tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9412767643671440822024-03-04T23:33:58.244-06:00Preternatural Reviewspre⋅ter⋅nat⋅u⋅ral - [pree-ter-nach-er-uhl, -nach-ruhl]-
–adjective
1.out of the ordinary course of nature; exceptional or abnormal: preternatural powers.
2.outside of nature; supernatural.
Origin: 1570–80; < ML praeternātūrālis, adj. based on L phrase praeter nātūram beyond nature.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-61328145918175716262012-02-13T13:54:00.001-06:002012-02-13T13:55:00.193-06:00Upcoming Events March '12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yYKn6uOxaECIQOwbRAlK_r4-rVu-H1aPNE38ATOmlkGNzTF2kqrIV08oH1sb9vx78e8zRmeSaJj_8v7A_dEeAhrt91d6jqvxKY8nbFOg4U-Pe5KXhYCDttOn3ilaqzpqmt9bd1GqDvPy/s1600/fair_game_big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yYKn6uOxaECIQOwbRAlK_r4-rVu-H1aPNE38ATOmlkGNzTF2kqrIV08oH1sb9vx78e8zRmeSaJj_8v7A_dEeAhrt91d6jqvxKY8nbFOg4U-Pe5KXhYCDttOn3ilaqzpqmt9bd1GqDvPy/s320/fair_game_big.jpg" /></a></div> To coincide with the release of Patricia Briggs newest novel, <b>Fair Play:Alpha and Omega, Book 3</b> on March 6<sup>th</sup>, along with my review I'll be running a Patricia Briggs trivia contest. The questions will only involve her Mercy series & the Alpha and Omega series since they all take place in the same world.<br />
What's the swag you ask? An autographed copy of <b>On the Prowl</b> where the very first Alpha and Omega novella appeared. Here's how you win and how you increase your chances of winning. The contest is only open to members of this site, the Preternatural Reviews fansite on Facebook and my Twitter account (Preternatural_1). Yes,answer all the trivia correctly and you get your name in the hat once, but tell me where else you're signed up and you get another chance for each site. Make sure you email me where all you're signed up at, preternaturalpaperbacks at gmail dot com<br />
So, mark your calendars. March 6, 2012 at midnight CST is when the questions and review will go live. Best of luck!<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-36396519784441369922011-05-09T06:44:00.000-05:002011-05-09T06:44:29.759-05:00Hard Bitten - Chicagoland Vampires Book #4 - Chloe Neill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLq610i5QRKBY4yZEkBpIEmFd7qbpVnIJBi7rtCg5QfHb4wkjy0Lq5Uvx5JZbn3DaDr76Y0z0wSF3_MqEeNSWMCZb0GLSDv1dleqUn6DwslCQ6aVvQfvEF83Pn7oAHo2b-3vNkG6tZvCR/s1600/Neill%252C+Chloe+-+Chicagoland+Vampires+%25234+-+Hard+Bitten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLq610i5QRKBY4yZEkBpIEmFd7qbpVnIJBi7rtCg5QfHb4wkjy0Lq5Uvx5JZbn3DaDr76Y0z0wSF3_MqEeNSWMCZb0GLSDv1dleqUn6DwslCQ6aVvQfvEF83Pn7oAHo2b-3vNkG6tZvCR/s320/Neill%252C+Chloe+-+Chicagoland+Vampires+%25234+-+Hard+Bitten.jpg" width="212" /></a></div> Starting to feel like all your Urban Fantasy is the same and just the names change? Well, have I got a story for you. Chloe Neill's latest <b>Chicagoland Vampires </b>story, <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451233328/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0451233328%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451233328&camp=217145&creative=399349%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><b><i>Hard Bitten</i></b></a>. <br />
Things have only been getting more and more difficult for Cadogan House's Sentinel, Merit. Now she and the Master of Cadogan, Ethan Sullivan have been summoned to the Mayor of Chicago's office. Apparently, Chicago vampires have been killing humans at 'raves' around town, and the mayor is threatening to set Ethan up to take the fall if those responsible aren't found. Both Merit and Ethan know that the strongest suspect is Celina, former head of Navarre House, and someone who wants both humans and vampires to be at one another's throats. Plus, she dislikes Ethan, but hates Merit with a white-hot passion, holding her responsible for her fall from grace.<br />
Ethan dispatches Merit to investigate the raves around town since he is on the hook with the mayor. Merit goes to a source that Ethan knows nothing about, the Red Guard. Mostly a 'who watches the watchman' organisation that has been courting Merit, but she needs their contacts if she going to get to the bottom of this. Finally getting into one of the parties with Red Guard help it seems normal until all hell breaks loose! Merit makes it out and finds her biggest clue yet, a pill marked with a letter V that seems to have started all the problems at the party.<br />
So begins the roller coaster that is <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451233328/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0451233328%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451233328&camp=217145&creative=399349%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><b><i>Hard Bitten</i></b></a>, and a roller coaster it is. If there's a playbook (and yes, there generally is) on how to write series novels, Chloe Neill has set fire to it and danced upon the ashes. Mostly, they run in three book cycles and the third book has a lead-in to the fourth. That hasn't happen here...at all. Ms. Neill has consistently become a better, smarter novelist with each book she's published. <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451233328/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0451233328%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451233328&camp=217145&creative=399349%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><b><i>Hard Bitten</i></b></a> has a smart plot that's tight and keeps you guessing right up until the very end.<br />
I didn't find a lot of fault with <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451233328/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0451233328%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451233328&camp=217145&creative=399349%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><b><i>Hard Bitten</i></b></a>. I read it in one go, it kept me guessing and the ending was amazing. Just remember this, when you do get to the ending, on Facebook Chloe Neill asked everyone to do one thing, trust her. After writing this entertaining of a novel and habitually getting better book after book, I do.<br />
<br />
I can't wait until November and <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451234863/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0451234863%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451234863&camp=217145&creative=399349%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><i><b>Drink Deep</b></i></a> - <b>Chicagoland Vampires #5</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451233328/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0451233328%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451233328&camp=217145&creative=399349%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><i>Hard Bitten</i></a> - Chicagoland Vampires #4</b> receives a Classic rating of 4 out of 4 stars<br />
<br />
Stalk Chloe Neill on her <a href="http://www.chloeneill.com/">Website</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/chloe.neill">Facebook</a>, or <a href="http://twitter.com/chloeneill">Twitter</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-4128622325487995682011-05-08T05:57:00.000-05:002011-05-08T05:57:32.711-05:00Rage - Horseman of the Apocalypse: The Rider's Quartet #2 - Jackie Morse Kessler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wrH14nKMm0AEcmokrIRYYuPvPIMsoryeXc8m8Zysj9fmhO2K4JbSVQzunzBw4G8nTEvMNApx8Dco9o9tOQu-fxqJwtwRXISdn3NAAopgTOnH3v0TYJzoktMwXRpKQLcgOdw4xBExjVTg/s1600/Kessler%252C+Jackie+Morse+-+Rage+%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wrH14nKMm0AEcmokrIRYYuPvPIMsoryeXc8m8Zysj9fmhO2K4JbSVQzunzBw4G8nTEvMNApx8Dco9o9tOQu-fxqJwtwRXISdn3NAAopgTOnH3v0TYJzoktMwXRpKQLcgOdw4xBExjVTg/s320/Kessler%252C+Jackie+Morse+-+Rage+%25232.jpg" width="212" /></a></div> Giving anthropomorphic personifications voice has always been an intriguing concept to me. I've done my utmost to read the best authors in this select group. Be it Piers Anthony's <b>Incarnations of Immortality</b>, Neil Gaiman's <b>Endless</b> or the newest addition to this talented club, Jackie Morse Kessler and her <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547445288/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0547445288%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547445288&camp=217145&creative=399349%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><b>Horseman of the Apocalypse</b></a>. <br />
Missy is a cutter. Her only kind of release when life gets to be too much is to take a blade across the unmarked parts of her skin and bleed. Her razor never lets her down. Has never humiliated her in front of half the school. <br />
She hadn't ever cut that deep before, but this time she had. That left her with a choice. Either keep bleeding until her heart stopped or take up the sword that guy who looked like the 90's alt rock star delivered. Missy was not going to go out a suicide. No way. She'd take up the sword. With one touch Melissa 'Missy' Miller becomes the incarnation of War, and <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547445288/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0547445288%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547445288&camp=217145&creative=399349%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><b><i>Rage</i></b></a> really begins.<br />
Ms. Kessler is someone I admire for sheer audacity. First she's not going out of her way to make her character lovable. Hell, she's not even pulling a muscle to make her <i>likable</i> at the beginning of the book. Secondly, she's taking on the topic of cutting, and she <b>Does Not</b> pull any punches. Doesn't matter that this is a YA novel there are some scenes in this book that will have you putting it down to go make a sandwich. You'll come directly back, but you will need a short breather in-between. To take the journey and discover why Missy does this to herself and what exactly she gets out of it is a long road. Having Death, Famine and Pestilence around are kind of a blessing and a curse.<br />
You would think becoming an all-powerful Horseman would solve all those pesky problems you had pre-Sword of War, right? Not so much as it turns out. Whether you want to believe it or not, War is a necessary function in this world. Missy has to learn her new function and how it works in harmony with the other three Riders. <br />
Jackie Morse Kessler does not shy away from the hard topics that people need to know about. You're going to feel Missy's <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547445288/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0547445288%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547445288&camp=217145&creative=399349%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><b><i>Rage</i></b></a> in this book. Through Ms. Kessler's talented sentences you may even begin to understand why Missy feels the need to do this to herself. <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547445288/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0547445288%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547445288&camp=217145&creative=399349%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><b><i>Rage</i></b></a> works as a stand-alone or as the second in the <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547445288/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0547445288%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547445288&camp=217145&creative=399349%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><b>Horseman of the Apocalypse</b></a> series. <br />
<br />
I give <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547445288/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0547445288%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0547445288&camp=217145&creative=399349%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><b><i>Rage</i></b></a> an Excellent rating of 3.5 Stars out of 4<br />
<br />
<br />
Stop by Jackie Morse Kessler's <a href="http://www.jackiemorsekessler.com/">Website</a> <br />
<br />
Follow Jackie Morse Kessler on <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/JackieMorseKess">Twitter</a> <br />
<br />
I want to also say that a portion of this book's proceeds will be going to <a href="http://www.twloha.com/">To Write Love on Her Arms</a> or <a href="http://www.twloha.com/">TWLoHA</a>. Please stop by their site and buy something or just get educated!<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-39500851628513245972011-02-21T20:46:00.000-06:002011-02-21T20:46:14.216-06:00Dead Waters - Simon Canderous #4 - Anton Strout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXivSB5oRyRLrPvj6Q8zuWbwPgoAecVBtVEBFRGPNSugfo6FWcZP3Lt6WztkYQZkGyskFAvAyU2jyDZNSyqjt5fL_B5t9zIFWyv8oOuwidOQqNheyUelcepp-aqzgo2yqYWl9oAdtlTE58/s1600/strout%252C+anton+-+dead+waters+-+simon+canderous+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXivSB5oRyRLrPvj6Q8zuWbwPgoAecVBtVEBFRGPNSugfo6FWcZP3Lt6WztkYQZkGyskFAvAyU2jyDZNSyqjt5fL_B5t9zIFWyv8oOuwidOQqNheyUelcepp-aqzgo2yqYWl9oAdtlTE58/s320/strout%252C+anton+-+dead+waters+-+simon+canderous+%25234.jpg" width="198" /></a></div> Psychometric agent for the Department of Extraordinary Affairs, Simon Canderous has found himself where he hates/loves, in trouble. While doing a favour for his partner's vampire brother Aidan in vampire central dispatching a ghost (vampires can't affect anything they can't fight or bite) he get's more from the deranged ghost through his psychometric talents than he's bargained for. The ghost's hate and anger stay's with him.<br />
Now is not the time though since he and his girlfriend Jane are called out to the scene of a murder. The murder of a university professor found locked inside his apartment, drowned...without a bit of water on his person. Probably because it's all in his lungs. To make matters more strange the deceased was the Inspector of the DEA, Argyle Quimbley's first partner. <br />
To make matters infinitely more worse the DEA is down to a skeleton crew and cannot even afford shoe-strings for its budget. Everyone is living in fear of losing their jobs and working 20 hours out of the day. With Simon carrying around all of these negative emotions and them starting to affect his powers, how is he going to solve this case? And, how is he going to keep Jane with these emotions egging him to start fights with Jane at the drop of a hat?<br />
Anton Strout has a gift for dialogue, and <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441020119?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441020119%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441020119%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Dead Waters</a> proves this. The kind where his novels can be read aloud, verbatim, and you would still get the back and forth, push and pull from the characters, even if it isn't read from an actor. It's a rare talent from a writer to have this type of storytelling abilities and be able to write amazing dialogue like this. Makes it fun to read all around.<br />
Okay, what didn't exactly thrill me, and this was completely as a guy, was his reaction to his girlfriend wanting more out of their relationship. I realise that Simon was carrying around something else inside of him, but a lot of it was coming from Simon himself. Just from a guy's perspective, I don't need more of the media (TV, movies, books) saying how as soon as guys are confronted with more of a relationship then they're ready for they try and bolt. That's my piece, and in all honesty...it's just nit picky.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441020119?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441020119%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441020119%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Dead Waters - Simon Canderous</a> #4 receives 3.5 stars out of 4<br />
<br />
Please support <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/">Preternatural Reviews</a> by purchasing a copy of <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441020119?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441020119%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441020119%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Dead Waters - Simon Canderous #4 - Anton Strout</a><br />
<br />
Stalk Anton Strout on his <a href="http://www.antonstrout.com/">Website</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages#%21/anton.strout">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/antonstrout">Twitter</a><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-27351919658639239112011-02-21T17:15:00.000-06:002011-02-21T17:15:21.801-06:00Serpent's Storm - Calliope Reaper-Jones #3 - Amber Benson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg3zF5ogwqeIb5YFuubSmidSDUjWtsXttiiAjkGtR-Tf9LQ9TCpIovYmUjDNob3YLZ79P10cmjABsVYPmb-WectEghRFyjf22HSPmOWrCIsjHLlru25ZK4WFZZWgaD-MfLfMDHaD9z5Zy/s1600/Benson%252C+Amber+-+Serpent%2527s+Storm+-+Calliope+Reaper-Jones+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg3zF5ogwqeIb5YFuubSmidSDUjWtsXttiiAjkGtR-Tf9LQ9TCpIovYmUjDNob3YLZ79P10cmjABsVYPmb-WectEghRFyjf22HSPmOWrCIsjHLlru25ZK4WFZZWgaD-MfLfMDHaD9z5Zy/s320/Benson%252C+Amber+-+Serpent%2527s+Storm+-+Calliope+Reaper-Jones+%25233.jpg" width="198" /></a></div> The middle child of the incarnation of Death hasn't had an easy go of it. All she's ever wanted was to be a normal human woman, and she's doing her best to make that happen. She's got a bitty apartment in Battery Park City, a gorgeous boyfriend and a job at a magazine. She barely makes enough money to support herself and what money she does make goes to designer shoes.<br />
All of that starts to flush down Fate's big porcelain apparatus when her eldest sister, Thalia escapes, with the Devil's help, from her cell in Purgatory. Their goal is to overthrow Callie and Thalia's father as the head of Death, Inc and install a new Death. <br />
Callie isn't worried though because Thalia can't become Death. Only 3 people per generation are eligible to. Callie can so, she knows why she's being attacked by Thalia's allies, and her boyfriend Daniel can, but he would never....Although he <i>is</i> the Devil's former apprentice. Everything's fine up until the powers of Death start flowing into Callie, and that can only mean one thing. But, not even her power-mad sister would commit patricide to further her goals, would she?<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441020097?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441020097%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441020097%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Serpent's Storm</a> is my first in the Calliope Reaper-Jones series, and I'm sorry it's taken me this long. I'm going out and picking up the first two, <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441016944?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441016944%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441016944%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Death's Daughter</a> and <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441018432?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441018432%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441018432%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Cat's Claw</a> this week I liked the book, character and lest I forget, writing so much. <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441020097?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441020097%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441020097%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Serpent's Storm</a> was a roller coaster ride. The cool thing was she didn't leave first time readers like myself behind during this ride. She had the the skill to keep the story moving while explaining all of the intricacies of what has gone on before. Very few authors possess that talent especially when dealing with book three of a series.<br />
The downside was dealing with her boyfriend Daniel. I know she wants out of the relationship because she says so within the first few pages of the book, but how it goes down and one of the causes of it I thought was wrong. No, I can't go into it, you have to buy the book (please do, it's wonderful) because it happens way too late for me to talk about. I just felt it was forced. But, that is the <i>only</i> thing I can find at fault in <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441020097?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441020097%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441020097%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Serpent's Storm</a>, folk's.<br />
This book is well worth your 8 bones, and Amber Benson is a voice that is only going to become stronger in future books.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441020097?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441020097%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441020097%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Serpent's Storm - Calliope Reaper-Jones #3</a> receives 3.5 stars out of 4<br />
<br />
Please support Preternatural Reviews by picking up a copy of <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441020097?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441020097%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441020097%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Serpent's Storm - A Calliope Reaper-Jones Novel #3 - by Amber Benson</a><br />
