Book Thoughts ~ What Doesn't Kill Her

What Doesn't Kill Her (Cape Charade #2)

by Christina Dodd
published by HQN
release date: January 29, 2019
genre: Adult, Mystery, Thriller

**Received an e-copy from NetGalley/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): One secret, one nightmare, one lie. You guess which is which.
1. I have the scar of a gunshot on my forehead.
2. I have willfully misrepresented my identity to the US military.
3. I'm the new mother of a seven-year-old girl.
Kellen Adams suffers from a yearlong gap in her memory. A bullet to the brain will cause that. But she's discovering the truth, and what she learns changes her life, her confidence, her very self. She finds herself in the wilderness, on the run, unprepared, her enemies unknown--and she is carrying a priceless burden she must protect at all costs. The consequences of failure would break her. And Kellen Adams does not break.
What doesn't kill her...had better start running.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed most of this book so I'll talk about those things first. When this book starts Kellen is trying to figure out how to be a mom and not faring well. Hiding in bushes and feeling like a failure because she can not bond with her daughter Rae. Looking for a way out Kellen takes a job running an artifact up the mountain. Of course nothing works out. Terror and mayhem ensue. Kellen manages the job and gets every priceless thing up the mountain.
While I didn't have a problem with it, it was slightly jarring going from all of that to event planning at the winery. This was just as frantic and came with its own set of problems. It's also where we find out who is trying to kill Kellen and why. This is where my personal problem comes in. Even in a thriller I like to be able to try and figure things out. The answer made sense to Kellen's life but caught me off guard trying to figure out if I had ever heard of the person before.
Overall, even with not having a clue on who, I really enjoyed this book. Christina Dodd does a great job setting a scene and bringing the characters and dialogue to life. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next with Kellen and her new found (refound) life.

Rating: 4

Early Review ~ Spectacle

Spectacle (Menagerie #2)

by Rachel Vincent
published by Harlequin MIRA
expected release date: May 30, 2017
genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

**E-Galley received from publisher and netGalley in exchange for an honest review

Summary (Goodreads): When their coup of Metzger's Menagerie is discovered, Delilah and her fellow cryptids find their newly won freedom brutally stripped away as they are sold into The Savage Spectacle, a private collection of "exotic wildlife." Specializing in ruthless cryptid cage matches, safari-style creature hunts and living party favors, the Spectacle's owner, Willem Vandekamp, caters to the forbidden fetishes of the wealthy and powerful. At the Spectacle, any wish can be granted—for the right price.

But Vandekamp's closely guarded client list isn't the only secret being kept at the Spectacle. Beneath the beauty and brutality of life in the collection lie much darker truths, and no one is more determined than Delilah to strip the masks from the human monsters and drag all dark things into the light.

My Thoughts: I had a hard time reviewing this one. I liked the first one so much and could not wait to read this one. I wanted to know what the menagerie group would do with their freedom and what would cause them to end up at the Spectacle. Unfortunately, that was not to be found. We know from the summary that they get captured but it happened so fast and the reason that "they were found out" was just an excuse to get to the Spectacle.
Delilah is as she was in Menagerie, worried about everyone else and doing everything she can to try and free them all. There is a lot more mental torture in this one based on Vandekamp's technology that leads to many of horrible things that are done to the cryptids.
Speaking of horrible, the things that the clients pay for are as bad as you think they would be. Most you are told or hinted at and are (thankfully) not actually detailed, but some are. We usually just get the aftermath of preparing the cryptids for the next client, party, or sporting event.
Overall, this was a well written book but had too much of the same theme/storyline as book one. I'm not sure how I feel about where Delilah ends up at the end or how she got there. It kind of ruined a relationship that I liked the aspects of in Menagerie. Also, am I the only one that wanted to know what happened to the two little girls in the "secret hallway"? Delilah was the only one that could have remembered them and saved them but she doesn't do this. Are they still there locked in their cages? Will probably read the next book just to see what happens but not as enthusiastically waiting for it.

Rating: 4 

Book Review ~ Lord of The Abyss

Lord of The Abyss (Royal House of Shadows #4)

by Nalini Singh
published by Harlequin Nocturne
Released: November 22, 2011
genre: Adult, Romance, PNR,

**Originally received from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out.…

As the dark Lord who condemns souls to damnation in the Abyss, Micah is nothing but a feared monster wrapped in impenetrable black armor. He has no idea he is the last heir of Elden, its last hope. Only one woman knows—the daughter of his enemy.

Liliana is nothing like her father, the Blood Sorcerer who’d cursed Micah. She sees past Micah’s armor to the prince inside. A prince whose sinful touch she craves. But first she has to brave his dark, dangerous lair and help him remember. Because they only have till midnight to save Elden.

***Book 1: Lord of The Vampires by Gena Showalter, Book 2: Lord of Rage by Jill Monroe, Book 3: Lord of The Wolfyn by Jessica Anderson.

