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

Book Review ~ Sugar Spells

Sugar Spells (The Spellwork Syndicate #2)

by Lola Dodge
published by Ink Monster
expected release date: October 30, 2018
genre: YA, Supernatural, Paranormal

**Received e-book from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review and has no monetary value.

Summary (Goodreads): After her run-in with a jealous warlock, apprentice baker Anise Wise can’t wait to get back the kitchen where she belongs. But thanks to her brush with death, the land of the living isn’t all cupcakes and marshmallows.
Anise’s magical mojo is way out of whack and her evolving powers are stirring up trouble. As the town buzzes with news that Anise can bake deathly spells, unsavory characters start lining up for a taste. They’ll stop at nothing for the chance to use Anise and her witchcraft to further their own plots.
She plans to hole up researching magic recipes until the attention dies down, but then she discovers the horrifying terms of her bodyguard’s contract. Wynn has saved her life so many times, she can’t leave him trapped. But doing the right thing will mean risking death or worse—being cast out of her dream job.
For this witch, justice might not be as sweet as advertised.

My Thoughts: I love the covers for this series. They look magical and match the story inside.
Book 2 finds Anise unable to do any magical baking without ruining everything. It turns out she has some residual death magic in her system. Anise chooses to bake the death magic out by making macaroons, a lot of macaroons. She's able to put these to good use, selling to a mannikan, and getting the funds needed to get Wynn out of his contract.
I really enjoyed most of the story. In order not to ruin the bakery again Anise ends up in different places while trying to get back to just her normal fire magic. My favorite had to be Gabi's family home and the cryptozoo where her family does their vet work. I would love to have a story that focuses just on the animals. They also end up in a strange cave system that brings more bad things but also some new friends. Carrot could end up being a very fun character, especially compared to others in the same role.
Overall, I liked the story and where it ended up. I'm still not sure about the alternate dimensions so soon into the series but it worked out. Even though Wynn is not my favorite character I'm glad something good happened for him and that we got to know him a bit more. Can't say I want to see a romance between him and Anise but he's growing on me.
Looking forward to more baking, magic and vampires in Wicked Tasty.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Magic Harvest

Magic Harvest (Fairy Trafficking #1)

by Mary Karlik
published by Ink Monster
expected release date: September 18, 2018
genre: Fantasy, 

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

Summary (Goodreads): Layla was three when the dragon Fauth attacked the fairy festival, murdering her mum and stepfather. Some fairies think she should’ve been eaten too. They call her fuman because of her mixed blood, but being half human isn’t all bad. Even though she lacks magic, Layla is immune to iron sickness, and she can wield a sword with the skill of an elf.

Sixteen years later, when Layla’s half-sister is kidnapped and taken through a portal to the forbidden human realm, Layla rushes to the rescue. She’s older and stronger, and she’s not about to let her last living family member be taken from her without a fight. But the portal spits her out in Old Town Edinburgh where neither her sister or the kidnapper are anywhere to be found.

Stuck in a world she only knows from school books, Layla joins forces with unlikely allies to find her sister. But as she challenges magical creatures and becomes tangled in the dark world of fairy trafficking, magic harvesting, and murder, Layla will have to find the strength within if she is to survive and save her sister.

My Thoughts: There was a lot I liked and disliked about this book. The main problem I had was with Layla herself. Yes, she's a kickass female who is willing to do anything to protect/save her little sister. Unfortunately, she also doesn't always stop to think before she does something. Everything has to be her way even if her way is wrong. I did like that when Ian's team called her out on rushing into things and causing problems she seemed to take the criticism and grow. I could see liking her character in future books.
The setting mostly takes place in Edinburgh with a bit at the beginning in Fairy. While it would have been nice to see more of Fairy, the author did a good job with the real world as well. My favorite had to be the underground tunnels. I just wish most of the story hadn't taken place in the same three-ish places. It made parts of the story static and repetitive.
The only problem I had with the writing was with some of the bigger fight/action teams. Even after reading it a few times I'm not really sure what happened in the last bit other than the good guys won.
Overall, there was enough of a story and interesting characters that I can see myself reading book 2.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Being Alpha

