Hello all my dear, dear friends. After a grueling holiday schedule, working 2 jobs, and being just plain tired, I made a decision for February. I'll be taking a vacation from the blog from February 1, 2012 through February 18, 2012. I'll pick up blog posts on February 19, 2012. I'll pick back up with all the books I've read during my vacation, catch up with all the memes and find out what y'all have been reading while I've been gone. :)
See y'all in a few weeks!
Happy Reading!
Cana
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Kiss of the Vampire by Cynthia Garner
Description:
Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world-or send it spiraling into chaos.<
Half-demon, half-human, Nix de la Fuente is accepted by neither and mistrusted by both. Determined to prove she's more human than not, she devotes herself to solving crimes between the world's mortals and its most unsavory undead. But her latest case brings her face to face with the one vampire she could never resist . . .
Called in to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn't interested in rekindling his relationship with Nix. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. Once, their all-consuming passion nearly cost Nix her fragile hold on her humanity. Now, as their hunger for one another intensifies, exposing them to an unimaginable danger, it could cost them both their lives.
Half-demon, half-human, Nix de la Fuente is accepted by neither and mistrusted by both. Determined to prove she's more human than not, she devotes herself to solving crimes between the world's mortals and its most unsavory undead. But her latest case brings her face to face with the one vampire she could never resist . . .
Called in to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn't interested in rekindling his relationship with Nix. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. Once, their all-consuming passion nearly cost Nix her fragile hold on her humanity. Now, as their hunger for one another intensifies, exposing them to an unimaginable danger, it could cost them both their lives.
My Review:
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Tobias hasn’t seen Nix in five years, and the only reason he left was because he felt that it was the only way to save her sanity from her conflicting demon side. He thinks he can stay strong, not tempt her demon to come out and play, but in such tight quarters as looking for a murderer, things do not always go as planned.
As secrets are revealed, and friends and enemies take their places in this game of life or death, will Nix and Tobias survive long enough to be together, or is forever too much to ask?
Every now and then, you read a book that accomplishes all that you need a book to do. I mean, I read books all the time, and really I read for specific reasons. It is what I do for fun, to relieve stress, and to just plain get away from the real world. And this book accomplished all three of those requirements.
In this first book in the series Warriors of the Rift, Cynthia Garner creates a great spin on the preternaturals that we knew, loved and feared. Here we find out that preternaturals are not actually from Earth, but rather from another dimension, and they take over human bodies. To top it all off, we discover, that the preternaturals have “come out of the closet” so to speak, and the world is not only aware of them, but they know how they arrive: Through the rift every 73 years or so.
Nix is a great character. With all her baggage of her childhood, you can’t help but want her to win, to show that she can. Because she is part demon, she faces so much bias and discrimination; sometimes you would think that it would just be easier to forget about being half demon. Unfortunately, she is already walking a tight line, as most hybrid human/demon children go crazy in their early twenties. She is now in her late twenties and is constantly worrying about loosing her sanity, her humanity.
Then there is Tobias. He is the epitome of a great male character: gentleman, lover, protector, and just plan stupid at times (didn’t see that one coming did you?). He makes decisions to protect Nix, without consulting her… It is why they were separated for five years, because he felt that it was because of him that she would loose her sanity. Honestly, you want him to protect you, because you know that it is done in love.
With some great supporting characters, and some really funny scenes with Nix scrambling to do some tai chi, you can count on some humorous points mixed in with the blood, guts, and romance.
I must say, I really liked this book. With the mystery of why there seems to be a vampire serial killer, the romance between Nix and Tobias, and the action scenes between any of the preternaturals, you just can’t help enjoying yourself as you read it. Only point that I think might have helped was something other than the “editorial” to introduce the preternatural story. I mean, it was good introduction, but I think that there could have been a better one, maybe with a bit more explanation of vampires or demons. Overall, I highly recommend this book, and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Happy Reading!
Cana
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Waiting on Wednesday: The Selection by Kiera Cass
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:
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Description:
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
Why?
- Kind of sounds like a modern retelling of Esther, with a few exceptions.