<br />
Stalk Amber Benson on her <a href="http://amberbensonwrotethis.blogspot.com/">Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/amber_benson/">Twitter</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages#%21/profile.php?id=1235011957">Facebook</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-76130989290117025792011-02-20T18:38:00.000-06:002011-02-20T18:38:32.100-06:00River Marked - Mercy Thompson #6 - Patricia Briggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h7bCs30ovWqTbZK8Bkepvt1IziH5k1O5MCFP9_sa-7Nt0nFbl8YwSON16SOqS3rBPZ6ZaWNOKnF0Z7SzV_rkWyptCprzZ6dfmHtmYEVuRLGz_EfY_ochqkjNPHZvTA15-qubhuEuN8Ht/s1600/Briggs%252C+Patricia+-+River+Marked+-+Mercy+Thompson+%25236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h7bCs30ovWqTbZK8Bkepvt1IziH5k1O5MCFP9_sa-7Nt0nFbl8YwSON16SOqS3rBPZ6ZaWNOKnF0Z7SzV_rkWyptCprzZ6dfmHtmYEVuRLGz_EfY_ochqkjNPHZvTA15-qubhuEuN8Ht/s320/Briggs%252C+Patricia+-+River+Marked+-+Mercy+Thompson+%25236.jpg" width="212" /></a></div> Yes, it's taken six books and lots of ups and downs, but it's here. Patricia Briggs would like to cordially invite you to the marriage of coyote shifter Mercedes Thompson and werewolf and Alpha of the Columbia Basin Pack Adam Hauptman. Just like everything else the two have shared, be it courtship or romance their marriage will be anything, but the norm. <br />
That's only the beginning as the two set out upon their ten day honeymoon. Adam takes Mercy to an as-yet-unopened campground that he did security for upon the banks of the Columbia River. Being alone, away from Pack responsibilities, the garage and everything else in their lives makes Mercy happier beyond belief, but when she finds out where the trailer that Adam borrowed for their camping trip came from she is not a happy shifter. It's borrowed from Uncle Mike, a fae, and Mercy knows to never borrow anything from the fae because the strings attached can hang you.<br />
Mercy is unlike most shapeshifters, she is a walker, native to this land, and she can see ghosts because of this. When her father's spirit comes to visit, a man who has never come to her no matter how much danger Mercy has ever been in, She knows that something worse is afoot than she has ever encountered before. She finds it in the depths of the Columbia River where innocents are dying. It is the River Devil and it's come back from the depths of memory to stalk humanity again. As other shifters make their presence known can Mercy by rediscovering her lost past purge this evil that stalks our present? <br />
Wow, been a long time coming, huh? Mercy and Adam's marriage, and she pulled it off flawlessly. The mistake would have been really going for it and making it bigger than it should have been because neither of the characters are like that. The wedding simply serves the purpose of setting up the story that takes place in <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441019730?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441019730%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441019730%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">River Marked</a>. The plotting of <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441019730?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441019730%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441019730%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">River Marked</a> is the most impressive part of it because it isn't the big bad that gets all of the spotlight, nor should it. It is finally, after six books, and bits and kernels, finally shedding some light on shifter history. That is where Ms. Briggs will grab fans of this series and keep them up past their bedtimes. Where she introduces an Achetype, well several, but one in particual that is near and dear to Mercy's heart.<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441019730?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441019730%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441019730%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">River Marked</a> is a turning point in the Mercy Thompson (nee' Hauptman) series. Mercy finally gets the family that she has struggled for her entire life. She's drifted from proto-family to proto-family, but never had one to call, "Mine." That's the important part and the turning point, both she and Adam consider their mate their's and their's alone and no one will change that. That's why I believe it's a turning point in the series. Mercy finally has someone she can count on always, and that will change things, but only for the better.<br />
But, please, knowing our favourite coyote shifter, please don't think she's going to stop going out on her own to 'protect' them from things too dangerous. The chaos-magnet coyote couldn't thrive any other way.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441019730?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441019730%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441019730%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">River Marked - Mercy Thompson #6</a> receives 4 out of 4 stars<br />
<br />
Please support Preternatural Reviews by picking up a copy of <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441019730?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441019730%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441019730%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">River Marked - Mercy Thompson #6 - Patricia Briggs</a><br />
<br />
OK, Not a large cyber presence so you can only Stalk Ms. Briggs at her <a href="http://www.hurog.com/">Website</a> and <a href="http://www.hurog.com/forum/">Forum</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-21741714604499486002011-02-18T22:49:00.000-06:002011-02-18T22:49:49.896-06:00Patricia Briggs - River Marked - Tour Dates 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNG3baQPOyvdc7mOe6SuRfzQ0TYdADDSaSnNTWEP5y9Y5HB3iKtuPay7dtFTZD2YVuDP1DWQGttcDm6n9a9RhyiXUOdynlfUstmszp_yv2mm9qJ5k_cHoIfkSfssBXPiMiZL2p1oRcxTm/s1600/Briggs%252C+Patricia+-+River+Marked+-+Mercy+Thompson+%25236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNG3baQPOyvdc7mOe6SuRfzQ0TYdADDSaSnNTWEP5y9Y5HB3iKtuPay7dtFTZD2YVuDP1DWQGttcDm6n9a9RhyiXUOdynlfUstmszp_yv2mm9qJ5k_cHoIfkSfssBXPiMiZL2p1oRcxTm/s320/Briggs%252C+Patricia+-+River+Marked+-+Mercy+Thompson+%25236.jpg" width="212" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Patricia Briggs is hitting the highways and byways (probably more like the sky-ways) of the US to support her latest Mercy Thompson novel, <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441019730?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441019730%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441019730%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">River Marked</a>. Just like I said in the <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/2011/02/kim-harrison-pale-demon-tour-dates-2011.html">Kim Harrison tour date post</a>, Ms. Briggs is also on my list of <b><i>Top 3 Favourite UF Authors</i></b>. If you're in the area, all three of us, Ms. Briggs, Ms. Harrison and myself will be at <a href="http://www.murderbooks.com/">Murder by the Book</a> on March 5<sup>th</sup>. I'll be the tall guy with the cane and the <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/">Preternatural Reviews</a> name badge. Make sure and say Hi!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>March 1-8, 2011: <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441019730?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441019730%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441019730%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><i>River Marked</i></a> Signing Tour</b>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Tuesday March 1<sup>st</sup></u><sup><u></u></sup><u> in RICHLAND, WA.</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.gohastings.com/">HASTINGS</a>@ 7:00 PM PST</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">1425 George Washington Way,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Richland, WA 99354</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">509-946-1060 (store) </span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Wednesday March 2<sup>nd</sup></u><u> in CHICAGO/OAK BROOK, IL.</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/StoreDetailView_20">BORDERS BOOKS</a>@ 7:00 PM CST</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">1500 16<sup>th</sup> St, Ste. D</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Oak Brook, IL 60523</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"> 630-574-0800 (store)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"> </span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Thursday March 3<sup>rd</sup></u><u> in WASHINGTON D.C</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/StoreDetailView_45">BORDERS BOOKS</a>@ 7:30 PM EST</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">5871 Crossroads Center Way</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Bailey's Crossroads, VA 22041</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"> 703-998-0404 (store)</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Friday March 4<sup>th</sup></u><u> in MINNEAPOLIS, MN.</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2614">BARNES AND NOBLE</a>@ 7:00 PM PST</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">2100 North Snelling Ave.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Roseville, MN 55113</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"> 651-639-9256 (store)</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Saturday March 5<sup>th</sup></u><u> in HOUSTON, TX. </u></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>(w/Kim Harrison)</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.murderbooks.com/">MURDER BY THE BOOK</a>@ 6:00 PM PST</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">2342 Bissonnet St.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Houston, TX, 77005</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"> 713-524-8597 (store)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"> </span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Sunday March 6<sup>th</sup></u><u> in SAN DIEGO, CA.</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.mystgalaxy.com/">MYSTERIOUS GALAXY</a>@ 6:00 PM PST</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Ste 302</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">San Diego, CA, 92111</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">858-268-4747 (store)</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Monday March 7<sup>th</sup></u><u> in SEATTLE, WA.<br />
</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.bookstore.washington.edu/home/home.taf?">UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE</a>@ 7:00 PM PST</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">4326 University Way NE</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Seattle, WA, 98105</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">206-634-3400 (store)</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Tuesday March 8<sup>th</sup></u><u> in PORTLAND, OR.<br />
</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.powells.com/">POWELL'S BOOKS</a>@ 7:00 PM PST</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Beaverton, OR, 97005</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">503-643-3131 (store)</span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-26805264061242559042011-02-02T23:27:00.000-06:002011-02-02T23:27:49.060-06:00Kim Harrison - Pale Demon - Tour Dates 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJvlLn4DRgsScQDHOxNmz0ku0r4r3f3qso1SPpocQZ4ijBsf0UncaqGf1SBVakvbz-oO-gB6v63KqsUMPLP4u_iZ2IqrW9V6MMn6tpCy246YUIKviaJpPaPH7e9lXHxIcV_WLNmoV5nRc/s1600/Pale+Demon+-+The+Hollows+%25239+-+Kim+Harrison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJvlLn4DRgsScQDHOxNmz0ku0r4r3f3qso1SPpocQZ4ijBsf0UncaqGf1SBVakvbz-oO-gB6v63KqsUMPLP4u_iZ2IqrW9V6MMn6tpCy246YUIKviaJpPaPH7e9lXHxIcV_WLNmoV5nRc/s400/Pale+Demon+-+The+Hollows+%25239+-+Kim+Harrison.jpg" width="265" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kim Harrison's latest <b>Hollows</b> novel, <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061138061?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061138061%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061138061%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Pale Demon</a>, makes its debut on February 22<sup>nd</sup> 2011, and she's going on tour to support it. Kim Harrison is one of my top 3 UF authors, and this will be my first chance at a signing. I'll be in Houston March 5<sup>th</sup> to get my copy signed and to meet the lady who's brought so many great stories into my life. Try to make one of the signings if you can...I'm sure you won't regret it.</div><br />
Below are all the dates at present. If more become available I'll make sure and post them.<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Tuesday February 22</u><sup><u>th</u></sup><u> in LANSING</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.schulerbooks.com/hours-and-locations">SCHULER BOOKS AND MUSIC</a>@ 7 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">2820 Towne Center Blvd.,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Lansing, MI, 48912</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Wednesday February 23<sup>rd</sup></u><sup><u></u></sup><u> in ANN ARBOR</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/StoreDetailView_421">BORDERS ANN ARBOR</a> @ 7 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">3140 Lorh Rd., </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Ann Arbor MI, 48108</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Thursday, February 24</u><sup><u>th</u></sup><u> in DAYTON</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.booksandco.com/location.html">BOOKS AND CO</a> @ 7 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">The Greene Shopping Center </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">4453 Walnut St,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Dayton, OH, 45440</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>February 25</u><sup><u>th</u></sup><u> in CINCINNATI</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.josephbeth.com/Landing.aspx">JOSEPH-BETH CINCINNATI</a> @ 7 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"></span></div><div align="center">2692 Madison Rd.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Cincinnati, OH, 45208</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Saturday February 26</u><sup><u>th</u></sup><u> in LEXINGTON</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.josephbeth.com/Landing.aspx">JOSEPH-BETH LEXINGTON</a> @ 2:00 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">161 Lexington Green Circle</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Lexington, KY, 40503</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Tuesday March 1<sup>st</sup></u><sup><u></u></sup><u> in DES MOINES</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://events.desmoineslibrary.com/aspx/events/default.aspx?eid=5217">DES MOINES PUBLIC LIBRARY</a> @ 6:30 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">E Side Library </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">2559 Hubbell Ave.,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Des Moines, IA, 50317</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Wednesday March 2<sup>nd</sup></u><u> in ST. LOUIS</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.slpl.org/index.asp">ST. LOUIS PUBLIC LIBRARY</a> @ 7:00 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">225 N. Euclid Ave.,</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">St. Louis, MO 63108</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Thursday March 3<sup>rd</sup></u><u> in LAWTON</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.hoursmap.com/b/hastings-books-music-video-hours-lawton-ok-73505-b2569233">HASTINGS BOOKS, MUSIC AND VIDEO</a> @ 6:30 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">616 NW Sheridan Rd.,</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Lawton, OK, 73505</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Friday March 4<sup>th</sup></u><u> in TULSA</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2585">BARNES & NOBLE TULSA</a> @ 7:00 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">8620 E 71<sup>st</sup> St.,<br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Tulsa, OK, 74133</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Saturday March 5<sup>th</sup></u><u> in HOUSTON (w/Patricia Briggs)</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.murderbooks.com/">MURDER BY THE BOOK</a> @ 6:00 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">2342 Bissonnet St.,<br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Houston, TX, 77005</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">(I'll be at this one, please say hi if you see me.)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Sunday March 6<sup>th</sup></u><u> in AUSTIN</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BOOK PEOPLE</a> @ 3:00 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">603 N. Lamar<br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Austin, TX, 78704</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Monday March 7<sup>th</sup></u><u> in SAN ANTONIO</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2353">BARNES & NOBLE SAN ANTONIO</a> @ 7:00 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">15900 La Cantera Pkwy.,<br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">San Antonio, TX, 78256</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>Thursday March 10<sup>th</sup></u><u> in SACRAMENTO</u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b><a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/StoreDetailView_184">BORDERS SACRAMENTO</a> @ 5:00 PM</b></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">2339 Fair Oaks Blvd.,<br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Sacramento, CA, 95825</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><u>March 12-13<sup>th</sup></u><u> in TUCSON</u></span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><b>TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS</b></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">The University of Arizona<br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">Tucson, AZ, 85721</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-8998300682428880682011-02-01T00:07:00.000-06:002011-02-01T00:07:06.813-06:00Pale Demon - The Hollows #9 - Kim Harrison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDiQoa3fExQirGtf3oU22yfWZHSt0Opc9mTNg9kEWd0XIMQ-Exv815L3_Ap1TTSdPxPhHqgaK09wPPrmmTC1RK1zjoKmvha46SxjgPjyfvBGD1eapaokeAjQZr9y-Frw78OhJsdn6uyG8/s1600/Pale+Demon+-+The+Hollows+%25239+-+Kim+Harrison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDiQoa3fExQirGtf3oU22yfWZHSt0Opc9mTNg9kEWd0XIMQ-Exv815L3_Ap1TTSdPxPhHqgaK09wPPrmmTC1RK1zjoKmvha46SxjgPjyfvBGD1eapaokeAjQZr9y-Frw78OhJsdn6uyG8/s320/Pale+Demon+-+The+Hollows+%25239+-+Kim+Harrison.jpg" width="212" /></a></div> Having to answer for the first time about using black magic, Rachel travels to San Francisco to the annual witches conference to plead her case. The airlines have all banned her so, it looks like a road trip for her, Ivy and Jenks. That is until Trent Kalamack invites himself along, knowing that Rachel is the only person to get him to Seattle in time for his 'business.' Meaning that this all turns into one big family road trip straight out of National Lampoon's.<br />
It's all fun and games until an elf frees a really pissed off demon beneath the St. Louis arch. A demon that can hunt by day or night. A demon that has his sights set directly upon Rachel. <br />
If you felt, like myself, that <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061138045?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061138045%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061138045%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Black Magic Sanction</a>, was a cross-over book, just one to get the story from one place to the next without anything substantial happening, then <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061138061?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061138061%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061138061%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Pale Demon</a> is for you. <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061138061?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061138061%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061138061%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Pale Demon</a> is one of those series books that comes out of nowhere. It reminds you why you keep buying from this particular author and why these characters are some of your favourites in the genre. I guess what I'm taking too many sentences to say is that <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061138061?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061138061%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061138061%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Pale Demon</a> just kicks ass, folks. There isn't a false note hit and it all plays masterfully.<br />