Being Alpha (Alpha Girl #7)

by Aileen Erin
published by Ink Monster
released: July 17, 2018
genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal,

**Received from Ink Monster via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): For the first time since Tessa met Dastien, life is quiet. The evil witch, Luciana, is six glorious feet under, St. Ailbe's is closed due to human trespassers, and people are finally getting used to the fact that supernaturals exist in the world. It seems like the perfect time for a honeymoon.
After traveling to Dastien's house in Provence, clubbing in Paris, and attending Meredith and Donovan's Full Moon Ceremony in Ireland, Tessa and Dastien head to the Caribbean. Their trip is turning out to be the honeymoon that fantasies are made of-sunset cruises, long walks on the beach, and every romantic cliché you can imagine. Tessa couldn't be happier. Except that Tessa's visions are on the fritz. She hopes that means that nothing is brewing. That everything is quiet because all is well. But Tessa's never been one to assume anything.
When she's magically attacked and nearly dies, Tessa knows she can't ignore the signs anymore. Something huge is going on. As much as she doesn't want to call an end to their six-week honeymoon, it's time to head back to Texas.
Whoever messed with Tessa is in for a rude awakening. Because if there's one thing fighting rogue witches and werewolves has taught her, it's how to be Alpha.

My Thoughts: I have mixed feelings on this one. I really loved the first six books of this series. I'm not sure if the author meant this as a transition book or what but it seemed to be a step back while not having a whole lot of substance.
A lot of this book felt like making already established characters seem lesser so Tessa seemed like more. I'll start with the demons. Someone besides Tessa, since she was one of the last to know, should have been able to figure out where/how the demons were getting through. At the very least Claudia. She has proven to be The witch so far in this series and yet she didn't notice a live circle when she was at the compound trying to cleanse it? I know Tessa was supposed to become this uber witch and coven leader but that didn't happen and she really is nowhere on the witch front at this point. Also, when did the demons get so stupid. In previous books they were smart enough to disguise themselves as children to make the wolves look bad to the humans but in this book they only travel between the compound and the abandoned school? They didn't try to attack the town, mall, school and cause as much chaos as possible? This is what happens when you bring back villians you've already beat.
Next is all the new characters. There were a bunch. I understand they were necessary to create this new thirteen power circle that connects all the supernaturals. I guess, personally, I just needed to know more about them in order for it to make sense. Beings that are as powerful as these don't normally give up anything, especially to a wolf that has only been one for a few months.
Which brings us to Tessa. I really like Tessa. The first five books were about her coming to terms with her new life as a wolf while also dealing with a crazy super witch possessed by a demon. She is still learning things both about herself, her mate, and the supernatural world in general. I have a hard time believing that everyone outside of her small group would just accept her as the leader. There is a difference between having a lot of power (which Tessa does) and being an Alpha (she's not at this time). She can push a lot of power out to get everyone's attention in a chaotic room but a real alpha would get everyone's attention just by walking into a room. Not saying she won't become an alpha but she is still growing into herself.
Overall, as I said, this just was a rehash of fighting a demon they had already beat and adding new characters without any real substance. I would love to get to know more about the added characters just maybe without Tessa being such a main part of the story. Let her grow, learn and become comfortable with herself and her new life.
I'll still give the next book a chance since I've been wanting a book about the Fae. I'm concerned with where the author went with Cossette and now Chris and this forbidden love. It seems to be more of a convenience (fan service) than anything that was already established with these characters.

Rating: 3 - 3.5

Arc Review ~ Gilded Cage

Gilded Cage (Dark Gifts #1)

by Vic James
published by Del Ray Books
release date: February 14, 2017
genre: YA, Fantasy, Dystopia

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

Summary (Goodreads): Not all are free. Not all are equal. Not all will be saved.
Our world belongs to the Equals — aristocrats with magical gifts — and all commoners must serve them for ten years. But behind the gates of England's grandest estate lies a power that could break the world.
A girl thirsts for love and knowledge.
Abi is a servant to England's most powerful family, but her spirit is free. So when she falls for one of the noble-born sons, Abi faces a terrible choice. Uncovering the family's secrets might win her liberty, but will her heart pay the price?
A boy dreams of revolution.
Abi's brother, Luke, is enslaved in a brutal factory town. Far from his family and cruelly oppressed, he makes friends whose ideals could cost him everything. Now Luke has discovered there may be a power even greater than magic: revolution.
And an aristocrat will remake the world with his dark gifts.
He is a shadow in the glittering world of the Equals, with mysterious powers no one else understands. But will he liberate—or destroy?