- Distopia! Who doesn't like distopia?
- It just sounds like a great book. There will be romance (possible love triangle), action, betrayal, and maybe a happy ending (?).
- Interesting how the cover looks like there are different girls in the room, but they are all one girl in the same dress in a room of mirrors.
Happy Reading!
Cana
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Changeling Dawn by Dani Harper
Description:
RUN
Shadow and moonlight merge beneath her bare feet,
the forest floor blurring as she flees the dogs and torches. Werewolf, monster -- those are the names given her kind by the humans who hate them.
HUNT
Kenzie Macleod has spent her whole life hiding what she is, and she’s not about to open up to any man, even one as powerfully attractive as wildlife expert Josh Talarkoteen. But legend says that a Changeling cannot escape the call of her true mate, even in the wilderness of backcountry Alaska.
MATE
An isolated archeological site, a terrified Changeling cub, a secretive research center -- as Kenzie and Josh face the ultimate betrayal, his obsidian eyes promise untold pleasure and hint at dark secrets of his own
My Review:
Happy Reading!
Cana
RUN
Shadow and moonlight merge beneath her bare feet,
the forest floor blurring as she flees the dogs and torches. Werewolf, monster -- those are the names given her kind by the humans who hate them.
HUNT
Kenzie Macleod has spent her whole life hiding what she is, and she’s not about to open up to any man, even one as powerfully attractive as wildlife expert Josh Talarkoteen. But legend says that a Changeling cannot escape the call of her true mate, even in the wilderness of backcountry Alaska.
MATE
An isolated archeological site, a terrified Changeling cub, a secretive research center -- as Kenzie and Josh face the ultimate betrayal, his obsidian eyes promise untold pleasure and hint at dark secrets of his own
My Review:
In this third installment of the Changeling series, we meet
Kenzie McLeod, the youngest of the McLeod Pack.
Kenzie remembers her first lynch mob that was determined to destroy
changelings in Scotland Alaska
Oh where to start?
First, I loved this book, and I did do a little bit of yelling at the
end… And all just because the book ended.
It ended with a lot of hope, and excitement, but it still ended. I’m hoping that there will be more coming
soon from this series.
So, Kenzie is an interesting character. Still haunted by the past, she is trying to
save future changelings from having the same experience as herself when she was
a child. She is strong, persevering
woman who can’t seem to trust humans.
When she comes across Josh, she is pulled in two very different
directions: desire and fear. Desire to
be with him, to love him, and the fear that he is human and he will turn on
her.
Josh is a great character.
Not only is he patient for Kenzie, but he also is quite accepting. He is openly curious about changelings, but
he doesn’t even push for the info. He
waits, always waiting, until he finally shows a bit of alpha in him and takes charge
of what he wants. Also, Josh is a great
character because he too has witness horrors.
After 9/11, he enlisted and spent years in Afghanistan
And then there was little Anya. She was more prevelant in the story than I was
first expecting. She is a resilient
little girl who learns about trust, hope, and the success of planning don’t
always work the way we think it
will.
This book provides more background about the McLeod
family. With Birkie, James, Conor, Zoe
and Jill, we get to see what has happened since we last read the books. Babies are born, families are started, and
the biggest surprise is at the end.
I think out of all of the books so far, I liked this one the
best. I mean, who wouldn’t. Tall, dark and handsome human meets beautiful
changeling. Throw in a kid and have both
adults with haunted pasts that won’t let them go (or they are unwilling to let
go). Overall, this is a great read, and
I highly recommend this book.
***Adult Content: Not
appropriate for all readers.***
Happy Reading!
Cana
Monday, January 23, 2012
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.
What I read the past few weeks
What I'm reading
What Will I be Reading? (Well, at least this is the goal :P)
What are you reading?
Happy Reading!
Cana
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Dreamsayer by Carrie Olguin
Description:
In protected isolation in a castle on planet Damal, Jewel dreamed her own ending with the same gift she uses to save the lives of the people of the Five Worlds. With a choice between burning or continuing in desperate loneliness, she chooses to burn.
