Saturday, June 30, 2012

Bewitching Blog Tours Promo Stop: Katrina: The Beginning by Elizabeth Lorraine




Description:


Katrina: The Beginning
By Elizabeth Loraine

As a Vampire being hunted was nothing new. Finding out that I had to save those that were hunting us was!

Katrina, a young royal blooded vampire, chronicles her life from the age of seventeen beginning in the 1800's forward in the series Royal Blood Chronicles.

Katrina is thrust into something she never could have imagined growing up in the aristocracy of Europe. Once the fashion of the day, and girlish gossip filled Katrina and her new friends days, but their lives changed the instant their race was threatened and they were chosen as the Five, and the protectors of not only the vampire race, but all the peaceful races of the world!

If you are looking for a new, exciting vampire series, with strong female characters you've found it in Royal Blood Chronicles. It starts here with Katrina, The Beginning!

Barnes and Noble
@bloodchronicles

Excerpt:

CHAPTER TWO –

The roadway turned, and as we entered a dark forest I suddenly felt the weight of impending doom surrounding us.
Listen,” I told myself. “Use all your senses.” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I could feel Quinn and Thomas tense as they realized what I was doing. They slowly drew their swords, and as they did, so did Gunter, Simon, and Father. I could ‘see’ many horses and many humans.
Then Father’s voice boomed. “Ride!”
As we forced our horses into a gallop, my senses told me the men in the woods to the right of us, outnumbered us by ten.
How far? How far were our attackers from us?” I asked myself. A mile maybe less, I detected.
“How far is the Palace?” I yelled.
“Two miles!” Father shouted back.
“We’ll never make it;’ they’re only a mile away,”
Thank goodness we had left the wagons in the city with the servants, who would follow us later.
Then I realized that no common robber would risk attacking such a large party. Despite all the care and secrecy with which we had undertaken this journey, someone must have alerted our assailants to our presence. We must have spies amongst us; for only one kind of human would have the audacity to attack us —the Volator—those whose sole purpose in life was to hunt and kill vampires. That they had picked this time to attack, was no accident, I thought.
I could see the Palace now, less than a mile away. We might just make it.
Then out of the darkness of the woods, I detected the distinct whistle of an arrow in flight.
“Duck!” I screamed.
We instinctively bent down low as we urged our horses ahead. Another arrow came from the right, and a horse squealed and fell, the guard flying off his mount into the ditch.
Suddenly Father, Philepe, and Gerhardt pulled their horses up, jumped off, and ran into the forest.
“Get Katrina into the palace, now!” yelled Gunter. We galloped by as he dismounted to follow Father.
Suddenly Nulla tripped. Only because of my strength and quick reaction, was I able to cling to the saddle and avoid being thrown. I clung perilously, hanging off the side of the saddle, as Nulla continued thundering down the road.
“Open the gate!” Quinn yelled. He reached out to help me back into the saddle almost unseating himself.
I had trained my whole life to be able to save myself, and the time had come to do it. I pulled myself up and into the saddle, just as the gate opened and we galloped through. Guards, swords drawn, pushed past us, ready to aid Father. My heart was pounding as people rushed towards us.
“Are you all right, my Lady?” someone asked.
“Yes. Quinn, Thomas, are you all right?”
“Yes, we’re fine. We’re going back to help,” Quinn panted.
“No!” Thomas insisted. “Katrina is your charge right now. You stay here; she must be safe.”
I dismounted and noticed blood dripping down Nulla’s leg, an arrow jutting from her shoulder.
“Oh, no!” I cried, “Nulla!”
Hearing my cry, Quinn ran over to see what was wrong.
“She’ll be fine, Katrina,” he assured me as he looked at the wound. The wound is not deep. Stable boy! Here! Now! Take my Lady’s beloved mare to the stable and see to her. Take great care and report back to me.”
The stable boy nodded, and poor Nulla limped away with him.
As if he had read my mind Quinn said, “She’ll be fine. Your father will be fine. It’s those cowards in the woods that ambushed us you should worry about. Your father and Philepe will show them no mercy. The only problem we’ll have is to endure the stories of bravery Gerhardt will tell.”