My Thoughts: I didn't think I would like this book after the first few chapters due to all the different POVs. Ended up really enjoying the world the author created along and their stories. Unfortunately, the happy feelings and looking forward to book 2 ended with the last two pages. I'll start with the things I did like.
Luke, he started as a typical teenage boy doing typical teenage boy things. This ended quickly when he is separated from his family and sent to a factory slave town. Luke had the most evolution as a character and you could really believe he had become the person he was at the end of the book. All the decisions he made fit into his character, even when the outcome was not what he expected.
The Jardine brothers. Even as evil as they can seem, well at least one seems evil, one crazy, and one not like the others, I still liked them. I wanted to know more, especially about Silyen, crazy and powerful, definitely an interesting combination. Gavar seems to be more than what you see on the surface. His care for his child and even for Daisy in his own way. Granted it's only because she takes care of the baby but still it shows there is more there.
Bouda, she's another that I should hate (and mostly do) but I want to see what she does going forward. She clearly is willing to do anything that gives her more power including marrying Gavar and possibly being in league with his dad. I'm most interested in her mystery contact that seems to have info that is counter to everything that we learn in this book.
Abi, the character that ruined the whole book for me. It's necessarily her but where the author took her in the last two pages. Throughout the whole book Abi is kinda forgettable even as a main character. She's smart, book smart but too much of a fairytale daydreamer. She would think about the fact that she needed to find a way to get Luke out of the slave town and then 2 seconds later she would be dreaming about Jenner and how great it would be if they could only be together. This is pretty much how all her chapters go with some variation here or there but she never actually does anything. Then all of the sudden the story is over, the servant and master are in love and sharing a kiss, then Abi does something that is so far out of character that it made no sense to me. It literally ruined everything for me, I was so looking forward to reading book two and finding out what happens next. But if these last pages are an indication of where the author is going then I don't know if I'll be reading. Continuation is a big part of any series and it fell apart for this character in one book. With Luke it was easy to believe that he became the man he was at the end because of what happened to him throughout the book both in the slave town and when he ended up at the Jardine's. Abi on the other hand had no growth but suddenly we are supposed to believe she went from a smart daydreamer to a UF kick-ass heroine. It just doesn't fit. Most won't have a problem with this but for me it just didn't make sense.
I don't usually read preview chapters but if there are any released for book two (Tarnished City) I may give them a try to see where the author goes with the book and Abi's character. Something will have to happen to Abi and her sudden plans to make me want to read the whole book.

Rating: 4 based on the book as a whole and not the part that bothered me at the end.

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

Mini Review ~ The Field Guide to Sports Metaphors

The Field Guide to Sports Metaphors

by Josh Chetwynd
published by Ten Speed Press
Genre: Sports, Nonfiction, Historical

**I received from Blogging for Books (website) in exchange for an honest review and did not influence my opinions.

Summary (Goodreads): There are many metaphors we can quickly identify from the realm of sports: covering all the bases (baseball), game plan (football), and par for the course (golf). But the English language is also peppered with the not-so-obvious influence of sports and games, such as go-to guy (basketball) and dead ringer (horse racing). Filled with pithy entries on each idiom, plus quotes showing how big talkers from President Obama to rapper Ice-T use them, this quirky little handbook from former minor league ballplayer and award-winning journalist Josh Chetwynd is sure to be a conversation starter at tailgates, cocktail parties, and in the boardroom.

