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 ~ 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

Book Review ~ The Bone Witch

The Bone Witch (The Bone Witch #1)

by Rin Chupeco
published by Sourcebooks Fire
release date: March 7, 2017
genre:  YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, 

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

Summary (Goodreads): Tea is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy makes her a bone witch, who are feared and ostracized in the kingdom. For theirs is a powerful, elemental magic that can reach beyond the boundaries of the living—and of the human.

Great power comes at a price, forcing Tea to leave her homeland to train under the guidance of an older, wiser bone witch. There, Tea puts all of her energy into becoming an asha, learning to control her elemental magic and those beasts who will submit by no other force. And Tea must be strong—stronger than she even believes possible. Because war is brewing in the eight kingdoms, war that will threaten the sovereignty of her homeland…and threaten the very survival of those she loves.

My Thoughts: I've had a hard time reviewing this. I was initially drawn in by the gorgeous cover. Then I was intrigued by the world the author created. It kind of reminds me of geisha's magic. I even liked the characters. Tea and her mentor Mykaela along with Tea's newly risen from the dead brother take us on quite a journey.
Unfortunately, It couldn't keep my attention for any length of time.  I don't know if it was the jumping back and forth between Tea's story of how she trained as a bone witch and her current life that caused it but they never mixed for me. Also, while some books are under-descriptive, this one may have been too descriptive.
That said, I still liked the overall story and want to know more. I want to know why Tea ended up on that road marching with her beasts and a surprising friend(?) ready for war. That could also be part of the problem, I seemed to miss why she is going to war and what happened to her friends that she had throughout the whole book until this point. I will probably be reading book 2 when it comes out just to try and get some answers.

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 (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

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 ~ Dark Frost

Dark Frost (Mythos Academy #3)

by Jennifer Estep
published by Kensington
genre: YA, mythology, paranormal,

Summary (Goodreads): I've seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I'm supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I'm just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me--again.

Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects--and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I'm also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me? It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can't use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me--and I'm in for the fight of my life.

My Thoughts: It has been awhile since I read the first two books in this series but book three felt much darker than I remember them being. It started out dark and stayed that way throughout. There were some nice and sparkly parts but they were few and far between. The darkness did not only come from the reapers. Gwen was dumped on from all sides, the reapers, her boyfriend, and even her best friend.
I had some problems with Gwen in this one. She seemed to be overly slow. There were several things where it was so obvious to the reader that I was becoming annoyed with the fact that Gwen was so gullible. The lost ring case was the biggest evidence of this.
I also felt the author foreshadowed too much in this book. There was no mystery, everything was laid out. I did like the reveal of the reaper girls magic. Knowing that there is an opposing magic to Gwen's gypsy magic could be interesting.
My favorite part was Nott and Grandma Frost. We always get Grandma Frost as the lovable, baking type and it was nice to get a glimpse of her as a former champion.
Overall, this was enjoyable read and kept me entertained even when we knew what was going to happen next. I do wish that the growth we saw from Gwen in the beginning of the book carried over through the whole book. She seemed able to handle herself and was confident in what she could do and what her friend could do. Still, I'm looking forward to reading the next book and finishing off this series as well.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Autumn Bones

Autumn Bones (Agent of Hel #2)

by Jacqueline Carey
published by ROC
genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, 

Summary (Goodreads):  Fathered by an incubus, raised by a mortal mother, and liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, Daisy Johanssen pulled the community together after a summer tragedy befell the resort town she calls home. Things are back to normal—as normal as it gets for a town famous for its supernatural tourism, and presided over by the reclusive Norse goddess Hel.

Not only has Daisy now gained respect as Hel’s enforcer, she’s dating Sinclair Palmer, a nice, seemingly normal human guy. Not too shabby for the daughter of a demon. Unfortunately, Sinclair has a secret. And it’s a big one.

He’s descended from Obeah sorcerers and they want him back. If he doesn’t return to Jamaica to take up his rightful role in the family, they’ll unleash spirit magic that could have dire consequences for the town. It’s Daisy’s job to stop it, and she’s going to need a lot of help. But time is running out, the dead are growing restless, and one mistake could cost Daisy everything…..