I rolled my eyes and we both had a laugh. It was short lived however, because just then we heard the gate swing open and Father’s party gallop through, the dust from all the hoofs making it impossible for me to see for a moment, then I heard my father shout. “Katrina! Where is my daughter?”
“I’m here Father.”
He was alive. And just as we had predicted, out of the dust Gerhardt appeared and said, “Did you miss me?”
Philepe, Gunter, and Simon were also unhurt but we’d lost four guards, two from our garrison and two from the palace detail.
“What of the Volator, Father?”
Father had a shocked look on his face.
“You knew?”
“Who else would it be?”
“Five got away, but twenty-five or so were not so lucky. Unfortunately I don’t think their leader was amongst them. But I assure you he’s not far, and we’ll find him. No one is safe until we root out the traitor who has revealed us. Now you get cleaned up and rest, because we must report to the High Regent.”
The thought of a traitor living among us sent shivers up my spine.
A lovely girl named Gretchen showed me to my quarters. Several young ladies would be sharing this large common area surrounded by bedrooms. Tall leaded glass windows on each side of the fireplace filled the room with light and gave the gold, overstuffed chairs and sofa a soft glow. A round table with six chairs sat in the corner. The high, dark-beamed ceiling was adorned with two iron candle chandeliers. My bedroom was the second door to the left, and in it was a large bed with wooden posts, lush green velvet bedding, and an eiderdown so thick that they might not be able to find me in the morning.
I heard the door to the common room open and my curiosity revived me enough to go and meet the new arrival. She was stunning. Glossy, ebony hair drifted over her shoulders nearly to her waist. She had big brown eyes and skin the color of warm sand.
“Hello,” I said. “I’m Katrina Von Dracek.”
“How nice for you,” she said in a bored voice without looking in my direction.
I can see this is going to a long week,” I thought to myself.
“I’m Rosalinda DiPalicio.”
“How nice for you too,” I said, and turned to walk away.
“All right, that was rude, forgive me. It’s just that it was quite an adventure to get here. I’m exhausted, I’m starving, and I smell like a horse.”
The tension broken, we laughed. I knew just how she felt.
“Let’s start again. I’m Rosalinda DiPalicio, but you may call me Rosa.”
“I am pleased to meet you, Rosa. I’m Katrina Von Dracek, and you may call me Kat.”
“There were some delicious morsels standing guard outside. I don’t suppose we’re allowed to feed on anything or anyone we want to?” Rosa grinned and licked her full lips.
“No, I don’t think so.”
Again, the door opened and Gretchen came in carrying a large case. She was followed by a girl of medium height. Her blonde hair was pulled back away from a lovely heart-shaped face, which featured a smile that seemed to light her from within.
“Hello. I’m Eleanor Flanery. We just arrived from England.”
“I’m Rosalinda DiPalicio, and this is Katrina Von Dracek. You may call us Rosa and Kat.”
“I’m glad to meet you, Rosa, Kat. Please call me El.”
“And call me Letta, short for Arletta,” said the girl stepping out from behind Eleanor.
Arletta Valdesio had traveled from Spain. She had olive skin and dark brown hair pulled back and up in ringlets that were secured with a beautiful jeweled comb. Instead of the brown eyes I was expecting, coneflower blue eyes met mine as we were introduced.
Gretchen showed the newcomers to their rooms.
“Thank you, Gretchen,” said Letta. “Has a bath been prepared?”
“Yes, we could all use a bath,” said Rosa.
“I’ll see to it at once,” Gretchen answered, “and then I’ll bring you some luncheon.”
“Oh, glorious,” El said. “I’m starving,”
“I am, too,” I said.
Eleanor flopped down on one of the chairs.
“At least I survived the crossing. I really hate sailing. How were your journeys?”
“We were attacked in the forest, about two miles from the front gate,” I said.
“Really? How frightening!” Eleanor’s face showed her concern. “Was anyone in your party hurt?”
“We lost two guards, as did the palace, and, Nulla, my beautiful mare took an arrow in the shoulder, but she’s going to be fine. Father said only four or five of our attackers escaped.”
“Who, was it? Why would anyone do such a thing?” asked El.
“There are many who dislike our kind and despise our way of life,” said Rosa, “They seek to end our existence and take our lands, but they’re fools.”
“It is true that men often seek to kill that which he does not understand, and it seems that as a species man is always fighting someone,” I added.

