Thursday 31 October 2013

Halloween Teasing - From Dust

For Halloween I'm teasing you all with a few sentences from the story From Dust by Laura Bickle, which can be found in the anthology Halloween: Magic, Mystery, and the Macabre. Which is a really great anthology I can tell you.


The crows never looked at us humans with any particular interest, but this one continued to caw, raising its wings in a hooded fashion. Wind ruffled its tail and it bobbed up and down at me, shrieking with all its might. It was as if it was trying to tell me something. Something that came from the very marrow of its light bones.

(page 338, From Dust by Laura Bickle)



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Wednesday 30 October 2013

The Dream Runner - Book Review


The Dream Runner (Dream Wars #1)
by Kerry Schafer

ebook, novella

What is it about:
What if you could order a custom dream? Any kind. Dark and twisted, sweet, sensual, or redemptive. For the right price, a dream runner will deliver one to your doorstep.

Jesse Davison skipped town the week she turned sixteen, with nothing but the clothes on her back and her father's vintage Indian Scout motorbike. She swore never to return to the town where in one night of tragedy she lost everything she ever loved.

When news of her estranged mother's death calls her home, she hopes for some time to sort out ten years of tangled emotions. But Jesse’s job doesn’t exactly allow personal days. She’s been forced into service as a runner by the Dream Merchant to pay back a debt for her own dream of revenge, and there are always orders to fill.

Struggling to figure out her mysterious inheritance is more than enough to get a girl down, and things get even worse when the man Jesse loathes—ex-boyfriend Will Alderson—shows up. But she soon discovers the person she’s been running from might just be the one she should be running towards. Too bad she’s been dreaming of killing him for the past ten years.


What did I think of it:
I fell in love with Kerry Schafer's Between, so when I was asked if I wanted to read and review The Dream Runner I jumped at the chance.

And it turned out Kerry Schafer wrote another story I could fall in love with.

The Dream Runner is the first in a series of 3 novellas and as such isn't a complete story: there are story lines left open. But that didn't stop this story from capturing me.

Schafer's writing is beautiful, and the story she tells in this novella is filled with darkness, heartbreak and hope. It touched me and made me hunger for more.

The idea of someone bringing customized dreams to those who ask for them is very intriguing, and i couldn't help wondering what dream I'd ask for if I had the opportunity to ask for my own customized dream.

All in all this is a beautiful story that temptingly hints at what is yet to come in the other two novellas. You can bet I will be getting my trotters on both of them, because I want more.

Why should you read it:
It's a well written, beautiful Urban Fantasy novella.


Buy from Amazon


Tuesday 29 October 2013

Teaser Tuesdays + Release Day Alert - Nancy Holzner

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This is a teaser and release day alert in one!


A roar went up. Werewolves rushed at me from all sides - running, vaulting over the bar. I went down. What a ridiculous way to die, I thought. Stomped to death by two dozen tipsy werewolves in stilettos.
(page 55, Bloodstone (Deadtown #3) by Nancy Holzner)

-----------------------------

I love this series, but I am behind on reading it. So I'm reading Bloodstone at the moment and Darklands next to try and catch up fast, because today it's the official release day of Hellhound, book 5 in the series:


Hellhound (Deadtown #5)
by Nancy Holzner


They call it Deadtown: the city’s quarantined section for its inhuman and undead residents. Most humans stay far from its borders—but Victory Vaughn, Boston’s only professional demon slayer, isn’t exactly human…

Boston’s zombies have suddenly become inexplicably violent—horror movie-style—resulting in a catastrophic all-out battle against humans. More troubling to Vicky is that she’s had dreams and visions of herself fighting alongside the demons. At least, she hopes they’re just visions—otherwise, that puts her on the front lines of the wrong side of the war.

Vicky’s not surprised to discover that Pryce, her demi-demon cousin and loathed adversary, is behind the outbreak of the zombie plague, having formed an unholy pact with the Old Ones. Now, as the violence escalates and alliances shift, Vicky knows she’s the only one who can stop the plague. Unless the pack of hellhounds on her trail finds her first.


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Monday 28 October 2013

The Cold Kiss of Death - Book Review


The Cold Kiss of Death (Spellcrackers.com #2)
by Suzanne McLeod


What is it about:
Being haunted by a ghost is the least of Genny’s problems: she’s also trying to deal with the witch neighbour who wants her evicted. Finn, her sort-of-Ex – and now her new boss – can’t quite decide whether he wants their relationship to be business or pleasure. And then there’s the queue of vamps inviting her to paint the town red; how long before they stop taking no for an answer?

Just when it seems things can’t get any worse a human friend is murdered using sidhe magic. Determined to hunt down the killer and needing help, she turns to one of London’s most capricious wylde fae and the seductive vampire Malik al-Khan.

But all too soon she realises she doesn’t know who she can trust – and now Genny’s the one being hunted, not just by the police, but by some of London’s most powerful and dangerous supernaturals.