My Thoughts: This book starts shortly after when book 1 ends. Daisy has a new boyfriend and it isn't one of the two guys you would expect. This was probably the only thing I did not like about this book. It felt forced. For me, the author established the type of person Daisy was in the first book to the point where she would have helped Sinclair/ the town without forcing a relationship in there that doesn't make sense.
I like that Daisy is a kick ass enforcer for her Goddess but still insecure in everyday life things. The author does a good job on the small town life even after high school. I just wish Daisy would put stand up for herself more with everyday people the way she does with the supernatural.
We do finally get somewhere with Daisy and Cody. As much as I hate love triangles, I have to say that I would fall under team Stefan. Something about Cody's inabilities to admit what he wants and just go there without the guilt trips annoys me.
This book has a little of everything, from a rutting satyr that causes a mass orgy at a local club to ghosts to a zombie of sort. The mix of personalities that make up Daisy's friend works in a way that shouldn't. I like that her mom and best friend are the only humans and sometimes make the most sense. There is also a new addition to the team in the form of a gamer geek that helps Daisy set up a database and gets a little more than he bargained for in return.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a fun read even with the new relationship. Daisy has her own sort of scooby gang going and it seems to grow as the series does. I'm most interested in what happens next. Whether it's as Hel's enforcer or just everyday life in this small Michigan town.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ The Whispering Skull

The Whispering Skull (Lockwood & Co. # 2)

by Jonathon Stroud
published by Hyperion
genre: MG/YA, Supernatural, Fantasy, Paranormal

Summary (Goodread): In the six months since Anthony, Lucy, and George survived a night in the most haunted house in England, Lockwood & Co. hasn't made much progress. Quill Kipps and his team of Fittes agents keep swooping in on Lockwood's investigations. Finally, in a fit of anger, Anthony challenges his rival to a contest: the next time the two agencies compete on a job, the losing side will have to admit defeat in the Times newspaper.

Things look up when a new client, Mr. Saunders, hires Lockwood & Co. to be present at the excavation of Edmund Bickerstaff, a Victorian doctor who reportedly tried to communicate with the dead. Saunders needs the coffin sealed with silver to prevent any supernatural trouble. All goes well-until George's curiosity attracts a horrible phantom.

Back home at Portland Row, Lockwood accuses George of making too many careless mistakes. Lucy is distracted by urgent whispers coming from the skull in the ghost jar. Then the team is summoned to DEPRAC headquarters. Kipps is there too, much to Lockwood's annoyance. Bickerstaff's coffin was raided and a strange glass object buried with the corpse has vanished. Inspector Barnes believes the relic to be highly dangerous, and he wants it found.

My Thoughts: This is a book where I really like the world the author has built. Ghosts of every type have taken over the night time and the only ones that can see and stop them are the young. The only down side is the POV. For some reason I do not like Lucy's voice. She seems very snobby and at times seems to be trying to hard to be the "mean girl". My annoyance with her made me put the book down several times.
It's unfortunate because when I forced myself to look past her and focus solely on the story it was really good. We had talking skulls in a jar, a source that kills with a look, and a "friendly" competition between Lockwood agency and one of the large official agencies. Throw in deaths, black market auctions, and an interesting mystery and you have a good read.
Overall, I had a hard time rating this one. The story was good, with lots of interesting elements that kept the story moving. On the other hand I wish it had either been told by someone else or mixed in at least one other voice. The ending makes me want to find out what happens next but it's really going to depend on mood and who's POV it's told in.

Rating: 3.5

Book Review (Graphic Novel) ~ Alpha and Omega

Alpha and Omega: Cry Wolf  Volume 2 (Alpha & Omega Graphic #2)

by Patricia Briggs
published by InkLit
genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Paranormal

Summary (Goodreads): Charles and Anna are on the hunt for a rogue werewolf in the Montana mountains. The creature has morphed into something so dark that it kills everything in its path: deer, elk, grizzlies…humans.

But the wolf is the creature of something far more powerful. One of Charles and Anna’s own pack harbors a centuries-old secret that has come back to haunt him—and wreak vengeance on those around him.

Charles and Anna—unaware of the truth—are two innocents who stand in the way. But even as members of their pack rally around them, Anna’s rare power comes into its own—and is unleashed…

My Thoughts: I have to start by saying this is the first time I've really read a graphic novel. I've flipped through them before but never sat and read the full story before. That said I was very mixed about this.
I liked the graphics in the sense that I am a huge fan of fantasy art and if that is all these had been I would have been happy with them. Unfortunately, these were based on popular characters in a  well established series. I think my biggest problem was Bran. The one thing that comes across in both Briggs' series is how young and unassuming he is, in this he is older and kind of muscle bound thug looking. The rest of the characters are similar to this. They seem to be off a bit based on what we know of them.
I liked how quickly it read. It was a nice refresher on this series since it has been awhile since I read the last one. It was bare bones compared to the actual book but as I said an easy way to refresh yourself on a series.
Overall, while I had some problems with how some characters looked, it wouldn't stop me from reading another. I also liked how I can pick one of these up when I'm having trouble getting into a full book.

