This Week's Reads

Fly Robin Fly
by eReSaW (DeviantArt)

Prism Cloud by Jeff Wheeler
Harbinger #4 (Goodreads)
**This may be the one I'm most worried about reading. For me book 1 is still the best but interested to see what happens to the two best friends.













**I haven't been reading much in the way of new books. A lot of rereads lately of some favorite series.

Thunderbird Falls by C.E. Murphy
Walker Papers #2 (Goodreads)
**It's been awhile since I read the early books in this series. I remember more of Joanne's story as the awesome shaman she was at the end rather than the events that brought her to that place.

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

This Week's Reads

Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: Down Town #1
(Goodreads)
**Dresden is one of my favorite main characters and I pick them up whenever I see them.

Gotham Academy, Vol. 2: Calamity by Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl
(Goodreads)
**One of the few lately that I enjoyed both the story and the graphics in Vol 1.













Catching up on my NetGalley dashboard:

Hidden Huntress by Danielle L Jensen
The Malediction Trilogy #2 (Goodreads)
**Book 1 was a 5 star read for me. Haven't seen much about book 2, hoping it is as good.

Shaman Rises by C.E. Murphy
The Walker Papers #9 (Goodreads)
**This is the last book in this series and I'm sorry to see it go. Not a lot of books/series out there about Shamanic warrior/healers.

Book Review ~ Raven Calls

Raven Calls (Walker Papers #7)

by C.E. Murphy
published by Luna
genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Mythology

Summary (Goodreads): Something wicked this way comes…

Suddenly, being bitten by a werewolf is the least of Joanne Walker’s problems.

Her personal life in turmoil, her job as a cop over, she’s been called to Ireland by the magic within her. And though Joanne’s skills have grown by leaps and bounds, Ireland’s magic is old and very powerful…

In fact, this is a case of unfinished business. Because the woman Joanne has come to Ireland to rescue is the woman who sacrificed everything for Joanne—the woman who died a year ago. Now, through a slip in time, she’s in thrall to a dark power and Joanne must battle darkness, time and the gods themselves to save her.

My Thoughts: I love books set in Ireland and this was no exception. This series has always leaned more towards the native american mythology part of Joanne's heritage. In this book we not only get that part but a huge influx of Celtic mythology mixed in.
There was a lot going on throughout this story. Saving Joanne's mom from becoming enthralled to the Master, a new magic user in Ireland, and lots of Gods or close to them. Gary is still one of my favorite side characters in any series and he plays a big part in this book.
Overall, lots of kick ass women, not just Joanne in this story. Not all were on the same side but still warriors. The werewolf bite became too much of a thing at times and I was glad when that was finished.  From the way the book ended Joanne won't be getting back to her romance anytime soon.

Rating: 4.5

Mini Reviews ~ Winter Moon

Winter Moon

by Mercedes Lackey, Tanith Lee, C.E. Murphy
published by Luna
genre: Adult, Anthology, Fantasy, 

Summary (Goodreads): 
Mercedes Lackey:
In an isolated land where the lure of the "Moontide" leads to shipwrecks, a woman is torn between obeying her father or her king. When she chooses to follow a Fool, she discovers magic she'd never expected . . . at a price that might be too high . . .

Tanith Lee:
Struggling under the curse of a dead comrade, Clirando, a warrior priestess unready to face the powers trapped within her, must face "The Heart of the Moon" to reveal what has been hidden . . .

C.E. Murphy:
In "Banshee Cries," ritual murders under a full moon lead Jo Walker to confront a Harbinger of Death. Maybe this "gift" she has is one she shouldn't ignore -- because the next life she has to save might be her own

My Thoughts: Moontide (M. Lackey) I've read a couple of Lackey's Five Hundred Kingdoms and though this takes place in the same world it does not have any of the fairy tale elements. The characters were all solid even with the shorter length. While I liked the story I was just as intrigued with the Grey Ladies and the magics created in this story.
The Heart of the Moon (T. Lee) First time reading this author and must say I cannot wait to read more. Clirando was a great female lead and proved she was kick ass right from the start.
Banshee Cries (C.E. Murphy) I love this series but somehow missed this short during the reading. I just finished Raven Calls which revolves around Joanne and her mother. There were references to this short so I had to find it to read.
After being so far into the series it was weird to go back to the beginning where Joanne is not a kick ass shaman and still struggling to believe in the magic that is a part of her.

Overall, I enjoyed all three of these stories. The only author I wasn't as familiar with was Tanith Lee and really enjoyed her writing. I'm looking forward to reading more from all of these authors.

Rating: 4

New Releases ~ week of 6/23/2014

*links go to Goodreads

A Sword Upon the Rose by Brenda Joyce (#2 Scottish Medieval)
Angelica's Smile by Andrea Camilleri (#17 Inspector Montalbano)
Back to School, Weird Kids Rule! by Dan Gutman (#3 My Weird School Special)
'Basil Instinct by Shelley Costa (#2 Italian Restaurant Mysteries)
Beautiful Distraction by Jess Michaels (#4 The Pleasure Wars)
Crimson Heart by Heather McCollum (#3 Highland Hearts)
Darkness Bound by J. T. Geissinger (#5 Night Prowler)
Death in Perspective by Larissa Reinhart (#4 Cherry Tucker Mysteries)
Drowned by Nichola Reilly (#1 Drowned)
Fire and Ice by Shannon Hale (#4 Spirit Animals)
Five Ways to Fall by K. A. Tucker (#4 Ten Tiny Breaths)
Hellsbane Hereafter by Paige Cuccaro (#4 Hellsbane)