My Thoughts: If you have an interest in a words/phrases, sports, or just random trivia to throw around this book fits all of those. My family enjoys all three so I couldn't resist giving this book a try.
Overall, I mostly liked it with only a few complaints. Most of my complaints are not about the actual content of the book but the layout. There are inset boxes (with extra words/definitions) throughout that cause the reader to have to flip pages to finish the section they're on and then go back to read the inset box. This was something that just bothered me aesthetically. When I'm reading, I want to be able to read straight thru without have to keep going back to read things I had to skip at the time.
I was surprised how many phrases came from sports that I never would have associated with it. An example is Fluke: this word comes from billiards. Back when the billiard balls were made from ivory they would warp and not move perfectly. Fluke became a shorthand to explain a poorly played shot. This and others like it are the phrases that I found most interesting and kept me reading the book.

Rating: 4 due to layout/aesthetics

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 ~ Hidden Huntress

Hidden Huntress (Malediction Trilogy #2)

by Danielle L Jensen
publisher Angry Robot
genre: YA, Fantasy, 

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

Summary (Goodreads): Sometimes, one must accomplish the impossible.
Beneath the mountain, the king’s reign of tyranny is absolute; the one troll with the capacity to challenge him is imprisoned for treason. Cécile has escaped the darkness of Trollus, but she learns all too quickly that she is not beyond the reach of the king’s power. Or his manipulation.
Recovered from her injuries, she now lives with her mother in Trianon and graces the opera stage every night. But by day she searches for the witch who has eluded the trolls for five hundred years. Whether she succeeds or fails, the costs to those she cares about will be high.
To find Anushka, she must delve into magic that is both dark and deadly. But the witch is a clever creature. And Cécile might not just be the hunter. She might also be the hunted…

My Thoughts: Stolen Songbird, the first book of the series, was a 5 star read for me unfortunately this one didn't quite reach that high. I'm not sure if this fell into middle book syndrome or because I thought I knew who the witch was at the end of book one and after the first couple chapters of this one I was sure.
Watching Cecile struggle with something that was so obvious did not make for an interesting read. Add in how horrible her mother, brother, and best friend were (whether it was to her or Tristan) and it was a struggle reading her POVs at times. Tristan was better, trying to repair things with his friends and figure out all the different power plays that had been put into motion while he was locked away.
I still like the magic and history of this world. Which was an even bigger factor in this book. Not just Anushka but Cecile and another witch she meets along her hunt. Cecile makes some choices that are questionable and could have an impact later on.
Overall, there were a lot of ups and downs in this one. I'm hoping that Cecile is not as conflicted and can move forward with what needs to be done. There's a battle brewing on three different fronts and I'm interested to see what sides Cecile and Tristan end up on in Warrior Witch.

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 

Anthology Review ~ A Fantasy Medley 3

A Fantasy Medley 3

by Kevin Hearne, Laura Bickle, Aliette de Bodard, Jacqueline Carey
edited by Yanni Kuznia
published by Subterranean Press
genre: Adult, Fantasy, Anthology, 

Summary (Goodreads): In “Goddess at the Crossroads,” Kevin Hearne shares a thrillingly memorable episode from the past of his popular Iron Druid Chronicles hero Atticus O’Sullivan, revealing how one night’s dark encounter with the cult of Hecate served as inspiration for Shakespeare’s witches in the Scottish play.

With “Ashes,” Laura Bickle revisits Detroit arson investigator and powerful spirit medium Anya Kalinczyk as she, her five-foot-long salamander familiar Sparky, and Hades’ Charon pursue a destructive fire elemental named the Nain Rouge through the city’s festival in his dubious honor.

“The Death of Aiguillon” finds Aliette de Bodard exploring an episode sixty years prior to the start of her latest novel, The House of Shattered Wings, in which the survivors of an ongoing magical conflict in Paris eke out a grim existence, and one woman’s wish for a better life is granted at a terrible price.

And in “One Hundred Ablutions,” Jacqueline Carey, author of the much-beloved Kushiel’s Legacy series, tells the tale of Dala—a young woman chosen by her people’s overlords to be an exalted slave among slaves—and of the twining in her life of ritual, rebellion, and redemption.