My Thoughts: I rated this book based on it being a Harlequin couple book rather than the final book in a PNR/UF series. As a couple book I really liked and enjoyed Lily and Micah's story. I'll get into why this didn't work as a final in a series book later.
We start with the last and youngest of the King and Queen's children. Micah was sent to the abyss where he was kept in a kind of sleep/stasis until he was old enough to learn how to be the Lord of The Abyss.
Lily grew up with her father, the Blood Sorcerer, and though her mother was around she didn't know she was Lily's mother. We find out how horrible her younger years were and the things that her father did to try and break her and bring her more fully to his side. Instead she endured the beatings and other things and when she was able ran away to try and find the last one needed to defeat her father.
Due to the way both Lily and Micah were raised there was a very naive innocence to them at times and no real social skills. At one point this did cause me to pause during one of the couple parts because the way it was worded sound more childish than naive. Luckily it was just one line/part in one scene but still gave me pause.
Throughout their story I kept waiting for them to start on their way back Elden to meet up with the other three siblings and spouses to face off with the Blood Sorcerer. This is the part that did not work for me. We spent 3 3/4 books hearing about how horrible and powerful this man is and when Micah and Lily finally make it to Elden it takes them longer to cross the moat with people eating fish than it did to finish off the Blood Sorcerer. Not only was he dead within a couple of sentences it took only one person to kill him. None of the other siblings or their spouses were even needed to defeat this all powerful man that we had been lead to believe was so powerful he destroyed the King and Queen and decimated their kingdom.
As I said this completely worked as a couple book. Watching Lily and Micah grow both as people and as a couple learning how to love someone for the first time was done very well in this book. For me, this series should have been five books, four for the couples and then a final to have them all come together to save their kingdom and defeat the Blood Sorcerer.

Rating: 4 (based only on it as a couple book)

Book Review ~ The Ghoul Vendetta

The Ghoul Vendetta

by Lisa Shearin
published by Berkley Publishing Group/Ace Books
expected release date: January 31, 2017
genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural

**Received e-arc from netGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): Men in Black meets Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum in the fourth urban fantasy novel in the series starring seer Makenna Fraser and her fellow agents at Supernatural Protection & Investigation.
The agents of Supernatural Protection & Investigations (SPI) are paid to keep the peace. But that’s not so easy when an endless evil threatens to tear that peace to pieces...
A vampire gangster’s nephew is abducted off his yacht by a bunch of low-rent Creatures from the Black Lagoon. A slew of banks are knocked over by what looks like the cast of Night of the Living Dead. All of this may seem like the movies, but, I promise you, it’s not.
I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI, and I know the culprits aren’t wearing disguises or makeup. They’re real. Deadly real. Especially their leader—an ancient shapeshifter who leaves a trail of chaos and blood in his wake. Now, he’s taken my partner, Ian—and his intentions aren’t pretty.
The worst part? This is only the beginning...
The beginning of the end of the human race.

My Thoughts: This was my favorite book, so far, in this series. We see both professional and personal growth in Mac.
We start with another date for Mac and Rake and of course it is interrupted by another weird attack. This time by a kraken and creatures from the black lagoon kidnapping a prominent member of vampire society. These two just need to be allowed to have a real date with nothing happening. We do see their relationship go a few steps forward by the end of this book but it is seeming like a very slow process.
This book sees the return of Ian's stalking, many faced ghoul. He's gone back to robbing places like when he and Ian first came in contact with each other (sort of). Only this time he is leaving presents that awaken something in Ian. I liked the progress of Ian's character and the reasoning behind the ghoul's obsession with him.
This obsession leads to Mac doing everything she can to save her partner. While finding out just what she is capable of on her own. We also find out just how many people outside of SPI care about these two characters. I liked how everyone came together to help out even if it wasn't to take part in the battle.
I'm hoping that we get to see more of Rake's friends. I'm definitely interested in the dragons and their riders. They seemed to be an fun group and I want more.
Overall, this was a fun book.  I wish there had been more resolution to the conflict at the end but it did help move the series forward while giving new characters and reuniting old friends. Cannot wait to read more from this world.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ The Book Club Murders

The Book Club Murders (Oakwood Mystery #1)

by Leslie Nagel
published by Alibi
released: September 27, 2016
genre: Adult, Mystery, Cozy

**Received from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): In a charming cozy mystery series debut, Leslie Nagel’s irrepressible small-town heroine finds that her fellow mystery book club members may be taking their Agatha Christie a bit too literally—and murder a bit too lightly.

Charley Carpenter has poured heart and soul into her clothing store, Old Hat Vintage Fashions. She’ll do anything to make it a success—even join the stuffy Agathas Book Club in order to cultivate customers among Oakwood, Ohio’s wealthy elite.

Although mixing with the most influential women in town has its advantages, Charley finds the endless gossip a high price to pay. But after two women with close ties to the Agathas are brutally murdered, everyone falls under threat—and suspicion. When key evidence indicates that both murders are the work of the same hand, Charley realizes that the killer has arranged each corpse in perfect imitation of crime scenes from the Club’s murder mystery reading list. She uses her membership in the Club to convince Detective Marcus Trenault to use her as an inside informant. Not that he could stop her anyway.

Intelligent, fearless, and every bit as stubborn as Marc is, Charley soon learns the Agathas aren’t the only ones with secrets to protect. Passions explode as she and Marc must race against time to prevent another murder. And if Charley’s not careful, she may find herself becoming the killer’s next plot twist.