Married when she was five, to form a political alliance, she was widowed before the Unification at age fourteen. Five years later and she's destined to live her 300 year lifespan as the pure and chaste Dreamsayer. No other living man deemed suitable as her mate.
Wolfe, born of Jorandal heritage on the planet Majien, has the tiger stripes and eyes of a forest hunter. He sees Jewel crying in solitude and decides he must save her. Make her his own. He has the right. She's his wife. Everyone thinks he is dead.
He steals her away from her castle prison without telling her who he is. They must hide from the powerful forces that tried to kill him before their Unification. Those same unknown persons seek to use Jewel's gift for their own political gain.
War is brewing between the Five Worlds. Can the Dreamsayer stop the conflict in time?
My Review:
Jewel has lived a sheltered life as the Dreamsayer. Her job is to dream of disaster in order to prevent it. But as she feels herself slowly loose a grip on reality, and the horrors of her own death haunt her dreams, she seems willing to die.
Wolfe, though to be dead husband of Jewel, at first doesn’t know why he even cares what is going to happen to her, except he is drawn to her. Under an alias, he kidnaps her, hoping to save her from the unknown.
Because can Jewel and Wolfe escape what fate keeps placing her Jewel’s dreams or is this the end of the world for them?
I have read prior works by Ms. Olguin, and when I heard that this book was out, I jumped on it like a hungry dog on a bone, and for the most part, I was not disappointed. Jewel, at first, really seemed like a giant airhead, a bit too loopy for my taste. Then finally she seemed to mellow out. Wolfe was the most consistent character EVER! Which is not a bad thing. His constant desire/need to protect Jewel was to be expected, but the willing sacrifice he performed to ensure the safety definitely put him up on a high standards pedestal. Also, how his honor was a huge factor on what he did (and didn’t do) with Jewel was pretty hot.
You can be sure to feel the sexual tension with Wolfe and Jewel, though I wished that there had been a bit more of the romancing that was in the first book (boy, the first book was “steamy”… Which should make you want to read that book to understand!). Also there was a bit of a corny spot where Wolfe is called a “dangersayer”, and it was corny enough that Jewel giggled as she said it. One thing you can definitely count on in this book is that there is way more fighting action, mystery, and twists in this book than in the first book of the series.
Personally, I think the best thing about the whole book was getting to see and know the other planets and species in the Five World’s solar system. With everything from desert and sea to mountains and forests, you were sure to get a good idea on what the worlds were like. Also, you get a better introduction to the foods and cultural ideas of the people of the Five Worlds, which made it a very well-rounded story.
My only issue with the book was how many errors there were. Missing, misspelled, and wrong words were scattered throughout, and there were quite a few grammatical errors. Normally, I’ll bypass this issue in a review, but there were so many it was to the point that it was getting on my nerves and taking away from the story. As long as you can read through them, and not let your English Teacher OCD kick in, you should be good to go.
Overall, this was a very good book, and I do recommend it.
Happy Reading!
Cana
In protected isolation in a castle on planet Damal, Jewel dreamed her own ending with the same gift she uses to save the lives of the people of the Five Worlds. With a choice between burning or continuing in desperate loneliness, she chooses to burn.
Married when she was five, to form a political alliance, she was widowed before the Unification at age fourteen. Five years later and she's destined to live her 300 year lifespan as the pure and chaste Dreamsayer. No other living man deemed suitable as her mate.
Wolfe, born of Jorandal heritage on the planet Majien, has the tiger stripes and eyes of a forest hunter. He sees Jewel crying in solitude and decides he must save her. Make her his own. He has the right. She's his wife. Everyone thinks he is dead.
He steals her away from her castle prison without telling her who he is. They must hide from the powerful forces that tried to kill him before their Unification. Those same unknown persons seek to use Jewel's gift for their own political gain.
War is brewing between the Five Worlds. Can the Dreamsayer stop the conflict in time?
My Review:
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jewel has lived a sheltered life as the Dreamsayer. Her job is to dream of disaster in order to prevent it. But as she feels herself slowly loose a grip on reality, and the horrors of her own death haunt her dreams, she seems willing to die.
