Review: Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

Title: Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse #13)

Author: Charlaine Harris
Publication Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Ace
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Library

There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie—and could destroy her heart...

Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough.

Dead Ever After is the final installment of the long running Sookie Stackhouse series. This series has been steadily going downhill for me for a while now but I knew that I wanted to finish it and get some closure. After the previous book, I didn't have very high expectations for this one.

After 13 books, Harris definitely had her work cut out for her. There were a lot of loose ends to figure out and you can never really please everyone with a series as popular as this. I expected Sookie to go out with a bang, but the ending surprised me .

The book starts when a body is found behind Merlotte's.  The body conveniently has a piece of Sookie's clothing on it and she becomes the number one suspect. Harris goes back into familiar territory here as Sookie tries to unravel the mystery, while trying to stay alive. A lot of characters pop up in this book. While some of them do add to the plot, I can't help but feel that some of them are there just to make a goodbye appearance.

Of course, the big question is - which guy does Sookie end up with? Without spoiling it I have to say that I am not surprised by the outcome. Harris has been hinting in the last few books which way this might go. I think a lot of fans might be disappointed but I didn't have a strong feeling about it. In many ways I think she ended up with the right person but I also would have been OK had it gone in another direction. I guess I just didn't have that much invested in Sookie's romantic life anymore.

While I was expecting some kind of epic ending for the series with revelations and battles galore, what I got was just another Sookie book. There were more guest appearances than usual by characters I imagine Harris wanted to say goodbye to but didn't have much bearing on the plot. Harris does wrap up the major plot points. For the most part though, it really didn't feel like an ending, but just another crazy day in Bon Temps. While I was a bit underwhelmed by the whole thing, I wasn't particularly upset about the ending. Would I have liked to have seen some things resolved differently? Sure, but this is Harris's baby, this is how she wanted to end it.

Even though I wasn't a huge fan of the last few books, I will always think of this series fondly, and am interested to see what Harris will do next.

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Visit the author online at www.charlaineharris.com and follow her blog.


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Angels' Blood - Review

Angels' Blood (A Guild Hunter Novel)
by Nalini Singh

Publication date: 3 March 2009 by Berkley 

ISBN 10/13: 0425226921/978-0425226926
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Category: Adult Urban Fantasy
Keywords: Angels, Vampires, paranormal romance
Format: Paperback, mass market paperback, eBook, audiobook
Source: Purchased

Synopsis from GoodReads:

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she is the best- but she does not know if even she is good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, Elena knows failure is not an option—even if the task is impossible.

Because this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other—and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt does not destroy her, succumbing to Raphael’s seductive touch just might. For when archangels play, mortals break. 


Review:

Yes, I'm late to the party.  Several people have repeatedly recommended Nalini Singh to me and for whatever reason I haven't read any of her books.  Finally, I dove in with Angels' Blood, the first book in the Guild Hunter series. Singh has created a twist on the typical vampire story.  Archangels are the ones who can create a vampire and in exchange the vampire must serve the angel for 100 years.  Of course, there are some vampires who want to get away and then vampire hunters must track them down.

Elena Deveraux is a highly skilled vampire hunter working for the Guild.  Raphael, the Archangel of New York City, arranges with the Guild to have Elena work on a special assignment.  Readers learn quickly that Raphael is temperamental and easily angered.  Elena recognizes that Raphael is likely to kill her in some manner at the end of her job or usefulness to him.  However, even recognizing that Raphael can kill her, Elena repeatedly finds ways to irritate him.

Angels' Blood draws readers in from the beginning.  In addition to finding Raphael and Elena interesting, there was excellent chemistry between the two.  Both are flawed in many ways which was part of my attraction to them.  There were numerous secondary characters that provided layers to the interactions and increased my interest in the story.

Overall, I really liked the book.  However, despite how sexy and attractive Raphael was, he was never my favorite character.  His arrogance and domineering behavior was often annoying, and I wasn't fond of how he treated Elena.  I wanted to like Raphael more and even at the end, I still had mixed feelings about him. Elena is strong on many levels but she is often left in the dark regarding who she is to hunt and why it is critical.  There are also several "skeletons" in her past that Singh refers to but never resolves in this book. I assume Singh deals with those issues further in future books.

One interesting thing about this book, I was pleased to see that it was more than your average Paranormal Romance.  I would probably actually classify this one as Urban Fantasy.  Please don't get me wrong, the romance in this book definitely has a "hot sexy" factor. However, the book wasn't just about the romance between Raphael and Elena.  Singh creates a balance between the general plot line of the book and the relationship between Elena and Raphael.