Rating: 3.5

Book Review ~ The Kingdom

The Kingdom (Graveyard Queen #2)

by Amanda Stevens
published by Mira
genre: Adult, Paranormal, PNR,

Summary (Goodreads): Deep in the shadowy foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a dying town

My name is Amelia Gray. They call me The Graveyard Queen. I've been commissioned to restore an old cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina, but I'm coming to think I have another purpose here.

Why is there a cemetery at the bottom of Bell Lake? Why am I drawn time and again to a hidden grave I've discovered in the woods? Something is eating away at the soul of this town - this withering kingdom - and it will only be restored if I can uncover the truth.

My Thoughts: I've really enjoyed the  first two books of this series. It's got that spooky, creepy feeling that gives you the chills but you can't put it down.
Amelia is a great character most of the time. She does have her moments when you just want to shake her and say listen to yourself. She talks often in the books about the rules her father gave her to live with her ability to see ghosts, yet every time a situation arises she completely disregards the rules and does whatever. Some times this works for her but even when it does it's still just too close.
Asher Falls was a character itself. The whole town is just insane. I think Sidra was the only sane one in the bunch. I wish there had been more of her because her story sounds just as interesting as Amelia's.
I found myself just as torn with Thane as Amelia was. Even knowing what happened in the first book, there was a part of me that still wants Devlin to be her one.
Overall, there were a lot of questions answered in this book while still moving Amelia's story forward. I find I want to not only follow her story, I find myself wanting to stay in Asher Falls for a bit more. I want to know what Thane does to fix the Asher name and what happens with Tilly and Sidra. At the same time, the last line made me anxious to read book three to find out what is going to happen.

Rating:4

Book Review ~ Styxx

Styxx (Dark-Hunter #23)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon
published by St Martin's Press
genre: Adult, Paranormal, PNR,

Summary (Goodreads): Centuries ago Acheron saved the human race by imprisoning an ancient evil bent on absolute destruction. Now that evil has been unleashed and it is out for revenge.

As the twin to Acheron, Styxx hasn’t always been on his brother’s side. They’ve spent more centuries going at each other’s throats than protecting their backs. Now Styxx has a chance to prove his loyalty to his brother, but only if he’s willing to trade his life and future for Acheron’s.

The Atlantean goddess of Wrath and Misery, Bethany was born to right wrongs. But it was never a task she relished. Until now. She owes Acheron a debt that she vows to repay, no matter what it takes. He will join their fellow gods in hell and nothing is going to stop her.

But things are never what they seem, and Acheron is no longer the last of his line. Styxx and Acheron must put aside their past and learn to trust each other or more will suffer.

Yet it’s hard to risk your own life for someone who once tried to take yours, even when it's your own twin, and when loyalties are skewed and no one can be trusted, not even yourself, how do you find a way back from the darkness that wants to consume the entire world? One that wants to start by devouring your very soul?

My Thoughts: I'm not going to cover everything that happens in this review. This is a huge book with a lot going on and even more characters. I also don't want to spoil any of the surprises.
Ms Kenyon has said that you do not need to read Acheron in order to read this book. I can see where that is possible but don't understand why you would want to. Styxx's story is tragic in so many ways but knowing Ash's side of the story just makes it that much more so.
Nick is my favorite but Ash has always been right there at the top. I cannot tell you how many times I wanted someone to knock him upside the head. I understood why he acted how he did in their human lives. They both went through unspeakable things but the fact that he wouldn't listen or look at his brother's side when they were older (much older) just irritated me. I loved when Urian threw it all back in his face and made him see things he didn't want to.
This also changed the way I looked at Ryssa. I was like Styxx and just wanted someone to shut her up. I also felt bad about feeling this way knowing what happens. At least with Acheron it was kind of understandable but she had no excuse other than she was a spoiled princess.
I've had problems with some of the pairings in this series but the romance also worked for me in this book. I liked Beth/Bet'Anya.  The fact that she was/is order to her father's chaos really helped when it came to soothing Styxx's turmoil and giving him moments of peace. I also liked how she wasn't afraid to stand up to Apollo or any of the others when it came to Styxx.
Overall, I was happy with this story. I had no idea that I needed this book in this series considering how many other character's stories I'm waiting for. It was a great read and felt like it happened at the right time. With everything that is going on having one more person (using that loosely) on the good guys side cannot be a bad thing.