Wolfe, though to be dead husband of Jewel, at first doesn’t know why he even cares what is going to happen to her, except he is drawn to her. Under an alias, he kidnaps her, hoping to save her from the unknown.
Because can Jewel and Wolfe escape what fate keeps placing her Jewel’s dreams or is this the end of the world for them?
I have read prior works by Ms. Olguin, and when I heard that this book was out, I jumped on it like a hungry dog on a bone, and for the most part, I was not disappointed. Jewel, at first, really seemed like a giant airhead, a bit too loopy for my taste. Then finally she seemed to mellow out. Wolfe was the most consistent character EVER! Which is not a bad thing. His constant desire/need to protect Jewel was to be expected, but the willing sacrifice he performed to ensure the safety definitely put him up on a high standards pedestal. Also, how his honor was a huge factor on what he did (and didn’t do) with Jewel was pretty hot.
You can be sure to feel the sexual tension with Wolfe and Jewel, though I wished that there had been a bit more of the romancing that was in the first book (boy, the first book was “steamy”… Which should make you want to read that book to understand!). Also there was a bit of a corny spot where Wolfe is called a “dangersayer”, and it was corny enough that Jewel giggled as she said it. One thing you can definitely count on in this book is that there is way more fighting action, mystery, and twists in this book than in the first book of the series.
Personally, I think the best thing about the whole book was getting to see and know the other planets and species in the Five World’s solar system. With everything from desert and sea to mountains and forests, you were sure to get a good idea on what the worlds were like. Also, you get a better introduction to the foods and cultural ideas of the people of the Five Worlds, which made it a very well-rounded story.
My only issue with the book was how many errors there were. Missing, misspelled, and wrong words were scattered throughout, and there were quite a few grammatical errors. Normally, I’ll bypass this issue in a review, but there were so many it was to the point that it was getting on my nerves and taking away from the story. As long as you can read through them, and not let your English Teacher OCD kick in, you should be good to go.
Overall, this was a very good book, and I do recommend it.
Happy Reading!
Cana
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Vampire Blues by Stephany Simmons
Description:
Lian and Figg are still recovering from events that almost destroyed their lives, but when a good friend comes to them with a serious problem, they can't turn him away. Soon, Lian and Figg are neck-deep in local vampire politics and framed for a massacre they had little to do with. On top of that, the local werewolf pack is sniffing around, looking for favors.
My Review:
Vampires, Werewolves, and Ghosts, Oh My! In the second installment in Ms. Simmons’ series, poor Figg and Lian just seem to be trying to get completely on their feet (and remodeling the pub into a bar) after the zombie attack when a hunter is attacked by a werewolf, with the threat of him becoming one. Then poor Carl is being harassed by vampires, and the werewolves really need to get involved because of the hunter. To top it all off, another vampire shows up seeking help for his stalker in a mini van.
If things couldn’t get any worse, Figg and Lian are trying to figure out what they mean to each other. The question is, will the vampires, werewolves, witches, sorcerers, hunters, and all the ghosts in between will back off long enough for them to think.
Ever read a book, and go “Damn! It ended, and now I have to wait for the next one!”? Well, then this is going to be one of those books. I was so sad, irritated, frustrated, and a bit peeved that it ended and that I now have to wait for the next book to come out… Because it was THAT good.
Personally, I want to grow up just like Figg, especially after reading this book. Not only does she look killer in a pair of impossible heels, she is killer herself. She fights with several vampires, with and without weapons, faces some werewolves and several other shape shifting or “mythical” creatures, all the while as she creates new friends and enemies along the way. Again, I must know where she gets her “Mary Poppins’” purse, because I so desperately need one.
Lian is now starting to grow on me. Before, he seemed a bit unattainable. Now, he is showing his human side, one that is more than willing to strip Figg down to make sure no one (specifically some weres) can claim her. I think in some ways he is realizing his need and desire for Figg, and he is doing it a whole lot faster than she is.
Again, Carl and Boyd are a hoot, though I wish there had been a few more Boyd conversations as I find the 1970’s Gay Ghost to be absolutely hilarious. Plus, we get to meet some new characters that do add some hilarity to the whole mix.