Would I recommend this book? Most definitely.  Who would I recommend this to? Anyone who is already a fan of Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance.  Additionally, I would recommend it to those looking for a twist on the typical angel or vampire stories that are out there.  I know I will continue with the series in order to see where it goes and how my questions might be answered in future books.

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Visit the author online at www.nalinisingh.com, her blog, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter @nalinisignh

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The Indigo Spell - Review

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) 
by Richelle Mead

Publication date: 26 Feb 2013 by Razorbill

ISBN 10/13: 159514319X | 9781595143198
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Category: Young Adult Paranormal Fiction
Keywords: Young adult, paranormal, vampires
Format: Hardcover, paperback, eBook, audiobook
Source: Bought

Synopsis from Goodreads:

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

Review:

YES. More Adrian and Sydney! The Bloodlines saga continues in The Indigo Spell, the third book in Richelle Mead's bloodlines series. The Indigo Spell picks up right after The Golden Lily's ending (thank goodness, too, since it was a bit of a cliffhanger). Sydney, in all her stubborn ways, is as determined as ever to avoid any romantic entanglements with Adrian and her innate magical abilities. Unfortunately, ignoring magic becomes impossible once she finds out that a powerful witch is in the area - one who sucks the youth and power from those with magical abilities - and must learn to use magic to protect herself.

It's no big secret that I am a huge fan of this series and The Indigo Spell does not disappoint. There's more intrigue and Sydney starts to find out more about the possible connection between the fanatical Warriors of Light and the Alchemists. This is very much Sydney's book. In the last two books she was still trying to figure out who she is and what she believes in. In The Indigo Spell, her beliefs are put to the test and she makes choices that have real consequences. She shows a lot of guts in this book and takes some big risks. There is also plenty of making out in this book (awesome) and Sydney finally acknowledges her feelings for Adrian (as if she could resist).

Adrian is as charming as ever. He's also especially sweet in this book and I love his method of "loving from afar." Adrian and Sydney are such a great team and complement each other so well. I think Sydney said it best when she said that Adrian was "perfectly imperfect." I think both of them are perfectly imperfect - for each other.

We also finally find out who Marcus Finch is and delve deeper into secrets of the Alchemists and Mead is the master of leaving you wanting more. It's good to see the rest of the gang again, too, though they take a backseat in this story. The only character I still don't understand is Angeline. Seriously - what is the point of her? All she does is cause trouble and is belligerent while doing it. I trust that Mead has a greater plan for her but, right now, I can't figure out what it could possibly be. 

If you're a fan of the Bloodlines series then you'll definitely enjoy The Indigo Spell. More mystery, more action, higher stakes and a great romance. I hope I don't go into Adrian withdrawal while I wait for The Fiery Heart to be released. 

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Visit the author online at www.richellemead.com and follow her on Twitter @RichelleMead


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The Golden Lily - Review

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) 
by Richelle Mead

Publication date: 12 June 2012 by Razorbill

ISBN 10/13: 1455508306 | 9781455508303
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Category: Young Adult Paranormal Fiction
Keywords: Young adult, paranormal, vampires
Format: Hardcover, paperback, eBook, audiobook
Source: Purchased

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

Review:

Sydney and the gang are back in The Golden Lily, the second installment in Richelle Mead's Bloodlines series. Adrian, Jill and Eddie - return with a few friends. Dmitri Belikov (yes, that Dmitri) and Sonya Karp (another former Strigoi) join the "family" in Palm Springs to do research on the possible effects of spirit and how it might be used to eradicate the threat of the Strigoi. There's also a new girl in the mix - Angeline, a dhampir with few social graces.

I am a such a huge fan of Richelle Mead. Her characters feel so real and genuine. They're usually far from perfect but they're likable you really want to root for them.

In The Golden Lily, Mead continues to peel back the layers of both Adrian and Sydney. She shows us where they come from and some of the forces that shaped each of them. I know a lot of people don't like Sydney very much but I can actually relate to her. Her position in the group isn't easy and the Alchemist attitude of fear and prejudice of magic is a hard one to break. But it's clear that she cares about her ragtag family and she takes a lot of risks to protect them. She's also pretty funny when she relaxes a little and is an extremely loyal friend.