Author:

I grew up in a small northern Minnesotan town married my high school sweetheart, had two beautiful children and as soon as we could we moved to a warmer climate. I have worked with my husband building and decorating custom homes for years. After loving every kind of vampire book, movie and series I decided that I wanted to know more. I can write a book I thought, how hard can that be? Well.... But I stuck to it and finished my first book Royal Blood Chronicles Book One in August 2009. I now have six books in the series and am about to release book two of my new series Phantom Lives.  My parents always told me that I could do anything that I wanted, work hard, study and do it right. I believe that and live that way every day.

I started writing this new vampire series for teens and their moms because I myself wanted something different to read. I was tired of all the modern versions of vampire books, there had to be more to these long lived beings. Where had they been what had they seen? I wanted, no I NEEDED to know more so Royal Blood Chronicles was born!  As in Royal Blood Chronicles, Phantom Lives features strong female characters and action and adventure mixed with romance, friendship and a historical backdrop. 






Happy Reading!


Cana

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Starling by Lesley Livingston

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: 






Description:


"Love is just the beginning... of the end." 


Mason Starling is a champion fencer for Gosforth Academy, but she’s never had to fight for her life. Until now. When a ferocious storm rips through Manhattan and unleashes terrifying creatures onto Gosforth’s campus, Mason barely escapes alive. Without help from the mysterious stranger who appeared in the midst of the storm, she might not have made it at all. But now, in the aftermath, Mason’s life begins to spin dramatically, mystically out of control, and the only one who seems able to help her is the stranger who can remember nothing but his name: Fennrys Wolf. 


As Mason and Fenn uncover more about Fenn’s past and the strange events that surround them, they realize that Mason’s family — and its dark allegiance to the ancient Norse gods — is at the center of everything. A predetermined fate seems to be closing in on Mason, but is it possible to change one’s destiny? 



Coming out on August 15, 2012


Why?

  1. I don't know a lot about Norse mythology, but this sounds like a great book to start out with. 
  2. Sounds like a great book, maybe a Percy Jackson or the Kane Chronicles series.  I just wonder how it will work out, though.  
  3. The mystery of the cover is beautiful.  I love it.  She looks like a goddess herself, wading through the water.  



What are you waiting for?  

Happy Reading!


Cana

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

ARC Review: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

Description:


Deborah Harkness exploded onto the literary scene with her debut novel,A Discovery of Witches, Book One of the magical All Souls Trilogy and an international publishing phenomenon. The novel introduced Diana Bishop, Oxford scholar and reluctant witch, and the handsome geneticist and vampire Matthew Clairmont; together they found themselves at the center of a supernatural battle over an enchanted manuscript known as Ashmole 782.

Now, picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending,Shadow of Night plunges Diana and Matthew into Elizabethan London, a world of spies, subterfuge, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the mysterious School of Night that includes Christopher Marlowe and Walter Raleigh. Here, Diana must locate a witch to tutor her in magic, Matthew is forced to confront a past he thought he had put to rest, and the mystery of Ashmole 782 deepens.

Deborah Harkness has crafted a gripping journey through a world of alchemy, time travel, and magical discoveries, delivering one of the most hotly anticipated novels of the season.



My Review:



My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So let me get this out of the way in the beginning of this review:  I could not put this book down!  Oh my goodness, this 592 page book was so worth it!  I have been waiting since February 2011 when I read the first book to get to this book.  Unfortunately, I’m sure I’ll have to wait a whole year and a half before I get the next one L


Now to the actual review.