My Thoughts: There are two reasons this went down to 3.5 stars. First, I felt lost right from the start. I had to look up the book to make sure it was the first in the series. It felt like I should already know who all the characters were. Especially the members of the Agathas. It could just be me but I had trouble trying to keep them all straight and since they were all very much involved in the murders and the resulting mystery surrounding them, it was confusing.
The second was the ending. This is more of a personal thing but it felt more like an ending for either a stand alone or the last book in a series not the first. After one too many twists, the author made sure to give the characters all HEAs and tell you where they all were as one would if closing out a series. There was nothing there that would lead to book two or make you even feel that there was going to be a book two. If this had been a stand alone I would have been more than okay with this and it wouldn't have bothered me as much.
Fortunately, I really enjoyed the middle 75% of the book. I really liked Charley and her group of friends, Frankie, Dimitri, and Lawrence made this book. Following along as Charley and Frankie (very much against Marc's wishes) tried to solve who would want to kill their "friends". This is the part where not being sure which Agatha was which played a part. I ended up just enjoying the story despite not always knowing who was who.
Overall, while I enjoyed most of the book there were just too many things that added up and made me lower the rating on this one. I did like the main characters and the author's writing style and can see myself giving the second book in this series a try.

Rating: 3.5

Arc Review ~ An Untimely Frost

An Untimely Frost (Lilly Long #1)

by Penny Richards
published by Kensington
expected release date: July 26, 2016
genre: Adult, Mystery, Historical Fiction

**Received e-galley from netGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): In 1881 Chicago, the idea of a female detective is virtually unheard of. But when famed crime buster Allan Pinkerton opens his agency's doors to a handful of women, one intrepid actress with her own troubled past is driven to defy convention and take on a new and dangerous role. . .

Since the age of eleven, when her mother was murdered, the life of the theater is all Lilly Long has known. Now twenty-two, she has blossomed into an accomplished Shakespearean actress. But after her innocence--and her savings--are taken from her by a seductive scoundrel, Lilly vows to leave the stage, enter the real world, and save others from a similar fate. Following in the footsteps of the country's first female detective, Lilly persuades Allan Pinkerton to take her on.

Lilly's acting skills are a perfect fit for her real-life role as a Pinkerton operative. But her first case is a baptism by fire as she is sent to the small town of Vandalia to solve the mystery of a pastor who disappeared with his family--and the church's funds. When Lilly arrives, she finds the mere mention of the reverend's name provokes enmity or suspicious silence. Shadowed by a second Pinkerton agent with an agenda of his own, Lilly begins to uncover Vandalia's sordid secrets. But she'll have to deliver the performance of a lifetime to survive the final act of this drama.

My Thoughts: This is our introduction to Lilly Long. The newest agent for the famous Pinkerton Agency. Lilly decides to pursue this job after her husband's true nature is thrown in her face.  Using her acting skills, she convinces (sorta) the Pinkerton brothers that she is the one they want.
The first assignment in Vandalia is not as easy as it would appear. Stories about a pastor with ulterior motives, missing money, and a haunted house greet Lilly once she arrives in town. I liked Lilly's ability to kept moving forward with her inquiries not matter how off putting the locals are. This did lead to some rather uncomfortable situations where Lilly ended up needing rescuing, usually by the mysterious boxer that Lilly keeps running into.
There were enough surprises and twists to keep you reading to find out what was going to happen next. Added into the mix is Lilly's memories of her mother's murder that tied in to the current story while also setting up for future books. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more.

Rating: 4 

Book Review ~ Age of Myth

Age of Myth (Legends of The First Empire #1)

by Michael J Sullivan
published by Del Ray
expected release date: June 28, 2016
genre: Adult, Fantasy, 

**Received e-galley from NetGalley/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): Michael J. Sullivan's trailblazing career began with the breakout success of his Riyria series: full-bodied, spellbinding fantasy adventures whose imaginative scope and sympathetic characters won a devoted readership. Now, Sullivan's stunning hardcover debut, Age of Myth, inaugurates an original five-book series, and one of fantasy's finest next-generation storytellers continues to break new ground.

Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between men and those they thought were gods changes forever. Now, only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer, Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom, and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over; the time of rebellion has begun.

My Thoughts: I decided  to read this after seeing that I did not need to read the Riyria series in order to follow the story. We start with Raithe and his father coming in contact with a Fhrey who is not happy that they are hunting on the wrong side of the river. Through a series of events involving the Fhrey, his servants, Raithe, and his father, the Fhrey ends up dead and Raithe ends up as the god killer. While Raithe and one of the servants are around for the rest of the story this is really his biggest part of the book. I did like him and Persephone together and can't wait to see what happens with them next.
While trying to outrun the Fhreys that are hunting them down, Raithe ends up at Persephone's clans home. This is when everyone comes together in one place. Persephone and her friends, Raithe, a rogue group of Fhreys, and Suri. Suri was definitely my favorite and I hope we get more of her in the books to come.
The only thing I did not like was the showdown between the new clan chieftain and his group against Persephone and her friends/ allies. The only reason I didn't like it was where it took place. Up in the mountain away from the rest of the clan. Persephone got to find out what happened to her husband but no one else really does. They know what they are told by Persephone but, for me, it's convenient that they all just believe everything she tells them when just the day before they were fully behind the new chieftain and his group.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to finding out the ramifications of the final battle. I feel like I should be wary of the conversation between the rogue Fhrey and the servant but I find myself more curious than disappointed. Unfortunately, even though all the books are written, we still have to wait a year for the next book to come out.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Shaman Rises

Shaman Rises (Walker Papers #9)

by C.E. Murphy
published by Harlequin Luna
Genre: Adult, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy, 

**Received egalley from publisher and netgalley in exchange for my honest opinions.

Summary (Goodreads): Joanne Walker has two choices:

Defeat the enemy…or lose her soul trying

For over a year, Joanne has been fighting the Master—the world's most abiding evil entity. She's sacrificed family, friendships, even watched potential futures fade away…and now the Master is bringing the final battle to Joanne's beloved Seattle.