I still know what's good and what's not. Like I said, <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061138045?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061138045%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061138045%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Black Magic Sanction</a> was not one of my favourite's in The Hollow's series, but Kim Harrison will always have a special place in my heart. I bought <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UMVN0O?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000UMVN0O%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000UMVN0O%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Dead Witch Walking</a> and Kelley Armstrong's <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0452296641?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0452296641%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0452296641%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Bitten</a> on the same day. Plus, I'm going to see her this year along with Patricia Briggs at <a href="http://www.murderbooks.com/signings.php">Murder By the Book</a> on March 5 <sup>th</sup>. Please introduce yourself if you see me, I'll be the geek with the name badge. I'll post all of her tour dates later on this week.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061138061?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061138061%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061138061%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Pale Demon</a> receives a Classic 4 out of 4 Stars rating!<br />
<br />
Please support <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/">Preternatural Reviews</a> by picking up your copy here: <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061138061?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061138061%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061138061%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Pale Demon - The Hollows #9 - Kim Harrison</a><br />
<br />
Stalk Kim Harrison on her <a href="http://www.kimharrison.net/">Website</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-20166073222206204742011-01-23T02:40:00.002-06:002011-01-23T03:00:08.650-06:00Hellforged - Deadtown Bk #2 - Nancy Holzner<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Jo0ws3nm7Z_oFCcjzKS86M5T6W2-q3idy2YcGV9YvgwKEM4p3elUSzfCJxMxuh9clTe2fNCvRvFaGWA7VjqlAzxeESOc4at0Xl-hhoI-jno2DAedqn81xOeSO9UDRCXXxDtyw8l8klSx/s1600/Hellforged+-+Deadtown+Bk+%25232+-+Nancy+Holzner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Jo0ws3nm7Z_oFCcjzKS86M5T6W2-q3idy2YcGV9YvgwKEM4p3elUSzfCJxMxuh9clTe2fNCvRvFaGWA7VjqlAzxeESOc4at0Xl-hhoI-jno2DAedqn81xOeSO9UDRCXXxDtyw8l8klSx/s320/Hellforged+-+Deadtown+Bk+%25232+-+Nancy+Holzner.jpg" width="198" /></a></div> There is a cordoned off section of Boston they call <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441018130?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441018130%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441018130%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Deadtown</a>. It's reserved for the inhuman and undead residents or <i>PDH</i>s (Previously Dead Humans if you're polictically correct) of the city. Victory "Vicky" Vaughn calls it home. She's a demon-slayer and possesses the flaming sword of St. Michael. With it she saved the city, if not the world recently with her talents. She's not exactly the according to Hoyle definition of what most people would consider human either... <br />
After pulling the world's fat out of the fire and sending the demon (Hellion) responsible for it all to Hell, Vicky hoped her life would return to some normalcy. At least as normal as a demon-hunting, shape-shifter's life gets, r-i-i-i-ght. She's in he midst of juggling two men, one a human police detective and one a shape-shifter rights lawyer who happens to be a werewolf himself, her zombie apprentice (pardon <i>PDH</i> apprentice) wants to become a rock star and her vampire roommate <b>the</b> Juliet Capulet is acting odd....well, more odd then usual.<br />
Then, normalcy gets completely thrown out the window when the supposedly banished Hellion starts appearing in Vicky's dreamscape. This happens just as three of <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441018130?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441018130%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441018130%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Deadtown's</a> zombies are attacked so heinously that only goo is left in there place. Vicky knows that she is the only common denominator between these three zombies and she rings her aunt to ask advice, the same aunt who trained her in demon killing, and instead gets told to to come back to Wales directly. There is more training she needs if she, nee the world is to survive the coming conflict. If Vicky doesn't come, the dreams she's been having will become a reality, for her, for <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441018130?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441018130%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441018130%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Deadtown</a> and for the world. No pressure, right?<br />
First off, the world that Ms. Holzner has created has been seen before in urban fantasy. Paranormals coming out or being forced out into the light of day and having to assimilate into the "real" world. What is interesting though is how she uses this struggle to mirror what the LGBT community is going through in today's society. In both, the paranormals in the novel and the LGBT society of today simply want one thing, to be treated fairly. To be treated as their fellow man and to have the same rights under the law, but in both they're treated as second class citizens. In the book as in today's world, to be seen as 'equal citizens.'<br />
The mythology of <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441019803?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441019803%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441019803%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Hellforged</a> is what Ms Holzner truly deserves kudos for. The research that had to go into the book alone had to be astounding. Welsh mythology is not the top of anyone's curriculum in school, especially in the States. I don't know how much she has made up and how much she has discovered in books, but with all the different plots that seem to meld into one, she is to be commended.<br />
I like where Ms. Holzner is taking these stories. <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441018130?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441018130%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441018130%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Deadtown</a> was a setup and introduction book, but in <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441019803?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441019803%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441019803%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Hellforged</a> you get to know the characters better. You get to know their motivations, where they've been and perhaps a glimpse as to where they're going.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441019803?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441019803%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441019803%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Hellforged</a> receives a 3 out of 4 Stars <br />
<br />
Please support <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/">Preternatural Reviews</a> by picking up your copy here: <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441019803?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441019803%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441019803%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Hellforged - Deadtown Bk #2 - Nancy Holzner</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Stalk Nancy Holzner on her <a href="http://nancyholzner.wordpress.com/">Website</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-Holzner/163746834500?ref=ts">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/NancyHolzner">Twitter</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-8524795230019144042011-01-22T13:53:00.000-06:002011-01-22T13:53:33.884-06:00Mercy Blade - Jane Yellowrock Bk #3 - Faith Hunter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y57/Freaky_bunny/MercyBlade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y57/Freaky_bunny/MercyBlade.jpg" width="197" /></a></div> After an all too brief vacation for Jane/Beast with Rick, they are all called back to New Orleans because the weres of the world have come out of the supernatural closet. With this development the vampire Master of the City, Leo, needs Jane to run an errand for him. Leo needs Jane to go out to a bar in the boonies to tell a certain someone that he's Persona non Grata in New Orleans. <br />
When she gets there she finds nothing but werewolves so, certainly the message must pertain to the alpha of the group. Jane's luck holds true and he's not interested in hearing any message, just in killing the messenger. Not even Beast in all of her bravado is speaking up in Jane's mind that she can take all of the werewolves since by quick count it's 12-20 weres to one. The door to the bar locks and Jane/Beast must fight their way out knowing that their death is sure to come, but just as a werewolf is coming for her throat a man with swords resembling Zorro comes out of nowhere to save her. One of the hardest fights Jane/Beast has ever been in ensues and only through the stranger's help do they prevail.<br />
Having passed out at the end of the struggle she wakes up in the arms of the stranger who saved her. He explains that his name is Girrard and that he was once Leo's misericorde, also know as a <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463722?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463722%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463722%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Mercy Blade</a>, a sacred position charged with killing the offspring of vampires who have gone insane. However, Jane doesn't know the real reason he's now returned after all these years, but she's sure that this is the man that Leo's message was meant for. The man who just saved her life.<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463722?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463722%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463722%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Mercy Blade</a> is a Jane Yellowrock novel of multiple plots that all intertwine into one. I'd like to say amazingly so, and it would be for any other writer, but Ms. Hunter is a favourite of mine so, actually just sit back and enjoy the roller-coaster ride. Character development seems to be key in <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463722?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463722%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463722%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Mercy Blade</a>. Not only for Jane/Beast, but for Bruiser, Girrard, Leo and Evangelina. Yes, there are still your old favourite aspects from <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451462807%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451462807%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Skinwalker</a> and <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463072?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463072%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463072%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Blood Cross</a> here (with the exception of one for me) it's just like getting to know old friends even better.<br />
What's the one, you ask? Well, the aspect that first drew me in with <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451462807%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451462807%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Skinwalker</a> being one shapechanger book out of 40 that came out that year was how it was written. Two souls in one body. Beast and Jane. When one was Alpha, the other was beta. That meant that when one drove the bus the other had to sit in the back and could offer suggestions, but the driver didn't have to listen. In <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463722?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463722%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463722%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Mercy Blade</a> there's only one stand-out moment where Beast takes the reins and Jane has sit in the back. In the three books those are some of the best conversations, between Beast and Jane, and some of the most revealing about the two. I hope that the forthcoming book, Raven Cursed, includes more of these talks between the two.<br />
All in all, <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463722?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463722%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463722%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Mercy Blade</a> was a stellar book with the introduction of what's sure to be an important character in the Jane/Beast universe. My question is, will Raven Cursed happen in North Carolina or New Orleans? Can't wait to find out!<br />
<br />
Mercy Blade receives a 3.5 Stars out of 4<br />
<br />
Please support Preternatural Reviews by picking up your copy of <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463722?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463722%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463722%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Mercy Blade - Jane Yellowrock Bk #3 - Faith Hunter here</a><br />
<br />
Make sure to drop by Ms Hunter's <a href="http://faithhunter.net/">website</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/preternatural.reviews#%21/pages/Faith-Hunter/31392562567">Facebook</a> siteAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-23705487333546701522011-01-11T23:18:00.000-06:002011-01-11T23:18:27.038-06:00Death's Sweet Embrace - Dark Brethren Bk #2 - Tracey O'Hara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwHDXs5f_YBqnPgI7EdN6coYa8qiTn9-LdgyTynqx3p5zFkwF2MC1Vo14JLq0mQ7ow_5eW503mZRWqg7jcjTzDmepgNQUTBSlemT1xdMAjVBFafwfVXt8n1zS8AI4fzCbM6a0wGvImT_J/s1600/Death%2527s+Sweet+Embrace+-+Dark+Brethren+%25232+-+Tracey+O%2527Hara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwHDXs5f_YBqnPgI7EdN6coYa8qiTn9-LdgyTynqx3p5zFkwF2MC1Vo14JLq0mQ7ow_5eW503mZRWqg7jcjTzDmepgNQUTBSlemT1xdMAjVBFafwfVXt8n1zS8AI4fzCbM6a0wGvImT_J/s320/Death%2527s+Sweet+Embrace+-+Dark+Brethren+%25232+-+Tracey+O%2527Hara.jpg" width="197" /></a></div> Young shapeshifters are being found murdered around New York with their chest's cracked open and their hearts taken. A task force is formed to investigate, hunt down and kill the perpetrator if necessary. It includes: the Ursian Oberon Duprie, the Aeternus (vampire) Antoinette Petrescu, the witch Bianca Sin, the incubus Cody Shields and the other Aeternus Tones Geraldi. Plus, the doctor/shapeshifter Kitt Jordan and her ex-lover Raven Matokwe, two people who agreed to have nothing to do with one another ever again after their relationship fell apart.<br />
The years away from one another has done nothing to cool the passions between Kitt and Raven. So much so that it begins to get in the way of the investigation with Raven's mind only being on protecting Kitt from harm rather than catching the killer. This is also a major problem since there is a price on Raven's head thanks to Kitt's father, and hitmen are beginning to come out of the woodwork to collect.<br />
Now children from both Kitt and Raven's clans have been killed. They must put their feelings for one another aside for the time being and stop this viscous murderer before she or he strikes again because it appears that Kitt's own daughters may be next on this sociopath's list.<br />
Yes, you will recognise the story being told through the supernatural layers being placed upon it. It was one of those little known Shakespearean plays called <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1936041332?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1936041332%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1936041332%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><i>Romeo and Juliet</i></a>. The difference between this and when most authors try and do this in popular fiction is that this doesn't suck like a black hole. Kitt is from a snow-leopard clan and Raven is a werewolf so, you can see were her father would have a major problem with them hooking up. There's also something that happens in the past that Raven is blamed for that gives good reason for a price being laid upon his head, but I can't go into that without major spoilers.<br />
My own problem with this second novel is that Antoinette, our main character from <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061783137?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061783137%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061783137%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><i>Night's Cold Kiss</i></a> is regulated to a secondary character in <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061783145?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061783145%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061783145%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><i>Death's Sweet Embrace</i></a>, and that's not really spelled out for you on the back cover. You keep expecting her to come out and take over the book, especially since she has whole chapters written in her voice.<br />
All in all though <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061783145?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061783145%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061783145%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><i>Death's Sweet Embrace</i></a> is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It falls into the two categories that I see all of UF/PNR, mystery or romance. Either one or the other with supernatural creatures and or things put in. <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061783145?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061783145%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061783145%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><i>Death's Sweet Embrace</i></a> is a mystery with supernatural creatures solving the case. Go out and pick up a copy, and the best thing about it? You can do it without reading <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061783137?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061783137%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061783137%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><i>Night's Cold Kiss</i></a> first.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061783145?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061783145%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061783145%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Death's Sweet Embrace</a> receives an Excellent rating of 3.5 stars out a 4<br />
<br />
Please support <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/">Preternatural Reviews</a> by picking up your copy here: <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061783145?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061783145%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061783145%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Death's Sweet Embrace - Dark Brethren Bk #2 - Tracey O'Hara</a><br />
<br />
Make Sure to Stop by <a href="http://traceyohara.com/">Ms. O'Hara's Website</a> <br />
<br />
or<br />
<br />
Stalk her on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/traceyohara">Tracey O'Hara</a> <br />
<br />
<b><i>Patrick Hadrian</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-81782506653016293032010-12-06T22:42:00.000-06:002010-12-06T22:42:36.565-06:00Best of 2010<style>
</style><br />
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><br />
<br />
It's been awhile, but I do make it a point to keep reading and to do this. Also, I will keep the blog up in 2011 simply because I missed ya'll and I missed doing this. Now, enough of that...on to the books!!<br />
<br />
Here are the Honourable Mentions in no particular order:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimriJ3-9L8pslGRvxZIWPNWZm7oRHZSpMHUZAB7w-mPtF_SRf8PXmh-5e_A8BsI1Gv7bQf6vVyFSi96r5BrdnJYkudU6I4cfqGqQWZZYr-pkagGTuDv5cJdnr1UAYDRyYyzB_sztBjmjUL/s1600/014+-+The+Greyfriar+-+Vampire+Empire+%25231+-+Susan+%2526+Clay+Griffin_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimriJ3-9L8pslGRvxZIWPNWZm7oRHZSpMHUZAB7w-mPtF_SRf8PXmh-5e_A8BsI1Gv7bQf6vVyFSi96r5BrdnJYkudU6I4cfqGqQWZZYr-pkagGTuDv5cJdnr1UAYDRyYyzB_sztBjmjUL/s320/014+-+The+Greyfriar+-+Vampire+Empire+%25231+-+Susan+%2526+Clay+Griffin_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><strong><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=">The Greyfriar - Vampire Empire #1 - Susan & Clay Griffin</a></strong> </div><br />