So this book picks up where it left off (or is it puts down where it picked up?).  Landing in 1590 England of course is going to be strange, but as excited as Diana is, she has no clue what she is in for.  And that is what I loved about this book.  We all think that we could go back in time and survive and remain unnoticed, but in reality, we would all stick out like a sore thumb (which is exactly what Diana does).  I think that Diana sums it up best: “Living in the past had always been my secret desire, but it was far more difficult than I’d imagined.”

Matthew… What can I say?  He is the perfect, imperfect man of every woman’s dreams.  He is moody, broody, and you can’t help but want to help him, make him feel complete, make him happy.  He is struggling through the time they are in the past because he already knows what is going to happen.  In some ways, I think this makes it a bigger struggle for him, because he wants to change the past for the good of people he didn’t realize were so important.  We actually get to know Matthew more in this book, which is great!  There is so much development.  As a spy, his secrets keep getting exposed; as a member of the congregation, choices must be made. 

Also, Matthew has forgotten some things from his past, which are creating new problems for them to deal with.  Plus to make matters worse, most of the plans are not working the way that he wants them. 

My heart broke several times for both Diana and Matthew, both for different reasons.  I can’t go into it too much without giving away a plot, but let’s just say that the struggles that they face as a couple were hard enough, without the stress of being in the past.  I think that these heartbreaking moments just reiterate the humanity of the characters, whether they are human or creatures. 

I loved Phillipe.  He is an amazing character, and it breaks my heart that we know he is deceased in the present day.  He is a planner/schemer, and he does keep things interesting while Diana and Matthew are at Sept Tour.  I love how in the end, he completely approves of Diana and Matthew, and how he starts setting up the future for her. 

I love all the new characters you get to meet in this book!  Gallowglass (a sure fire favorite of mine), the different witches in the Elizabethan gathering, plus Annie and Jack are all great characters that help connect you to the past and the present. 

I must say I love how Ms. Harkness wrote about the past, making it so believable and relatable.  Also, I enjoyed how she didn’t make it so much of a butterfly effect with Diana and Matthew in the past.  Yes, there were changes to the present due to their being in the past, but it was nothing to a huge extent like making America still part of the British colonies or prevented deaths that had originally occurred.  I thought it was great how Ms. Harkness even occasionally would throw in a chapter from the present to mix in with the chapters from the past.

Finally, my favorite part was meeting all the historical figures in this book.  From Queen Elizabeth I to Christopher Marlowe to Shakespeare, you can’t help but envy Diana from meeting them.  You learn that the historical figures you think that you admire, love, or despise aren’t quite who you think they are. 

Overall, this is an AMAZING book, and I am impatiently waiting for the next book!  HIGHLY RECOMMEND!


Happy Reading!


Cana

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Pride Unleashed by Cat Kalen

Description:


Seeking revenge, Pride is headed back to the compound where she was once nearly broken to the will of an evil master. She’ll stop at nothing to free the enslaved wolves still caged in the estate’s underground prison. Knowing there is only one way back inside the fortified mansion, Pride allows herself to be captured.

Armed with a plan, she finds herself back in her cage but when things begin to unravel, she once again finds herself at the mercy of her former master. This time, however, she knows she has two wolves on her side, Logan and Stone—powerful alphas who will both fight to the death to free her.

Except the compound hides secrets that threaten both her heart and her identity and when bonds are tested and bloodlines are revealed, Pride realizes if she completes her mission she’ll be releasing her pack into a world where no one, least of all Pride, is safe.



My Review:






My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book gets a firm 3.5 stars (but Goodreads doesn’t believe in halvies, so it will read a 4). 

This book literally picks right back up where book 1 left off.  I might be a few weeks off, but literally, this felt like book 1.5, instead of book 2.  I did have a hard time remembering some of the characters and their importance /role in the story, so it might have helped to have re-read book 1.