My Thoughts: Goddess at the Crossroads (Iron Druid Chronicles 0.3) I keep seeing this series around but this is the first I've read from it. I liked the story. Found the main character interesting and enjoyed the story of him and Shakespeare going up against a coven of witches and a few other troubles. Definitely going to take the time to read this series (at some point).
Ashes (Anya Kalinczyk) This was my favorite of this book. I thought I was at least aware of books in this genre that take place in MI but somehow missed this series. I liked Anya, Sparky and Charon. Their interactions, abilities, and the overall story (even a short one) definitely peaked my interest and added yet another series to my tbr.
The Death of Aiguillon (Dominion of the Fallen) I tried to read The House of Shattered Wings but could not get into it at the time. the writing is good and the world the author created is interesting to me but it just wasn't working for me. This short worked better. The relationship between the Fallen and the people on the outside just trying to survive. Add in another creature of myth that resides in the river and the story works. I may try at a later date to read the full novel.
One Hundred Ablutions. This had more of a sci-fi feel for me than straight fantasy. The races felt more alien in nature. That aside, I've liked everything else I read from this author and this was the same. For me it fell into the old adage of "Be careful what you wish for you just might get it".

Overall Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Night Study

Night Study (Soulfinders #2)

by Maria V Snyder
published by Mira Ink
release date: January  26, 2016
genre: Fantasy, Adult, 

**E-galley received via Netgalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana's has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear.

Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he's quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he's been keeping secrets from Valek...secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander's mysterious plans, they realize it's far more sinister that they could have ever imagined.

My Thoughts: Another great addition to this series/world that Snyder has created. I had a few problems but not enough to take me out of the story. We'll start with the good.
This may sound weird but I was glad when Yelena and Valek went their separate ways. I love them as a couple and was happy with the family, commitment stuff but was ready the action/trouble that I'm used to from this series.
There was a definite focus on Valek in this book. A lot happens with the magicians but there didn't seem to be enough of a focus on it all. It seemed as if every step Yelena, Ari, and Janco took there was some bad thing waiting to take them more than two steps back. I was also glad to start and get some small explanation as to what has been going on with Yelena's magic. Which takes us back to Valek.
My favorite parts of this book revolved around Valek. Always moving forward trying to find his way back to Yelena  but still being able to get things done and scare a few people along the way. Figuring out who and where the storm thieves were. Finding the twins, taking them home before sneaking them into Sitia, and learning that they are family. I will say Valek's mother did not leave me with a good impression, I definitely liked his dad better.  I also liked how his immunity to magic and new abilities worked. Every part that took place made sense to both the character and this world.
The biggest problem with this book was that it felt like a middle book of a trilogy. There were a 100 pages left and it felt like nothing had happened and there wasn't much time left. At 40 pages, some things had happened (everyone was in one place) but it still felt like there was no way there was going to be any resolution in this book.  When the book ended and our heroes were not out of danger but at least together it worked, sorta.
This book definitely set up book three. Cannot wait for the battle/confrontation with the commander and Owen, Bruns and company. I'm really hoping for a resolution to everything we learned in this book without it turning into a sappy cop out. I want everyone to have an HEA (at least the good guys) but I want it to be believable. Now for the long wait...

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Uprooted

Uprooted (Goodreads)

by Naomi Novik
published by Del rey
genre: Fantasy, YA,

Summary: “Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley. We hear them sometimes, from travelers passing through. They talk as though we were doing human sacrifice, and he were a real dragon. Of course that’s not true: he may be a wizard and immortal, but he’s still a man, and our fathers would band together and kill him if he wanted to eat one of us every ten years. He protects us against the Wood, and we’re grateful, but not that grateful.”
Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life.
Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood.
The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka is afraid. She knows—everyone knows—that the Dragon will take Kasia: beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia, all the things Agnieszka isn’t, and her dearest friend in the world. And there is no way to save her.
But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.