Rating: 4.5-5 I couldn't/can't decide
 

Book Review ~ Omens

Omens (Cainsville #1)

by Kelley Armstrong
published by Dutton
genre: Adult, Supernatural, Paranormal, Mystery

Summary:  Twenty-four-year-old Olivia Taylor Jones has the perfect life. The only daughter of a wealthy, prominent Chicago family, she has an Ivy League education, pursues volunteerism and philanthropy, and is engaged to a handsome young tech firm CEO with political ambitions.

But Olivia’s world is shattered when she learns that she’s adopted. Her real parents? Todd and Pamela Larsen, notorious serial killers serving a life sentence. When the news brings a maelstrom of unwanted publicity to her adopted family and fiancé, Olivia decides to find out the truth about the Larsens.

Olivia ends up in the small town of Cainsville, Illinois, an old and cloistered community that takes a particular interest in both Olivia and her efforts to uncover her birth parents’ past.

Aided by her mother’s former lawyer, Gabriel Walsh, Olivia focuses on the Larsens’ last crime, the one her birth mother swears will prove their innocence. But as she and Gabriel start investigating the case, Olivia finds herself drawing on abilities that have remained hidden since her childhood, gifts that make her both a valuable addition to Cainsville and deeply vulnerable to unknown enemies. Because there are darker secrets behind her new home and powers lurking in the shadows that have their own plans for her.

My Thoughts: This was a nice change of pace from what I've been reading lately and really enjoyable.
It kind of reminded me of why I enjoy JD Robb's In Death series. Where that is murder mystery mixed with futuristic sci fi, this is more mystery mixed with the supernatural.
That being said, my favorite character was the town of Cainsville itself. While both Olivia and Gabriel had a lot of promise as lead characters in the series they didn't fully grab my interest. I was more taken in by the setting and the story. From the Elders to the gargoyles, the cat and the return of the ravens I just wanted more of the  town. We don't really get specifics on the Elders they are just mentioned a few times., but at the end of the book they are the ones I want to keep reading about. I also enjoyed the different omens that Olivia can see, when others can't, that provide clues or guidance for what's about to come.
Trying to force a romance into this story was what knocked this book down for me. Just for one book I would have liked to see the author just let them be friends. It felt forced and I didn't really care for them together (nothing actually happens, it's just strongly hinted and can see more coming in future books). Olivia supposedly was just about to get married and yet by the end of the book (which doesn't cover a long time period) she's already having feeling for Gabriel. All the while protesting that she is not going to be the one to try to change him from the one night stand guy he is. It just didn't work for me, others won't have a problem with it.
Overall, this was very much story driven for me and the ending with The Hunt on the way and killer from this story screaming that he works for the Huntsman had me ready for the second book. I'm also interested in Olivia's dad and finding out who committed all the other murders not just the one solved in this book.

Rating: 4

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Dark Bites 

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

published by St Martin's Press

expected release date: January 21, 2014

genre: Adult, Anthology, Paranormal, PNR

Summary: The fans asked for it…

All in one volume, all of the short stories that Sherri has written for St. Martin’s Press. Best of all, it will feature Fear the Darkness (first time in print) and a brand new, never before seen story.

Included novellas:

House of the Rising Son (First Time in Print)- Aricles

Fear the Darkness (First Time in Print)- Nick

Winter Born- Dante

A Dark-Hunter Christmas- Gallagher

Shadow of the Moon- Fury

Until Death We Do Part- Velkan

Phantom Lover- V’Aiden

A Hard Day’s Night Searcher- Rafael

Where Angels Fear to Tread- Zeke

Love Bytes- Adrian

Santa Wears Spurs- O’Connell

**This is one of my favorite authors and series. Just picked up Styxx and cannot wait to read the short stories I haven't had a chance to yet.

Waiting on Wednesday ~ Hexed

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Hexed (The Witch Hunter #1)

by Michelle Krys
published by Delacorte Press/ Random House
expected release date: June 10, 2014
genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal

Summary (Goodreads): If high school is all about social status, Indigo Blackwood has it made. Sure, her quirky mom owns an occult shop, and a nerd just won’t stop trying to be her friend, but Indie is a popular cheerleader with a football-star boyfriend and a social circle powerful enough to ruin everyone at school. Who wouldn't want to be her?