A plague sweeps over and destroys millions across the world in 1870 and the years after. It's a plague of vampirism. Death and famine have followed the surviving humans who have been forced to move to the tropics where the vampires cannot survive the heat. The technology of the age comes with them, the steam and iron, and the will to survive at all costs. One hundred and fifty years later the human Adele is Princess of the Empire of Equatoria, the last remnants of the British Empire. She wants an adventure before she must succumb to a life of duty and marriage. Her chief protector is the Greyfriar, a cloaked figure and rebel who fights the vampires from within her empire. Their attraction for one another is immediate and dangerous considering that Adele is to be married. All this along with the looming war between humans and the vampire clans play out with danger everywhere. <br />
The Greyfriar is the first book in Susan and Clay Griffin's Vampire Empire (Am I the only one who finds that fun to say? Vampire Empire?) series and it's a fun ride. Vampires and steampunk? More like Chocolate and peanut butter. Plus, through in the Greyfriar who escaped from the 1930's pulps and you've got yourself a helluva ride. Yes, there are some bumpy parts played out in the love story, but the promise of the longer tale is what's going to keep you coming back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEOtW1rws92X3kDdn3svGuVeuMxvgFru0c5rGYnQeaaxYLwm4KouWc1ES2Dw87e032nAYiuwnXkTLjHzKpk9DqGO02i-QU8rjla_7vHJOD74RV-0ByQewOi_tb3J-fZatUJ3ZkvpsG0MS/s1600/013+-+An+Artificial+Night+-+October+Daye+%25233+-+Seanan+McGuire_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEOtW1rws92X3kDdn3svGuVeuMxvgFru0c5rGYnQeaaxYLwm4KouWc1ES2Dw87e032nAYiuwnXkTLjHzKpk9DqGO02i-QU8rjla_7vHJOD74RV-0ByQewOi_tb3J-fZatUJ3ZkvpsG0MS/s320/013+-+An+Artificial+Night+-+October+Daye+%25233+-+Seanan+McGuire_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><strong><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=">An Artificial Night - October Daye #3 - Seanan McGuire</a></strong> <br />
<br />
Being half-human/half-fae changeling and the only ever knighted is only one of October "Toby" Daye's accomplishments. In An Artificial Night she finds out that someone is stealing children, fae and human alike, and all signs point to Blind Michael, the leader of the Wild Hunt. Toby doesn't have a choice but to track down these children no matter where the road takes her even if it's into Blind Michael's realm. She'll bring them back or die in the attempt especially since her personal Fetch has shown up, Toby's own harbinger of death. If Toby cannot make it out with the children, she'll have to remain forever as part of Blind Michael's Wild Hunt.<br />
Firstly, let me tell you this, don't let the #3 in a series scare you of if you've not read one and two. An Artificial Night can be read entirely as a stand alone and I love it for that. I have read the first two and while it enriches the experience, it isn't necessary. Secondly, this is the best book I've read in the series so far. Ms. McGuire does several things differently here involving plot and structure of the story that really work for me. Finally, I do believe the main character may just be headed for death. Wouldn't that be cool? Where a deus ex machina doesn't come out of the stage wings to save them and a noble death actually occurs? Huh? something to think about. Can't wait til March when book 4 come out.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZILK7uwSDkhgLc_3f8YlYgcMq8GvUcYPO2AWa1QgyiQeKFW1ARNTJfjItl-lpPCj2csUi7WAJ35DctiVOpuLLHcdMuuL1XUIWl_fQLwujqDA0H0oHxYg1CBzbGJDEZzUzVVhsN7v-O0im/s1600/012+-+Venom+-+Elemental+Assassin+%25233+-+Jennifer+Estep_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZILK7uwSDkhgLc_3f8YlYgcMq8GvUcYPO2AWa1QgyiQeKFW1ARNTJfjItl-lpPCj2csUi7WAJ35DctiVOpuLLHcdMuuL1XUIWl_fQLwujqDA0H0oHxYg1CBzbGJDEZzUzVVhsN7v-O0im/s1600/012+-+Venom+-+Elemental+Assassin+%25233+-+Jennifer+Estep_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" /></a></div><strong> Venom - Elemental Assassin #3 - Jennifer Estep</strong></div><br />
Gin Blanco aka the Spider, semi-retired assassin, runs Ashland's best (even though it's not in Texas) Bar-B-Que joint, the Pork Pit, and is on a personal mission to kill Mab Monroe. She's the Fire elemental who exterminated Gin's family, but to do this she's going to have to protect her civilian identity. Which means not using her most powerful weapons, her Stone and Ice magics. She also still does favours for people like her vampire friend Roslyn. Roslyn's having trouble with a stalker named Elliot, and Gin knows that she's the only reason Elliot knows about Roslyn. The best course of action, Gin decides, is to take the crazy giant out. Him being one of Mab's henchmen is just a bonus, right? True, he's Mab's most powerful henchmen so it won't be easy, buy Gin's never been one to shy away from a challenge. All this coupled with the fact the her long lost baby sister has come to town make retirement a lot more busy than working ever was.<br />
Ms. Estep had what my Creative Writing teacher used to call PPD, plot, prose and dialogue. All of them are exceptional. Venom had a wonderful plot that left nothing hanging and opened up several new avenues that are sure to be pursued in the next few books. One of which is how Gin is becoming more and more Peter Parker by day (No Daily Bugle, she has the Pork Pit) and Spider-Man (or the Spider) at night. Her prose is spot on, which I think a ton of writers working today could use a refresher course on, but don't get me started. Finally her dialogue is so tight that you can hear Gin in your head without even trying to. I don't think this is only me. I truly do think it should be spoken aloud it so good. I really look forward to where the series is going.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbpZ2Sul8h8yCgGeUUlcFvG3W-xsTSklBHcr9OJA94MgleDacV7BFJsfoBnoagYIT8Ts0yo07ura03t0pZMuNDGKqEiKiM8MAAeP5q09oF-LUIFfgLcs-E3Y-uc1aF46I0c9Yn_2ePsm4/s1600/011+-+Bayou+Moon+-+The+Edge+%25232+-+Ilona+Andrews_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbpZ2Sul8h8yCgGeUUlcFvG3W-xsTSklBHcr9OJA94MgleDacV7BFJsfoBnoagYIT8Ts0yo07ura03t0pZMuNDGKqEiKiM8MAAeP5q09oF-LUIFfgLcs-E3Y-uc1aF46I0c9Yn_2ePsm4/s320/011+-+Bayou+Moon+-+The+Edge+%25232+-+Ilona+Andrews_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><strong><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=">Bayou Moon - The Edge #2 - Ilona Andrews</a></strong><br />
<br />
There's a nine hundred square mile strip of the Edge called the Mire. Tucked between the magical world of the Weird and the non-magical world of the Broken. When Cerise Mar's parent's disappear her clan's rivals, the Sheerilies are the main suspects. With her parents gone this development also casts Cerise into the role of clan leader forcing her to go to war against the Sheerilies. This pairs her with Lord William Sandine, a changeling soldier who's left the Weird behind because of politics. He's been pulled back into service to bring back the rival nation's spymaster. Cerise and William are forced to help one another with their missions once their paths cross and to find a way of working together. To do that they'll have to survive everything the Edge can throw at them.<br />
I've yet to find a world quite like what the Andrews have built in their Edge series. To say it's complex and fascinating is to almost damn it with faint praise. A better more structured and complex plot than it's predecessor, On The Edge, Bayou Moon can be read as a stand alone. That was really important to me for some reason this year, and I think it was because money is so tight for people. I wanted people to be able to find stellar stories without having to have to go out and buy extra books to have a satisfying reading experience. You're welcome (kidding.) No, really if you dig paranormal fantasy and romance Ilona Andrews is one of the greats, and The Edge series is just as rewarding as Kate Daniels.<br />
Now on to the best of the year.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>#10</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotI8TLJZhyYOnQVLGx10VN1YV-z0_qclsmp1tIjeZu2mVDLnfV9J0gZgJFoA5DYSho9eiCqgG23xROc_JDYb00yXSGishGWUV5IpGP-fVbm9vTwmg-AsGk5fF_YE0nmpFwmW0UB7KDcuy/s1600/010+-+Afterlight+-+Dark+Ink+%25231+-+Elle+Jasper_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotI8TLJZhyYOnQVLGx10VN1YV-z0_qclsmp1tIjeZu2mVDLnfV9J0gZgJFoA5DYSho9eiCqgG23xROc_JDYb00yXSGishGWUV5IpGP-fVbm9vTwmg-AsGk5fF_YE0nmpFwmW0UB7KDcuy/s320/010+-+Afterlight+-+Dark+Ink+%25231+-+Elle+Jasper_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href="><strong>Afterlight - Dark Ink #1 - Elle Jasper</strong></a><br />
<br />
A local tattooist in the city of Savannah Riley Poe has had her younger brother, Seth, abducted. Not by any local psycho either, but by a cult of vampires. Riley has been brought up by the Dupre family who possess terrifying speed and powers. One of them agrees to help her find her brother. His name is Eli, and he too is a vampire. Not only is he attracted to Riley's striking beauty, but by her one-of-a-kind blood type. Unfortunately for them both, Eli is not the only exsanguinator who craves Riley's blood. To rescue Seth from certain everlasting bloodlust and exploding in sunlight, she will have to face dangers she's never dreamed of.<br />
Ms. Jasper is a really talented writer. I'm unsure if this is her first effort or not. If it is, it's a remarkable effort, rather like Nicole Peeler's Tempest Rising from last year. The story never hits a false note throughout, and the setting of Savannah is almost a character in and of itself. Much like what was done in In the Garden of Good in Evil, Savannah being so rich in history in culture just stands to be noticed and written about in a story, and Ms. Jasper pulls this off fabulously. Everdark - Book Two of The Dark Ink Chronicles should outshine the first if Afterlight is any indication.<br />
<br />
<strong>#9</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHS1OEuCNfPOkKeBOi-wlS7e8B0KdSPyFDtWDM9CLgSyo_k-DI1WyfYBT8f2uwjlgCoSWaeTLVG9KVLW1KVa8rfuPFagJ55P-HwF53gY6QCZQICDNNnBgrxjGTOl50QUAYz8R_ZSVPTGS/s1600/09+-+Changes+-+The+Dresden+Files+%252312+-+Jim+Butcher_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHS1OEuCNfPOkKeBOi-wlS7e8B0KdSPyFDtWDM9CLgSyo_k-DI1WyfYBT8f2uwjlgCoSWaeTLVG9KVLW1KVa8rfuPFagJ55P-HwF53gY6QCZQICDNNnBgrxjGTOl50QUAYz8R_ZSVPTGS/s320/09+-+Changes+-+The+Dresden+Files+%252312+-+Jim+Butcher_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href="><strong>Changes - The Dresden Files #12 - Jim Butcher</strong></a><br />
<br />
Just for giggles if you were to look up Wizard in the Chicago yellow pages you'd actually find one, and his name would be Harry Dresden. A long time ago, Harry Dresden loved a woman by the name of Susan Delgado, and then she was attacked by Harry's enemies. The attack left her with the bloodlust of a Red Court vampire, but she refused to give into it, and she had to leave Harry to keep that promise. She fled to South America to be far away from Harry and to fight the Red Court vampires who cursed her, but one of them has discovered a secret that Susan has kept and plans to use it against both Susan and Harry. For Harry to prevail against the forces arrayed against him he'll need to call upon almost every ally he's made, and use every power at his disposal- dark or otherwise. He's not just fighting for himself or his friends or even the world this time...this time Harry's fighting for the baby daughter he never knew he had.<br />
I'm pretty sure that Jim Butcher named this one Changes because Holy Shit couldn't be sold as a face out on shelves because let me tell you, when you put this book down, that's what you're going to say. Although Changes works too because this book changes everything. Not just Harry, but even his supporting characters aren't the same after this one's over. Ever since book three came out and Mr. Butcher pulled the series into a cohesive whole each new title has been a must have for me...even the short stories, but March can't come soon enough when Ghost Story hits the shelves. Oh, umm...yeah, cliffhanger alert. heh.<br />
<br />
<strong>#8</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zlfJUqb6c1_RHJBtrMMqFrjqSreHK2Pzhy9XHKGXWcRDbIIZU7eEpD6FYhEK0Jt25LOy4codCin_SMJ4PWeC2ZjvDtnY0NWpM1Nm1Agyllgl8_mFKaWX_-i8gLNzqNDhXil8GxKRLXBo/s1600/08+-+Succubus+Shadows+-+Georgina+Kincaid+%25235+-+Richelle+Mead_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zlfJUqb6c1_RHJBtrMMqFrjqSreHK2Pzhy9XHKGXWcRDbIIZU7eEpD6FYhEK0Jt25LOy4codCin_SMJ4PWeC2ZjvDtnY0NWpM1Nm1Agyllgl8_mFKaWX_-i8gLNzqNDhXil8GxKRLXBo/s320/08+-+Succubus+Shadows+-+Georgina+Kincaid+%25235+-+Richelle+Mead_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><strong><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=">Succubus Shadows - Georgina Kincaid #5 - Richelle Mead</a></strong><br />
<br />
Georgina Kincaid is a succubus in Seattle. She has quite a number of things that most humans would kill for, but the downside is a steep one...seducing unsuspecting schmucks for their immortal souls. Her day job is in a book store though. Presently, she's having to act like she's visiting where she grew up 2000 years ago, Hell. She's having to help plan her ex-boyfriend, Seth's wedding, and prepare to be a bridesmaid in said wedding. If all that wasn't enough fun, there's another succubus in town, Simone, and she's got her sights set on...you guessed it, Seth. During all of this though there's a a dark presence visiting Georgina's thoughts, pulling her into the dark. She's becoming weaker and weaker beginning to succumb herself. When this finally happens she'll learn who she can and cannot trust, and that she may have been wrong all these years. Maybe Hell isn't the worst place you could spend all of eternity.<br />
You have supernaturals of all kinds in this book, vampires, imps, angels and of course succubi. The flashbacks that Ms. Read weaves in this tale are really well and skillfully done taking you from fourth century Cyprus to fifteenth century Florence to Nazi occupied France in 1942. None of them done are for no reason, but to further help you in your understanding of Gerogina and her motivations. While Succubus Shadows can't be read as a stand alone the series should be read. In my opinion it's Richelle Mead's best.<br />
<br />
<strong>#7</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemy4Yy7T-_A8R5SvJyYqR7BIjomcXzFghxbWinEi_uCmKd0NWnvF1A1dLZbhQcQfgwHMLHosY1N9t_2phqF4JV9tqZblLS0tX6YDgod5CahEPC05V0ygwjNt2oFGWpg8PsoioGffRj2Cx/s1600/07+-+Memories+of+Envy+-+Vampire+Memories+%25233+-+Barb+Hendee_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemy4Yy7T-_A8R5SvJyYqR7BIjomcXzFghxbWinEi_uCmKd0NWnvF1A1dLZbhQcQfgwHMLHosY1N9t_2phqF4JV9tqZblLS0tX6YDgod5CahEPC05V0ygwjNt2oFGWpg8PsoioGffRj2Cx/s320/07+-+Memories+of+Envy+-+Vampire+Memories+%25233+-+Barb+Hendee_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><strong><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=">Memories of Envy - Vampire Memories #3 - Barb Hendee</a></strong><br />
<br />
Eleisha Clevon has a mission to locate all vampires still existing in isolation and to offer them sanctuary at her home in Portland, Oregon, but more importantly to teach them her dream to feed without killing. Unfortunately, there's a vampire as close as Denver named Simone, an eternal flapper made in the roaring 20's who likes to play with her food. She enjoys her games, making her passions grow, stoking the fires inside her before she extinguishes their lives. Eleisha has one partner in her venture named Philip, but Simone sees a kindred soul in him as well. While fighting for Simone will Eleisha lose Philip as well?<br />
The Vampire Memories books are really a great series. Each building upon one another the author working each book together like the most amazing, sturdiest house of cards you've ever seen. With the hints dropped, I cannot wait to see what Ms. Hendee has in store for this out of the blue, take you by the throat, but doesn't drain you to death series.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>#6</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7asBdg_AOgb_KLPQXYngCILTnGb-3XxjVZwmLBgbgv6ESrVSM7GCVu_btJOjE56mM9K-2YyG5RrvHwZ_hqLGkkXem4Ernfv23-CZ07QZb6Q5BxD8mVgBt0CBvx0MsW1Mebqors9n6DG4D/s1600/06+-+Silver+Borne+-+Mercy+Thompson+%25235+-+Patricia+Briggs_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7asBdg_AOgb_KLPQXYngCILTnGb-3XxjVZwmLBgbgv6ESrVSM7GCVu_btJOjE56mM9K-2YyG5RrvHwZ_hqLGkkXem4Ernfv23-CZ07QZb6Q5BxD8mVgBt0CBvx0MsW1Mebqors9n6DG4D/s320/06+-+Silver+Borne+-+Mercy+Thompson+%25235+-+Patricia+Briggs_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><strong><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=">Silver Borne - Mercy Thompson #5 - Patricia Briggs</a></strong><br />
<br />
My favourite Bavarian mechanic and skinwalker Mercedes "Mercy" Thompson tries to return the Fae book that she had borrowed, but she finds where she borrowed it from closed down. And unfortunately for Mercy this book contains some secret knowledge that the Fae will do anything to keep out of the wrong hands. Kept out of the wrong hands it must be because this book contains huge secrets not just about the Fae, but about the Grey Lords, the leaders of the Fae. If <br />
that isn't enough, Samuel, Mercy's friend since childhood is struggling with his wolf side and she can't tell anyone because if she does under pack law Samuel must die. Can Mercy work out how to get rid of this cursed book, deal with Samuel and salvage her relationship with Adam's pack before it's all too late?<br />
Patty Briggs brings it all to the table each and every novel she does. I'll admit her Mercy book are my favourite, but the Alpha and Omega series are a close second. It's just surprising to me that after five novels that the character is still so fresh and vibrant to me. While some authors, who shall remain nameless, just keep cranking out book after book, and people keep buying two star books, Patty Briggs is a cut above. I'll keep buying them so long as her standards are as high as this. On a side note, Daniel Dos Santos makes the most amazing covers for these books every year he does them and I'd like to thank the collaboration of both he and Ms Briggs for their efforts<br />
<br />
#5<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkhj7yTVrIj7v4pNXli_L9lCz5E9EaLq09YF_pHNtnkQMmM1ywqLxDczeerhIoVJY7TSOJvk3fctx11ZhFa4WO12yCPv9WNcRcKYdcKSgUjQi5wDq9HypRsrMZTZ5Dq7DC9kmwNU0NJ2M/s1600/05+-+The+Grimrose+Path+-+Trickster+%25232+-+Rob+Thurman_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkhj7yTVrIj7v4pNXli_L9lCz5E9EaLq09YF_pHNtnkQMmM1ywqLxDczeerhIoVJY7TSOJvk3fctx11ZhFa4WO12yCPv9WNcRcKYdcKSgUjQi5wDq9HypRsrMZTZ5Dq7DC9kmwNU0NJ2M/s320/05+-+The+Grimrose+Path+-+Trickster+%25232+-+Rob+Thurman_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><b><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XQEW16?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003XQEW16%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003XQEW16%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">The Grimrose Path - Trickster #2 - Rob Thurman</a></b><br />
<br />
Trixa Iktoma is a trickster; a semi-divine shape shifting entity who is several thousand years old and has an appetite for mischief and destruction. She owns a bar in Las Vegas with another famous Trickster, Loki called Leo nowadays. Trixa gets approched by a demon wanting help. Now generally this would make her piss herself laughing, but Trixa in intrigued because this in no ordinary killer that's snuffing out demons left and right. To stop this she's going to need all of her skill set and maybe a little help from her friends.<br />
These books are fun. Starting with Trick of Light - Trickster #1 and continuing in The Grimrose Path. I do so love the chaos unfolded when trickster gods try to make good. Just look at Neil Gaiman's American Gods or Anasasi Boys if you don't believe me, but Rob Thurman takes that to a different level because there's a sense of justice that pervades here. Not just chaos for chaos sense. Trixa loves her friends and will do whatever it takes to protect them. You can read The Grimrose Path as a stand alone, and you'll only miss some of the finer nuances, but please go out and read it! <br />
<br />
<strong>#4</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw08aF1QiXLHez2YGOwfNNbXB-FccoQ8hfACXkJbZJMK0I0U-nKCh-d78yKEEWTCefaDVHOs93dDZsdWzm9g8Kl5rL7aZQq2S3J7Zc2dFc13-KPOKsIDCoswpFAZ_aUKBIlt6cRAPJlnW/s1600/01+-+The+Native+Star+-+Emily+Edwards+%25231+-+M.K.+Hobson_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw08aF1QiXLHez2YGOwfNNbXB-FccoQ8hfACXkJbZJMK0I0U-nKCh-d78yKEEWTCefaDVHOs93dDZsdWzm9g8Kl5rL7aZQq2S3J7Zc2dFc13-KPOKsIDCoswpFAZ_aUKBIlt6cRAPJlnW/s320/01+-+The+Native+Star+-+Emily+Edwards+%25231+-+M.K.+Hobson_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><strong><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003F3PKFY?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003F3PKFY%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003F3PKFY%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">The Native Star - Emily Edwards #1 - M.K. Hobson</a></strong><br />
<br />
