Review: "Soulless" (Death Warden #1) by Amber Garr

Synopsis:

When it comes to death and love…only one is guaranteed.

Four decades ago Nora died. A tragic event for someone so young; however, four decades ago Nora was also given a second chance to walk among the living.

A Death Warden with a mysterious past, her job is to escort the newly expired towards the light, battling with the Soul Hunters who want the freshly dead to help with their own evil purposes buried in the dark.

When Nora’s charges suddenly become targets, she realizes that the hunters are after far more than just souls. A shift in power between good and evil threatens to change everything, risking the lives of the only family Nora has ever known.

Devastated and angry, she’s forced to face the man she once loved - a man who chose darkness over her - in order to find the answers she needs to stop the horror from escalating. Yet, while a lost relationship still haunts her broken heart, a new Warden with secrets of his own will enter the mix and quickly alter everything Nora believed to be true.

Death is unavoidable…but sometimes, so is love.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

I have no idea what it is about the afterlife that interests me: perhaps the idea of the unknown? Although I'm not that interested in finding out anytime soon lol. But seriously, I am liking the twist Ms Garr puts on her idea of the afterlife...it makes for a very interesting plot.

 

I just loved the so called "competition" between the Hunters and Wardens for souls. But not as much as Nora, our heroine, and Theron, the maybe antagonist, being on opposing sides! Especially with the two being former lovers; where else can you get drama this juicy? As I was saying, the rivalry almost seems better; at least you can decide to enter Heaven or Hell rather than the choice being taken from you (that's never fun).

The characters were alright: not extraordinary, but not horrible either. Charles was my favorite, though. He has the perfect timing for humor. Nora was a bit annoying when it came to Theron. I mean, he's the bad guy for the moment, so why are you meeting with him secretly? I get that she was with Theron for twenty-plus years, but your with Jason now, so stop stringing him along. Then again, I might do the same thing if I were in her shoes. Jason was adorable from the very first time he spoke with his southern twang. He and Nora are ridiculously cute!

  

My biggest complaint would be the length of this book: it's way too short. I wanted to see more of the plot and its development. It felt a bit too rushed for my liking. Also, I wanted more character development and romance build up. Other than that, it was a good paranormal read.

180 pages

Published August 23rd 2014 by Hallowed Ink Press

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?         Not bad. Worth a read

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Hallowed Ink Press)

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Review: "Dark Sacrifice" (Dark Paradise #2) by Angie Sandro

Synopsis:

 

A GIFT AND A CURSE

Mala LaCroix sees dead people—really. After using her psychic gifts to catch a killer, she's locked in a psych ward and must strike a deal with the devil to secure her release. Apprenticed to a dark arts practitioner, Mala vows to free herself and save her loved ones from danger. But she doesn't know who to turn to when her crush on Landry Prince turns into something more serious.

A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH

Landry has sacrificed everything to protect Mala. A near-death experience changes him forever, and now he, too, possesses supernatural powers he doesn't understand. Mala and Landry must band together to defeat the dark forces—both human and otherworldly—who would use their abilities for evil. Even as they fall for each other, they must prepare to battle for their very souls . . .

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

I have been impatiently waiting for the sequel to Dark Paradise for months now, and I finally had the chance to read it the other day. You all have no idea how eager I was to be immersed into the world Sandro has created once again, especially after the cliffhanger (that should be illegal) from the last book.
 

This book picks up where the last one ended, thankfully. On a side note, I dislike sequels that do a time skip from the previous book ending. Back to the story: honestly this book is better than the first, in my opinion. The story is progressing nicely, and has that certain "creep" factor that Sandro seems to pull of effortlessly. The reader soon discovers that the problems from the last book are far from over in book two. The situations the characters found themselves in were very grave.
 

Speaking of characters, there are some new ones introduced. Not to mention, the characters we know from the previous novel have matured a bit (thankfully). I'm glad to see Mala act her age and not her shoe size. Her back and forth indecisiveness was grating on my nerves, and I'm also glad she gave Landry another chance. Oh Landry...(swoon). I love him  so much. His protectiveness of Mala was sweet and it's good to see him taking responsibility for his less-than-stellar choices in the past. The overall togetherness of the two was amazing! I did indeed like their "special" scene (wink wink), as well as how they finally started working together like a team and admitted their feelings to each other. Enough with the mushy love stuff! Aunt Magnolia is so...wicked! I. Loved. It. She scares me, but I just love her character and her no nonsense attitude (she reminds me of my grandma).
 

So I'm really trying to not give too much of the plot away, but I didn't see that ending coming! And what is going on with Landry? I wonder what's going to happen next, and when Mala is going to turn into a bada** modern version of Marie Laveau? I'm still waiting and the anticipation for book 3 is killing me (in the most sweetest of ways).