Lives will be lost as the repercussions of all Joanne's final transformation into her full Shamanic abilities come to her doorstep. Before the end, she'll mourn, rejoice—and surrender everything for the hope of the world's survival. She'll be a warrior and a healer. Because she is finally a Shaman Rising.

My Thoughts: I did my usual procrastination on reading this, being the last book of the series. I'm still not sure how I feel about it after finishing. I enjoyed the book and was mostly happy with where everything ended up but there was still a feeling of something being off.
The main thing that threw me off was a death of a character. It wasn't something that happened in the middle of battle or at any time that would makes sense. We don't even see it happen.  Joanne turns around and looks and this person is dead. It comes up in another twist later in the story but still just felt like it was more for shock value than furthering the story in any way.
There was also too much going on at times. Trying to fit in every character that ever appeared in the series took up time that could have been more focused on Joanne's and the Master's stories. I wanted more of Joanne and Morrison, more of Morrison, more depth to the characters that we have come to love over the course of this series. Instead we have one epic battle after another. This isn't always a bad thing. There was plenty of action but not a lot of connection. When you thought they were done there was another tragedy happening that Joanne had to run off to fix.
This all sounds like I should have hated this book but I didn't. I still really enjoyed reading it just wanted more since it was the last time we were going to be with this group as it is. I'm happy for those that got their HEAs just wish it hadn't felt so rushed and chaotic.

Rating: 4

Book (graphic) Review ~ I Hate Fairyland Vol. 1

I Hate Fairyland Vol. 1, Madly Ever After

by Skottie Young
published by Image Comics
genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Fairytales

**received e galley from netgalley as a free read in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): From superstar writer and artist Skottie Young (Rocket Raccoon, Wizard of OZ, Fortunately, The Milk), comes the first volume of an all-new series of adventure and mayhem. An Adventure Time/Alice in Wonderland-style epic that smashes it's cute little face against grown-up, Tank Girl/Deadpool-esque violent madness. Follow Gert, a forty year old woman stuck in a six year olds body who has been stuck in the magical world of Fairyland for nearly thirty years. Join her and her giant battle-axe on a delightfully blood soaked journey to see who will survive the girl who HATES FAIRYLAND.

My Thoughts: This volume was as disturbingly cute as the cover looks. Gert wished to go somewhere and ended up in fairyland. All she had to do to leave was finish a simple quest and find the key. 27 yrs later Gert and her guide Larry, along with her trusty battle axe, are no closer than when they started. Mainly due to Gert not being the brightest anything anywhere.
The violence and humor is over the top and very fitting to the story. Felt very sorry for the narrator's, not a job anyone wanted.
The two best parts are the final confrontation with the queen of Fairyland and the artwork. The final page is a culmination of both these things. The cover is what made me want to read this and every page was filled with the same type of art. I've never seen/read any of Young's work before this but will definitely be looking out for more of it.

Rating: 4 

Some more of Gert and her battle axe 

Book Review ~ The Beast

The Beast (Black Dagger Brotherhood #14 )

by J.R. Ward
published by NAL
genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, PNR, 

Summary (Goodreads): Nothing is as it used to be for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After avoiding war with the Shadows, alliances have shifted and lines have been drawn. The slayers of the Lessening Society are stronger than ever, preying on human weakness to acquire more money, more weapons, more power. But as the Brotherhood readies for an all-out attack on them, one of their own fights a battle within himself…

For Rhage, the Brother with the biggest appetites, but also the biggest heart, life was supposed to be perfect—or at the very least, perfectly enjoyable. Mary, his beloved shellan, is by his side and his King and his brothers are thriving. But Rhage can’t understand—or control—the panic and insecurity that plague him…
 And that terrifies him—as well as distances him from his mate. After suffering mortal injury in battle, Rhage must reassess his priorities—and the answer, when it comes to him, rocks his world...and Mary’s. But Mary is on a journey of her own, one that will either bring them closer together or cause a split that neither will recover from...

**I tried to come up with a review that did not include any spoilers but really couldn't. There may be some things given away below from this or previous books.