My Thoughts: I kept passing over this one every time I saw it at the library. I finally decided at the end of the year to just grab it and give it a try. I'm glad I did. This is the first I've read from Naomi Novik and I enjoyed her writing.
I found the world and story unique and engaging. Once Agnieszka was "chosen" and taken to the tower I was hooked. While I didn't like all her crying at first, it seemed at odds with her character, when she finally got it together she became a strong character. The Dragon, while a nice contrast to Agnieszka, was kind of a flat character at times.
What made this story was the magic and the story of the Wood. The author did a great job showcasing the sharp contrasts between the Dragon's and Agnieszka's magic. This made the times that they joined their magic that much better.
Overall, I'm glad I took the time to read it. I cannot say that it's something I would read again which is why it's not a 5 rating but would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy of any sort.

Rating: 4.5

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

September Reading

I've been reading a lot lately but haven't really felt like writing reviews for the books I've finished. So, even though I'm in a writing slump, I thought I would share what I've read lately.

Cold Magic by Kate Elliott (Goodreads)
I ended up liking this more than I thought I would when it started. I'm hoping the next book focuses more on Cat's real family. I didn't really care for Bee but could understand Cat's loyalty and need to protect her at all costs.

Street Magic by Caitlin Kittredge (Goodreads)
I've owned the first few in this series forever and finally decided to read the first one. I liked the story but really struggled reading it. I've read many books set in London but the slang just seemed overdone at times. I'm still going to give the second book a try and hope I don't struggle with it as much.

Grave Dance by Kalayna Price (Goodreads)
Another series I've started recently and have been enjoying. Even with the love triangle aspect I like the story line. Alex is an great lead and as long as the love interests stay secondary to the main story I can get past them.

Chew, Vol. 1: Taster's Choice by John Layman, Rob Guillory (illustrator)
I found my limit on what I just cannot take while reading. Cibopathy (knowing things by eating items) is that limit. The writing and artwork of this volume was as great as all the reviews I had seen. Unfortunately, it was just a bit too gross/weird for me.

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 (Arc) ~ Warren the 13th and The All Seeing Eye

Warren the 13th and The All Seeing Eye

by Tania del Rio
Illustrated by Will Staehle
published by Quirk Books
expected release date: November 24, 2015
genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Mystery,

**received from publisher/netgalley in exchange for honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): Meet Warren the 13th, a cursed 12-year-old Victorian bellhop who’s terribly unlucky . . . yet perpetually optimistic, hard-working, and curious. Orphan Warren’s pride and joy is his family’s hotel, but he’s been miserable ever since his evil Aunt Anaconda took over the management. Anaconda believes a mysterious treasure known as the All-Seeing Eye is hidden somewhere on the grounds, and she’ll do anything to find it. If Warren wants to preserve his family’s legacy, he’ll need to find the treasure first—if the hotel’s many strange and wacky guests don’t beat him to it! This middle-grade adventure features gorgeous two-color illustrations on every page and a lavish two-column Victorian design that will pull young readers into a spooky and delightful mystery.

My Thoughts: I wanted to read this for two reasons. The first cover (here) caught my attention when I was scrolling through netgalley. The final cover and illustrations the author posted made me want it even more. The second reason is my son. He is not a fan of fiction books, reads mostly non-fiction, and I am always looking for stuff for him to read that will make his teachers happy. This is one I will be getting for him when it comes out.
Warren comes from a long line of Warrens, all eventually become owners/managers of the hotel. Unfortunately, our Warren receives the hotel before he is old enough to run it, leaving him and it in the care of his aunt and uncle. The uncle is lazy and spends all his time eating and sleeping and the aunt is evil, always coming up with new ways to torture/discipline Warren.
Anaconda fills the classic villain role well. She is evil, greedy, and will do anything to get what she wants. Power, power and more power. With the help of her sisters (and several others) they manage to tear apart the hotel looking for the Eye, all under the nose of the oblivious uncle.
There were many twists and turn along with all of Warrens ups and downs throughout the book. Warren, while not your typical leading character, is still great and you cannot help but root for him. There are many surprises and great side characters, meaning there is something for everyone.
As I said, I'll definitely be getting this for my son and personally, I'm most looking forward to seeing the final illustrations.

Rating: 4