 

352 pages

Published August 12th 2014 by Forever Yours
 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔
 

Recommend?    Most Definitely
  

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Forever Yours Publishing)

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Review: "Day 21" (The Hundred #2) by Kass Morgan

Synopsis:

No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now.
It's been 21 days since the hundred landed on Earth. They're the only humans to set foot on the planet in centuries...or so they thought. Facing an unknown enemy, Wells attempts to keep the group together. Clarke strikes out for Mount Weather, in search of other Colonists, while Bellamy is determined to rescue his sister, no matter the cost. And back on the ship, Glass faces an unthinkable choice between the love of her life and life itself.
In this pulse-pounding sequel to Kass Morgan's The 100, secrets are revealed, beliefs are challenged, and relationships are tested. And the hundred will struggle to survive the only way they can -- together.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

 

My Review:

 

I know that this has recently become a show on the CW, although I personally have not watched it. I'm still a bit confused, as I had seen the television previews and they had hinted at mutated creatures eating the people--so naturally I was morbidly curious.

 

This is the sequel to the original book. Do I think it's better than the first book? Yes and No. Yes, because the story seemed to be getting somewhere and the characters didn't irk me as much. No, because of the predictability factor.

I honestly just can't with these characters; they're hypocrites--all of them! Clarke especially just irritates me. I really detest her self-righteousness and her thumbing her nose at everyone else's shortcomings. Especially when it came to Wells; she's a huge hypocrite. How can she seriously blame him for the very things she's done once upon a time? Clarke should be the most understanding, but obviously she hasn't done much emotional growing. Bellamy is a sociopath. No one can convince me otherwise. Every other character is just as irritating somehow.

 

If you liked the first book, you'll  probably like this one. As stated earlier, I have not watched the television series so I haven't a clue as to how much of the show is based on the book. What I can say is that it doesn't seem to match the series previews I had seen months ago. Also, I don't think I will be continuing this series. Take that as you will.

 

320 pages

Expected publication: September 16th 2014 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Rating:  🔔 🔔

Recommend?   No. It's a great premise, but it lacks adequate character

                             development.

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Little Brown Books)

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Review: "Empire of Sin: A Story of Sex, Jazz, Murder, and the Battle for Modern New Orleans" by Gary Krist

Synopsis:

Empire of Sin re-creates the remarkable story of New Orleans’ thirty-years war against itself, pitting the city’s elite “better half” against its powerful and long-entrenched underworld of vice, perversity, and crime. This early-20th-century battle centers on one man: Tom Anderson, the undisputed czar of the city's Storyville vice district, who fights desperately to keep his empire intact as it faces onslaughts from all sides. Surrounding him are the stories of flamboyant prostitutes, crusading moral reformers, dissolute jazzmen, ruthless Mafiosi, venal politicians, and one extremely violent serial killer, all battling for primacy in a wild and wicked city unlike any other in the world.

                                                                                                       *(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

 

In one of my rare non-fiction moods, I decided to read Empire of Sin. For all of you out there, you either love or hate history; I myself love it as long as it interests me. And New Orleans is no exception.

I don't know what it is about New Orleans that attracts so many people; maybe it's the voodoo/hoodoo heritage, the French/Spanish architecture, or perhaps the Gator Gumbo! Whatever the reason, prepare to learn some really interesting history of the Crescent City covering about thirty years around the turn of the century. Gary Krist seems to have really done his homework on everyone's favorite mysterious city (or at least my favorite). You'll turn these pages faster than you can say "Marie LaVeau".

432 pages

Expected publication: October 28th 2014 by Crown

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔  

Recommend?  Especially if you favor history, but even if you don't you  

                            might like this book.

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Review: "Love by Design" by Evie Knight

Synopsis:

Rules are meant to be broken… only, he chooses which ones to break.

Renowned, self-taught baker Tristan James has everything going for him. Great friends. Women. Business success. His ultimate goal is to host his own TV show. All is perfect… until Mandy walks into his life. Tristan fears she’ll make him unearth the secrets he keeps.

She plays by the rules.

Amanda Roberts dreams of becoming a famous shoe designer, but her insecurities stand between her and her dream. She’s ready to give up when Tristan dares her to pursue her goal. Falling prey to his charms isn’t something she counts on, yet it’s unavoidable.

As their dreams finally become a reality, they must choose between love or the opportunity of a lifetime.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

This was a cute little love story. By "little" I mean it was actually too short in my opinion (and I don't mean the rapper). It is somewhat of a good thing since this story didn't need to be any more drawn out than necessary. Overall, the book had a lot of potential that was a bit wasted if you ask me.

 

It seemed to be a story of never-ending drama. Every two seconds, Tristan and Mandy seemed to be getting into a squabble over something. Usually you wouldn't see a major argument until the climax of the story, but in here the arguments are EVERYWHERE! And they are quite inane, by the way.