My Thoughts:  I haven't read these books in order since the first 6-7. Some I just was not interested in and others I just haven't gotten around to. I read the Shadows but not the King so there may be some things I've missed.
With the length of these books being so long I think I'm going to break my thoughts down by person/couples/family.
Rhage, Mary, Bitsy: I like Rhage but don't love him like most. He is the most romantic out of all the brothers but I found it annoying at times. This may be more the slang the author uses rather than the character. As far as him and Mary, I came away from the book just thinking their story was nice or sweet. It felt kind of bland to me. Throw in the newly orphaned child and you have an insta family. Bitsy sudden change from quiet speaking to no one to outgoing happy child was way too fast for me. As the main story for the book, like I said, it was nice and seemed to come together in the end.
Xcor, Layla: The couple for the next book The Chosen. I will either be skipping this one and reading the spoilers or waiting until a bunch of the review come out. Layla is one of my least favorite people in this series. She has been since she first showed up and she hasn't done a lot to change my feelings. Unfortunately, I like Xcor, but don't see how he can redeem himself to make this coupling acceptable to everyone else. If it ends up being just who he's related to, it won't work for me. At the same time, I want to see him and the rest of the BoB teaming up with the Brothers.
Assail, his Cousins, Markus: There's something about Assail that I like even though I know I shouldn't. I felt his story moved further along in the book than anyone else's. There were still moments that were questionable. I don't know what happened in the last book but I didn't really understand how he could do somethings that he did if he is bonded (?not sure if he is?) with another female. I'm also not sure how I feel about him and Markus, he just seemed to latch onto him awfully quick. I hope Ward uses Markus as something more than Zsadist 2.0.
Vishous and family: Not sure what was up with V in this one. He just seemed off. I've never been a fan of him and Jane but having him say that their relationship is clinical (or something similar) was not normal behavior. I also don't understand how the Scribe Virgin can just leave. This was not explained well enough for me. She is the creator of the race, how does she just go and appoint a successor at a later date? Another thing I need more info on. Lastly, is the Omega. I want more of him. The lessers have become a joke lately. They are not believable as bad guys and sending the guys out to fight them just feels like busy work. One of my favorite moments in this books was when the Omega showed up in the field where some of the brothers were. You could feel the tension and fear from V while he was trying to keep and him and his Brothers hidden. This is what I want in villain.
Overall, it was a good book. I came away with the feeling that it was a "nice" story which is probably not what you want to feel after reading a Ward book. While I want to know what happens next I just don't know if I can bring myself to read a full book about Layla and her dramas.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ The Alchemist of Souls

The Alchemist of Souls 

by Anne Lyle
published by Angry Robot
genre: Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction.

Summary (Goodreads): When Tudor explorers returned from the New World, they brought back a name out of half-forgotten Viking legend: skraylings. Red-sailed ships followed in the explorers’ wake, bringing Native American goods--and a skrayling ambassador--to London. But what do these seemingly magical beings really want in Elizabeth I’s capital?

Mal Catlyn, a down-at-heel swordsman, is seconded to the ambassador's bodyguard, but assassination attempts are the least of his problems. What he learns about the skraylings and their unholy powers could cost England her new ally--and Mal his soul.

My Thoughts: I didn't enjoy reading this as much I enjoyed the overall story.
There was too much of Coby and the actors for me. Whenever the story veered away from Mal and his story I lost interest. I didn't care about the plays or who won the competition or even the fact that there was a competition. All the side characters stories felt the same and didn't add anything to the overall picture. I can see where the author was trying to take it all and get all the characters in the same place.
The other thing that was weird/off was the relationship between Mal and Coby. She is a young girl pretending to be a boy so she can work in the theater. Based on how her character is presented and how Mal's character is presented they don't make sense to me. She seems too young and based on other things that happened during the book not someone that he would normally take a notice of.
All of that said, I did like Mal and his story with the skraylings. Finding out about Mal and his brother's past and how it related to his getting the job of the Ambassador's bodyguard.
Overall, I'm still interested in the world that the author created and Mal's place in it. I'm hoping that the second book, that will not have so much focus on the theater, will keep my interest more.

Rating: 3.5

Book Review (Arc) ~Menagerie

Menagerie (Menagerie #1)

by Rachel Vincent
Published by MIRA
expected release date: September 29, 2015
genre: Adult, Mythology, Supernatural, Fantasy (dark),

**received e-arc from publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town.

But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other "attractions"—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she'll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed.

Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book right from the start. This is a dark look at what happens when humans get scared and decide the only solution is to round up anything that is not 100% human and imprison them one way or another.

*I wasn't as bothered by things that made this dark the way others were. They were highly disturbing but that is what made this book so great. If the author hadn't shown how bad the cryptids had it, the rest of the story wouldn't of had the same meaning.
*The reveal of how Delilah was still 100% human but had cryptid abilities was interesting. I'm not as familiar with what she is (really trying not to spoil here) so I was glad that it was well explained.
*I had an idea of what Gallagher was and it was another good reveal for the reader and the others that were around when it took place.
*I liked his  and Delilah's relationship. I was glad Delilah did just auto trust everyone around her that showed her a bit of kindness once she was caged.
* I liked the oracles and how they brought everything full circle from Delilah's past to the present.

Overall, I'm looking forward to this series. While I'm not sure where the author is going to go with the next book I'm interested enough to find out. With the way things ended and with the cryptids looking for lost family it seems like it can only go bad but here's hoping there's enough good to counterbalance them.