Then a guy dies right before her eyes. And the dusty old family Bible her mom is freakishly possessive of is stolen. But it’s when a frustratingly sexy stranger named Bishop enters Indie’s world that she learns her destiny involves a lot more than pom-poms and parties. If she doesn’t get the Bible back, every witch on the planet will die. And that’s seriously bad news for Indie, because according to Bishop, she’s a witch too.

Suddenly forced into a centuries-old war between witches and sorcerers, Indie’s about to uncover the many dark truths about her life—and a future unlike any she ever imagined on top of the cheer pyramid.

**Long wait on this one but the it sounds like a really good read.

Book Review ~ Blood Trinity

Blood Trinity (Belador #1)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love
published by Pocket Books
genre: Adult, UF (Urban Fantasy), Paranormal

Summary (Goodreads): All her life, Evalle has been straddling the line between human and demon. Curious about her origins, but content to live in the shadows, she finds that anonymity threatened by escalating conflicts between species. Accused of a savage murder, she's forced center stage in what seems like the beginning of an Atlanta apocalypse. Before long though, her personal problems will submerge as she learns startling facts about a hoard of supernatural terrorists.

My Thoughts: I went into this only being familiar with one of the authors. I'm a huge fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon but know nothing about Dianna Love. I had glanced at some reviews/opinions of this book and knew going in that this was more on the Urban Fantasy side rather than the Para Romance that I'm used to reading from Kenyon. Knowing this helped a great deal since I also enjoy UF I just had to make sure I was in the right mind set to read it.
Character wise, Evalle was hit and miss with me. I liked her for the most part but there were times that I just wanted to shake her. Parts were intentional, like when she was mouthing off to Sen knowing that he didn't like her and was the one person (?) that could ruin her life. Most of the time though she was the tough heroine that you expect dealing with powers and conditions that make her life more difficult than easy.
Tzader and Quinn, who we meet right away, are the only two real friends Evalle has and the only two people she trusts. I liked both of these guys and cannot wait to find out more about them. There were some things mentioned in this book that I'm sure will be the focus of later stories.
There were potential love interests/relationships. I liked Storm, found him interesting and was intrigued by his back story and look forward to finding out more about it. Isak, not so much. This was someone that just didn't work for me but I know he is going to feature prominently in at least part of Evalle's story going forward.
We are introduced to many more people that play either a part in this book's story or are being set up for later books. The HEA that we got between at the end between two of the side characters fell into the sweet territory for me but I still liked it.
Overall, I thought this was a promising start to a new (for me) series. There was enough action to keep me interested even if I didn't like some people and enough given about others that I want to continue reading to find out more.

Rating: 4

Book Review ~ Libriomancer

Libriomancer (Magic Ex Libris #1)

by Jim C Hines
published by DAW
genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Summary (Goodreads): Isaac Vainio is a Libriomancer, a member of the secret organization founded five centuries ago by Johannes Gutenberg.  Libriomancers are gifted with the ability to magically reach into books and draw forth objects. When Isaac is attacked by vampires that leaked from the pages of books into our world, he barely manages to escape. To his horror he discovers that vampires have been attacking other magic-users as well, and Gutenberg has been kidnapped.

With the help of a motorcycle-riding dryad who packs a pair of oak cudgels, Isaac finds himself hunting the unknown dark power that has been manipulating humans and vampires alike. And his search will uncover dangerous secrets about Libriomancy, Gutenberg, and the history of magic. . .

My Thoughts: This book is every fantasy readers dream come true. Having the magic to pull any item from any book. There were several times during the book I found myself thinking "I so want to do that".
I really enjoyed reading about Isaac and his pet flaming spider. The fact that he was not perfect and tended to overdo it made him more likable and believable. I also liked how the vampires were based off of different vampire books/authors.
I'm not sure about Lena, she had a lot of good points and I liked her for most of the book but the ending kind of made me pause. This book is a definite fantasy but for some reason the author felt the need to add an HEA/HFN. It was not needed. I don't have a problem with the relationship/s but it would have been just as fine to leave it out and work it into the next book.
Overall, there was plenty of action and interesting pets. I'm curious about the big bad as well as some of the other high up players in the secret organization. I'll be reading the next but can see myself moving on if the relationship between Isaac/Lena and Lena/Dr becomes too much of a focus.