Of course we can't forget Adrian. I think I fall for him a little more with each book. In The Golden Lily we get to see a much more vulnerable side to Adrian. He lets Sydney see parts of him that no one else sees. And while he still has self-destructive tendencies at times, he's really coming into his own. He is slowly evolving into the man I think we and Sydney believe he is. And that's someone who is smart, loyal, dependable and who loves to get under Sydney's skin.

I think Adrian and Sydney have great chemistry together, even if Sydney is a bit clueless most of the time. And yes, there is KISSING in this book. Finally! Of course it comes with a killer cliffhanger ending, but I'll take what I can get.

Though Sydney and Adrian were my favorite part of the book, it was also nice to see everyone again, especially Dmitri. Jill, who had tendency to be sort of whiny, wasn't so bad in this one. Of course there's a mystery to solve, one that leaves more questions than answers. Answers which I am hoping that Mead answers in the next two books.

Definitely loved this one. Things are really heating up and I cannot wait to read The Indigo Spell! Speaking of which, I think I shall go read it right now...

 

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Visit the author online at www.richellemead.com and follow her on Twitter @RichelleMead


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The Demon's Song - Review

The Demon's Song (Hearts of the Fallen #1)
by Kendra Leigh Castle

Publication date: 21 April 2013 by Entangled Publishing

ISBN 13: 9781622661817
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Category: Adult Paranormal Romance
Keywords: romance, fallen angles, vampires,
Format: eBook
Source: e-ARC received from Entangled Publishing

Synopsis from Entangled Publishing:

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. At least, that’s how it seems to Sofia Rivera when her attempt to help a friend ends in a blood-soaked confrontation with creatures that aren’t even supposed to exist. With a group of rogue vampires determined not to leave a single witness to their violence hot on her heels, Sofia finds herself saddled with an immortal bodyguard—Phenex, the fallen Angel of Song. While the vampire king roots out the corruption threatening to take down his underworld kingdom, Sofia will have to deal with a fallen angel whose dark beauty is often at odds with his ornery nature. Slowly, Sofia and Phenex give in to the strange attraction neither can deny. And as the darkness closes in around them, Phenex begins to wonder whether even the wickedest Fallen might find his own happy ending…and his heart.

Review:

One of the fastest ways that an author can wrap me up tightly in a story is to create characters that I like, care about, and want to know what happens to them.  Kendra Leigh Castle did exactly that in The Demon's Song.  I was 2 maybe 3 chapters in when I decided that I needed to know what was going to happen to Phenex (a Fallen Angel) and Sofia (a human).  The chemistry between the pair was there from the beginning and only continued to grow throughout the story.  There were also a lot of other characters that I liked and found interesting.  There were some that I would like to have gotten to know a lot better - like all of those other fallen angels hanging down in Terra Noctem.

Though I loved the characters in this story and also really enjoyed the romance between Phenex and Sofia, I occasionally felt that parts of the story went too fast or weren't fully developed.  At one point, I realized that I had happily (note...I really did mean happily) read 3/4 of the book but, aside from the relationship growing between Sofia and Phenex, the rest of the plot had kind of stalled.  In the last couple of chapters, lots of important action and drama seemed to be skipped over and the readers just end up at the end.  Granted, I love the ending.  It was perfect as far as I was concerned, but I would have liked to have a little more story fleshed out on the way to the ending.      

I firmly believe that an author needs to take her story in the direction that she sees fit.  Though I might agree or disagree with that direction, I tend to respect those decisions.  Fallen angels and romance aside, Castle has the potential to go much further with this series if she decided.  I couldn't help but feel that The Demon's Song and the Hearts of the Fallen series could develop into a great paranormal/urban fantasy series with an element of romance, rather than just a paranormal romance.  If I had a chance to sit down and talk with Castle, I would ask her a couple of questions about her thoughts on paranormal romance vs. urban fantasy.  Was she aiming for a really fun paranormal romance? Or was she targeting something more?  Not that I particularly want to lose the romance aspect, but with a great setting/world such as Terra Noctem and the potential for an amazing cast of characters and interesting creatures, I would be willing to go on that journey with Castle if she so desired.

As this was my first fallen angel romance novel, I am curious to explore other fallen angel stories and to also find out what happens in future Hearts of the Fallen books.  I would definitely recommend The Demon's Song to friends who are looking for a paranormal romance with a great hero and heroine.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the author online at www.kendraleighcastle.com and her blog and follow her on Twitter @kendralcastle

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Magic Bites - Review

Magic Bites (Kate Daniels #1) 

by Ilona Andrews

Publication date: 01 April 2007 by Ace

ISBN 10/13: 0441014895 | 9780441014897
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Category: Adult Urban Fantasy
Keywords: Urban fantasy, weres, shifters, vampires, mercenaries, magic
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook
Source: Purchased

Synopsis:

When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it arose, leaving all kinds of paranormal problems in its wake.

Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up these magical problems. But when Kate's guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta's magic circles.

The Masters of the Dead, necromancers who can control vampires, and the Pack, a paramilitary clan of shapechangers, blame each other for a series of bizarre killings—and the death of Kate's guardian may be part of the same mystery. Pressured by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she's way out of her league—but she wouldn't have it any other way.

Review:

I've had this book on my shelf for a couple of years now. It's been patiently waiting for me while I flitted about with other books, all the while biding its time. I have no valid excuse for why it took me this long to finally read it except for the fact that perhaps my unconscious brain knew how much I would like it and the obsession that would ensue and was allowing me time to fully prepare. Once I started, I simply could not stop and I read my way through five books in the series as well as one spin-off book in a little over a week.

Magic Bites drops us right into the middle of a future Atlanta where magic and technology fight for dominance and magic is winning. It's a world in which vampires and shapeshifters exist but where horses are a favored mode of transport. While there is a lot of information to process and it took me a while to remember all of it, I liked that Andrews is content to let the reader figure it out themselves. There's no obvious info-dumping and the world and its rules are revealed in a very natural way. I also liked her unique take on vampires. Instead of the glamorous, sexy creatures we're used to, they are horrible, grotesque creatures that are the stuff of nightmares.

Kate Daniels is one of my favorite urban fantasy heroines to date. If you looked up "badass" in the dictionary, you would probably find a picture of her. Kate is the first person to run into a fight, swinging her sword and smack-talking the whole way. The upbringing that honed her into a fierce fighter has left her with some emotional scars and she's not always the friendliest person. But there's more to Kate than meets they eye and she is extremely loyal and kind. She is also hiding a BIG SECRET which I am sure we will learn more about as the series goes on.

Now we get to Curran, aka the Beast Lord. He is arrogant but he has reason to be. Alpha of all of the shapeshifters, he is very powerful and protective of his people. He also annoys the hell out of Kate and she, in turn, is a thorn in his side. I don't know about you guys but insta-love is not my thing. I am all about the insta-hate, as my friends call it. I love it when two characters can't stand each other. If the level of dislike is any indication of how much chemistry two characters have, then Curran and Kate are combustible. Though there's no real romance in Magic Bites, you can feel it brewing and the fighting between Curran and Kate is just foreplay.

I really enjoyed immersing myself in this new world. The mystery was unexpected and smart, with lots of twists and turns along the way. If you like fantastic world building and kickass characters, then you need to read this series! I can't wait to see what trouble Kate gets into in the next book.

 

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Visit the author online at www.ilona-andrews.com and follow on Twitter @ilona_andrews and Facebook.


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Bloodlines - Review

Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

Publication date: 23 Aug 2011 by Razorbill

ISBN 10/13: 1595143173 | 9781595143174
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Category: Young Adult Paranormal/Mystery
Keywords: Paranormal, romance, Vampire Academy, vampires, alchemy
Format: Hardcover, paperback, eBook
Source: Purchased

Synopsis:

Blood doesn't lie...

Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning.

Review:

Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy was one of the first series that I really got into when I started to read YA books. I loved the world of the Moroi and Strigoi and the fact that Mead's characters weren't perfect and were fallible. Since then, Mead has become one of my favorite writers. From YA to urban fantasy to romance - if Richelle Mead writes it, I'll read it. However, I was hesitant to read Bloodlines because I was afraid that it would not be as good as VA. Sydney also wasn't my favorite character, which also added to my reluctance to start this series. But I finally decided to take the plunge and I am so glad I did because Bloodlines is so fun and absolutely addicting.

Bloodlines is told from the point of view of Syndney, the alchemist who aided Rose in Vampire Academy. Her actions have put her in hot water with the alchemists, who believe that she may be getting too friendly with the vampires. Sydney must prove her competence and loyalty on her new mission posing as the sister of Jill Mastrano, sister to Moroi queen Lissa Dragomir. Sydney moves to Palm Springs with Jill along with her guardian Eddie, and VA favorite Adrian Ivashkov.