There is a lot more development in Pride.  Strengths, weaknesses, emotional and mental struggles are all exposed as Pride hopes to save the pack.  Actually, Pride is dealing with a lot of emotional baggage, still dueling with feelings for both Logan and Stone.  I had thought that was settled before, but obviously it wasn’t.  Plus, Pride is feeling guilt towards the pack, anger towards the master, and confusion over her “dead” father because she thinks he is alive! 

I felt the plan that Logan and Pride had to get the pack out was one big stupid plan, and why none of the adults decided it wasn’t a good idea is beyond me. 

Really, the suspense in the first few chapters is killer.  Trying to figure out the plan, who is a good guy or a bad guy, and what is outside of the wall?  All of these things keep you at the edge of your seat.

Overall, I think this was a good book.  But it just wasn’t as much fun reading as the first book, Pride’s Run, was.  

Happy Reading!


Cana

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Silver by Talia Vance

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: 



Description:


Beauty is pointless when no one's looking. 


Brianna Paxton has been invisible to guys since the eighth grade. She’s pretty enough, it’s just that no one bothers to look. There’s almost nothing that can’t be explained with science, and Brianna has a theory: she’s missing the pheromone that attracts people to one another. Brianna’s theory is shot to hell in one frozen, silver moment, when time stops and Blake Williams not only sees her, he recognizes something inside her that she’s been hiding from even herself. 


Before Brianna fully understands who and what she is, she accidentally binds her soul to Blake. Forced to find a way to reconcile forbidden love and her bloody heritage, Brianna discovers that there's nothing pointless about her, and Blake may be in the most danger of all.


Coming out on September 8, 2012

Why?

  1. I love any description that has the words "accidentally".  You always know that there should be something funny that will also frustrate you at the same time.  
  2. Brianna sounds like an interesting character.  I mean, what girl doesn't feel forgot, unknown, and hidden from others in middle school.  The fact that there is something special about her is what will keep the story going.
  3. The cover is beautiful.  I mean, the bright, vivid blue, and the silver and gray colors, you can't help but be mesmerized.  

What are you waiting for?



Happy Reading!


Cana

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Bewitching Book Tour: The Earth Painter By Melissa Lee




The Earth Painter By Melissa Lee



When a self-conscious young woman discovers the boy in drama class is actually the immortal who painted the world into being, she becomes the target of another painter who hates humanity.

The Earth Painter is a Young Adult Supernatural Romance set in the small mill town of Chesnee, SC.
It revolves around Holly Scruggs, who's family has just moved back to Chesnee after her dad lost his job along with pretty much everything they owned.
Her image conscious parents correct her to the point of brokenness until she meets Theo. He is the artist responsible for all the beauty of the land and he thinks Holly is beautiful too. Together they will fight against Fritz, the water painter who hates humans and is hiding a secret under the high school.




About the Author
Melissa Lee is a wife and stay-at-home-mom of 3 young boys. She’s been making up stories in her head for as long as she can remember but only got serious about it in 2007, after reading Twilight and rediscovering her own dreams to write.
Finally, she put her Journalism degree to use and started writing and hasn’t stopped since. She has studied fiction writing at various conferences, and from numerous writing coaches.
She signed her first contract with Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing in 2011






Happy Reading!


Cana

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Undeadly by Michele Vail

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: 


Description:


The day I turned 16, my boyfriend-to-be died. I brought him back to life. Then things got a little weird... 


Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper—and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath. 


Within days, she’s shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath. Who seems to hate her guts. 


Rath will be watching closely to be sure she completes her first assignment-reaping Rick, the boy who should have died. The boy she still wants to be with. 


To make matters worse, students at the academy start turning up catatonic, and accusations fly—against Molly. The only way out of this mess? To go through hell. Literally.


Coming out on November 20, 2012


Why?

  1. Zombie-raising skills?  Egyptian god Anubis? People dying?  Sounds like a great book!
  2. Definitely sounds like a love/hate relationship turning romance for Rath and Molly.... Does make for an interesting story, always.
  3. The cover is beautiful. I love the lace overlay around the title.  