I really liked Skip, and the unusualness of him being a vampire. You normally think of cute/sexy, “Please Mr. Vampire, take my blood and whatever else you want” kind of vampire. Well, he is so not that. Rather, he is a nerdy, pudgy vampire that seems to warrant sympathy rather than lust. Actually, I found Ms. Simmons’ whole vampire myth spin to be refreshing in a lot of ways.
The great thing about this book is that there was fighting, plus a bit of a mystery, and a nice twist in the story line. You can’t help but try and figure out what is going on. Plus the nice happy ending for Figg and Lian was great. There was even bit of a nice sex scene, which was a nice surprise. Though, I think my favorite part of the whole thing was when Lian had to cover Figg with his scent. Can’t say much beyond that, but definitely the funniest, most frustrating part of the whole book!
Overall, I was very pleased with this book and am now DYING for the next one. I hope I don’t have to wait too long on that. Highly recommend.
Happy Reading!
Cana
Lian and Figg are still recovering from events that almost destroyed their lives, but when a good friend comes to them with a serious problem, they can't turn him away. Soon, Lian and Figg are neck-deep in local vampire politics and framed for a massacre they had little to do with. On top of that, the local werewolf pack is sniffing around, looking for favors.
My Review:
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Vampires, Werewolves, and Ghosts, Oh My! In the second installment in Ms. Simmons’ series, poor Figg and Lian just seem to be trying to get completely on their feet (and remodeling the pub into a bar) after the zombie attack when a hunter is attacked by a werewolf, with the threat of him becoming one. Then poor Carl is being harassed by vampires, and the werewolves really need to get involved because of the hunter. To top it all off, another vampire shows up seeking help for his stalker in a mini van.
If things couldn’t get any worse, Figg and Lian are trying to figure out what they mean to each other. The question is, will the vampires, werewolves, witches, sorcerers, hunters, and all the ghosts in between will back off long enough for them to think.
Ever read a book, and go “Damn! It ended, and now I have to wait for the next one!”? Well, then this is going to be one of those books. I was so sad, irritated, frustrated, and a bit peeved that it ended and that I now have to wait for the next book to come out… Because it was THAT good.
Personally, I want to grow up just like Figg, especially after reading this book. Not only does she look killer in a pair of impossible heels, she is killer herself. She fights with several vampires, with and without weapons, faces some werewolves and several other shape shifting or “mythical” creatures, all the while as she creates new friends and enemies along the way. Again, I must know where she gets her “Mary Poppins’” purse, because I so desperately need one.
Lian is now starting to grow on me. Before, he seemed a bit unattainable. Now, he is showing his human side, one that is more than willing to strip Figg down to make sure no one (specifically some weres) can claim her. I think in some ways he is realizing his need and desire for Figg, and he is doing it a whole lot faster than she is.
Again, Carl and Boyd are a hoot, though I wish there had been a few more Boyd conversations as I find the 1970’s Gay Ghost to be absolutely hilarious. Plus, we get to meet some new characters that do add some hilarity to the whole mix.
I really liked Skip, and the unusualness of him being a vampire. You normally think of cute/sexy, “Please Mr. Vampire, take my blood and whatever else you want” kind of vampire. Well, he is so not that. Rather, he is a nerdy, pudgy vampire that seems to warrant sympathy rather than lust. Actually, I found Ms. Simmons’ whole vampire myth spin to be refreshing in a lot of ways.
The great thing about this book is that there was fighting, plus a bit of a mystery, and a nice twist in the story line. You can’t help but try and figure out what is going on. Plus the nice happy ending for Figg and Lian was great. There was even bit of a nice sex scene, which was a nice surprise. Though, I think my favorite part of the whole thing was when Lian had to cover Figg with his scent. Can’t say much beyond that, but definitely the funniest, most frustrating part of the whole book!
Overall, I was very pleased with this book and am now DYING for the next one. I hope I don’t have to wait too long on that. Highly recommend.
Happy Reading!
Cana
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