I was never a huge fan of Sydney. While helpful in Vampire Academy, she always came off as sort of snobby and judgmental. In Bloodlines, we get to understand Sydney a little more and what originally came off as snobbishness is more likely attributed to social awkwardness. Living with the alchemists her entire life, she hasn't had much practice interacting with people her own age. She is also very uncomfortable around the vampires, having been told that they are evil and unnatural her whole life. But she isn't narrow minded and must reconcile what's she has been told with her own experiences with them. In many ways, she is the opposite from Rose. In other ways, she is very similar. She is smart, determined, protective, and every bit as fierce as Rose when it really counts. And I love that she doesn't let Adrian get away with things and calls him on his bullshit.

Now we get to Adrian, the partying playboy. While I felt bad for what happened with him in Vampire Academy, I have to admit that I have always been annoyed by his spoiled and self-indulgent attitude. While he hasn't changed in Bloodlines, there's a definite shift in him. I think we're finally starting to see some of Adrian's true potential come through. He and Sydney also have some great chemistry together. Unfortunately there wasn't a ton of romance in this one, just a lot of banter. And you know what that leads to. :) Mead is a master of drawing out the tension though and I am excited to see where their relationship goes.

The plot moved quickly with plenty of action and intrigue to keep things interesting. Even though I figured out the bad guy pretty early on, I still had fun watching it unfold.

I am so glad that I finally decided to read Bloodlines. I loved jumping back into the VA world and learning more about the alchemists and vampires. Richelle Mead has done it again. I am totally hooked on this series and can't wait to read the next installment. Bring on The Golden Lily!

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Visit the author online at www.richellemead.com and follow her on Twitter @RichelleMead

Archangel's Storm - Review

Archangel's Storm (Guild Hunter #5) 
by Nalini Singh

Publication date: 13 September 2012 by Berkley Sensation

ISBN 10/13: 0575119497 | 9780575119499
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Adult Paranormal Romance
Keywords: Paranormal, romance, angels, vampires, mystery
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook
Source: Purchased

Synopsis:

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

*Though I try to remain spoiler free, this review may contain spoilers for previous books in the series.*

Thuy's Review:

Nalini Singh is one of my favorite authors and I await each new book with baited breath. I was especially excited to read Jason’s story, as I have held a fascination for the angel ever since I first met him in the Guild Hunter series. I don’t know what it is, but there’s just something about the quiet, mysterious angel with wings of night that has always intrigued me. Singh has hinted as his dark past in previous books but, in Archangel’s Storm, we finally learn about the events that shaped him into the man he is today.

Jason’s love interest in the story is Mahiya, the illegitimate daughter of Neha’s consort Eris and her sister. Allowed to live as a tool to hurt Eris, Mahiya has never known love or much kindness. But she’s not mean or bitter, like most people might be. Despite her circumstances, she is still able to love and feel joy. While she isn’t a kick ass Hunter like Elena or some of Singh’s other heroines, she has an inner strength that makes her just as formidable.

Jason was all I expected and more. I can understand why Mahiya is drawn to his quiet and intense nature. Mahiya is right, Jason is a storm. Untameable and untameable, he is a force that Mahiya has no defense against. Singh has only hinted at his dark past before this and, in Archangel’s Storm, we finally learn about the tragic events that shaped him. There’s still a lot about Jason that is unknown though and I wish Singh had given us a little more about his past. I am really curious to know how he survived the events of his youth and how he became part of Raphael’s Seven. Also, Jason’s wings are my favorite out of all the angels.

The romance in this book was a little bit different that the other romances in the Guild Hunter books. Though I think Jason and Mahiya had an immediate attraction, their relationship is a slow burn rather than a big bang. Like the characters themselves, their romance is understated but still intense. As usual, Singh uses her skills to ratchet up the sexual tension until you’re just dying for them to get together.

I love the incredible worlds that Nalini Singh creates and it’s always so much fun to get back into them. It was great to see Guild Hunter faves Elena and Raphael as well as Venom, who has a substantial role in the story. I have never been a huge fan of Venom but, I have to say that he is growing on me. There are also quite a few scenes with Dimitri and Honor, which was nice to see, but did take me out of the story a bit. I know I am always waxing lyrical about Nalini Singh but I just love what she does. Now if she would only write a little faster. :)

 

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Visit the author online at www.nalinisingh.com and follow her on Twitter @NaliniSingh

Wicked As They Come - Review

Wicked As They Come (Blud #1) 
by Delilah S. Wilson

Publication date: 27 March 2012 by Pocket Books

ISBN 10/13: 1451657889 | 9781451657883
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Category: Adult Paranormal Romance/Steampunk
Keywords: Paranormal, romance, steampunk, vampires
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook
Source: Purchased