What are you waiting for?  

Happy Reading!


Cana

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Bleeding Hearts by Ash Krafton

Description:

Sophie Galen is an advice columnist whose work leaves her neck-deep in other people’s problems. Thanks to her compassion, her gut instinct, and her magnetic charm, Sophie really knows how to attract little black clouds.

Marek Thurzo is no little black cloud; he’s a maelstrom. Marek is Demivampire, a race with the potential to evolve into vampire. A warrior who’s taken his share of spiritual damage, he hovers dangerously close to destruction.

He seeks salvation. She’s driven to save him. But what if he can’t be saved?

Sympathy for his plight becomes true empathy as Sophie’s hidden nature is revealed. Marek suspects she may be one of the Sophia, oracle and redemption of the damned Demivampire. She alone can turn back the evolutionary clock.

All she needs is the courage to face her fears. Can she save him from Falling?

My Review:



My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a wonderfully new spin on the vampire myth, than this is a book that you need to read.

So when I started reading this book, I was like, “Ok, another vampire book… Let’s see if there is anything new under the sun for this line of vampire mythology.”  And let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised.  Not only are there humans and vampires (and werewolves, and other things that go bump in the night), but there are an in-between species known as demivamps (DV), which is the precursor to becoming a vampire.  They are the missing link between humans and vampires so to speak. 

I generally love Sophie as a character.  Her sarcasm is great, and it is nice to see it consistently used throughout the book.  I find her perky/sunshine on a cloudy day personality to be a bit overboard sometimes, but since I actually know people like that, it is still very believable.  Also, Sophie is really one big bleeding heart that attracts a lot of strays.  This aspect of her personality makes her both likeable and frustrating.  It also gives an opportunity for conflict in the book.  The only thing that slightly bothered me was how many nicknames Sophie comes up for herself.  Talk about “Overkill Sophie” (yep, even that one is in there!).

Let me tell you, I’d love to get a Marek and Rodrian of my own.  What a manly sandwich I could make with them ;).  And with them, you got the best of both worlds:  Dark and brooding (Marek) and fun and sexy (Rodrian).  And I can honestly not pick one or the other.  For me, they are a package deal.

I loved Jared and his speech about faith, God, and infinity.  Nothing like a godly man for me… Too bad he is a priest.  Otherwise, we could add him to the Marek/Rodrian sandwich.  *Sigh*

This book is split into 3 parts, literally and figuratively.  Part 1 is the Good and the Romantic.  Part 2 is the Revealing and the Setup.  And Part 3 is the Heartbreaking and the Frustrating.  Each part has its high and low points.  Personally, I liked everything up until the last few chapters of part 3.  I had my heart breaking, and before the author could mended it back up with her story, it ended!  I do not like I-got-no-resolution endings!  It is like story interuptus, which makes me a cranky and unhappy reader, as I now have to wait patiently for the next book to come out (Please let it be soon, I’m begging you!).

I loved the play on words with the title, the flower, Sophie, and the situations that occur in this book.  You can take it so many ways!  I mean, I’d tell you more, but then I would be giving spoilers. 

Overall, this is a very good book, and I am looking forward to reading more by Ms. Krafton. 

I highly recommend it. 



Happy Reading!


Cana

Sunday, June 10, 2012

The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake by Mary Parker

Description:


I'm a normal teenager. I have a normal teenage life with normal teenage problems. The summer is my heaven. I live with my mom during the summer months. We stay in her tiny condo in Jacksonville, Florida. My parents split up when I was little. I'm not sure why. My mom never talks about it. Whatever it was, it was bad enough to make my mom pack me up in the middle of the night when I was four years old and run to my Gran's condo. My mom got the condo after Gran died. From that time on all I had known my entire life was beach life. Until four years ago. Until my uncle found me.


My Review:




My rating: 4 of 5 stars


“You’re different.  You used to be a blazing sunset.  You use to take my breath away.  It was like reaching my hand into a bag full of lightning that was stolen from a thunderstorm.  I touch you now and I don’t feel anything.  Except fear.  And confusion.”

