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:

The Awakening of Leeowyn Blake by Mary Parker

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

The Realms of the Gods by Tamora Pierce

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 2^nd 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

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.

http://tiffanyallee.com/

http://tiffanyallee.com/blog/

http://www.facebook.com/authortiffanyallee

http://twitter.com/#!/TiffanyAllee

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:

Succubus Lost by Tiffany Allee

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Reading!

Cana

Waiting on Wednesday: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

Description:


What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival? 


Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly. 


Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger. 


But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?


Expected Publication: June 12, 2012


Why?

1. Hmmm, does the premise not sound interesting?  I mean, a dystopian society that has created the ones that might destroy it.  
2. A beautiful cover.  I mean, the deadliness of the cracked, dry ground.  The sorrow of the girl on the cover.  It is beautiful.  
3. Anyone who loves music and reading is going to be a character that I like to think I'll like.  :)  

Happy Reading!


Cana

Immortals And Melodies by Heather Jensen

Description:


I stared into the face of a vampire, fangs and all. But she was my vampire. And I was about to be hers. She bit her own wrist and lowered it to my open mouth. She spoke only one word. “Drink.”

Catalyst frontman Trey is no stranger to chaos, but even the life of a rock star couldn’t prepare him for the consequences of loving a vampire. Trey’s life is in danger; threatened by the very group he must join to stay alive. His struggle to continue his career and release a new album with the band is marred by events that force him to ask a powerful Synod Elder for help.

Aurora has to keep Trey alive until she can make him a vampire, but her own kind will stop at nothing to prevent it. The head of the Emissary is having her followed, and if she can’t figure out who is behind the violent attacks Trey might not make it to the full moon. As Aurora battles her own kind, she’s also plagued by the risk she’s taking by changing Trey. Will her moon-given power be enough to carry Trey through the change, or will he be left floating in the wake of destruction?


My Review:

Immortals And Melodies by Heather Jensen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So, we pick up literally just a little bit after the first book (What I'm guessing is about a week after the last chapter of the 1st book).  And let me tell you the action starts almost in the very first chapter and doesn't let up until the end.  Now it isn't one of those exhausting-non-stop actions.  Rather, it is quick action with breathers in between that allow for a great adrenaline rush before giving you a cool down. 


Personally, I love the characters, but I love Aurora better than Trey.  I think one of those reasons is because Aurora and I have similar personalities.  Second, Trey just seems too good to be true! I mean, what man breathing is really that romantic (I read one of the chapters and wanted to burst into tears because I knew I'd never meet a guy like that!)? I can't really think of one.


Another great thing in this book is the description of the change, and not just the process itself.  I loved reading Aurora's emotions and fears, plus seeing Trey's experience and what it felt for him.  It was almost beautiful, but it doesn't make me want to find a vampire who will make me one.  But it does sound a lot like other major changes in our normal mortal life.  


I really loved the surprise who-done-it.  It was definitely not one of the 2 that I thought it was. Always good when a twist comes and surprises the reader.  Plus, I thought the whole struggle for Aurora towards the end was a great way to keep the story going and let us get to know about Aurora and what made her who she is.  


Overall, I think this is a great story, and I highly recommend this series.  I'm really looking forward to reading more by Ms. Jensen.  


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 because of my busy schedule, I'm only going to do this once a month.  :P  I know, such a slacker, but reading is more important than me doing this every week!

What I read this past month:

What I'm currently reading and will be reading for the next month!

And probably so much more... I'll check in again in August (Happy 4th of July to everyone, just a little early!)

What are you reading?

Happy Reading!


Cana

Emperor Mage by Tamora Pierce

Emperor Mage by Tamora Pierce

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Description: 

In Tamora Pierce's third book in The Immortals series, Daine sails to Carthak as part of a peace treaty delegation from Tortall. There she is amazed by strange and wondrous sights, including rooms filled with dinosaur bones and the Emperor Mage's zoo. But she also senses a darkness beneath all the gold and glitter, a darkness that lies in wait. While healing the Emperor's captive birds, Daine discovers a new and terrifying dimension of her wild magic: She can bring dead creatures back to life. What is she to do with such immense power? Finding out the answer nearly costs Daine her life. 

My Review:

I think this is one of the best books in the series to date, as you not only get to see more of Daine’s powers, but you get a better glimpse towards the mythology of Tortall and the surrounding countries.  I loved getting to see a new goddess and how the gods & goddesses communicate (or how they don’t) to the mortals.

I loved the development between Daine and Numair.  You know what is going to happen, at least deep down inside, you hope something will happen.  Daine is such an interesting character as she behaves towards the relationship with Numair.  And when she thinks something has happened to Numair, you see her reaction is something that you would never expect from her. 

I loved how Daine learned that her personal judgments on people/creatures that she doesn’t know needs to be re-evaluated.  She makes new friends, finds that people she thought were safe to trust were not.  I think the honest evaluation is that we can’t judge those around us by looks, status, or background.  We have to make personal judgments through our experiences with people.  Great lesson to be reminded of or learn.

In some ways, this story reminds me of the tensions between ancient Carthage and ancient Rome.  The attempt to create peace and the underlying currents of war seemed to make it an interesting concept when compared to our ancient history (maybe event to our current history). 

Overall, I think this is a great book.  I highly recommend this book. 

Happy Reading!


Cana