Rating: 4.5 

Book Review (e-Arc) ~ The Veil

The Veil (Devil's Isle)

by Chloe Neill
published by Berkley NAL
expected release date: August 4, 2015
genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

**received e-galley from publisher and netGalley in exchange for honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): Seven years ago, the Veil that separates humanity from what lies beyond was torn apart, and New Orleans was engulfed in a supernatural war. Now, those with paranormal powers have been confined in a walled community that humans call the District. Those who live there call it Devil's Isle.

Claire Connolly is a good girl with a dangerous secret: she’s a Sensitive, a human endowed with magic that seeped through the Veil. Claire knows that revealing her skills would mean being confined to Devil’s Isle. Unfortunately, hiding her power has left her untrained and unfocused.

Liam Quinn knows from experience that magic makes monsters of the weak, and he has no time for a Sensitive with no control of her own strength. But when he sees Claire using her powers to save a human under attack—in full view of the French Quarter—Liam decides to bring her to Devil’s Isle and the teacher she needs, even though getting her out of his way isn’t the same as keeping her out of his head.

But when the Veil threatens to shatter completely, Claire and Liam must work together to stop it, or else New Orleans will burn…

My Thoughts: I always keep my expectations low when going into a new series from the UF/PNR genres. It helps to cut down on any disappointment. Fortunately, this book worked for me. While there were some things that didn't quite make sense, overall, this is a series that I'll look forward to the next book coming out.
This book was more story driven than character driven for me. The author made New Orleans recognizable while also making it a dystopian landscape. Like finding out how NOLA and it's people managed to survive and rebuild and go forward after the war with the paras. I look forward to finding out more about the those living and working in Devil's Isle. At times they were more interesting than the main group of characters.
While I liked Claire and Liam,  if they are the sole focus of this series, I can see myself losing interest. Having Claire become so proficient in her powers so quickly and in the save the day moment was less believable than anything. I had seen mention of it around and had to agree, she should not have been able to solve the veil problem all on her own at this point in her life.
There is some romantic feelings between Claire and Liam but it was kind of light. It has possibilities going forward but like I said above I will enjoy this series more if there are other characters taking the lead than just these two.
Even with the current veil problem being resolved there are enough questions/mysteries to keep me interested in future books.

Rating: 4

Review ~ Fables Vol. 18; Cubs in Toyland

Fables Vol. 18; Cubs in Toyland

by Bill Willingham
Illustrated by Mark Buckingham, Gene Ha, Steve Leialoha
Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling

Summary (Goodreads): The most harrowing epic since the inception of the series starts when Snow and Bigby's cub Therese receives a Christmas gift from an unknown admirer. This red plastic boat may hold the key to a deep, disturbing secret that will incite a series of soul-crushing events for the denizens of Fabletown. Plus, a backup feature that shows how Bigby received his fate, drawn by artist Gene Ha.

My Thoughts: This may be my favorite volume. Not necessarily because of the story but I loved the graphics in this one.
It features the spoiled daughter of Snow and Bigby, Therese. Somehow she receives a plastic toy boat for Christmas. Therese ends up going on an adventure with said boat and ends up in Toyland. Unfortunately, being crowned the Queen of Toyland isn't everything Therese was hoping for. Everything is plastic or make believe which doesn't help a human cub survive. Through some eye opening experiences and great sacrifices by others Therese starts to grow up and finds away to not only save herself but the rest of the toys on this desolate place.
There is also a bit about the Fables moving back into the new Fabletown. I'm not sure where they are going with Spratt but she is not a favorite for me.
As I said, while the story was great, the graphics for this were some of my favorite in the series. There was something stark and creepy about the island and it's inhabitants. I cannot really say more than that but for me it worked.
The story and artwork of Bigby's fate was a nice addition/break from the main part of this volume.

Rating: 4.5-5

mini Reviews ~ Night Shift

Night Shift

by Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Lisa Shearin, Milla Vane
published by Berkley
Genre: Adult, Anthology, UF, PNR, Supernatural, Shifters

Summary (Goodreads): New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh delivers a smoldering story with Secrets at Midnight , as the scent of Bastien Smith’s elusive lover ignites a possessiveness in him that’s as feral as it is ecstatic. And now that he’s found his mate, he’ll do anything to keep her.

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews’ novella, Magic Steals , when people start going missing, shapeshifting tigress Dali Harimau and jaguar shifter Jim Shrapshire must uncover the truth about the mysterious creatures responsible.

From Milla Vane—a warrior princess must tame The Beast of Blackmoor to earn a place among her people. But she quickly discovers that the beast isn't a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.

It’s seer Makenna Frazier's first day on the job at Supernatural Protection and Investigations, and her first assignment is more than she bargained for when bodyguard duty for a leprechaun prince’s bachelor party goes every which way but right in national bestselling author Lisa Shearin’s Lucky Charms