Excerpt from The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake

I started reading this book, thinking it was going to be another “Harry Potter” like book.  Let’s admit it, there are tons of those out there.  But surprisingly, this was not one of those books. 

I love how this book starts out with an open mystery. Granted, it is solved by the halfway point of the book, but it is great all the same.  I mean, I kept asking myself who is Leeowyn Blake?  What is it that makes her so special?  And as you go along, those questions may get answered, but others replace them. 

I loved the explanation about the Realms, myths, and such.  Very creative twist on explaining things.  I especially love the explanation of “magic”.  It makes this book not quiet unrealistic.

I just love the cover of this book!  It is so freakishly mysterious, plus it is awesome how it perfectly depicts the book and the character of Leeowyn!  Kudos on the cover!

I though the characterization was great.  Leeowyn was a believable character, and you kind of drooled over Alex.  I think that Peach was the most fantastical and the most easily identifiable character.  I automatically knew who she was when I first read about her. 

The only thing that I really didn’t like about the book was the resolution… Or rather, the lack of one.  I felt like I was left hanging on the edge of a cliff, waiting to see what would happen.  Ugh, not my favorite feeling in the world.

I will admit the first 9 or so chapters were a bit confusing for me. There is a lot of flipping back and forth from the past to the present, which without a lot of specifying can get confusing.  But once you hit chapter 11, the consistency and the flow of this book are amazing.

I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Blake. 



Happy Reading!


Cana

Saturday, June 9, 2012

The Realms of the Gods by Tamora Pierce



My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Description:

During a dire battle against the fearsome Skinners, Daine and her mage teacher Numair are swept into the Divine Realms. Though happy to be alive, they are not where they want to be. They are desperately needed back home, where their old enemy, Ozorne, and his army of strange creatures are waging war against Tortall.
Trapped in the mystical realms Daine discovers her mysterious parentage. And as these secrets of her past are revealed so is the treacherous way back to Tortall. So they embark on an extraordinary journey home, where the fate of all Tortall rests with Daine and her wild magic.
My Review:

I LOVED THIS BOOK!  Out of the entire series, this one was my favorite.  I think I’ve re-read this book more than the others.  Why did I like it?  Oh, so many good reasons!

·         Daine has grown up so much since the first book.  She is an adult who realizes that her past, her present and her future are all in her hands to use, not in the hands of the gods.  Also, I love her final request for someone you would have never expected. 
·         I also thought it was great to see how far a development Daine has come with her wild magic.  To see the progression from a little girl afraid to use her magic to one who can possess and use her magic in battle is amazing. 
·         The relationship between Daine and Numair… Yep, made me definitely happy.  I’ve been expecting it since the 2nd book, and I honestly felt that it was about time!
·         Getting an idea of what the Divine Realm (or the Realm of the Gods) was great to further give the reader an idea of what it might be like.  Kind of reminds me of some of my Greek/Roman mythology.  Also the battle between the gods and Chaos was a great way to see the battle of good and evil. 
·         I loved how we got to see the dragons.  Thanks to Kit, the dragons play a bigger role in this book than in any of the others.  I think it was a great way to maybe potentially set up a new series (just my thinking/suggestion). 

Overall, I think this is a great book.  I highly recommend this book.  I hope that Ms. Pierce will do some future series on Daine and Numair (or any potential offspring J). 



Happy Reading!


Cana

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Bewitching Book Tours: Guest Post from Tiffany Allee and Review

Today, Place of Reads is proud to have Tiffany Allee, author of Banshee Charmer and Succubus Lost posting.  



Guest Post:

Romance – A Must Have for this Reader


As a person who was a reader long before I became a writer, I've found there are certain elements in books that I really enjoy. I love mystery and suspense and (as you can probably tell from the books I write: paranormal or fantasy elements). And others that I almost feel have become requirements for me to fully immerse myself in a story. The biggest element I feel like I must have is the romance.