Meet Emily Edwards, a simple witch living in the small town of Lost Pine, Califonia. It's 1876 at the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and Emily is trying to avoid being run out of business by a mail-order magic company called Hex. Thinking she can solve all her problems with a love spell, things go from bad to worse. Before Emily can ever try to undo the damage, a magical stone discovered by zombie miners and takes away her powers. Only traveling warlock Dreadnought Stanton, in town for suspicious reasons all his own, can help her. Stanton is the antithesis to the way Emily uses her magic and the way she carries herself, but he convinces her that he is the only person to help. Emily and Stanton set off on a cross country journey to find the mysterious Professor Mirabilis. They hope that he can unlock the stone's power and secrets there by freeing Emily. Pursed by creatures, sorcerers, and flying bio-mechanical animals, Emily and Stanton have a trip fraught with danger, attacked at almost every turn by people who want the Native Star and Emily as well.<br />
The Native Star is an amazing novel with a thrilling mix of fantasy, romance, history and even a dash of steampunk thrown in for flavour. The only question I have is, while knowing that the sequel, The Hidden Goddess comes out in 2011, is this a trilogy, or the first in a longer open ended series? Beyond that, all I can say is pick it up. The Native Star is a wonderful mix of character, plot and setting. M.K Hobson brings it all together like a master chef with so many different ingredients and coming up with an entree that just melts upon your palate.<br />
<br />
<strong>#3</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9a_X-Q40feBV75GHl72b9FgswUvw00EUxym4zViEmoLLzaLSiJV1NXhS5kz3B6ve587Ew4a7249FEJUjFOFAMgyCfg_A-mx4AoS4J7TZTuFYObJELUMGiF7zlS6DdFA2lxpCUpVJwNkpC/s1600/02+-+Alpha+-+Shifters+%25236+-+Rachel+Vincent_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9a_X-Q40feBV75GHl72b9FgswUvw00EUxym4zViEmoLLzaLSiJV1NXhS5kz3B6ve587Ew4a7249FEJUjFOFAMgyCfg_A-mx4AoS4J7TZTuFYObJELUMGiF7zlS6DdFA2lxpCUpVJwNkpC/s320/02+-+Alpha+-+Shifters+%25236+-+Rachel+Vincent_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><strong><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/077832818X?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=077832818X%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=077832818X%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Alpha - Shifters #6 - Rachel Vincent</a></strong><br />
<br />
The long road traveled ends here for Faythe Sanders. All the questions are answered. Who will she pick, Marc or Jace? Who will take over the Council, Malone or will her father reassume his rightful place? Will there be an all out Shifter war? Will the South Central Pride avenge her brother's death? None of the answers will be easy, but Faythe has sworn to protect her Pride, her Alpha and her Pridemates no matter, and she will. Faythe's heading for the final showdown with her eyes wide open knowing it will change everything and that nothing will ever be the same. Rachel Vincent concludes her Shifters series with Alpha, and she does it with skill of a writer twice her age. Let me warn the reader though, she does rake you over the coals in the process, emotionally speaking, but to have the power to do that is an incredible thing. The surprises and twists and turns just keep on coming in Alpha right up until the very last chapter. Thank you, Ms Vincent for writing the series and thank you as well for ending it on a high note and going out a winner because Alpha does all of those in spades.<br />
<br />
<strong>#2</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguF48GWQ7GF3Th2C19EWMz8Flrltkhy8jeCPCcMoSlTiA3wPbx4DseNf555ygsVO9n8jZHVaJDlQ7oE0mdcmnEfJVwfia6bz_qcfd505gviR3M_g1s50eS4DF4OlbAq2wQ7CWoB8GSU5Ak/s1600/04+-+Kill+the+Dead+-+Sandman+Slim+%25232+-+Richard+Kadrey_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguF48GWQ7GF3Th2C19EWMz8Flrltkhy8jeCPCcMoSlTiA3wPbx4DseNf555ygsVO9n8jZHVaJDlQ7oE0mdcmnEfJVwfia6bz_qcfd505gviR3M_g1s50eS4DF4OlbAq2wQ7CWoB8GSU5Ak/s320/04+-+Kill+the+Dead+-+Sandman+Slim+%25232+-+Richard+Kadrey_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><strong><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042FZVX0?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0042FZVX0%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0042FZVX0%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Kill the Dead - Sandman Slim #2 - Richard Kadrey</a></strong><br />
<br />
James Stark, half-human/half-angel hybrid and known to the monsters as Sandman Slim has been in a bit of a rut lately. He took his revenge on Mason, the bastard responsible for sending him to Hell, but now he's having trouble figuring out what to do with himself. He's got a part time gig bounty hunting rogue monsters, and he works with the Golden Vigil the angelelic do gooders tied up with Homeland Security, but he's bored. Then Lucifer comes to town, and all that changes. Apparently, they're doing a biopic about the first of the fallen's life from his POV and his needs some body guarding done. During all of this though the city becomes infested with High Plains Drifters, zombies, but what happen when Stark becomes infected and his human side begins to die? <br />
Richard Kadrey is on a very short list of writers that I can use one hand to name that can make me laugh out loud. Just how he describes things and the one liners he tosses out there are hilarious. Imagine if Bogart's Sam Spade came back from Hell as the baddest hitman (I mean Lucifer hires him!) still full of his comments at every turn. Plus, every page that Lucifer is on shines. This isn't a Lucifer that wants to rule the world or steal your soul, he's a funny, witty, charming guy who's done a job since the beginning of time and just wants to go home. Kill the Dead and Kadrey's Sandman Slim cannot be recommended enough by me they are hard-edged, sharp, noir done as well as you can. Not to be missed!<br />
<br />
<strong>#1</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMW69MZSN7l9VqQkZfAwrvdlLq3aNWCJiTmziVQ3LXWj-MGOCJmVdzjArJWo5ddt-zMfsG5wKWqkEFz6tnkYVLLnnUoO6RMXzWKAdAk9aECzPH9_zTF_C_ibcn1SuZbeEKWxC0DS-Dmdxe/s1600/03+-+The+Iron+Duke+-+The+Iron+Seas+%25231+-+Meljean+Brook_resize.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMW69MZSN7l9VqQkZfAwrvdlLq3aNWCJiTmziVQ3LXWj-MGOCJmVdzjArJWo5ddt-zMfsG5wKWqkEFz6tnkYVLLnnUoO6RMXzWKAdAk9aECzPH9_zTF_C_ibcn1SuZbeEKWxC0DS-Dmdxe/s320/03+-+The+Iron+Duke+-+The+Iron+Seas+%25231+-+Meljean+Brook_resize.jpg" tabindex="-1" width="211" /></a></div><strong><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042JSOTY?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0042JSOTY%22%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0042JSOTY%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">The Iron Duke - The Iron Seas #1 - Meljean Brook</a></strong><br />
<br />
Detective Inspector Wilhelmina 'Mina' Wentworth is summoned when a dead body is discovered on the grounds of the Duke of Anglesey's grounds. Rhys Trahaearn former pirate and now national hero, known as The Iron Duke is used to making whatever he wants his. He intends to make Mina the next on that very short list. Unfortunately for the Duke she has no interest in this, and when she discovers the body's identity she finds a conspiracy that may put the lives of everyone in England in jeopardy. Forced to work together, Mina and Rhys must go through zombie-infested wastelands to find the answers that will save her countrymen, but will she give in to the Iron Duke along the way?<br />
Steampunk, yes it does seem like you can't toss a dead librarian without hitting a new book. The difference is this, this is cyberpunk done well. The failing that I see in a lot of steampunk in getting lost in the minutiae, but Ms. Brook's worldbuilding skill's are on another lever entirely. She brings her A game and her machines and every part that makes it cyberpunk only serve her story. The complexity of her world without every overwhelming the reader is a feat of skill that is envious in the extreme. I was impressed when I read Here There be Monsters from the Burning Up anthology before this, but I had no idea it would lead to this. Let me also point out that as a man, if you can include this much romance n a book and not make me feel uncomfortable nor make me skip ahead a few pages, you're doing something very right. All in all, this was a stellar novel and I cannot wait for the next in the series. Let me leave you with this though, pirates! zombies! Talk about two great tastes tasting great together! Who woulda thought?<br />
<br />
Alright folks, there it is for another year. Questions, comments, hints, allegations, vulgarities? Lemme know...you know where the comment box is. Tell me where I went wrong or even maybe where I went right. Love you guys.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-51659609201094954322010-05-12T16:05:00.004-05:002010-05-13T21:57:38.506-05:00FREE Vicki Pettersson E-Book Download<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Check out what was sent to me from Vicki <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pettersson's</span> publisher...</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"We are offering a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scent-Shadows-Bonus-Material-ebook/dp/B003IR5KZM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1273584415&sr=1-1" target="_blank">FREE E-BOOK DOWNLOAD</a> of Vicki Pettersson’s first “Signs of the Zodiac” novel, THE SCENT OF SHADOWS. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For anyone who’s not familiar with Vicki, this is the perfect opportunity to get to know her writing. She’s a former Vegas Showgirl turned <i><span style="font-style: italic;">New York Times</span></i> bestselling Urban Fantasy writer. There’s a great interview with her in <a href="http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2009/jul/02/interview-issue-vicki-pettersson/" target="_blank"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(0, 0, 0);">LAS</span> VEGAS WEEKLY</a> if you’d like to learn more. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And mark your calendars for the release of her latest, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061456772?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0061456772">CHEAT THE GRAVE</a>, out on 5/25"</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061456772?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0061456772" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Dmkpp5fDFIOq1yAMfpamOqRrDaImA4U6ROlM9lSjBlo5c9OYBDUQL0AxCsskuUG_JBiOrkR6SapVldrICQCpp4ZIOosOFI5dChoUOjtSqe3G7eiajGfPUBIlb7UrTrvLAv7PoUCmZjbT/s320/Pettersson,+Vicki+-+Cheat+the+Grave+-+Sign+of+the+Zodiac+Bk+5.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> This is a great offer to check out Ms. <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pettersson's</span> first Joanna Archer novel and get on board for the series itself! Feel free to copy the links and spread the word by putting them on your blogs as well. Also, please check out my forthcoming review of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061456772?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0061456772"><i>Cheat the Grave</i></a> as well.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">P.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-65867146468511189422010-03-30T01:30:00.006-05:002011-01-24T23:23:42.507-06:00White Cat - The Curse Workers Bk 1 - Holly Black<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMK-aR5ioXDbjmWs2JSjkhx_cYm852TdCCWN4hPW9H0pimaQcxxdyM5nBDXcrMY0aCg94jup-ukobfQS7fJDPC98YsU3x1dBkulT4IiboAIv1hergxT7OrEbXqb65NoZhnCWzB5xGvXiX/s1600/Black,+Holly+-+White+Cat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454313895927581346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMK-aR5ioXDbjmWs2JSjkhx_cYm852TdCCWN4hPW9H0pimaQcxxdyM5nBDXcrMY0aCg94jup-ukobfQS7fJDPC98YsU3x1dBkulT4IiboAIv1hergxT7OrEbXqb65NoZhnCWzB5xGvXiX/s320/Black,+Holly+-+White+Cat.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 211px;" /></a><br />
We start with the character Cassel waking up on the rooftop of his dormitory at Wallingford Preparatory and not knowing how he got there. The only thing he knows is that the nightmares about the white cat are driving him insane...<br />
<br />
Cassel is the black sheep of his family. They are all curse workers, people who have the ability to change your emotions, memories or luck with a touch of their hands. Cassel is the only one who doesn’t possess any powers. Curse working is illegal. Most people with the ability are members of mob families.<br />
<br />
Everyone in his family has always treated Cassel a little differently, but he’s beginning to notice his brothers acting even more oddly. With his troubled past eating at him and suspecting that his brothers are running a con on him, Cassel is coming close to having it out with the people he’s trusted his whole life.<br />
<br />
Let me start with saying that Holly Black is like Neil Gaiman to me. Doesn’t matter what they write; I’m going to get it because I know I’ll enjoy it...immensely. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416963960?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416963960%22%3EWhite%20Cat%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416963960%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">White Cat</a> is no exception to this rule.<br />
<br />
The cosmology that Ms. Black has built for this series is unique and a lovely change to what’s out there currently. I was sucked into <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416963960?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416963960%22%3EWhite%20Cat%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416963960%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">White Cat</a> from the first few pages. You can tell that <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416963960?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416963960%22%3EWhite%20Cat%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416963960%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">White Cat</a> is just the beginning of a well planned and well thought out story.<br />
<br />
By all means, go forth and buy a copy of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416963960?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416963960%22%3EWhite%20Cat%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416963960%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">White Cat</a> this May and yet again, don’t be scared by the YA markings…this book is for anyone out there who digs Urban Fantasy. I cannot wait to see where Ms. Black takes this story, but I'm definitely in it for the long haul. This is a “Summer Must Have.”<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416963960?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416963960%22%3EWhite%20Cat%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416963960%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">White Cat</a> receives a Classic 4 out of 4 stars.<br />
<br />
Please support this site and pick up a copy of - <span style="font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416963960?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416963960%22%3EWhite%20Cat%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416963960%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">White Cat - The Curse Workers Bk 1 - Holly Black</a></span><br />
<br />
Go visit Holly Black at her <a href="http://www.blackholly.com/">website</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/hollyblackfans">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/hollyblack">Twitter</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-65934637478791864092010-03-27T23:05:00.005-05:002010-03-27T23:28:25.331-05:00Patricia Briggs - Silver Borne Tour Dates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQqS_ahh8axucXcZ2gWhgrTpzo6uUGCKX7lQDou_qSsW54zDezJ3N3ZRt2aeEmUGKIUOH9i5djAT6S5Wtf9Sd_4kytKm1HHAEt3WEB8-erJNnuuLkHeA8AQHemcwK5fWBVxvOjEJVfBgT/s1600/Briggs,+Patricia+-+Silver+Borne.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQqS_ahh8axucXcZ2gWhgrTpzo6uUGCKX7lQDou_qSsW54zDezJ3N3ZRt2aeEmUGKIUOH9i5djAT6S5Wtf9Sd_4kytKm1HHAEt3WEB8-erJNnuuLkHeA8AQHemcwK5fWBVxvOjEJVfBgT/s320/Briggs,+Patricia+-+Silver+Borne.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453535465625733346" border="0" /></a>Patricia Briggs latest Mercy Thompson novel, <a href="%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/044101819X?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=044101819X%22%3ESilver%20Borne%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=044101819X%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Silver Borne</a>, will debut March 30<sup>th</sup> 2010, and she's going on tour to support it. I've made no secret about my love for this character and author. In fact, I'll be in Houston April 9<sup>th</sup> to get my copy signed and to meet the lady who's brought so many great stories into my life. Try to make one of the signings if you can...I'm sure you won't regret it.<br /><br />Below are all the dates at present. If more become available I'll make sure and post them.<br /><br /><p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><u>March 30</u><sup><u>th</u></sup><u> in SEATTLE </u></span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE@ 7 PM</b></span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >4326 University Way NE</span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Seattle, WA 98105</span><br /></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><u>March 31</u><sup><u>st</u></sup><u> in PORTLAND</u></span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>POWELL'S BOOKS @ 7 PM</b></span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Cedar Hills Crossing</span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd</span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Beaverton, OR 97005</span><br /></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><u>April 6</u><sup><u>th</u></sup><u> in LOS ANGELES</u></span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>BARNES AND NOBLE #2743 @ 7 PM</b></span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >7881 Edinger Ave.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Huntington Beach, CA 92647</span><br /></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><u>April 7</u><sup><u>th</u></sup><u> in SAN DIEGO</u></span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>MYSTERIOUS GALAXY @ 7 PM</b></span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd: Ste 302</span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >San Diego, CA 92111</span><br /></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><u>April 9</u><sup><u>th</u></sup><u> in HOUSTON</u></span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>MURDER BY THE BOOK @ 6:30 PM</b></span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >2342 Bissonnet St</span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Houston, TX 77005</span><br /></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><u>April 10</u><sup><u>th</u></sup><u> in MINNEAPOLIS</u></span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><b>UNCLE HUGO'S SCIENCE FICTION BOOKSTORE @ 1 PM</b></span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >2864 Chicago Avenue South</span></p> <p align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Minneapolis, MN 55407</span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-20982346122309567742010-03-09T05:34:00.004-06:002010-03-09T11:42:56.237-06:00Hallowed Circle - Persephone Alcmedi Bk. 2 - Linda Robertson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi340VNKrbdvXEwWc1W6I-eCftDE-gfIl9DDDstT1v4Yf3a6EnkfzL5PIAbz3XWQLpvKhcHtLtiHjGWtpJVxQke-ogqL-0hdIpNbL4kDVCmvu2pwxbVBupuyudciiuJW3zVjV4gm8tK__5i/s1600-h/Robertson,+Linda+-+Hallowed+Circle+-+Persephone+Alcmedi+Bk+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi340VNKrbdvXEwWc1W6I-eCftDE-gfIl9DDDstT1v4Yf3a6EnkfzL5PIAbz3XWQLpvKhcHtLtiHjGWtpJVxQke-ogqL-0hdIpNbL4kDVCmvu2pwxbVBupuyudciiuJW3zVjV4gm8tK__5i/s320/Robertson,+Linda+-+Hallowed+Circle+-+Persephone+Alcmedi+Bk+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446600632605874322" border="0" /></a>Still trying to work out what being the Lustrata fully entails, Persephone "Seph" Alcmedi finds out she's been nominated to be High Priestess of the Cleveland, OH, coven by her friend Lydia Whitmore. It's still a mystery to everyone (with the exception of Seph) what happened to Vivian Diamond, the previous High Priestess. Seph is not jazzed about being nominated for several reasons. Chief amongst them being, A) she was the person who turned Vivian over to the vampire that did away with her, B) she is now the guardian of Beverly, who's werewolf mother Lorrie has only been dead for 3 weeks and let's not forget C) Seph now carries the vampire Menessos' mark, "the stain," along with the powers that come with it. No witch is ever allowed to be under the influence of a vampire and be in a position of power, but to prevent another snooty, social climber from getting the post, Seph will do it.<br /><br />As the Eximium (the contest) begins one finalist turns up dead. So, it's up to Seph to: find out who's killing finalists, make it through the contest without the judges seeing her "stain," win the contest, and to come in to her own as the Lustrata when the Cleveland coven needs her the most.