My Thoughts: 
Secrets at Midnight / Nalini Singh (Psy-Changling 12.5): I have only read 1 of the books from this series. I remember liking it so not sure why I haven't read more. This is a definite PNR story. It's all about Bastien finding his mate Kirby. Once he's found her it moves right into HEA territory. I did like what we got of Kirby's backstory and why she was repressing her other half. I didn't hate or love this story. It was cute.
Magic Steals / Ilona Andrewa (Kate Daniels 6.5): This is another series that I've only read short stories from even though I own the first couple of books. I didn't like this as a PNR story. I was ok with Dali being insecure and not feeling she is as good as other bad ass women in this series. What I didn't like was how immature she was. Things like hiding Jim in her closest because her mother showed up at her place. I was reading it going "Really". I did like mystery/story that took place. This was where Dali shined and she became more likable.
The Beast of Blackmoor / Milla Vane: Not Read, ran out of time before had to return to library.
Lucky Charms / Lisa Shearin (SPI Files 0.5): This was my favorite of the bunch. The author did a good job of introducing her new world and characters in a short amount of time. We find out about SPI, meet some crazy leprechauns, and learn Makenna's new dream job may not be as great as she thinks, even with the health benefits. There is something for everyone if you like the supernatural. From the Russian werewolf to the boss lady who's a real dragon.
Having read book 1 right after this, I will say I hope the author gets back to the things that were set up in this story. Other groups trying to get their hands on the Seer so they have the advantage, etc.

Rating: 4 This is an overall rating for the anthology as a whole.

Book Review ~ Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

 Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

by Alison Bechdel
published by Houghton Mifflin Co.
genre: adult, Autobiography, Graphic Novel,

Summary (Goodreads): A fresh and brilliantly told memoir from a cult favorite comic artist, marked by gothic twists, a family funeral home, sexual angst, and great books.
This breakout book by Alison Bechdel is a darkly funny family tale, pitch-perfectly illustrated with Bechdel's sweetly gothic drawings. Like Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis, it's a story exhilaratingly suited to graphic memoir form.
Meet Alison's father, a historic preservation expert and obsessive restorer of the family's Victorian home, a third-generation funeral home director, a high school English teacher, an icily distant parent, and a closeted homosexual who, as it turns out, is involved with his male students and a family babysitter. Through narrative that is alternately heartbreaking and fiercely funny, we are drawn into a daughter's complex yearning for her father. And yet, apart from assigned stints dusting caskets at the family-owned "fun home," as Alison and her brothers call it, the relationship achieves its most intimate expression through the shared code of books.
When Alison comes out as homosexual herself in late adolescence, the denouement is swift, graphic — and redemptive.

My Thoughts: I will start by saying that Memoirs/Autobiographies are not something that I read on a normal basis. I have picked up a few in graphic novel form and enjoyed them more. I kept seeing this one around on everyone's list of must reads and decided to give it a try.
Unfortunately, it did not work for me. I found it to be very boring and had to force myself to finish it. There was nothing really here that made me care about the author's story. Everything was a reference to something else. A classic book (I skipped the inserted passages after the first couple) to dictionary words. I just didn't find it engaging. I kept waiting for whatever it was that everyone else loved about this book and it didn't happen for me.
Overall, this was just not for me. Whether it was the genre, the art, the way the author told her story none of it worked.

Rating: 3

Review ~ Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind (Fables volume 17)

by Bill Willingham
Illustrated by Mark Buckingham, Joao Ruas, Steve Leialoha, Andrew Pepoy, P. Craig Russell, Adam Hughes
Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Fairy Tale Re-Telling,

Summary (Goodreads): The tights and capes have been stored away forever, but it remains to be seen if Haven and its refugee inhabitants have survived the onslaught of. Where do the Fables go from here? Bigby and Snow White's cubs try to move forward after learning a hard lesson about life and death. And the loveable, fan-favorite hero Bufkin the Flying Monkey gets into more trouble when he finally reaches his homeland of Oz. This volume collects Fables issues #108-#113.

My Thoughts: There were three main parts to this collection. Finding the next North Wind, Bufkin in Oz, and Spratt getting ready for the return of the fables. There was a bit about returning to The Farm but not a big part.
I enjoyed the tests etc to figure out which of the cubs would become the North Wind. Spratt's storyline seemed more like setting up for future stories/conflicts. So far, what I've read in the last two volumes, the Oz story is good but not really grabbing me.
My biggest problem with this volume is the transitions. Usually there is more flow between the stories. In this volume it seemed to be jumping around every few pages. It made it more difficult to follow some of the things happening.
The artwork was still as great as usual. I also liked the mini stories (fables) at the end. Both the writing and the artwork keeps me interested and I will be finishing up the main Fables volumes and then tracking down all the side stories.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Side Jobs

Side Jobs (Dresden Files #12.5)

by Jim Butcher
Published by Roc
genre: Adult, anthology, supernatural, fantasy

Summary (Goodreads): Here, together for the first time, are the shorter works of #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher-a compendium of cases that Harry and his cadre of allies managed to close in record time. The tales range from the deadly serious to the absurdly hilarious. Also included is a new, never-before-published novella that takes place after the cliff-hanger ending of the new April 2010 hardcover, Changes. This is a must-have collection for every devoted Harry Dresden fan as well as a perfect introduction for readers ready to meet Chicago's only professional wizard.