Rating: 3.5

mini Book Review ~ Into The Woods

Into The Woods: Tales From the Hollows and Beyond (The Hollows #10.1)

by Kim Harrison
published by Harper Voyager
genre: Adult, anthologies, Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural


The Hollows
The Bespelled: How Ceri became bound to Al
Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel: Rachel makes a deal with her brother. She either can manage a high level spell or has to move out West and go to school. I liked seeing Rachel before she was the bad ass that we are all used to.
Undead in the Garden of Good and Evil: Ivy. I read this more for the parts with Kisten than Ivy. That being said, it was still interesting to find out how Ivy became a runner.
Dirty Magic: Mia, banshee. A look into how hard it is to be a banshee in the Hollows.
The Bridges of Eden Park: Kisten and Rachel saving his nephew from becoming a gift from the child's father to a Master Vamp. I had read this before but I enjoyed how even with all the action that takes place you still get a glimpse of quiet Rachel and Kisten.
Ley Line Drifter: This story focuses on a run with Jenks and Bis (with a little help from Ivy). A book/series based on Jenks and Bis as partners on everyday runs is something I would pick up. I was entertained even without the usual main characters.
Million Dollar Baby: Kisten will always be my favorite from this series but Trent moves up a little more with each book. This story added to the Trent love. From accepting Jenks as a partner in his "Elf Quest" to the first look at his daughter, you cannot help but like the guy a little.

Beyond The Hollows
Pet Shop Boys: A mix of fairy and vampires. This is a series I would give a try. There was a enough here to make me want more.
Temson Estates: This was about dryads. It wasn't my favorite, but readable.
Spider Silk: This was another dryad short. I liked this one more than the previous. It was a nice mix of dryad (reminded me of a mischievous fay) with a family history that was passed down in bedtime stories.
Grace: This was probably my favorite of the non-Hollow shorts. I loved the whole world. People with magical power over energy that can go terribly wrong if not caught early. I also really liked the characters that were introduced in this short.

Rating: 4

(arc) Book Review ~ Moonset

Moonset (Legacy of Moonset #1)
by Scott Tracey
published by Flux
expected release date: April 8, 2013
genre: YA, Paranormal, Supernatural
*received from publisher through  netGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Summary (Goodreads): Justin Daggett, his trouble-making sister, and their three orphan-witch friends have gotten themselves kicked out of high school. Again. Now they've ended up in Carrow Mills, New York, the town where their parents—members of the terrorist witch organization known as Moonset—began their evil experiments with the dark arts one generation ago.

When the siblings are accused of unleashing black magic on the town, Justin fights to prove their innocence. But tracking down the true culprit leads him to a terrifying discovery about Moonset’s past . . . and its deadly future.

My Thoughts:  Where to begin. I liked the sound of this story. I even liked most of the story. The problem I had was more with the influx of characters. It reached the point that there were too many and most were not needed. I think if the focus had stayed on the siblings and their handlers plus the "bad guy" warlock it would have been a smoother read and not quite so messy.
I liked where the story could have gone (or where it had been) rather than where it was. The little blurbs from the journals, history, and trials of Moonset were the most interesting parts of the book. I liked how by the end you were questioning who the real bad guys were, Moonset or the witches who defeated them. It made me want to have a book from the parents POV rather than children's. Since this is only told from Justin's POV the rest of the characters end up being kind of flat. There was a lot that could have been done with Jenna and her need to lash out and cause destruction where ever she goes. There was also a glimpse of promise to Bailey being an interesting character. I'm hoping this is explored in future books.
Overall, while this sounds like a book to pass on there is enough uniqueness and possibility to the story that I can see myself continuing with the series.

Rating: 3.5

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

The Unbound (The Archived #2)

by Victoria Schwab

published by Hyperion

expected release date: January 2014

genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal

Summary (Goodreads): Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Last summer, Mackenzie Bishop, a Keeper tasked with stopping violent Histories from escaping the Archive, almost lost her life to one. Now, as she starts her junior year at Hyde School, she's struggling to get her life back. But moving on isn't easy -- not when her dreams are haunted by what happened. She knows the past is past, knows it cannot hurt her, but it feels so real, and when her nightmares begin to creep into her waking hours, she starts to wonder if she's really safe. 

Meanwhile, people are vanishing without a trace, and the only thing they seem to have in common is Mackenzie. She's sure the Archive knows more than they are letting on, but before she can prove it, she becomes the prime suspect. And unless Mac can track down the real culprit, she'll lose everything, not only her role as Keeper, but her memories, and even her life. Can Mackenzie untangle the mystery before she herself unravels?

**I really enjoyed The Archived and it's uniqueness. Cannot wait to read this one.