Highlander Avenged by Laurin Wittig (#2 Guardians of the Targe)
In the End by Demitria Lunetta (#2 In the After)
License to Spill by Lisi Harrison (#2 Pretenders)
Little Knife by Leigh Bardugo (#2.6 Grisha Trilogy)
Love's A Witch by Roxy Mews (#2 Hart Clan Hybrids)
Miss Klute Is a Hoot! by Dan Gutman (#11 My Weirder School)
Murder on the Mediterranean by Alexander Campion (#5 Capucine Culinary Mystery)
Nine Lives to Die by Rita Mae Brown (#22 Mrs Murphy)
No River Too Wide by Emilie Richards (#3 Goddesses Anonymous)
Of Sorcery and Snow by Shelby Bach (#3 The Ever Afters)
Queen of Wands by Katee Robert (#3 Sanctify)

Rain by Amanda Sun (#3 The Paper Gods)
Rusty Nailed by Alice Clayton (#2 Cocktail)
Scandalize Me by Caitlin Crews (#2 Fifth Avenue Trilogy)
Shaman Rises by C E Murphy (#12 Walker Papers)
Shattered by Caris Roane (#3 Savage Chains)
Stay With Me by Alison Gaylin (#3 Brenna Spector)
Talking After Midnight by Dakota Cassidy (#3 Plum Orchard)
The Beekeeper's Ball by Susan Wiggs (#2 Bella Vista Chronicles)
The Hangman's Revolution by Eoin Colfer (#2 W.A.R.P.)
The Last Heir by Chuck Greaves (#3 Jack MacTaggart)
The Last Taxi Ride by A. X. Ahmad (#2 The Caretaker Trilogy)
The Odd Squad, King Karl  by Michael Fry #3 in The Odd Squad
The Promise by Robyn Carr (#5 Thunder Point)

The Saint by Tiffany Reisz (#5 The Original Sinners)
The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane by Sheila Roberts (#5 Life in Icicle Falls)
Thicker Than Water by Bruce Hale (#2 SCHOOL FOR S.P.I.E.S.)
Thirty-Two and a Half Complications by Denise Grover Swank (#5 Rose Gardner Mysteries)
Thorn Jack by Katherine Harbour (#1 Night and Nothing)
To Marry a Scottish Laird by Lynsay Sands (#2 English Bride in Scotland)
Ultimate Attack by Michael Spradlin (#4 Killer Species)
Unmasked: Volume 2 by Cassia Leo (#2 Unmasked)
Until We Touch by Susan Mallery (#15 Fools Gold)
Vixen in Velvet by Loretta Chase (#3 The Dressmakers)
When Day Breaks by Maya Banks (#9 The Kelly Series)
Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne (#7 Hope's Crossing)

Waiting on Wednesday ~ Shaman Rises

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.

Shaman Rises (Walker Papers #9)

by C.E. Murphy
published by Harlequin Luna
expected release date: June 24, 2014
genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Summary (Goodreads): For over a year, Joanne has been fighting the Master—the world's most abiding evil. 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 growth 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.

**Not crazy about this cover compared to the others in the series but still expect a good read and hoping I like the ending to this series.

New Releases ~ week of 2/18/2013

*Links go to Goodreads

Fuse by Julianna Baggott (#2 in Pure)

Eternal Vows by Rochelle Alers (#2 in Hideaway Wedding)
Dogstar Rising by Parker Bilal (#2 in Makana Mystery)
Neferet's Curse by Kristin Cast, P C Cast (#3 in House of Night Novellas)
Mind Games by Kiersten White (#1 in Mind Games)
Jealousy by Jessica Burkhart (#17 in Canterwood Crest)
Domino Falls by Tananarive Due (#2 in Devil's Wake)
The Libertine by Saskia Walker (#3 in Taskill Witches )
Fortress of Mist by Sigmund Brouwer (#2 in Merlin's Immortals)
Dead Suite by Wendy Roberts (#4 in Ghost Dusters)
The Woman Who Wouldn't Die by Colin Cotterill (#9 in Dr. Siri Paiboun)
The Sound of Broken Glass by Deborah Crombie (#15 in Duncan Kincaid / Gemma James)
Turning Point by Tiffany A. Snow (#3 in Kathleen Turner )

Mountain Echoes by C E Murphy (#8 in Walker Papers)
The Back Channel by John Scalzi (#6 in The Human Division)
Winter's Thaw by Mari Carr (#1 in Compass Girls)
The Accidental Prince by Michelle Willingham (#4 in Accidental)
Blood's Pride by Evie Manieri (#1 in Shattered Kingdoms)
The Canticle of Whispers by David Whitley (#3 in Agora Trilogy)
Elsewhens by Melanie Rawn (#2 in Glass Thorns)
Targets of Revenge by Jeffrey S Stephens (#3 in Jordan Sandor)

Book Review (Shorts) ~ A Fantasy Medley

A Fantasy Medley

edited by Yanni Kuznia

Published By Subterranean

Zen and the Art of Vampirism By Kelley Armstrong: Takes place in the Otherworld series. I loved this story of how Zoe Takano gets rid of two vampires who decided they were going to take over her city.

Riding the Shore of the River of Death By Kate Elliott: from Crown of Stars. I'm not familiar with the series or world this story takes place in. I started reading it and it did not hold my attention so I skipped ahead.

From Russia, with Love By CE Murphy: characters from Negotiator Trilogy. This is described as Janx and Daisani fighting for the affection of Baba Yaga's daughter. I found it to be more about how these two characters are intertwined with each other. It made me more curious to find out what happened between this story and where they are in the series.

Words Like Coins By Robin Hobb: This takes place in Farseer world. This was another where I wasn't familiar with the world and had trouble getting into.