The story itself felt way too rushed. The pacing was off and not enough build up. The numerous conflicts just seemed to spring up out of nowhere and become major issues for the characters, and then be resolved just as quick. The plot was also predictable.

It was difficult for me to connect with the characters because they were so silly and not written with enough depth. It felt more like the author was "telling" about the characters, rather than "showing" me and letting me feel their emotions. The best part is probably the sex scenes...pretty sensual.

I really would like to give this book a higher rating, but it needs some work. As I said before, it had potential but didn't really act upon it correctly.

224 pages

Published July 16th 2014 by ILwR

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔  

Recommend?    It is average at best.

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Review: "Isis, Vampires and Ghosts - Oh My!" (The Other World) by Janis Hill

Synopsis:

When Stephanie Anders discovers her estranged, wild-child little sister has died and she must attend her funeral, she discovers that Estella’s death is not necessarily as terminal as she had been lead to believe and that, rather than dead, her sister is more of the undead variety. Too late to save her sister’s life, Stephanie Anders must now try to save her soul from the vampire who has possessed her, Branwyre, eighteenth vampire Lord of the Aegean.

With only the aid of the ghost of a pissed-off Buddhist monk with a potty mouth, and the modern day Priestess of Isis, Stephanie must battle demons and other denizens of a world she knows nothing about. Even her first task, to recover Branwyre’s crucible if she is to succeed in banishing the vampire before he has regained his full strength, is not what it seems.

But dealing with a demon, or double-binding a vampire in a sunbed pales in comparison to learning how to forgive her sister for what she did, especially if she is to have even half a chance of saving her soul.

Welcome to a world within our own, the Other World. A place of Darkness and Light; where gods, vampires, demons, and ghosts wage a constant struggle for survival.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

I am under the impression that this is a stand alone novel, or at the very least the only book in a series. Which, coincidentally, is kind of a bummer since I actually want to read more of this story. There were a few grammar mistakes that I caught, but it didn't really take away from the story, in my opinion. This book is most definitely a melting pot of what you would see in today's paranormal series. The whole Isis/vampire thing did sound interesting, yet unconventional.

 

The protagonist, Stephanie, is your everyday funny and sarcastic older sister. Except she is not one to be trifled with. I loved her humor and overall caustic reactions to everything; it's just how I would react if it were me. She totally owned the demons she went up against- I mean some serious butt kicking! Trishna, the ghostly not-so-Buddhist monk, was also a riot but he had a serious potty mouth; I feel like I need to scrub both his mouth and my ears with soap. Stephanie's sister, Estella, wasn't so bad wasn't so bad once you got to meet her, and I'm pleased that she redeemed herself in the reader's eyes. The High Priestess was, thankfully, not as uptight as I would have imagined, and was, eerily, like a mind reader.

 

The best part of this book was probably the characters. The setting just didn't really draw my attention as much. There is no romantic love interest, so don't expect one. The only focal relationship you read about, is that of Stephanie and Estella. Admittedly, I cried tears of joy when Stephanie finally forgave Estella for her past mistakes years ago. Be warned that this book contains a whole new level of swear words and phrases than your average everyday cuss words. I just might say these one day...

 

Favorite Quote:

 

"What did she want me to say? That, yes, Santa really was real and if she was a good little High Priestess this year she was going to get a new shiny red bike?" - Stephanie

 

Expected publication: August 30th 2014 by Hague Publishing

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?   I liked it, but it may not be other people's cup of tea

 

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Hague Publishing)

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Review: "Try Me On for Size" by Stephanie Haefner

Synopsis:

 

A sexy, laugh-out-loud love story about a woman trying to save her failing lingerie business with a new product - personal massagers - made to the specs of the spokesman of her choice! But when she falls for the first model she meets, how can she prove she's his perfect fit?

With their business in trouble, Mia and Bryn must pull out all the stops to save their shop. Things get sticky when Mia, owner of Classy n' Sassy Lingerie, has to go on five blind "dates" to find the right model for the big marketing plan that will save the store. But they aren't your ordinary blind dates. Mia has to test out the "goods" to find the perfect spokespenis - the model for Classy n' Sassy's newest line of lifelike dildos.

Not realizing Mia is on a mission, Oliver Christensen approaches her in a bar and Mia mistakes him for model #1. Oliver decides to play along. But just how far is he willing to take this charade in order to get closer to Mia? And what happens if Mia's Blind Date #1 turns out to be The One?

(*summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

 

My Review:

 

This stand alone novel is super cute! I had an inkling that this book was going to be good, so I am glad that it delivered what it promised. The story was goofy and funny, and has a romantic angle I have yet to read about or see in the movies. I wonder if anyone has

 

The characters were relatable, as well as likable. I especially liked Mia's best friend Bryn; she was hilarious and so down-to-earth. I'm a little envious, as I wish I had a BFF like Bryn; she was supportive of Mia, but put her in her place when the situation called for it. I liked Mia and her humor, but when it came to relationships and what she expects out of them and her romantic partner, she was a tad too unrealistic with expecting perfection. Why should she expect a 100% perfect man when she's only an 80% perfect woman? If a man is that perfect, he will look for an equally perfect woman- which she is not. Besides, perfection is overrated, and no such thing exists when dealing with people- at least in my opinion.