Synopsis:

When Tish Everett forces open the ruby locket she finds at an estate sale, she has no idea that a deliciously rakish Bludman has cast a spell just for her. She wakes up in a surreal world, where Criminy Stain, the dashing proprietor of a magical traveling circus, curiously awaits. At Criminy’s electric touch, Tish glimpses a tantalizing future, but she also foresees her ultimate doom. Before she can decide whether to risk her fate with the charming daredevil, the locket disappears, and with it, her only chance to return home. Tish and Criminy battle roaring sea monsters and thundering bludmares, vengeful ghosts and crooked Coppers in a treacherous race to recover the necklace from the evil Blud-hating Magistrate. But if they succeed, will Tish forsake her fanged suitor and return to her normal life, or will she take a chance on an unpredictable but dangerous destiny with the Bludman she’s coming to love?

Thuy's Review:

I have to be honest and say that I struggled to finish this one. While it had a really cool premise, I had trouble getting into the story and was never able to connect with any of the characters. The pacing of the book was also off, with an extremely slow start, and didn’t pick up until the middle of the book or so. Unfortunately by then, I had a lost a lot of interest and was just trying to get to the finish line.

The book starts off well enough with Tish finding a locket at an estate sale. When she goes to bed, she wakes up naked in a strange world that is similar to her own but also very different. Criminy Stain is there, a mysterious stranger who claims that he cast a spell to bring her to him. Tish must learn to survive in this new, dangerous world while trying to find a permanent way back to her own world.

I think my main problem was with the characters. I found Tish to be whiny and annoying for most of the book. She has two men fighting over her and I couldn’t understand why either of them was interested. Criminy Stain, is the Mad Hatter in this tale, with his magic tricks and enigmatic nature. But instead of charming, I found him to be somewhat patronizing and a little manic. And while I am sure that there are many women out there who would find Criminy swoon worthy, he did nothing for me. I do give him points though for his infinite patience when dealing with Tish. I probably would have left her on the side of the road for the bludbunnies the first chance I got. The book was also lacking in the romance department. I didn’t feel any spark or emotional connection between the two. Even the sex scenes weren’t very exciting.

That’s not to say that I didn’t like anything about the book. It’s clear that Dawson is a good writer and I found the world of Blud to be very unique and imaginative. Dawson’s vivid descriptions paint a dark new world filled with terrifying, bloodthirsty (literally) creatures and ruthless Pinkies and Coppers. The idea of an oppressed vampire race is definitely interesting and I found myself wanting to know more about the history of Sang. I’d also like to learn more about how Tish’s human world and Sang are able to exist at the same time and if there are other parallel worlds.

I wish this had been more to my liking but you can’t win them all, right? If you’re interested in really unique worlds and don’t mind so-so characters, you might enjoy this more than I did.

 

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Visit the author online at www.delilahpaints.blogspot.com and follow her on Twitter @DelilahSDawson


*FTC disclosure: I participate in the BookDepository & Amazon affiliate programs. Clicking on the link and making a purchase may result in revenue for this blog. Find our full disclosure policy here.

Once Burned - Review

Once Burned (Night Prince #1) by Jeaniene Frost

Publication date: 26 June 2012 by Avon Romance

ISBN 10/13: 006178320X | 9780061783203
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Category: Adult Paranormal Romance
Keywords: Paranormal, romance, vampires, Dracula
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook
Source: Purchased

Synopsis:

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person's darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude...until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world's most infamous vampire...

He's the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula. Vlad's ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

Review:

Fans of Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress Series have been clamoring for a Vlad book for a while now. When Frost announced last year that he would finally be getting his own story, I am think there was a collective squeal from Vlad lovers around the world. I was excited to see how Frost handled portraying the vampire from whom all other vampire legends derived.

This was a really fun book. I love Jeaniene Frost because her books are usually action packed, funny, and have some good steamy love scenes. Once Burned delivered on all counts. It wasn’t quite as funny as a Cat and Bones book but I think that’s only because Bones is such a cheeky character. I think Vlad is much more serious than Bones so the feel is a little more serious but still highly entertaining.

While Vlad has made many appearances in the Night Huntress series, his past has remained a bit of a mystery. In Once Burned, we learn about his past and the events that shaped him. Having lost everything before and been betrayed, he is wary to trust. But he is not as cold and ruthless as he seems. It’s obvious that he cares for Leila even if he won’t say it in so many words. There is a scene in which Leila gets into his head and sees him picking out what to wear in order to meet her family that made me go “awwww” a little.

