so I could find out what was going to happen.


I think one of the best parts of this novel is the theme. To me the theme is about accepting who you are, no matter it is good or bad. Savannah must accept that she has strong vampiric tendencies, while Tristan must accept that he is a powerful witch that NEEDS to learn how to use his powers. It isn’t until they both start accepting themselves that their true power and strengths come out.


I did love how the novel ended. That open-ended “what am I going to do, but obey” kind of feeling hanging over it. I couldn’t ask for a better hanging ending. It didn’t leave me upset, but it did make me want to read the next novel now.


Overall, I think this was a great book, and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series. Highly recommend.




Happy Reading!


Cana

Waiting On Wednesday: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Description:

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Why?

1. I love historical paranormal fiction.  I mean who wouldn't?  It has the magic, the old fashion manners, the beauty of a time long forgotten by anything other than the history books.  
2. This play on the Greek role of Nemesis in Brittany sounds amazing.  
3. A powerful female character, living in a time where women were second class.  To top it off, she is an assassin, the least likeliest to be suspected because of her gender.  
4. I do like this cover, because it definitely caught my eye.  I love crossbows, so of course I drawn to the weapon... But it was more than that.  The look on her face makes you want to read the book more. You don't know why she looks so torn, until you read the book!

So what are you waiting for?

Happy Reading!


Cana

One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost

Description

The grave is one wrong step away.

Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans' voodoo queen just keeps on giving--leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit. 

Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity--forever. But how do you kill a killer who's already long dead?

My Review

One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just when things looked like they were finally becoming “normal”, Cat and Bones are off on another adventure. After being asked to help a ghost seeking revenge, a crazed, sexist, murdering ghost becomes the next target for Cat and Bones. But will they survive through Halloween when this ghost is out for blood?
This novel picks up right where This Side of the Grave (the last book) leaves off. Trying to figure out why Don is a ghost, having some free time, and waiting on the “gift” that Majestic gave Cat to finally wear off. But we then get to meet some new (sometimes irritating and idiotic) people.
As usual, I love Ms. Frost’s take on history. Using Heinrich Kramer and his book Malleus Maleficarum as the basis for this novel was a great twist. He was already a misinformed man, but Ms. Frost made him thoroughly insane and possessed by his bigotry and sexism.
Cat and Bones have a better, deeper relationship, though it is tried again with their fewer times to be alone. I also think that because of the partially slower pace of the book we do have a better chance to see this relationship become better.
I enjoyed getting to see Cat’s powers better displayed in this novel. She can fly (though her landings are still pretty bad), she still absorbs the powers from the vamps she feeds from, and if she is going to be able to learn to control the mind reading gifts she gets from Bones.
I do like that we are still wondering about Don (like is he going to move on to the other side? Is the reason he is still there because of the new head of his old team? And so many more), is Elisabeth going to move on or is there a certain ghost that is keeping her earth-bound, and finally what other “gifts” is Cat going to learn about?
Overall, I think this book was wonderful, and I hated that it ended. I am looking forward to the next in this series (no matter the spin off!).
**Adult scenes involved. Not appropriate for all readers.**


Happy Reading!


Cana

What Are You Reading Monday

It's Monday! What are you reading is hosted by Book Journey . Each week we spotlight the books we are reading, planning on reading or just finished reading.

So I've got to admit, I haven't really been reading as much as I normally would. It has just been one of those months where I don't.  


What I read the past weeks:

What I'm reading

What Will I be Reading? (Well, at least this is the goal :P)

And probably some more... We will just have to see.  It is Christmas Gift making time, so we all know how that can change our plans.  :)

So what are you reading?


Happy Reading!


Cana

I'm Lovely... How About You?

Thanks to Sierra at The Best Way Out is Through Reviews for this lovely award.
Now it is my pleasure to award this award to fifteen other blogs.  If you happen to be a recipient, please return the favor to fifteen other lovely blogs in your blog roll!

1. Rebecca at Bending the Spine.  
2. Richie at Bound & Determined
3. Brodie at Eleusinian Mysteries
4. Maria at Fantasy's Ink
5. Katie at Katie's Amazing Book Reviews
6. Katie at Magic is in Words
7. Lisa Jo and Stephanie at Once Upon A Chapter
8. Rumana at Relook The Book
9. Alaiel at The Librarian Mouse
10. Cat at Cat's Thoughts
11. Lisa at Cold Moon Violet Books
12. Natalie at Browsing Bookshelves
13. Ang at Eastern Sunset Reads
14. Kathy at A Glass of Wine
15. Sheree at Beckoned by Books

Thank you for being such lovely blogs!


Happy Reading!


Cana

This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Description

Danger waits on both sides of the grave.

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

My Review

This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cat has been a vampire for a little over a year, but life hasn’t slowed down for her and Bones. A ghoul named Apolloyon still has it out for her, even with her being a vampire, insisting that she will become half vampire, half ghoul and rule the paranormal world.


First of all, I want to say how much I always love Ms. Frost play on history. Joan of Arc! Loved it, and it makes so much sense really! And to understand this, you really must read this book.


This story is fast paced, which I just loved because it made it easier to get into the story… Of course that made it hard to put the book down.


Cat and Bones have a better, deeper relationship. Cat still occasionally struggles in completely agreeing with Bones’ ideas when it comes to how to handle issues like ghouls out to kill her and whether to reveal her peculiarity of eating vampire blood and not human blood to survive.


The action in this book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, and the plans on how to survive the attacks will keep you guessing on whether they will survive.


I think that Ms. Frost trying to give Chapter 32 a run for its money in this book was great, and the fact that she referred back to it was a great way to make you want to read these two chapters side by side to see which one you enjoyed more.


Now, there will be a few deaths and twists/turns that will leave you asking, “WHAT!?!?!?!?!” You will definitely see some old characters from previous books and get to know others that you might not have otherwise. Also, Cat’s gift does show an interesting turn that you really aren’t expecting till it happens.


Overall, I highly recommend this book.


**Adult scenes involved. Not appropriate for all readers.**




Happy Reading!


Cana

Follow Friday (17)

Welcome to Follow Friday Hosted By Parajunkee.com andAlisoncanread.com

Question: Letter to Santa: Tell Santa what books you want for Christmas!

Who thinks of these questions?  BECAUSE THIS IS THE BEST QUESTION EVER!!!!  And we will be here a while :P  So I'll divide it into 3 catagories:  What I want that I haven't read, What I want that I've already read but want to own, and what I want that Santa will have to bribe someone to get me before they are published.


What I want that I haven't read yet:

   

 

What I want that I've already read but want to own (These were books I borrowed or expired galleys):

What I want that Santa will have to bribe someone to get me before they are published:

There is so many more books on my list, but I thought I wouldn't keep you till Christmas.  




Happy Reading!


Cana