 

However, Oliver should have never lied in the first place; although I'm not sure if he and Mia would have ever happened otherwise. His almost fiancé and "baby mama", Alexiana, was such a witch (replace the "w" with a "b"). The combination of her fake pregnancy, blackmailing and public humiliation of Oliver was too much to bear. Speaking of which, I never understood why in books the son/daughter choose to stay with their partner, who makes them unhappy, in order to please their parents or keep them happy. I totally get that Oliver just didn't want to worry and disappoint his mother, but if she really loved him, she would be happy as long as he is happy. I am so glad that happened to be the case.

 

This novel reminded me that family can be overrated. A lot of people these days say "family this and family that", but I believe that loyalty makes you family; blood makes you related. Mia and Oliver were seriously facing their own versions of this within their own family. I was glad to see that Mia had a backbone early on, and not cave to the pressure her family was putting on her; I was absolutely floored by that! Mia's sister was incredibly selfish; so much that I was flabbergasted the blatancy of it.

 

Thankfully everyone received their karma and pretty much everything was resolved. I teared up near the end, so expect to too- even if you're the Tin Man! The sexual scenes were steamy and a-plenty; definitely drool-worthy. I still think Mia and Bryn's business venture was ingenious- why didn't I think of that? Anyways, this was a really cute book with some great humor. I liked it a lot.

 

Favorite Quotes:

 

"An hour earlier, she may have been stupid enough to think she could still be apart of this family, but she certainly has smartened up. She'd taken all she could and wouldn't be making the same mistake again."

 

"Are talking about this Oliver?" A male customer in line asked. "Cause, honey, with a body like that, you're either a lesbian or a big fat liar".

 

"I'm famished," Mia said snagging a snack and a kiss from Oliver.

"Lucky bitch," the guy at the front of the line mumbled. Mia turned and met his sly grin.

"You know it!"

 

288 pages

Published August 11th 2014 by Pocket Star

 

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?    A good and funny read! Oh yeah!

 

 

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Pocket Star)

 

 

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Review: "To This Day" by Shane Koyczan

Synopsis:
 

An authentic rallying cry for anyone who has been affected by bullying.

In February 2013, Shane Koyczan's passionate anti-bullying poem "To This Day" electrified the world. An animated video of the lyric narrative went viral, racking up over 12 million hits to date and inspiring an international movement against bullying in schools. Shane later performed the piece to sustained applause on the stage of the 2013 annual TED Conference.

Now this extraordinary work has been adapted into an equally moving and visually arresting book. Thirty international artists, as diverse as they are talented, have been inspired to create exceptional art to accompany "To This Day." Each page is a vibrant collage of images, colors and words that will resonate powerfully with anyone who has experienced bullying themselves, whether as a victim, observer, or participant.

Born of Shane's own experiences of being bullied as a child, "To This Day" expresses the profound and lasting effect of bullying on an individual, while affirming the strength and inner resources that allow people to move beyond the experience. A heartfelt preface and afterword, along with resources for kids affected by bullying, make this book an invaluable centerpiece of the anti-bullying movement.
*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:
 

Although not my usual fiction novel, this was an amazing poetry book about bullying. The poetry is spoken word, specifically, and as a lifelong Shel Silverstein fan and former victim of bullying, I felt that I must put this book on my blog. It's a little tearful (at least it was for me) and has an incredibly great message for everyone.
 

While reading, I was reminded of my childhood and how much of what those bullies said still affect me today. Although I am told that I am pretty and I have a size 4 hour-glass figure, it's hard for me to believe because I still remember being called ugly and fat and still hold that insecurity. The sad thing is that bullying doesn't stop at grade 12, it continues at college, the workplace, where you live etc. It's everywhere, just a bit more subtle-sometimes.
 

The illustrations portray the feelings of inadequacy very well and I loved some of the quotes in the book. On a side note, I never understood why people said the age-old saying "Sticks and stones...". Also the author has a YouTube video performing the poem, so check it out!

Favorite Quotes:
 

"I told her 'Whenever I'm sad my grandmother gives me karate chops', this led to a full scale investigation and I was removed from the house for three days..."
 

"I'm not the only kid who grew up this way, surrounded by people who used to say that rhyme about sticks and stones as if sticks and stones hurt more than the names we get called, and we get called them all"
 

"So broken heart strings bled the blues as we tried to empty ourselves so we would feel nothing. Don't tell me that hurts less than a broken bone; that ingrown life is something surgeons can cut away; that there's no way it can metastasize; it does."
 