<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156786?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156786%22%3EHallowed%20Circle%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156786%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><br />Hallowed Circle</a> takes up where <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439154287?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439154287%22%3EVicious%20Circle%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439154287%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Vicious Circle</a> left off and is even more entertaining in my estimation. Hitting all my favourite high points in urban fantasy of mystery, romance and magic, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156786?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156786%22%3EHallowed%20Circle%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156786%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Hallowed Circle</a> does not disappoint fans of Persephone's first outing. How Seph deals with both 6'2", leather-clad biker, Johnny and the Eximium are the high points for me. One can tell that Ms. Robertson has found her footing as a storyteller and whispers a promise of only good things to future readers.<br /><br />To those that may find the beginning of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156786?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156786%22%3EHallowed%20Circle%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156786%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Hallowed Circle</a> a bit slow, rest assured that like any good roller coaster you'll find it well worth it by novel's end. Like any Book Two worth it's salt, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156786?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156786%22%3EHallowed%20Circle%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156786%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Hallowed Circle</a> builds beautifully on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439154287?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439154287%22%3EVicious%20Circle%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439154287%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Vicious Circle</a> and sets up <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156808?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156808%22%3EFatal%20Circle%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156808%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Fatal Circle</a> flawlessly.<br /><br />Not to mention the fact that <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156786?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156786%22%3EHallowed%20Circle%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156786%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Hallowed Circle</a> will always be my first. The first mass market paperback novel that I received a blurb in, <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/2009/06/vicious-circle-persephone-alcmedi-bk1.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">"A fun romp of a novel....Seph acts as any of us would and it makes her endearing and easy for the reader to root for....Completely entertaining."</span></a> Thanks to Paula Guran at <a href="http://www.juno-books.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Juno Books</span></a>, Erica Feldon at <a href="http://www.simonandschuster.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Simon and Schuster</span></a> and <a href="http://www.wolfsbaneandabsinthe.com/">Linda Robertson</a> herself.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156786?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156786%22%3EHallowed%20Circle%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156786%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Hallowed Circle</a> receives an Excellent rating of 3.5 out of 4 stars.<br /><br />Please Support This Site and Pick Up a Copy Here: <span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156786?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156786%22%3EHallowed%20Circle%20-%20Persephone%20Alcmedi%20Bk.%202%20-%20Linda%20Robertson%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156786%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Hallowed Circle - Persephone Alcmedi Book 2 - Linda Robertson</a>.</span><br /><br />Make sure to stop by Ms. Robertson's <a href="http://www.wolfsbaneandabsinthe.com/">Website</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-32285775289392757192010-02-09T22:46:00.005-06:002010-02-09T23:25:31.231-06:00Bitter Night - Horngate Witches Bk 1 - Diana Pharaoh Francis<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9YNYVjWKUbuqomVZZH3s_X-6hCGPl3MccOVivVcyrSds6b_nSvxaJJDVj2tMWrVcdiMufl-h87bJS8mTCl7f6716xqVW7C6Secub7R7wz_eOPcyYc9CR-xuCK82yk4_EC0Q_4dd8nfH4/s1600-h/Pharaoh+Francis,+Diana+-+Bitter+Night+-+Hornagate+Witches+Bk+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9YNYVjWKUbuqomVZZH3s_X-6hCGPl3MccOVivVcyrSds6b_nSvxaJJDVj2tMWrVcdiMufl-h87bJS8mTCl7f6716xqVW7C6Secub7R7wz_eOPcyYc9CR-xuCK82yk4_EC0Q_4dd8nfH4/s320/Pharaoh+Francis,+Diana+-+Bitter+Night+-+Hornagate+Witches+Bk+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436472848109044946" border="0" /></a>Have you ever been asked one of those what if questions? What if you could fly, what if you could live forever, what if you could be stronger, faster and never age? Well, Max was asked the last question by a person she considered her friend one night whilst drinking. Max said, of course, not knowing her friend was a powerful witch named Giselle who meant the question. Max wakes up to find herself transformed into a Shadowblade, one of Giselle’s night-time protectors.<br /><br /> With spells now written on her skin, her bones and her very soul, Max has no choice but to protect Giselle now. No matter how much she’d like to kill her for turning her into this. Thirty years have passed since that night and Max has become the best, most lethal Shadowblade in existence. Soon her powers, along with Giselle’s own, will be put to the test as they never have.<br /><br /> The Guardians of the earth are returning. These are the beings who are responsible for some of the worst disasters in human history. Such as making Vesuvius explode just to teach are merchant a lesson. The Greek Gods had nothing on these beings when it comes to petty, spiteful actions. They have decided, from on high, that the mortals of the earth must be wiped out, and they want all the witches of any power to help them. Refusal will not be tolerated. The witches have been told that their covens will be wiped off the face of the earth if they do not agree to help.<br /><br /> As much as Max may hate Giselle, she loves Horngate, Giselle’s covenstead. Horngate, and all those who live there and protect it, including her own Shadowblades and the Sunspears, Giselle’s daytime protectors. To protect Horngate from utter destruction Max must place her trust in another witch’s Shadowblade Prime. As much as she feels she can’t trust him, she’s drawn to him as much as he is to her.<br /><br /> To complicate matters further, Max has in her possession an object that can free her from her despised servitude. An object that can give her whatever she wishes. Will she use it to break the bonds that have held her for the past 30 years and go back to a normal life or will it be used to protect those that she thinks of as family and her home.<br /><br /> Have you ever seen a novel from an author that you know has several books under their belt, but for some reason you’ve never picked one up? Well, that was Ms. Francis for me, but a reading of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416598146?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416598146%22%3EBitter%20Night%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416598146%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Bitter Night</a> has changed all that. I’m going to go back and find whatever I can from her and devour it as I did <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416598146?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416598146%22%3EBitter%20Night%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416598146%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Bitter Night</a>. Ms. Francis is my favourite kind of author, a storyteller.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416598146?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416598146%22%3EBitter%20Night%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416598146%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"> Bitter Night</a> is expertly written and keeps you hooked from beginning to end. With her protagonist Max hating her witch Giselle so much, but being bound by powerful spells to make sure no harm comes to her it’s one of the most interesting reads I’ve had in a while. Plus, the addition of Alexander, whose power comes close to Max’s own, you don’t know what’s going to happen next. This is one of those novels that should be started on a Friday night when you don’t have to get up early Saturday morning because you’ll probably read it cover to cover.<br /><br /> Although I believe that with Max’s ambivalence towards Giselle and the power she exhibits throughout the novel it should have been called Bitter Knight, I don’t get asked about these sort of things. Ms. Francis has created an unusual, wonderful, Urban Fantasy read with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416598146?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416598146%22%3EBitter%20Night%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416598146%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Bitter Night</a> and your reading pleasure will be increased dramatically by picking it up. I personally cannot wait for the sequel.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416598146?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416598146%22%3EBitter%20Night%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416598146%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Bitter Night</a> receives and excellent rating of 3 1/2 stars from me.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Please Support This Site and Pick Up a Copy Here: </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416598146?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416598146%22%3EBitter%20Night%20-%20Horngate%20Witches,%20Bk%201%20-%20Diana%20Pharaoh%20Francis%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416598146%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Bitter Night - Horngate Witches Bk 1 - Diana Pharaoh Francis</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Please make sure to stop by Ms. Francis' <a href="http://difrancis.livejournal.com/">Blog</a> and <a href="http://www.dianapfrancis.com/">Website</a>.<br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-77175660793286144312009-12-26T17:10:00.001-06:002009-12-31T17:57:15.791-06:00Blood Cross - Jane Yellowrock Bk #2 - Faith Hunter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzHEP2HXLfKJi9kxLdJI3M62beyp-Zus2A84YANSztCVd1sIGXMj6wMV53K16RF3EXb3E4fnYPHg_CEs_trw7wth7t3GLcCnaVq9e4g0RCLTBOzGq4_ThYx12pK58UJwce2IfPuzJHKsJ/s1600-h/Hunter,+Faith+-+Blood+Cross.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzHEP2HXLfKJi9kxLdJI3M62beyp-Zus2A84YANSztCVd1sIGXMj6wMV53K16RF3EXb3E4fnYPHg_CEs_trw7wth7t3GLcCnaVq9e4g0RCLTBOzGq4_ThYx12pK58UJwce2IfPuzJHKsJ/s320/Hunter,+Faith+-+Blood+Cross.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419878396655715954" border="0" /></a>Picking up a few weeks after the events of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807?%20%20ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-%20%2020&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=04514%20%2062807"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Skinwalker</span></span></a>, we find vampire bounty hunter and skinwalker, Jane Yellowrock receiving visitors. Jane's best friend and earth witch, Molly is there with her two children, Angelina and Little Evan. Together they are riding out the tail end of a hurricane at Jane's rental property in New Orleans. Molly is a powerful earth witch, but all of her wards are down because the storm was playing merry-hob with them.<br /><br />The hurricane begins to let up and Molly and Jane decide to put the kids down for a little nap. Being the only one who stays awake, Jane begins to prowl the house because she can feel something's off. Suddenly, Jane smells smoke and races outside to see what the origin is. She skids to a halt in front of Leo Pellissier, leader of the vampire council of New Orleans and four of his blood children in her front yard. He's there to kill her because he believes Jane killed his only son and heir, and he intends to use fire to do it.<br /><br />Even though Jane's original contract with the vampire council has expired it was extended so that the part Cherokee all skinwalker Jane could take care of the problem. Some rogue master is making scions and setting them free without the ten years needed to "cure" them. Young vampires generally must spend a decade chained up before they regain enough of the sanity needed to be let out into society again. This new master is skipping that step and basically releasing what amounts to be paranormal strength, fangs and hunger upon the streets of New Orleans. Jane's job is to find this rogue and end him along with any other children he has made.<br /><br />Jane knows she cannot do this alone. She sets out with some local vigilantes, her witch friend Molly and her police detective friend Rick to end the dead bodies that begin stacking up around New Orleans again. To everyone's surprise except Jane it becomes apparent that it isn't just one lone vampire master who is doing this. It goes deeper then that. When loyalties run in millenia who amongst the vampires can Jane trust?<br /><br />I truly do love the world that Faith Hunter has created with Jane Yellowrock. In <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463072?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463072%22%3EBlood%20Cross%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463072%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Blood Cross</span></span></a> she continues to walk the tightrope between amazing writing and doing what has come before. It would be so easy for her to fall off into derivative nonsense with her protagonist being a six foot tall, beautiful, shape shifting "Valkyrie" on a Harley, but Ms. Hunter never does. Not one part of this story takes you out of it by ringing false.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br />Just like in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807?%20%20ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-%20%2020&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=04514%20%2062807"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Skinwalker</span></span></a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463072?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463072%22%3EBlood%20Cross%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463072%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Blood Cross</span></span></a> has another stand out voice with Jane's other known as Beast. The parts of the book with Beast are funny and believable. When Beast is sitting alpha she has an inner monologue that makes it known that she considers Jane the interloper and that she should actually be in control most of the time.<br /><br />Begin your year by picking up <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463072?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463072%22%3EBlood%20Cross%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463072%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Blood Cross</span></span></a>. Actually, if you haven't yet get the whole story beginning in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312383363?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312383363"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Strange Brew</span></span></a> anthology (what I call Jane Yellowrock Bk #.5) and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807?%20%20ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-%20%2020&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=04514%20%2062807"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Skinwalker - Jane Yellowrock Bk #1</span></span></a>. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463072?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463072%22%3EBlood%20Cross%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463072%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Blood Cross</span></span></a> is a paranormal thriller that deserves to be read.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463072?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463072%22%3EBlood%20Cross%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463072%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Blood Cross</span></span></a> receives a classic rating of 4 out of 4 stars.<br /><br />Please Support This Site and Pick Up a Copy Here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807?%20%20ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-%20%2020&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=04514%20%2062807"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451463072?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451463072%22%3EBlood%20Cross%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451463072%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Blood Cross - Jane Yellowrock Bk #2</span></span> - Faith Hunter</a>.</span><br /><br />Make sure to stop by Ms. Hunter's <a href="http://www.faithhunter.net/wp/">Website</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-63679001796359379442009-12-08T19:55:00.037-06:002009-12-27T07:10:31.161-06:00Best of Paranormal/Urban Fantasy - 2009Going to do something different here. Since everyone's doing their "end of the year lists," I thought I'd post what I thought were the best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy books of 2009. Some I had the chance to review, some not, but they are all <span style="font-weight: bold;">GREAT</span> books! Now, I fully expect some of you to disagree wholeheartedly. If you do, please comment and tell me where you think I went wrong. Here goes, starting with #10.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAjDuvIBnxkaPOapmoCLNqaGnTvprdqxoP6ByJYj4gxM7kwe3_t_-3qZxzgmWgBN8-Z4bZTURKvPXM2lKrCK0fHZKQmoYIKy_0NNvDah0hhZP1RgesJ2Qv9M0bWEY262gpQYpoZfanYEo/s1600-h/Richardson,+Kat+-+Vanished.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAjDuvIBnxkaPOapmoCLNqaGnTvprdqxoP6ByJYj4gxM7kwe3_t_-3qZxzgmWgBN8-Z4bZTURKvPXM2lKrCK0fHZKQmoYIKy_0NNvDah0hhZP1RgesJ2Qv9M0bWEY262gpQYpoZfanYEo/s200/Richardson,+Kat+-+Vanished.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413090950539468754" border="0" /></a>10. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462777?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451462777">Vanished (Greywalker, Book 4)</a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451462777" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span> (August 2009) - Kat Richardson – Ms. Richardson continues to get better and better with each book, and <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462777?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451462777">Vanished</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451462777" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span> is her best to date. If this series is new to you I recommend picking up all the title to follow her hero Harper Blaine.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqgaF3SRpClzu6kzvO7BkMcpy63ih0dBGU-MIAj-7W6gGSs7wRymPfN2KC6ZMkKTRADiE4_D3xiyBeUus0OMTdW3YnaxSO6oKZxQZNjH1ZMwUHmNF5VQFd3PncdP15_YgE95lY_QCye6-/s1600-h/O'Hara,+Tracey+-+Night%27s+Cold+Kiss.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqgaF3SRpClzu6kzvO7BkMcpy63ih0dBGU-MIAj-7W6gGSs7wRymPfN2KC6ZMkKTRADiE4_D3xiyBeUus0OMTdW3YnaxSO6oKZxQZNjH1ZMwUHmNF5VQFd3PncdP15_YgE95lY_QCye6-/s200/O'Hara,+Tracey+-+Night%27s+Cold+Kiss.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413091298227147938" border="0" /></a>9. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061783137?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061783137">Night's Cold Kiss: A Dark Brethren Novel</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061783137" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; font-weight: bold;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> (August 2009) – Tracey O’Hara – I love it when first time authors hit it out of the park and Ms. O’Hara definitely hit a home run with this one. She did this by doing my favourite thing and bringing something new to the Urban Fantasy genre. The struggles that Antoinette Petrescu goes through and how she changes from start to finish are nothing short of amazing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdsBNupraD7KlHwlGwKPkd5FIVbsZj62KAmsFEadPM0eD8qcv7hJ-ZPSQ9ih-K2xw6G15LJ4UUuORlvQuUcR1PAtcrEi-9_0Ny1l2ItdX3iGJZ6rn9HF9bDKgn9diVzvcJ5buMh0F5DFE/s1600-h/Kittredge,+Caitlin+-+Street+Magic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdsBNupraD7KlHwlGwKPkd5FIVbsZj62KAmsFEadPM0eD8qcv7hJ-ZPSQ9ih-K2xw6G15LJ4UUuORlvQuUcR1PAtcrEi-9_0Ny1l2ItdX3iGJZ6rn9HF9bDKgn9diVzvcJ5buMh0F5DFE/s200/Kittredge,+Caitlin+-+Street+Magic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413091526769506706" border="0" /></a>8. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031294361X?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=031294361X">Street Magic (Black London Bk. 1)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=031294361X" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span> (June 2009) - Caitlin Kittredge – The story of Pete Caldecott and Jack Winters. This is one of those titles where the story grabs you by the throat (or more sensitive bits) and refuses to let go. Great Read.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4MnhtpvbfD7U420TGCWAKR46SI8O93hmWMnWx50ahjrw4pXGXYaWCYLE7JuOyN-hEOQATAnLEq7k568nblcnYX0eLRx1F2av5ViJHYg8l71M29lBNxd7xqj8OQv5PXNHCV6lN9tYtrlY/s1600-h/Briggs,+Patricia+-+Hunting+Ground.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4MnhtpvbfD7U420TGCWAKR46SI8O93hmWMnWx50ahjrw4pXGXYaWCYLE7JuOyN-hEOQATAnLEq7k568nblcnYX0eLRx1F2av5ViJHYg8l71M29lBNxd7xqj8OQv5PXNHCV6lN9tYtrlY/s200/Briggs,+Patricia+-+Hunting+Ground.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413092164980838818" border="0" /></a>7. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/044101738X?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=044101738X">Hunting Ground (Alpha & Omega, Book 2)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=044101738X" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span> (August 2009) - Patricia Briggs – The story of Charles Cornick (Alpha Werewolf) and his mate Anna Latham (Omega Werewolf) continues to grow and get better with each story. Ms. Briggs has set this in her Mercy Thompson universe, so it’s given her a chance to further expound on werewolf culture and society.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ax5CnpDEbkaAPXq-hNCLIrCX8TAmBEKCCVxkE1j3pvHJ9rsvHwlq-OH5RYbMhlxa-SxrnbMRNZjiyrr53Z5dN9avckSQPzCi-e6lSMkm-JXWAmRBkRnedffKZm1iRy8dl8POBT9CU1on/s1600-h/Pettersson,+Vicki+-+City+of+Souls+-+Sign+of+the+Zodiac+Bk+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ax5CnpDEbkaAPXq-hNCLIrCX8TAmBEKCCVxkE1j3pvHJ9rsvHwlq-OH5RYbMhlxa-SxrnbMRNZjiyrr53Z5dN9avckSQPzCi-e6lSMkm-JXWAmRBkRnedffKZm1iRy8dl8POBT9CU1on/s200/Pettersson,+Vicki+-+City+of+Souls+-+Sign+of+the+Zodiac+Bk+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413092386059001458" border="0" /></a>6. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061456780?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061456780">City of Souls (Sign of the Zodiac, Book 4)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061456780" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> (June 2009) -Vicki Pettersson – Joanna Archer is still trying to correct her mistake that’s left her Changeling damaged in a most heinous way. With the introduction of Midheaven and finding a way for her character to get out of Las Vegas, not to mention the emotional gut-wrenching scenes….this book will suck you in. Check out my review <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/2009/06/city-of-souls-sign-of-zodiac-bk-4-vicki.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAas6aYI0q4MjLCjdLTT25HcVi5POroUIyGBvNAkZCcXn5BU3bpuphpFDicYQ-6GoZ_iz1iSeXjSrzb2th9dsWaszbawCIjR7YFU059FWvW6jmpLF5lpXIymAlBPqZ8ohe0KYI-sDXXcLw/s1600-h/Hamilton,+Laurell+K+-+Skin+Trade.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAas6aYI0q4MjLCjdLTT25HcVi5POroUIyGBvNAkZCcXn5BU3bpuphpFDicYQ-6GoZ_iz1iSeXjSrzb2th9dsWaszbawCIjR7YFU059FWvW6jmpLF5lpXIymAlBPqZ8ohe0KYI-sDXXcLw/s200/Hamilton,+Laurell+K+-+Skin+Trade.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413109940283976386" border="0" /></a>5. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425227723?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0425227723">Skin Trade (Anita Blake, Book 17)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0425227723" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; font-weight: bold;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> (June 2009) – Laurell K. Hamilton – This is how I missed my Anita Blake stories. Being in a thrill ride from start to finish. I mean the book starts with a decapitated head being sent to her. Great stuff showing that Ms. Hamilton is definitely back a the top of her game.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjO_rLQT6ehOWd4q043e1qHVVSyH_2R5B72xHHZtLTRMQJ6tW8AFIHtg1pvjAIBvWTgwKd9bLe5o-B13aV-vgUzJ5Z9Ytjycxaqz_O_E-jSdtz2siMYr2XalOK9wQWFoul3PxdQ_JTzcs/s1600-h/Hunter,+Faith+-+Skinwalker.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjO_rLQT6ehOWd4q043e1qHVVSyH_2R5B72xHHZtLTRMQJ6tW8AFIHtg1pvjAIBvWTgwKd9bLe5o-B13aV-vgUzJ5Z9Ytjycxaqz_O_E-jSdtz2siMYr2XalOK9wQWFoul3PxdQ_JTzcs/s200/Hunter,+Faith+-+Skinwalker.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413110157026240514" border="0" /></a>4. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451462807">Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock, Book 1)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451462807" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span> (July 2009) – Faith Hunter – Doing something I’ve never read before by almost having her character Jane have multiple personalities. Well, Jane does, Beast lives inside of her and gets to be Alpha when Jane shifts. Using Cherokee folklore and expounding on it is a great ride. Highly recommended. Please check out my review <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/2009/07/skinwalker-jane-yellowrock-bk-1-faith.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCPy70DBktw8KUr9DJ6zpcWQ6NDM1G3YPM5JGJUxx7-vGSIAEePmZ0WDKjQpSa4d3Czm5zjzAaAW-c4A4e8Ml1LyUCMJuZ19xYP4KloeuDe4kJcKdScUc4eVWElcmvQ2EaSMKTu1Y_KTW/s1600-h/Peeler,+Nicole+-+Tempest+Rising+-+Jane+True+Bk+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCPy70DBktw8KUr9DJ6zpcWQ6NDM1G3YPM5JGJUxx7-vGSIAEePmZ0WDKjQpSa4d3Czm5zjzAaAW-c4A4e8Ml1LyUCMJuZ19xYP4KloeuDe4kJcKdScUc4eVWElcmvQ2EaSMKTu1Y_KTW/s200/Peeler,+Nicole+-+Tempest+Rising+-+Jane+True+Bk+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413110353538595186" border="0" /></a>3. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316056588?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316056588">Tempest Rising (Jane True Bk. 1)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316056588" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span> (November 2009) - Nicole Peeler – I completely meant what I wrote in my review of this: It is a Gem of a first novel. Plus, you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a supernatural that almost no one has ever written about before. With a fast paced story it leaves you wanting the sequel <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Tracking the Tempest</span> as soon as you finish. Also the greatest cover to grace the shelves this year. Please check out my full review <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/2009/11/tempest-rising-jane-true-bk-1-nicole.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaFPCT1nHCnGmFTlSYcm0ySr_d2cJvfvfEzOtTwa2Q8dGND7b6sQ15BJFhAcraUq5edk457shjgBpRnDxifPvFSPxzN6zOFzEtLV_szeeX98zZXuWciw5BBSnm4p6NrkYN6Zs8zfJ9MLU/s1600-h/Harrison,+Kim+-+White+Witch,+Black+Curse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaFPCT1nHCnGmFTlSYcm0ySr_d2cJvfvfEzOtTwa2Q8dGND7b6sQ15BJFhAcraUq5edk457shjgBpRnDxifPvFSPxzN6zOFzEtLV_szeeX98zZXuWciw5BBSnm4p6NrkYN6Zs8zfJ9MLU/s200/Harrison,+Kim+-+White+Witch,+Black+Curse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413110729320384258" border="0" /></a>2. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061138029?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061138029">White Witch, Black Curse (The Hollows, Book 7)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0061138029" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></span> – Kim Harrison – Still heartbroken over the death of her lover Kisten six months previous, Rachel vows to find out who did it. Considering she was there and cannot remember that’s a bit of a stumbling block, but it’s coming back to her. With the help of her Vampire partner Ivy and Pixie partner Jenks she’s going to get to the bottom of it if it kills her. Kim Harrison never disappoints.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFibtYsbd7771h7CoqmGn8H5qLWF1VJjRGk-4pzbSFfllGQgIyODDTEip_PxKKLskTEnehcVTof6Ft4g1BfhVhXW-ukofqmC0MCPPGcUgvMFRo8mX_zybSQbMVy-MBRH9VZvDZozVrbkwH/s1600-h/Briggs,+Patricia+-+Bone+Crossed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFibtYsbd7771h7CoqmGn8H5qLWF1VJjRGk-4pzbSFfllGQgIyODDTEip_PxKKLskTEnehcVTof6Ft4g1BfhVhXW-ukofqmC0MCPPGcUgvMFRo8mX_zybSQbMVy-MBRH9VZvDZozVrbkwH/s200/Briggs,+Patricia+-+Bone+Crossed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413110938404697714" border="0" /></a>1. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441016766?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441016766">Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson, Book 4)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441016766" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; font-weight: bold;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />(February 2009) – Patricia Briggs – Finally Patricia Briggs gets moved into hardbound. Mercy trying her very best to maneuver in both Vampire and Werewolf politics finds out that’s easier said then done. In one of those worlds were most of the “monsters” have come out Ms. Briggs does an awesome job of keeping her world as realistic as possible. Truly, my favourite book of 2009.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My Honourable Mentions for this year, in no particular order this time, are:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553592351?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553592351">Mark of the Demon</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553592351" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> (My Review's <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/2009/06/mark-of-demon-book-one-diana-rowland.html">here</a>) - Diana Rowland<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfX2WRJlNx85P5JGilX5H943kcAL7mEQVtfGZQvz2LR5e3lZ2xJ3CNhBb-DxLFmA3XB8VfTIawvU2AACnP4iDXrbY5muIz44dDrplFNa0BQhdAWhw22W9zr9OJtsoGpA2EYsySM6134pAL/s1600-h/Rowland,+Diana+-+Mark+of+the+Demon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfX2WRJlNx85P5JGilX5H943kcAL7mEQVtfGZQvz2LR5e3lZ2xJ3CNhBb-DxLFmA3XB8VfTIawvU2AACnP4iDXrbY5muIz44dDrplFNa0BQhdAWhw22W9zr9OJtsoGpA2EYsySM6134pAL/s200/Rowland,+Diana+-+Mark+of+the+Demon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413161624811299826" border="0" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553592351" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441017029?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441017029">Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, Book 3)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441017029" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> - Ilona Andrews<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNwVj9evuOW-vyNgdebrGwavdn9K0WFxbfcq5XgopkG-rew7qwFNYmYWwYgMJCyTCKkPYx2QqZNsXCOuutrnqjBI7e4kaR2k-V0CHMcWtUhECcr0rrQn2b-inX9NP9tsA8xYOsEDnWz5k/s1600-h/Andrews,+Ilona+-+Magic+Strikes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNwVj9evuOW-vyNgdebrGwavdn9K0WFxbfcq5XgopkG-rew7qwFNYmYWwYgMJCyTCKkPYx2QqZNsXCOuutrnqjBI7e4kaR2k-V0CHMcWtUhECcr0rrQn2b-inX9NP9tsA8xYOsEDnWz5k/s200/Andrews,+Ilona+-+Magic+Strikes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413112081168183746" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441017304?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0441017304">Darkness Calls</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0441017304" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> (Check out my review <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/2009/06/darkness-calls-hunter-kiss-bk-2.html">here</a>) - Marjorie Liu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFih0a5oxeDay0KIHuLRqkrXhegR-9f08_iah8S0llEyrI2P89b8qsBlNQco8KsllJPTk-pM2vKSs4WyRjI3259UxJkoOIAzf-48sFouBThtWucHJ1jY5W-T_6D1N6w0vE0TxI7u7NuVW/s1600-h/Liu,+Marjorie+M+-+Darkness+Calls+-+Hunter+Kiss+Bk+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFih0a5oxeDay0KIHuLRqkrXhegR-9f08_iah8S0llEyrI2P89b8qsBlNQco8KsllJPTk-pM2vKSs4WyRjI3259UxJkoOIAzf-48sFouBThtWucHJ1jY5W-T_6D1N6w0vE0TxI7u7NuVW/s200/Liu,+Marjorie+M+-+Darkness+Calls+-+Hunter+Kiss+Bk+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413112333968453426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439109656?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439109656">The Better Part of Darkness</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439109656" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; font-weight: bold;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> - Kelly Gay (review forthcoming)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48L0ZExOGtwGdmtU2yjiTRmW8N9cUDMAd8Vyal5KIhGGj-4Lexp-QXYss0IM_Wdua87g4Gj1utWt29kgYvRf2uL121JqZfl-K0lIuZgF8cgzJ49UMZu9I2KzyGz2RmK1YSiFXXb5STZaT/s1600-h/Gay,+Kelly+-+the+better+part+of+darkness.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48L0ZExOGtwGdmtU2yjiTRmW8N9cUDMAd8Vyal5KIhGGj-4Lexp-QXYss0IM_Wdua87g4Gj1utWt29kgYvRf2uL121JqZfl-K0lIuZgF8cgzJ49UMZu9I2KzyGz2RmK1YSiFXXb5STZaT/s200/Gay,+Kelly+-+the+better+part+of+darkness.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413112736896689122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143915676X?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=143915676X">Blood Kin (Blood Lines Bk. 3)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=143915676X" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />(Check out my review <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/blood-kin-blood-lines-bk-3-maria-lima.html">here</a>) - Maria Lima<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGNzE0I8mPy0rQm2Qe06N34Pca7Poj5ByK7kOC1ewV7-3zDAPwJiVUHqR_H5KCs3THWh_VrAAElLwY-fMdScb3lcQX6jLzm_-KGaOe7YFH70psdy9LGj5rwr0gkpcWOx62KWGb7hLrXbv/s1600-h/Lima,+Maria+-+Blood+Kin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 122px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGNzE0I8mPy0rQm2Qe06N34Pca7Poj5ByK7kOC1ewV7-3zDAPwJiVUHqR_H5KCs3THWh_VrAAElLwY-fMdScb3lcQX6jLzm_-KGaOe7YFH70psdy9LGj5rwr0gkpcWOx62KWGb7hLrXbv/s200/Lima,+Maria+-+Blood+Kin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413120484916843954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425228649?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0425228649">Demon Mistress (Otherworld)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0425228649" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />(Check out my review <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/2009/06/demon-mistress-otherworld-bk-6-yasmine.html">here</a>) - Yasmine Galenorn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7EVeXKnwQlyETYBTIAFJ1tDi0GzhWVy47NwyuxQ6Z0VuF1ieSH9CL3Vs6tErf8oVmXGcaURbUz2S0UHL2rF8JYxpeRbJ7dltv4dOEqVy1v9NfLuszAparEHmLjndiHHDSQ-jbAIgqrgV/s1600-h/Galenorn,+Yasmine+-+demon-mistress.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7EVeXKnwQlyETYBTIAFJ1tDi0GzhWVy47NwyuxQ6Z0VuF1ieSH9CL3Vs6tErf8oVmXGcaURbUz2S0UHL2rF8JYxpeRbJ7dltv4dOEqVy1v9NfLuszAparEHmLjndiHHDSQ-jbAIgqrgV/s200/Galenorn,+Yasmine+-+demon-mistress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413120748013296578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553806629?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553806629">Frostbitten (Women of the Otherworld, Book 10)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553806629" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> - Kelley Armstrong<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6HwepPYAfN4plQ93LC1AsSZyCjIM8nK985ISN6-CMi6bp_y_5ZzUtiF_R6m10Xzkyy1Oi_C9venzRgqLt5CWRvk1dY2e0TMnadVOoXPSaPKdAT5ciNWPQbAGnNW24E3jQ0Q3mOeA9Ysx/s1600-h/Armstrong,+Kelley+-+Frostbitten+Bk+10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6HwepPYAfN4plQ93LC1AsSZyCjIM8nK985ISN6-CMi6bp_y_5ZzUtiF_R6m10Xzkyy1Oi_C9venzRgqLt5CWRvk1dY2e0TMnadVOoXPSaPKdAT5ciNWPQbAGnNW24E3jQ0Q3mOeA9Ysx/s200/Armstrong,+Kelley+-+Frostbitten+Bk+10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413120934065503314" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />All of these novels are well worth your time and money. There’s nothing but standouts here. I do not think one of the books mentioned in this post will disappoint.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-78282741234568373592009-12-02T00:51:00.005-06:002009-12-02T01:47:32.050-06:00Blood Kin- Blood Lines Bk 3 - Maria Lima<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvf6zXrzLNcuL7fU1jbIlWUTlWuWkXzRMx2Jc9sN7wrm1ZMlidn8Yvv4-T2D4PRFodypEy7qzOQY_GjI9c6T1F0hMZEPH66p3zXQnY7RM7h-NNO1xWnbLLPJxzcY4mAwu9ldRerzwH5TOo/s1600-h/Lima,+Maria+-+Blood+Kin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvf6zXrzLNcuL7fU1jbIlWUTlWuWkXzRMx2Jc9sN7wrm1ZMlidn8Yvv4-T2D4PRFodypEy7qzOQY_GjI9c6T1F0hMZEPH66p3zXQnY7RM7h-NNO1xWnbLLPJxzcY4mAwu9ldRerzwH5TOo/s320/Lima,+Maria+-+Blood+Kin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410541600371017330" border="0" /></a>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 9"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 9"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/MONTER%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->Keira Kelly has finished going through the Change, which is what her Clan calls what happens when their bodies come into their powers. Unfortunately for Keira she didn't go the shapeshifter route as expected. No, Keira has hit the Kelly Clan genetic lotto and wound up with all the powers available. She's now the Kelly Clan heir designate, the successor whenever her Great Great Grandmother, Gigi decides to step down. For Keira that date cannot be far enough away.
<br />
<br />Having only just rescued her vampire lover Adam from true death, Keira wants nothing more then to ignore all of this and stay in her beloved Rio Seco, TX. Gigi has other plans. Summoning Keira to British Columbia to introduce her as the Kelly heir, teach her something about all of her new powers and oh, maybe help her former lover Gideon to the afterlife since it appears he may be dying. All Keira knows is that she's not going alone. If she has to go so does her 1200-year-old shapeshifting brother Tucker and he's taking his vampire lover Niko. Also realising that she can't just up and leave her newly discovered Sidhe cousin (from her absentee mother's side), Daffyd ap Geraint, he's coming to the Great White North too. Only Adam refuses to go citing that his Tribe needs him right now.
<br />
<br />Stopped in Vancouver before reaching the Clan homestead Daffyd goes off the reservation and disappears mysteriously. Keira is also taken aback when she's informed that she isn't needed to escort Gideon to the afterlife...he's getting better. Keira doesn't know what's going on here, but since she's been told to wait in Vancouver by Gigi she's damned well going to find out.
<br />
<br />Ms. Lima has redesigned her roller-coaster storytelling to make it bigger and more exciting. The cosmology that she's weaved throughout the first two novels of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Blood Lines</span> series (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matters of the Blood</span></a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156751?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156751"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blood Bargain</span></a>) culminates in <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143915676X?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=143915676X%22%3EBlood%20Kin%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=143915676X%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blood Kin</span></a>. You get answers that you've been tantalized with through the series. Even when you think that there can't be any more answers you're hit with some to questions you only had in your subconscious. My favourite has to be the Machiavellian tale of just how Keira came to be.
<br />
<br />Maria Lima hit me out of the gate in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matters of the Blood</span></a> with just how good of a writer she is. The truly exciting thing is her ability to top herself in each subsequent title in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Blood Lines</span> series. Any novel I read and want the next in the series in my possession because I don't want to leave the world that's been created around me is truly amazing to me.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143915676X?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=143915676X%22%3EBlood%20Kin%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=143915676X%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blood Kin</span></a> is the conclusion to the first story arc in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Blood Lines</span> series and is absolutely satisfying in every way. I warn you now though, just go ahead and pick up the whole series. You'll hate yourself if you don't have the next one to start at the conclusion of what you've just read.