Okay, the title of this blog post may be a little misleading. I don't absolutely have to have a romantic element in the fiction I read, but I do feel like something is missing if there is no romance. Even a touch of a love story helps pull me into a tale where I wouldn't be drawn in otherwise. And it's even better if this element is part of the story's conflict.

Why?

I'm not entirely certain. Maybe because romance is an element in fiction that I find instantly relatable. Or because it feels like it pushes the stakes up even higher than a simple plot—even a life or death one—can do alone.

I recently read a wonderful book called White Horse, by Alex Adams. The plot was far from what most would consider romance, but one of the underlying motivators for the heroine was love. This element helped me to relate to the heroine in a way I might not have otherwise.

Are there any must have elements you require when picking up a new book? Any elements that immediately push you away?


About the Author

Tiffany currently lives in Phoenix, AZ, by way of Chicago and Denver, and is happily married to a secret romantic. She spends her days working in Corporate America while daydreaming about sexy heroes, ass-kicking heroines, and interesting ways to kill people (for her books, of course). Her nights are reserved for writing and bothering her husband and cats (according to them). Her passions include reading, chocolate, travel, wine, and family.



Books:


Banshee Charmer
From the Files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency, #1

Tiffany Allee

When she’s sent to a crime scene and finds her second dead woman in as many weeks, half-banshee detective Kiera “Mac” McLoughlin is convinced a serial killer is on the loose. Incubi are extinct, her boss insists. But what else can kill a woman in the throes of pleasure? When her partner is murdered after using witchcraft to locate the killer and Mac is thrown off the case, her frustration turns to desperation.

Certain the killer is an incubus, Mac works behind her department’s back to chase down slim, sometimes perilous leads. While the killer eludes her, she does discover handsome Aidan Byrne, an investigative counterpart from the enigmatic Otherworlder Enforcement Agency. Mac typically runs her investigations fast and hard, but with Aidan at her side, she’s running this one “hot” as well. But Aidan knows more than he’s letting on—something that could shatter their blazing romance and add Mac to the killer’s growing body count…



Succubus Lost
From the Files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency, #2

Tiffany Allee

Someone is kidnapping and incinerating otherworlders beyond recognition, and Detective Marisol Whitman, a succubus, races to find the murderer before he claims another victim. But her pursuit is derailed when her responsible younger sister vanishes. Marisol suspects foul play and enlists support from an unlikely source: an agent from the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency, Valerio Costa.

When the trail pointing to everyone from vampires to witches dries up, Agent Costa admits to knowing more than he’s shared. Marisol’s sister’s kidnapper harnesses more magic than she can imagine—and they’re running out of time. To find her sister before her powers are drained and twisted beyond recognition, Marisol must connect the dots between cases and put her trust in Costa, a salamander who may burn her before she can solve either case.  



My Review:


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 I loved this book.  Deliciously hot and mysterious at the same time, you can't help but keep reading the book and praying that work would stop interfering! 


I loved Marisol.  I thought that I wouldn't like her as much as Mac (book #1) because of the whole "weight of the world" thing with her sister and her being a succubus, but she exceeded my expectations.  I thought she was wonderfully balanced and a great character.  


For me Costa = Yummy, though he might have been yummier if he had used a bit more Italian :P.


I really did not see the vililan coming.  I thought it was going to be someone else, but it was a nice twist on who it ended up being, and it did keep the story interesting.


I personally felt that this story, and the subject matter of the book (beyond the love/hate steamy romance), was quite appropriate.  I can't give too much away, but I though tMs. Allee did a great job of talking about the sex slave trade in a paranormal world so similar to our not-quite-normal world. 


I believe this book could have stood alone, just because there are so few to no references to book #1. And those references are just towards character names.  


Overall, I highly recommend this book and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!


For my review on Banshee Charmer, click here.


PLUS, A GIVEAWAY!

Tour wide giveaway is a Salamander Pin and Succubus Lost ebook
the giveaway open to US Shipping






Happy Reading!


Cana