72 pages

Expected publication: September 2nd 2014 by Annick Press

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔
 

Recommend?   Everyone has been bullied at some time in their life. I

                             strongly suggest a read.

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Annick Press)

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Review: "Deadly Tasting" (Winemaker Detective Mysteries #4) by Jean-Pierre Alaux & Noel Balen

Synopsis:

 

A serial killer is on the loose in Bordeaux. A local chief detective calls wine expert Benjamin Cooker to the crime scene of a brutal murder. The killer has left a strange calling card: twelve wine glasses lined up in a semi-circle with the first one filled with wine. Cooker is charged with the task of identifying the fabulous grand cru and is astonished by what he learns. A second victim is found, with two glasses filled. Is the killer intentionally leaving clues about his victims and his motives? Memories are jogged about the complicated history of Bordeaux during Nazi occupation. It was a dark time: weinfuhrers ruled the wine trade, while collaborationists and paramilitary organizations spread terror throughout the region. In present-day wine country, time is running out. Will Cooker and his young assistant Virgile solve the mystery before all twelve glasses are full?

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:
 

Although not the first in the series, it is the first is the series that I have read. It is a rather quick story steeped in history, specifically World War II. It had a whole lot of info I did not know of, and that is really saying something. Main character Benjamin may be a connoisseur of wine, but I'm a connoisseur of WWI and II facts.
 

This was a nice detective story in the most unusual way-it all started with wine, Petrus to be exact. The killer's "calling card" was incredibly ingenious, and a small part of me was hoping he got all 12 of his victims and wouldn't get caught. Especially when the M.O was revealed at the very end of the book (My grandfather was Jewish, so it struck a nerve).

 

Benjamin is seriously dedicated to uncovering all the clues and catching this killer. And his assistant was pretty swell as well. The writing was great and the humor especially made me giggle, even if it was corny. It was interesting to learn that the French had a hand in the Holocaust as well, which no one ever talks about. Although the French would rather portray themselves as victims. I'm not hating since I'm of French descent as well LOL. The ending was somber, though, which is appropriate after the shocking revelation at the end.

Favorite Quote:
 

"Elizabeth had cut a large head of cabbage, four slivers of garlic, six large onions, a dozen peeled tomatoes, six carrots, two green peppers, and one stalk of celery and plunged them into three quarts of water with three cubes of fat-free chicken broth. The mixture, seasoned with salt, pepper, curry powder, and parsley, had been boiled for ten minutes and then simmered until all the vegetables were tender."

140 pages

Expected publication: October 14th 2014 by Le French Book

Rating: 🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔

Recommend?  It's a good book. I recommend it.

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Le French Book)

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Review: "The Secrets of Life and Death" by Rebecca Alexander

Synopsis:

 

In modern day England, Professor Felix Guichard is called in to identify occult symbols found on the corpse of a young girl. His investigation brings him in contact with a mysterious woman, Jackdaw Hammond, who guards a monumental secret--She's Dead. Or she would be, were it not for magic which has artificially extended her life. But someone else knows her secret. Someone very old and very powerful, who won't rest until they've taken the magic that keeps her alive....
In Krakow in 1585, Dr John Dee, the Elizabethan Alchemist and Occultist, and his assistant Edward Kelley have been summoned by the King of Poland to save the life of his niece, the infamous Countess Elisabeth Bathory. But they soon realize that the only thing worse than the Countess' malady, is the magic that might be able to save her...
As Jackdaw and Felix race to uncover the truth about the person hunting her, it becomes clear that the answers they seek can only be found in the ancient diary of John Dee's assistant, Edward Kelley. Together they must solve a mystery centuries in the making, or die trying.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

This book started off with a bang! I'm starting to notice a pattern, though: lately, books have been based on some historical event. This one is based on the murderess Countess Elizabeth Bathory. I've been secretly stalking this book for months now, as it wasn't available in the U.S until recently. Every thing about this book was amazing: the characters, the setting, the premise, the dog (I'm just kidding about that last one...kind of).

I loved that one of the primary settings was in Transylvania-I've always wanted to go there! Transylvania doesn't disappoint, with it's gypsies, bloodsuckers and witches; it's uber spooky! The story jumps back and forth between the past and present-which I liked because the author chooses to lead the reader to all the magnificent discoveries and unveilings by writing this way. In the beginning of each "past" chapter, is a journal entry by Edward Kelley.

The characters were relatable for the most part, and I really got to know them by the end of the book. Sadie was annoying with her incessant whining and schemes. I kept thinking "you must want to die". Felix was pretty cool and thank God, not a total douche (you never know with characters these days!). I felt bad for Felix, though; he's a victim to a cheater of an ex-wife who's also an opportunist, in my opinion. Jack was also super cool. My favorite character is Ches, "man's best friend". Who can resist an adorable doggy? Doctor Dee and Edward Kelley were just foolish- they should have known the ritual they performed was demonic when Edward started spouting demon names! All I know is, Edward should have been exorcised stat!