<br />
<br /><a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143915676X?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=143915676X%22%3EBlood%20Kin%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=143915676X%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blood Kin - Blood Lines Bk 3</span></a> - receives a Classic 4 out of 4 stars from me, a stellar achievement. The next installment can't come soon enough.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Please Support This Site and Pick Up a Copy Here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matters of the Blood</span></a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156751?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156751"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blood Bargain</span></a></span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143915676X?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=143915676X%22%3EBlood%20Kin%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=143915676X%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Blood Kin</a> - Blood Lines Bk 1-3</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> - Maria Lima
<br /></span>
<br />Please also make sure and drop by Maria Lima's <a href="http://www.thelima.com/">Website</a> and <a href="http://chickwriter.livejournal.com/">Blog</a><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;" ></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-54817785046479826382009-11-16T02:32:00.003-06:002009-12-02T01:46:58.250-06:00Blood Bargain - Blood Lines Bk 2 - Maria Lima<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbI4e_nsKmc5HUbqrXE1ZY206OBpgVUB1b-w0iUzTWxF5basR8DiQUeEbEKRFpS2C4HelJ566LnP9elAPDjWG2gaefHqiCDPSZxpjClTuyYrq3oDDIOfCEgW9I3PPS3TTLNL6SN9ZERdu/s1600/Blood+Bargin+-+Maria+Lima+Bk+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbI4e_nsKmc5HUbqrXE1ZY206OBpgVUB1b-w0iUzTWxF5basR8DiQUeEbEKRFpS2C4HelJ566LnP9elAPDjWG2gaefHqiCDPSZxpjClTuyYrq3oDDIOfCEgW9I3PPS3TTLNL6SN9ZERdu/s320/Blood+Bargin+-+Maria+Lima+Bk+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404616942343228722" border="0" /></a>Taking up months after <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743">Matters of the Blood</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156743" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> concluded we find our protagonist, Keira Kelly has basically moved in with her lover Adam Walker, the leader of the local vampires at the Wild Moon Ranch. Adam has been making all the other vampires at the Wild Moon swear off human blood. Even that is a concession on his part, but now hunts happen to the old and infirm deer the ranch.<br /><br />Adam himself has not been taking part in these hunts only subsiding on his bottled blood. Keira has noticed however that things seem off with her lover. A stumble here, looking wane and hardly having any energy. Keira must think of a way to get Adam to take care of himself. Something that's proving more difficult then it sounds. Not even her millennium old brother Tucker can think of how to help, and since his love is Niko, Adam's second, this is affecting him too.<br /><br />Not to mention the fact that people have begun to disappear from Rio Seco. Keira's garden spot in the Texas Hill Country is becoming more and more dangerous. Especially waiting the Change, her becoming what kind of supernatural she'll be for the rest of her long life is really starting to take hold. She knows none of the vampires would defy Adam's edict, but Keira needs to find out just what's going on. Deciding to investigate the disappearances with her brother, Keira sets into motion a chain of dominoes that may have dire consequences for all involved. And what connection does the ancient cemetery Keira cleaned as a girl have to do with all this?<br /><br />With Keira's powers still not decided what they wish to settle on, her slightest touch can bring on a vision that brings her to her knees. Keira becomes an even fun more multi-layered character throughout Blood Bargin. We begin to find out more of her back story, included just who and what her mother was.<br /><br />With Ms. Lima's talent for mystery, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156751?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156751">Blood Bargain</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156751" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> yet again fits under my Paranormal Mystery heading. This time though it isn't the mystery so much, but the conclusion of it and just how everyone fits in that will keep you enthralled. Yet again, as with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743">Matters of the Blood</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156743" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156751?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156751">Blood Bargain</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156751" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> has fast paced, take no prisoners action. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156751?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156751">Blood Bargain</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156751" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> grabs you by the throat from the go and doesn't release it's grip until you're done. The fact that it has a cliff hanger of sorts shouldn't worry anyone since <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143915676X?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=143915676X">Blood Kin</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=143915676X" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> - Blood Lines Bk 3 is out already and takes up directly where <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156751?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156751">Blood Bargain</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156751" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> leaves you.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156751?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156751">Blood Bargain</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156751" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> - Blood Lines Bk 2 receives an Excellent rating of 3.5 out 4 stars and the entire series should be on everyone's Must Read.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Please Support This Site and Pick Up a Copy Here:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807?%20%20ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-%20%2020&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=04514%20%2062807"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743%22%3EMatters%20of%20the%20Blood%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156743%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Matters of the Blood</a>, <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156751?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156751%22%3EBlood%20Bargain%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156751%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Blood Bargin</a> and <a href="http://preternaturalreviews.blogspot.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143915676X?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=143915676X%22%3EBlood%20Kin%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=143915676X%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Blood Kin</a> - Blood Lines Bk 1-3 - Maria Lima</span><br /><br />Please also make sure and drop by Maria Lima's <a href="http://www.thelima.com/">Website</a> and <a href="http://chickwriter.livejournal.com/">Blog</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-28524649900574190852009-11-12T02:52:00.003-06:002009-11-12T03:20:19.463-06:00Matters of the Blood - Blood Lines Bk 1 - Maria Lima<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQj06ka-bFbWefJZy2bkQTeqoKL57dhb83DcjKL2GDgWb3ZNAtKDpxKhHymB7sZI4RiVqK9EVIrOkw6XCRG6ZefFXtWCOvktS-BmHBJTCso7pYJl7IA1HaNX7cyv3yYkwHDJVl_wRIrna/s1600-h/Lima,+Maria+-+Matters+of+the+Blood.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQj06ka-bFbWefJZy2bkQTeqoKL57dhb83DcjKL2GDgWb3ZNAtKDpxKhHymB7sZI4RiVqK9EVIrOkw6XCRG6ZefFXtWCOvktS-BmHBJTCso7pYJl7IA1HaNX7cyv3yYkwHDJVl_wRIrna/s320/Lima,+Maria+-+Matters+of+the+Blood.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403138433749084114" border="0" /></a>Keira Kelly is one of the younger members of her Clan. That's Clan with a capital C. These paranormals have been around for centuries in all different shapes and varieties. Keira has yet to go through her Change, the time in their lives when that particular Clan member comes in possession of their powers and what they will be for the rest of their existence. Keira's six older brothers and father are all shapeshifters so Keira believes that's the direction she'll go.<br /><br />Several years in the past when Keira returned from England an emotional mess she discovers that the rest of her Clan isn't in the tiny town of Rio Seco in the Texas Hill Country were she left them. She refuses to relocate to Vancouver, BC, CA like everyone else and the edict has come down from the matriarch (read ruler) of the Clan her great grandmother, Gigi. If she refuses to relocate then she will be in charge of taking care of (making sure he keeps out of trouble) her entirely human cousin Marty. It could be worse, at least her best friend of 30 years Bea is still in Rio Seco.<br /><br />Everything's been up and down with Marty over the years which basically means that Keira gives him money to bail his ass out of a crack every few months. Lately Keira's been having nightmares (visions?) seeing her cousin brutally murdered. On top of all of this her former lover, the quite married Sheriff Carlton Larson is sniffing about Keira trying to reignite an old flame. Oh, and then there's Keira's old acquaintance from London Adam Walker who happens to be the new owner of the big local ranch, The Wild Moon Resort, about to reopen on the outskirts of Rio Seco.<br /><br />Keira's more then willing to get to know Adam Walker better until she believes that Adam may be connected to all of the strange happens going on in Rio Seco.<br /><br /><br />To me, there should be a new category called Paranormal Mystery because all the best Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance I’ve read have a great mystery running through them tying the story together. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743%22%3EMatters%20of%20the%20Blood%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156743%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Matters of the Blood</a> is no exception to that. Plus, it’s a really terrific one. Considering that Maria Lima’s first published story was nominated for an Agatha Award this comes as no great shock to me. Not to mention the fact that Ms. Lima’s a true talent at weaving subplots throughout <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743%22%3EMatters%20of%20the%20Blood%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156743%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Matters of the Blood</a> that get picked up in subsequent books.<br /><br />Speaking of her talents, Ms. Lima is also a first rate on at making her her non-human characters completely human with all of our strengths and failings. Doesn’t matter if you’re 37-year-old Keira or her 1200+-year-old brother Tucker. Making both her female and male characters almost vibrate off the page with charm, sensuality and sexuality really makes the story spark as well. This isn’t often for me, but my favourite non-lead character is Keira’s brother Tucker. Either by conscious design or just from him being larger than life, Tucker has a penchant for taking over almost every scene he’s in.<br /><br />Generally I’m not such a fan of a slow starter, but <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743%22%3EMatters%20of%20the%20Blood%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156743%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Matters of the Blood</a> is a slow starter in the way a good roller coaster is with all the pitches and rolls that comes with it. You may find yourself wanting more of Keira’s back-story at the end of Matters of the Blood, but I believe that’s done by design. You will know that all of the promises and clues that Ms. Lima drops in <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743%22%3EMatters%20of%20the%20Blood%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156743%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Matters of the Blood</a> will be picked up again and fulfilled in subsequent novels.<br /><br />All in all Maria Lima makes me break two of my longest standing rules since I’ve started this blog: I never give a first time author nor do I give the first in a series 4 stars. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743%22%3EMatters%20of%20the%20Blood%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156743%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Matters of the Blood</a> joyfully reminded me that rules are meant to be broken.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743%22%3EMatters%20of%20the%20Blood%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156743%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Matters of the Blood</a> receives a Classic rating of 4 out of 4 stars from me. This one is a must have and if 9 out of 10 of you do not pick up the 2<sup>nd</sup> in the Blood Lines saga, <a href="%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156751?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156751%22%3EBlood%20Bargain%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156751%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Blood Bargin</a>, I’ll be tremendously surprised.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Please Support This Site and Pick Up a Copy Here:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807?%20%20ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-%20%2020&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=04514%20%2062807"><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></a></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156743?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156743%22%3EMatters%20of%20the%20Blood%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156743%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Matters of the Blood</a>, <a href="%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439156751?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1439156751%22%3EBlood%20Bargain%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1439156751%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Blood Bargin</a> and <a href="%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/143915676X?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=143915676X%22%3EBlood%20Kin%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=143915676X%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E">Blood Kin</a> - Blood Lines Bk 1-3 - Maria Lima</span><br /><br />Please also make sure and drop by Maria Lima's <a href="http://www.thelima.com/">Website</a> and <a href="http://chickwriter.livejournal.com/">Blog</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-53832834962709665382009-11-11T01:41:00.003-06:002009-11-11T02:12:17.867-06:00Tempest Rising - Jane True Bk 1 - Nicole Peeler<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqdU5jCio8kp9QxFvcZiy70a7t5x2Sq5L5KH1SAjPeDTUseG709UnmHVXFL09j6pfcoqWE-CxVlMtxr26R88Mg7BS612zdK57ZLqzZN32s8x-TiSn6y24zwj86UkmSGCeydPjkf1lVWhz/s1600-h/Peeler,+Nicole+-+Tempest+Rising+-+Jane+True+Bk+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402750051755968226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 199px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqdU5jCio8kp9QxFvcZiy70a7t5x2Sq5L5KH1SAjPeDTUseG709UnmHVXFL09j6pfcoqWE-CxVlMtxr26R88Mg7BS612zdK57ZLqzZN32s8x-TiSn6y24zwj86UkmSGCeydPjkf1lVWhz/s320/Peeler,+Nicole+-+Tempest+Rising+-+Jane+True+Bk+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In the tiny hamlet of Rockabill, Maine lives 26 year old, Jane True. Rockabill is also the home to the "Old Sow,' the largest natural whirlpool in the Western hemisphere, which Jane enjoys swimming in. Jane knows that no one in their right mind would swim in the Sow (so it's kept on the QT) and in the back of her mind she also knows that no one else could. During one of her clandestine dips Jane comes across the corpse of a man. Still not wanting anyone to know that she swims in the Sow, Jane drags the body from the whirlpool's clutches and leaves it on shore for someone else to find. </div><div><br />A freakishly large, black dog begins to follow Jane soon after. He finally takes her to some answers about her strange affinity for the water and tolerance for the cold in the form of a gnome and kelpie. Jane finally begins to learn more about her long absent mother, most importantly being that she was a Selkie. This blossoms into an entire new world opening for Jane that is filled with supernaturals. Most important of those being Ryu, the vampire sent to investigate the death because the man was a Halfling just like Jane. </div><div><br />Ryu vows to keep Jane safe because this murder after is not the first, but is this a lone person or a larger conspiracy to eliminate the Halflings? </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316056588?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316056588">Tempest Rising</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316056588" width="1" border="0" /> is a gem of a novel from first time author Nicole Peeler. With it's laugh-out-loud moments and endearing characters you'll be pulled in from the beginning. The best thing in <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316056588?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316056588">Tempest Rising</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316056588" width="1" border="0" /> in Jane True herself. For a Halfling she has all too human frailties. From her compelling back story to her snarkiness, she's a main character with some chutzpa. </div><div><br />Some of the supernaturals you meet in <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316056588?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316056588">Tempest Rising</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316056588" width="1" border="0" /> are: selkies, gnomes, kelpies, barghest, vampires, nagas, djinn and nahaul. Bringing so many new and different avenues to explore than your run of the mill paranormal fantasy is an expert touch from a first timer. Ms. Peeler has a fertile imagination that takes you on an amazing trip. The one problem you have is that you won't wish for it to end. Your suffering will not even last a year since Jane True Bk 2 - Tracking the Tempest will hit shelves Spring/Summer 2010.</div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316056588?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316056588">Tempest Rising</a><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height="1" alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316056588" width="1" border="0" /> - Jane True Book 1 receives 3.5 out of 4 stars. Pick it up...you will not be disappointed.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-941276764367144082.post-32622147058299971672009-07-14T01:48:00.008-05:002009-07-17T23:57:38.545-05:00Strange Brew - P.N. Elrod<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc-8algXTJUeO7qVfw0ivII752K5T4HXtS-DMyv1qmcJs0tLpIeK2tPuzyHb-NqFPUIajiLeo1K060iVvcmB3FT0RVs9qa6pcVD4wEkK3jQg3ORA_QwpMoj-BcXi9hyphenhyphenfgNbXWCsxhmM07/s1600-h/Elrod,+PN+-+Strange+Brew.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc-8algXTJUeO7qVfw0ivII752K5T4HXtS-DMyv1qmcJs0tLpIeK2tPuzyHb-NqFPUIajiLeo1K060iVvcmB3FT0RVs9qa6pcVD4wEkK3jQg3ORA_QwpMoj-BcXi9hyphenhyphenfgNbXWCsxhmM07/s320/Elrod,+PN+-+Strange+Brew.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358205068594301810" border="0" /></a>In the pages of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312383363?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312383363">Strange Brew</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0312383363" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" />, edited by PN Elrod, you'll find stories from some of the hottest stars in the Urban Fantasy galaxy. Generally anthologies are a bit hard for me to review, but <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312383363?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312383363">Strange Brew</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0312383363" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> works really well together. The editing has to play a part since the stories are a bit longer than short stories, but not long enough to be Novellas. Whatever magic Elrod did, these stories flow well and you'll feel a satisfying ending with all of them.<br /><br />First up is Patricia Briggs (love me some Patty Briggs novels), author of the fabulous Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega series. Her contribution is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Seeing Eye</span> where we meet a blind witch named Moira. Moira lost her sight against the Samhain coven. When a werewolf to help find his bother that he believes was abducted by the same coven, Moira has a personal stake in helping him contacts her.<br /><br />This is the first time that I know of that Ms. Briggs has let a witch take the spotlight in one of her stories. Generally shapeshifters wind up ruling the stories with other supernaturals being secondary characters. The mythos she begins to create around witches seems to be a vibrant as her world of shapeshifters.<br /><br />If this is the beginning of Ms Briggs further expanding her universe I can't wait for a full novel. Fans of Patty Briggs won't be disappointed and I believe new fans will be intrigued enough to pick up her other series.<br /><br />Next up is Jim Butcher's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Last Call</span> starring his PI, Harry Dresden. Being Harry he just wants to be left alone and get a pint at a pub. Finding scattered, unconscious people throughout the pub makes Harry reconsider that drink. Especially when a spell is found on the beer. Harry and his favourite police officer, Karrin Murphy must stop this tainted beer getting out to the public at large.<br /><br />Mr Butcher writes his PI Wizard Harry Dresden with his usual aplomb. Someone is messing with two of Harry's favourite things, his beer and his pub. Not exactly Mr. Butcher's best, but enjoyable for it's length.<br /><br />Rachel Caine brings us, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Death Warmed Over</span>. Holly Caldwell is a necromancer, a resurrection with, able to bring back the dead. She's asked to bring back the witch Andrew Toland who gives his life during the zombie war. This will be the second time Holly has raised Andrew. It becomes more difficult when she realises she might just be in love with this dead man, but to help stop the person killing resurrection witches, he will be needed.<br /><br />Rachel Caine gives us an enjoyable departure from her Weather Warden series. The construction of this story, considering the pages in which it's told, is nothing short of amazing. As with Charlaine Harris' contribution, if you dig mystery mixed in with your Urban Fantasy, you will have a good time with Death Warmed Over.<br /><br />One of my personal favourites of the anthology is Karen Chance's, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vegas Odds</span>. Further expanding upon the world she's created in the Cassandra Palmer and Dorina Basarab novels she brings us Lia the war mage. An instructor to other mages, she's taken by surprise the day her students attack her. Lia must find whoever has cast this illusion upon her students, and with the help of her Werewolf boyfriend, Cyrus, she will tear through anyone who gets in her way.<br /><br />There's just something about the way Karen Chance constructs a story. Mixing solid storytelling with action packed stories seems to be her forte. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vegas Odds</span> is no different. Like most of the stories in Strange Brew, this is a chance for most of the author's to expand on their currently existing universes. If you're someone like me who picks up the new Karen Chance whenever it appears, you need this book.<br /><br />The editor herself, P.N. Elrod, brings you <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hecate's Golden Eye</span>. Jack Fleming, the vampire PI, is on the trail of a necklace in 1930's Chicago. Should be no problem for Jack and his partner Charles, right? Well, with the exception of the necklace being cursed and killing any man who touches it, it shouldn't be a problem.<br /><br />Elrod seems to have fun having Jack in his 1930's setting. Actually if you've read her Jack Fleming stories before you know that she generally has a good time, but <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hecate's Golden Eye </span>seems to be a story she wanted to tell for enjoyment. A satisfying read.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bacon</span>, by Charlaine Harris introduces us to widowed vampire Dahlia. She wants revenge upon the person who killed her werewolf husband and asks witch Circe to help her get it. Like most of Harris's stories this is a paranormal mystery and takes the best kind of twists and turns she's famous for.<br /><br />Charlaine Harris is a superb Urban Fantasist along with being an amazing mystery author. The fun of her stories is that you never know where you're going to end up. A character who seems unredeemable evil may wind up being the saviour of everyone. I think Ms. Harris needs more room to allow her stories to breathe though. Bacon comes across as choppy in points and you'll find yourself transported, very quickly, to another part of the story.<br /><br />Admittedly my favourite of the bunch is Faith Hunter's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Signatures of the Dead</span>. Perhaps because we're introduced to the world of Skinwalker Jane Yellowrock and as I just reviewed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0451462807">Skinwalker</a> and loved it. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Signatures of the Dead</span> is told by Jane's witch friend Molly. Molly is asked to track some rogue vamps, but finding and destroying rogues is Jane's specialty.<br /><br />You will get bits and pieces of this story in the first full length Jane Yellowrock novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0451462807">Skinwalker</a>, but <span style="font-weight: bold;">Signatures of the Dead</span> is where it all begins. This story is told from Molly's point of view, but of course, Jane is the star. Hopefully this story makes people run out to purchase <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451462807?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0451462807">Skinwalker</a>. Jane Yellowrock is not a character to be missed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312383363?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312383363">Strange Brew</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0312383363" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> delivers stand-alone stories from all of these authors. Although most are expanding upon their existing stories, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312383363?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312383363">Strange Brew</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0312383363" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> can be read as a stand-alone. Plus, it does what I believe all of these anthologies are designed to do, gives readers an introduction to these authors if you've never read them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312383363?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312383363">Strange Brew</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0312383363" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> receives a 3 out of 4 stars rating.<br /><br />Please Support This Site and Pick Up a Copy Here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312383363?ie=UTF8&tag=preternreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312383363">Strange Brew</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=preternreview-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0312383363" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br /><br />Make sure to check out all these author's website or blogs.<br /><br />Patricia Briggs <a href="http://www.patriciabriggs.com/">Website</a><br />Jim Butcher's <a href="http://www.jim-butcher.com/">Website</a><br />Rachel Caine's <a href="http://www.rachelcaine.com/Home.html">Website</a><br />Karen Chance's <a href="http://www.karenchance.com/books.html">Website</a><br />P.N. Elrod's <a href="http://www.booksnbytes.com/authors/elrod_pn.html">Website</a><br />Charlaine Harris' <a href="http://www.charlaineharris.com/">Website</a><br />Faith Hunter's <a href="http://www.faithhunter.net/wp/">Website</a><br />Caittlin Kittredge's <a href="http://www.caitlinkittredge.com/">Website</a><br />Jenna Maclaine's <a href="http://www.jennamaclaine.com/">Website</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09255259762594770851noreply@blogger.com0