Contains:
+ "Restoration of Faith"
+ "Vignette"
+ "Something Borrowed" -- from My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding
+ "It's My Birthday Too" -- from Many Bloody Returns
+ "Heorot" -- from My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon
+ "Day Off" -- from Blood Lite
+ "Backup" -- novelette from Thomas' point of view, originally published by Subterranean Press
+ "The Warrior" -- novelette from Mean Streets
+ "Last Call" -- from Strange Brew
+ "Love Hurts" -- from Songs of Love and Death
+ Aftermath -- all-new novella from Murphy's point of view, set forty-five minutes after the end of Changes

My Thoughts: I will admit up front that I am an anthology junky. I own all but one of the books listed in the description.That said, just because I own them doesn't mean I've read them yet.
Even the ones I had read previously I enjoyed. I liked looking back at earlier times in the story-line.
Aftermath was my favorite for the reasons listed. It was interesting seeing things from Murphy's POV. Especially after how Changes ended. This story was also heavy with the werewolves working alongside Murphy. It also featured a bad guy/group that I found interesting even in the short amount of time we got with them. They were amphibian with acid spitting growths on walls.
Overall, If you are a fan of this series, you'll enjoy most of these stories. There are some that are better than others. One the author even tells you up front was his first attempt at writing a short story and it shows. I still liked the story (Restoration of Faith) even if the writing wasn't up to par. It was also nice to have the continuation between Changes going into Ghost Story.

Rating: Overall: 4

Book Review (or a ramble) ~ The Shadows

The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood #13)

by J.R. Ward
published by Penguin
Genre: Adult, PNR, Paranormal

Summary (Goodreads): Two brothers bound by more than blood fight to change a brutal destiny in the heart-wrenching new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward.

Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on... except for his brother, iAm.

iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around... but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.

Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice...

My Thoughts: I haven't been consistent in reading this series. After the first 5-6 I have started to just read the ones that focus on a character that I am interested in. Then even when I'm interested I still skip a lot of the secondary stories that are setting up future books. Going to start with those side stories.
I know I may be in the minority but I am not interested in Xcor and Layla. Many were wanting them as the next book and I'm glad they are not. I haven't liked Layla since she first showed up in this series and she hasn't done anything to make me change my mind. It kind of sucks because I like Xcor and the Bastards but since all their story has Layla in it I skimmed/skipped all the pages devoted to them.
Assail, is there a point to this character. I did not find anything redeeming about him. He spent most of what I read sniffing drugs up his nose. Even when he was trying to correct things with the brother I wasn't buying it. Just seems like a liability and one that may not last long if he doesn't change soon.
Paradise. I was hoping for better. She is the first main character in Ward's new Brotherhood Legacy series that focuses on the new training program. When I read the blurb for Blood Kiss (Goodreads) I was interested. Unfortunately, this character was boring. I get the trying to go for a strong female who is trying to break out of the old ways. The problem was the trying, that's what it felt like. I'm hoping Butch's story and maybe other new characters can carry this book better than she can.
Iam, Trez's brother. I know this is called The Shadows but the book was really about Trez and Selena with very little page time to Iam and Catra. I liked them as a couple even if it was expected. They worked well and could have been a great couple if they were fleshed out more.
Trez and Selena. I went into this book knowing that many, many people were unhappy with it so I wasn't surprised by the ending even without specific on why they were unhappy. This was a well written story for this couple. There were many great scenes, including Trez riding the roller coaster 4 times even though he hates them and when all the women get together to dress Selena. Xhex made that whole scene.
The one thing that did not work was the ending. I wasn't upset or emotional as everyone else but I understood completely. This series is marketed as Paranormal Romance (PNR). There are certain rules when it comes to romance books. Number one being your main character gets an HEA/HFN in that book. It didn't happen here with Trez/Selena and since they had the majority of page time, they are the ones you were expecting to get an HEA.
The next book is about Rhage and Mary called The Beast. I've always like Rhage so I'll probably be reading it. I also read many good things about the previous book The King that makes me think I'll try to fit it into my reading schedule at some point.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Timeless

Timeless (Parasol Protectorate #5)

by Gail Carriger
published by Orbit
genre: Adult, Stempunk, Supernatural, Shifters

Summary (Goodreads): Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly.

Until, that is, she receives a summons that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?
TIMELESS is the final book of the Parasol Protectorate series: a comedy of manners set in Victorian London, full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.

My Thoughts: I've been putting this off. I haven't really been happy with the final book in series that I've enjoyed overall. I wanted to read Carriger's new book Prudence but realized a few pages in that I really didn't know enough about the daughter since I never finished this series.
This book start a couple years after book 4. The Maccon's are comfortably living in Lord Akeldama's closet, the pack is living next door, and the vampire hive has moved to the country. The quiet doesn't last. With a summons from the oldest supernatural, a murder of the Scotland beta, and secrets coming to light things go downhill fast.
I didn't hate this book but I also didn't love it as much as the previous books. The trip to Egypt was all over the place. A lot happens but I felt lost and still had questions when it ended. There were lots of mummies, deaths, near deaths, kidnappings and attacks that were eye rolling, strangers in balloons and of course the Tunstell's acting troupe.
I did like having Madame Lefoux around even if I never understood what she was around for. Also I liked how the author addressed the issue of Lord Maccon being immortal and his wife decidedly not. My favorite scenes were between Biffy and Professor Lyall. They had a nice relationship even if it only took place in this book. I would definitely read more about those two or just about Biffy growing more into his current/future role in the London pack.
Now I will be moving on to the new series featuring the Maccon's daughter Prudence. Who we found out in this book does not like her name.

Rating: 4