The ending was bittersweet and realistic. I'm not sure how there could have been a happily-ever-after anyways. I was pleased to see the parents of Sadie and Jack get closure for the pain they have endured. I'm still scratching my head over the countess' death- how was she not able to handle the fire elemental if she's possessed  by an evil entity? I have no idea, but the book was good.

Favorite Quotes:

"He may try to wrap himself in the blessings of Rome," he whispered, "but the Bathorys are cursed. Why else would he need a sorcerer's spells and talismans? You know the Devil's own magical letters, that is why you were invited here."

I stepped back from the reach of the man's stink. "We have been blessed by angels who have spoken wisdoms to us," I said, with some anger, "Those angels affirmed that Jesus was the son of God."

"And demons cannot lie?" he chuckled.

"Witchcraft?" I was appalled of the idea. While as a man, I might dabble in powerful natural forces such as alchemy, everyone knows witches attract the devil himself with the sinfulness of the female nature.

He smiled without mirth, "God may direct me there, and I pray that he does. But you, sir, are guided by Satan himself, if you create an undead queen for these lands."

384 pages

Expected publication: October 7th 2014 by Broadway Books

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?   If you don't mind the presence of the supernatural, then

                            yes.

 

(ARC courtesy of Broadway Books and Net Galley)

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Review: "The Lazarus Prophecy" by F.G. Cottam

Synopsis:

Prime Suspect meets The Da Vinci Code in this original, suspenseful thriller.
There is a killer loose on the streets of London, one that evades security cameras, is not held by locks, and savagely mutilates his victims. When the murderer switches from unknown prostitutes to Julie Longmuir, a beautiful actress at the height of her success, no woman feels safe.

As the press begin to draw uncomfortable comparisons with Jack the Ripper, Jane Sullivan, heading up the police investigation, grudgingly has to agree. But the religious writing, scrawled on the wall in Julie Longmuir’s blood, is outside Jane’s area of expertise. Roping in Jacob Prior, a disillusioned theologian, they attempt to pick apart the demonic delusions of this Ripper copycat. They must act quickly, as events are spiraling out of control, and Jane is next on the killer’s list.

Jane will be tested beyond the limits of standard police work, as the esoteric insinuates itself into the investigation. For events are linked to the clandestine Priory in the Pyrenees, the home of a secret Christian sect that pre-dates the Knights Templar. Jane and Jacob are faced with a deeper mystery than they had ever dreamed of; are they simply dealing with a psychopath, or is this something bigger, is this The End of Days?*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

 

The Lazarus Prophecy proves to be a thrilling ride for the reader. It features the Jack the Ripper legend with a supernatural twist, and is multi POV. I kept having heart palpitations and thinking who was next to be killed, every time the POV changed to a brand new character.

As a detective murder-mystery, discovering the clues was pretty fun; in a non-morbid way. The tie in with the Catholic priests and the new Ripper killings was out of this world. I definitely didn't see it coming.

 

I liked the chemistry between Jacob and Jane; the banter was very playful and engaging. All throughout the story, I wasn't sure how the author was going to wrap it all up nice and neat; this is a demon they are dealing with after all, and this is not the show Supernatural. However the book ended pretty good. I really enjoyed it.

 

Favorite Quote:

"Since I won't have the pleasure of doing so myself, please extend my farewells to Madame Reynard"

"Go to hell" - Jacob

Expected publication: September 9th 2014 by Bloomsbury

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  Yes Please

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Bloomsbury Publishing)

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Review: "Children of the Morning" by Shanna Lauffey

Synopsis:

The Time Shifters are in danger. Someone wants what they have and are willing to kill if necessary to get it.

Akalya couldn’t hide in the past forever. The time has come to untangle the threads of a conspiracy so sinister that her very life hangs in the balance, as well as the lives of all of her kind.

Compelled by her promise to help Marcus, the half-breed, to learn to control his abilities, Akalya is conflicted by the need to go underground to elude the rich entrepreneur who continues to seek out others of her kind that even Akalya doesn’t know about, and the mysterious researcher working behind the scenes who already came too close to dissecting her best friend.

Akalya cannot leave, but she cannot stay. Most of all she must see that no more of her kind breed mutants like Marcus, who could become a danger to them all.
*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

Thankfully this book was longer than its predecessor, so we get to see more of the characters and story. The writing is pretty good as well, however I wish there was more dialogue between the characters.

The story progresses very nicely, and we get to see more of the antagonists and their true intentions. I was glad to see more of Marcus and learn a little more about him. The introduction of new characters was well done, and kind of cool. I envy Akalya's ability to time travel.

 

Speaking of which, the further explanation of this story's time travel is becoming intriguing; I'm looking forward to learning more. The story is seriously demonstrating how people would condemn and defile those who have abilities. On another note, this novella series reminds me of The Tomorrow People and Jumper.