I really, really liked Leila. She’s lived a lonely life, estranged from her family and unable to touch anyone. But she doesn’t wallow in self-pity and or invite sympathy. She’s tough and brave and extremely loyal, often putting herself in danger to help others. I love that she isn’t afraid to stand up to Vlad and calls him out when he’s acting like an arrogant ass. Her unusual powers are what initially make her intriguing to Vlad but it’s her compassionate and fiery nature that really draws him in. Since this is a Jeaniene Frost book, I expected the chemistry to be hot and I wasn’t disappointed.

There are also some fun secondary characters to keep things interesting. Maximus and Marty stand out the most and I do hope that Maximus finds a girlfriend one day soon. Cat and Bones make a very brief appearance, which is fun. Their scene is quite brief but it was nice to see them.

The only thing I was really disappointed in was the ending. For some reason I thought Vlad was just getting a book, not a whole series. But it looks like Frost has been contracted for at least two Vlad books. If you’ve read Cat and Bones then you know that Frost isn’t always the queen of closure and the ending of the book feels somewhat unfinished. Since I thought this was the only book, I was expecting it to wrap up neatly and was surprised at the abrupt ending. But that's my only real complaint. But other than that small issue, this book lived up to my expectations and more. Now I just have to be patient and wait for the next book to come out. :(

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Visit the author online at jeanienefrost.com and follow her on Twitter @Jeaniene_Frost

*FTC disclosure: I participate in the BookDepository & Amazon affiliate programs. Clicking on the link and making a purchase may result in revenue for this blog. Find our full disclosure policy here.

Deadlocked - Review

Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse #12) by Charlaine Harris

Publication date: 01 May 2012 by Ace

ISBN 10/13: 1937007448 | 9781937007447
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Category: Adult Urban Fantasy
Keywords: Urban fantasy, paranormal, mystery, vampires, shifters, weres, murder, fae
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Source: Library

Synopsis:

With Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), in town, it’s the worst possible time for a body to show up in Eric Northman’s front yard—especially the body of a woman whose blood he just drank.

Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.

Thuy's Review:

I think this is my least favorite Sookie Stackhouse book. Unlike a lot of people, I really enjoyed the previous book, Dead Reckoning. The series to me had been going downhill for the last few books. Perhaps Harris was losing steam or maybe I was just losing interest. But I felt like Dead Reckoning was finally getting the series back on track and I found myself once again engaged in Sookie’s world. So it was with anticipation and excitement that I opened up Deadlocked.

Unfortunately Deadlocked was not what I was hoping for. The first hundred pages or so were slow but I figured that the series has so many characters and crazy plot lines that Harris really needed to get us caught up with everyone. Finally they find a dead body and I thought, “Now things are going to start happening.” Only...they don’t. I mean, they do, but not in a way that moves the series forward. Like trying to walk through knee high wet sand, I felt like I was trudging through this book with little to show for my efforts. There were no sexy times, no fun times and even the murder mystery was uninteresting after awhile.

I also didn’t want to hear about every little detail of Sookie’s day. Sookie goes to the grocery store, she paints her nails, does the laundry, goes to work, goes to the grocery store again....You get the idea. Now I don’t mind a little taste of Sookie’s life. The series has always had little bits here and there about how Sookie goes about her day and I appreciate these small details. However, this book was filled with mundane tasks that added nothing to the story and only succeeded in boring me. And the endless recapping! Everyone was constantly recapping events to someone who wasn’t there who would then recap it to another person and then they’d go over it again themselves in case they missed something. I was almost hoping that someone would just send out a mass email or put it on Facebook to save me the trouble of reading it 5 different ways.

Now let’s talk romance, or the lack of it. I am in the minority here since I have always been Team Bill and that possibility died long ago. But that doesn’t mean that I want Sookie and Eric to go kaput. I actually like them together and it’s clear that they have strong feelings for each other, despite all the angst. Vampire politics once again rears its ugly head with Eric and Sookie caught in the middle. The politics only aid in showing how dysfunctional their relationship is and Eric has very little page time in this book. This book is also sadly lacking in any hot sex scenes. Perhaps Harris is slowly leading Sookie in another romantic path but the constant drama between Sookie and Eric is getting old and I find myself not caring one way or the other if they stay together or not. Sookie does have a few nice moments with Bill though I don’t think they’ll ever be together again (Bill, call me!). Sam is as faithful and true as ever and his taste in women still sucks.