Published July 20th 2014

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?  Yeah, it's a good series

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Review: "Time Shifters" by Shanna Lauffey

Synopsis:

 

An ancient people who can move through time or space...

A secret that never should have been revealed...

One day in a Los Angeles restaurant, Akalya of the Harekaiian witnesses the capture of several of her people and is the only one to get away. Now it is up to her to rescue the captives and learn how... and why... they are being apprehended.

The key lies in discovering who is behind the hunt for her people, when no one should have known they existed.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

This novella series was actually really good. I was immediately drawn into the world of time travel. The plot kept me interested and consistently thickened, and the writing was pretty well done; I have no complaints. I also enjoyed that the setting was based in California; specifically Los Angeles. I am a native Californian, by the way.

The lead, Akalya, is pretty selfless and goodhearted. I don't know if I could have been as risky as her. Marcus was also really interesting; every scene with him was like heaven. However I hope to see more scenes and interaction between him and Akalya.

The twist Shanna Lauffey puts on time travel was quite creative yet realistic. Superpowers aren't usually written with limitations or consequences these days, so seeing it in this book was surprising in a good way. My only complaint with this book is the length: it was too short and I wanted more.

 

Favorite Quote:

"It is difficult to believe in anything spiritual when you have too much science, yet I have seen things that defy explanation by what is known." -Akalya

94 pages

Published March 2014

 

Rating:🔔🔔🔔🔔 

Recommend?  Most definitely

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Review: "The Querulous Effect" by Arkay Jones

Synopsis:

 

WANTED:
Enthusiastic young assistant to help with top secret experiments
Must like animals – and insects
Must be fast worker and team player
ENQUIRE WITHIN

When Jay, on holiday in 'boring' Frimpton, sees an advertisement seeking a young assistant to help with 'top secret experiments', he could never have guessed that it will lead him on a quest that will take him from rural England to deep within the Arctic Circle.

Along the way, Jay meets Professor Theobald Ricardo and makes new friends, the studious Tim and Ella with her faithful terrier, Chip. Together, the three children encounter a range of engaging characters and face many exciting and scary experiences. As problems mount from the Professor’s secret experiments they leave the safety of England in an attempt to solve the mystery of the Querulous Effect.
*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

A cute, children's adventure story demonstrating that not all new discoveries are without danger.  The characters were endearing, and even the antagonist (who later becomes a protagonist) is as well. The adventure was nice, however I don't know how they traveled to Iceland and Greenland without their parents noticing (mine would). The ending was ambiguous which made it all the better. I learned a little more in the science area thanks to this book. The title is peculiar, and upon reading the book I understood the significance of it.

117 pages

Published June 25th 2014 by Matador

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  For all children

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Matador Publishing)

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Review: "The Crow: Pestilence" by Drew Moss

Synopsis:

 

Juarez, Mexico. A young boxer, Salvador, refuses to take a fall, but has no problem taking a vicious drug gang's pay-off. When they take their lethal revenge on Salvador and his family, he returns as THE CROW, in search of vengeance... and forgiveness.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

I was wondering if this graphic novel was in relation to the late Brandon Lee's movie The Crow. I did some digging and I was correct.

I have not seen the movie, nor read the original comics, but I did find this one to be decent. The cover art is what attracted my attention as per usual. I'm still trying to understand what Salvador was thinking in the first place, but other than that it is a decent revenge story.

There's a lot of gore in a Kill Bill fashion, not Saw. I am always a fan of "an eye for an eye".

 

80 pages

Expected publication: September 30th 2014 by IDW Publishing

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔

 

Recommend?  Some lifelong fans of The Crow may or may not like this

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and IDW Publishing)

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Review: "Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer" by Van Jensen & Dusty Higgins

Synopsis:

This puppet may not be a real boy... but he just might be a real hero! When bloodthirsty monsters invade Pinocchio's hometown and kill his father, Geppetto, Pinocchio discovers a new benefit to his magical nose: telling lies produces a never-ending supply of wooden stakes to combat the vampire hordes! Will Pinocchio be able to defeat these horrors, avenge his father, and save his friends? Now, for the first time, the complete trilogy is collected together in a single deluxe softcover edition. Jensen (Green Lantern Corps) and Higgins (Knights of the Living Dead) present a captivating blend of comedy, horror, romance, and adventure, rooted in the original Italian novel, but brought - as if by magic - to new life.

*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

This is probably the best graphic novel I have read. It's the perfect blend of humor, action, adventure, paranormal and the classic tale we all know. The premise is quite ingenious; I'm surprised no one thought of it.

 

I laughed so hard when reading this. The humor is just too good, but not "stupid funny", thankfully. All the characters were great-even the bad ones. I like that all the characters were more realistic. The whole book had a Buffy, Vampire Slayer vibe going on. If they don't put this graphic novel up on the big screen, I will be tremendously disappointed.