The story finally picked up in the last few chapters but, by that point, I didn’t really care. This really felt like a filler book. I just finished it half an hour ago and already I am hard pressed to recall what happened in it. I am glad the series is coming to a close. I still love the series and the characters in it but I think Harris has done all she can with it and it’s time to move on. I look forward to seeing how Harris closes out the series and what the fate holds in store for Sookie and the rest of the Bon Temps gang.

 

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Visit the author online at www.charlaineharris.com 

A Discovery of Witches - Review

A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy #1) by Deborah Harkness

Publication date: 28 February 2011 by Viking Adult

ISBN 10/13: 0670022411 | 9780670022410
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Category: Adult Fiction
Keywords: Magical realism, witches, vampires, alchemy, magic, historical, romance
Format: Hardcover, paperback, eBook
Source: Purchased

From Goodreads:

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.

Review:

If you haven't heard of A Discovery of Witches, you've probably been living under a rock (a very nice rock I am sure). With its striking cover and the sheer size of the hardcover, it's really quite hard to miss. It's also gotten great reviews and a sequel is already set to be released this July. This is one of those books that I picked up a long time ago with every intention of reading, but never got around to. When my friends picked it for our book club selection for April, I was excited because it would really force me to sit down and start it.

Diana Bishop is a witch, descended from a long line of witches. But she's turned her back on her heritage and has instead dedicated her life to academic study. An American doing research in Oxford, Diana recalls an ancient manuscript from the depths of the Oxford library. She senses its magic but ignores it, getting the information she needs from it and sending it back. But this is a special manuscript, one that hasn't been seen in over a hundred years and Diana is the only one known to have been able to break its spell. Suddenly all manner of magical creatures start to appear in the library. Demons, witches and vampires all start to appear in alarming numbers. Diana also finds herself under the watchful eye of Matthew, an ancient vampire to whom Diana is inexplicably drawn.

This book surprised me - in a really good way. It's nothing like what I expected, though right now, I can't remember what I thought it was going to be about. Yes, there are witches. But there are also vampires and demons wrapped up in a story full of history, science, mystery, romance and magic. Yes, that's a lot of words but A Discovery of Witches has all of that and much more. I thought that this 600 page book would be a daunting read but I flew through it. I became wrapped up in the world and its characters and I didn't want to let go when the book ended. A Discovery of Witches takes you into a unique and magical world that you will want more of. Harkness's writing is excellent, full of intricate details and history that is still easy to digest. I do admit that some of the science and DNA stuff was over my head. But overall, I was able to grasp all of the scientific and historical information. The pacing was good, each section of the book flowing easily into the next. There is a large part of the book where the mystery of the manuscript takes a bit of a backseat. These sections of the book are about getting to know Diana and Matthew. Their romance is a large part of the book and I didn't mind getting swept up in their romance though some people maybe feel that this part is a bit slow.

This book also has a great cast of characters. I liked that Diana was a scholar and that she's very smart an independent. She also has a love of stretchy black pants and strong tea that I can relate to. She did frustrate me a little at times though when she refused to acknowledge her witch heritage. She's so intent on not using magic that she ignores what her instincts tell her. This willful ignorance almost gets her killed more than once. Though Diana's character started off strong, I think it did get a little weaker as the story progressed. Her transformation from studious academic to smitten girlfriend is pretty fast. I would have liked to have seen a little more of what her thought process was going through during the romance. I can't say I really blame her falling in love quickly though when it's Matthew we're talking about. Matthew, like any good vampire, is intense, predatory and infinitely charming. He's also a scientist and a scholar with a love of fine wine and yoga. I liked that he still appreciates life and the finer things in it even after having lived for so long.

There's a great cast of secondary characters as well. I loved kind Marthe, a fan of trashy mysteries. I also liked Matthew's mother Isabeau, who was intimidating at first but grows on you. I also felt like the settings and locations in the books were so rich and important to the story that they were almost characters as well. The first part of the book is set in Oxford and I really felt like I learned the campus and the libraries and even the neighborhoods around it. Matthew's castle in France is rich in history. I felt like I was walking through the castle with Diana and could feel the stone walls. And let's not forget the haunted farmhouse that Diana's aunts inhabit. That house really is a character, letting Diana and the other inhabitants know when it's upset or happy. It also lets them know when guests will be arriving and keeps items safe until the they are needed.

Overall I had a really great time reading this book. A great story with a great romance - what more could you ask for? Thank goodness July is almost here!

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Visit the author online at deborahharkness.com and follow her on Twitter @debharkness