 

528 pages

Published June 24th 2014 by Top Shelf Productions

 

Rating:  🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  Great for a laugh or two.

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Top Shelf Productions)

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Review: "Darkness" by Erin Eveland

Synopsis:

 

One Girl. One Boy. And the Masters of Darkness. See the Shadow Creatures. They are everywhere. But you can't run from the shadows or the Masters who control them.

Catherine has been born with a supernatural power called Darkness. The Masters of Darkness have found her and it's just a matter of time before someone claims her.

An Interactive Novel
A QR Code starts the beginning of each chapter connecting the reader to specific art or music that ties into the mood and setting of the novel. Using the quick response code in print and eBook formatting, Darkness incorporates visual and sound to heighten the reading experience.
*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

 

My Review:

First and foremost, I haven't tried out the QR code thing. Embarrassing enough, I don't know how to activate it, so at a later date I will get back to you all about it.

Anyways, the premise was very interesting. I've actually heard that people can see the "shadow people" in real life. So naturally, I had to read this book. Aside from the characters, Darkness didn't let me down; it was engaging. I shouldn't have read this at night though, because I started feeling like I had the heebie-jeebies. I can officially state that I am now afraid of the shadow creatures.

I would give this book a higher rating, but the characters really drove it down a bit. I just could not understand their logic. Catherine and Nathan are a match made in heaven because both are incredibly naive and foolish. Nathan meets the mysterious man in black, and he immediately tells this guy a bunch of information about EVERYTHING! One would think you would stay away from a guy who's dangerous, talks of weilding darkness and wants you to call him "master". Nope. Not Nathan. Then you have Catherine, after Jorgen put a protection necklace on her, wants him to take it off because the "master" said he'll hurt Nathan if she keeps it on. Obviously the "master" has something to gain from the removal of the necklace. And then when she's safe, she wants to run back to the "master" to save Nathan. What a genius she is. You have to save yourself first before saving another...duh!

 

Aside from the irrtating writing of the characters, the book is really good. It's a little trippy though- like I went on a bad trip thanks to shrooms or LSD. The end battle was amazingly written, by the way.

320 pages

Published July 1st 2014 by Selladore Press

 

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  Of course

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Selladore Press)

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Review: "The Unforgivable Fix: A Justice Novel" by T.E. Woods

Synopsis:

 

The killer won’t come for you, you fool. He’ll come for me.

Detective Mort Grant of the Seattle PD has finally decided to sell. The home where he and his late wife raised two kids feels too large and too full of old memories. His son is married and raising a family of his own, and despite desperate efforts to find her, Mort has lost touch with his wayward daughter. That is, until the day she walks back into her childhood home and begs for his help.

For the last four years, Allie Grant has been the lover—and confidante, confessor, and counselor—of one of the world’s most powerful and deadly men. But a sudden, rash move has put Allie in the crosshairs of a ruthless Russian crime lord. Mort knows of only one place where Allie will be safe: with The Fixer.

As a hired desperado, The Fixer has killed twenty-three people—and Mort was complicit in her escape from the law. She has built an impregnable house, stocked it with state-of-the-art gear, armed it to the teeth, and locked herself away from the world. But even The Fixer may not be able to get justice for Allie when real evil comes knocking.*(summary courtesy of Goodreads)

My Review:

 

This book blew my expectations out of the water. I figured it would just be one huge "every character has drama" book.  Amazingly, it was like some rated M for mature Superman book. The female lead, Lydia, is successful psychiatrist by day; The Fixer by night (dun dun duunnn).

Story is pretty fast paced- maybe not with action, but the story itself is engrossing.  I had a hard time putting the book down (thankfully) as I was really interested on how "The Fixer" was going to teach the baddies a lesson in who's the MAN..ahem, WOMAN!

This was a good thriller full of unpredictable twists and turns and some serious revelations.  The characters grew on me, especially the ones I had taken an immediate disliking to in the beginning. I liked learning about what makes Lydia "tick" so to speak; and I don't mean the clock in her office at work! (Okay maybe that wasn't that funny).

At first Lydia seems cold and rigid, but you then see she has been hurt badly before psychologically, mentally and emotionally.  I love the cool mask of indifference she often displays; it's so fetch! Detective Mort is a major fool, I concluded.  Not only is he blind to his daughter's trickery and manipulation, he has the nerve to be upset with Lydia- which pissed me off. Detective Bauer is positively sizzling with his charm and rugged looks. Lydia better watch out before she becomes a chocolate chomper (someone who only dates black men). 

P.S: It's a shame about that stepfather allegedly abusing his stepdaughter. It reminds me of a certain wealthy man (cough cough S.C Johnson).

Expected publication: October 14th 2014 by Alibi

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

Recommend?  Yes.

 

(ARC courtesy of Net Galley and Alibi Publishing)

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