What did I think of it:
I read the first book in this series a couple of years ago. Even though I really liked it, I just didn't get to buying book 2 until recently. In fact it was so long ago I read book 1, I decided to do a reread before picking up book 2 and discovered I liked it even better than the first time I read it. So with the events of The Sweet Scent of Blood fresh in my mind I dived into The Cold Kiss of Death.

And this is a really cool story.

Genny is trying to deal with the aftermath of the events from book 1 when she stumbles in on a crime scene and becomes suspect number one. From there on she has to run to stay alive and free. And being a murder suspect isn't even the worst of her problems I can tell you.

I loved how the fae community gets more depth in this book. McLeod uses existing mythology, but gives it her own (very interesting) spin. Some new fae were introduced and I especially liked Tavish, Genny's old flame.

But there was one character who overshadowed all others in my opinion: Malik al-Khan. I love Malik! He's mysterious, enigmatic and dangerous. Even if the story wasn't as good as it is, I would have kept reading to learn more about Malik.

Fortunately the story is very good. It's full of action, mystery and sneaky dealings. At one point in the story I didn't trust anyone anymore. Everyone seemed to have their own dark motives. I kept rooting for Genny to discover who she could trust and for her to stay alive.

All in all this is a great story and I will most definitely get my trotters on the other books in this series.

Why should you read it:
it's a cool and dark Urban Fantasy read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide


Sullivan's Holiday Book List


My owner helped me make a video to tell you about the books I think you should buy this Holiday season. And of course I managed to slip in a zombie book ;-)


Friday 25 October 2013

Kindling the Moon - Book Review


Kindling the Moon (Arcadia Bell #1)
by Jenn Bennett


What is it about:
Being the spawn of two infamous occultists (and alleged murderers) isn’t easy, but freewheeling magician Arcadia “Cady” Bell knows how to make the best of a crummy situation. After hiding out for seven years, she’s carved an incognito niche for herself slinging drinks at the demon-friendly Tambuku Tiki Lounge.

But she receives an ultimatum when unexpected surveillance footage of her notorious parents surfaces: either prove their innocence or surrender herself. Unfortunately, the only witness to the crimes was an elusive Æthyric demon, and Cady has no idea how to find it. She teams up with Lon Butler, an enigmatic demonologist with a special talent for sexual spells and an arcane library of priceless stolen grimoires. Their research soon escalates into a storm of conflict involving missing police evidence, the decadent Hellfire Club, a ruthless bounty hunter, and a powerful occult society that operates way outside the law. If Cady can’t clear her family name soon, she’ll be forced to sacrifice her own life . . . and no amount of running will save her this time.


What did I think of it:
In an attempt to at least get one TBR-orphan read this month I picked up Kindling the Moon from my tbr-pile.

And now I'm wondering why it took my so long to get to reading it!

This is such a cool read.

I fell in love with the setting and with Arcadia from the start. The world building is fun and original. And then Lon entered the stage and I was completely sold. Lon is gruff, grumpy, but strangely likeable. I loved getting to know him.

I also love how Lon, as the love interest, has a son who is also part of the story. I usually get annoyed by lead characters or love interests with children/wards, because those children are often only there for being cute or showing the vulnerable/softer side of the parent/sibling. Not so with Jupe. He's past the age to play the cute card. instead he's a teenager and a handful. I really like how he got included in the story and I'm actually hoping to see lots more of him in future books.

The action is almost non-stop and I almost couldn't put this book down. I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. All in all I finished this book in two days and that's only because I had previous engagements that I couldn't cancel in favor of reading.

So you can bet on it that I'll be getting my trotters on book 2 as soon as possible and that it won't end up as a TBR-Orphan.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome UF read with magicians and demons.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Thursday 24 October 2013

On McPig's Wishlist - World of Ash

You might know by now I'm a sucker for Post Apocalyptic settings, so it's probably no surprise I want to get my trotters on this book. It sounds so cool.


World of Ash
by Shauna Granger


There are two inherent truths in the world: life as we know it is over, and monsters are real.

The Pestas came in the night, spreading their pox, a deadly plague that decimated the population. Kat, one of the unlucky few who survived, is determined to get to her last living relative and find shelter from the pox that continues to devastate the world. When it mutates and becomes airborne, Kat is desperate to avoid people because staying alone might be her only chance to stay alive.

That is, until she meets Dylan. Dylan, with his easy smile and dark, curly hair, has nowhere to go and no one to live for. He convinces Kat there can be safety in numbers, that they can watch out for each other. So the unlikely couple set off together through the barren wasteland to find a new life – if they can survive the roaming Pestas, bands of wild, gun-toting children, and piles of burning, pox-ridden bodies.



Expected publication: December 2nd 2013

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Awaken - Book Review


Awaken (Abandon Trilogy #3)
by Meg Cabot


What is it about:
Death has her in his clutches. She doesn’t want him to let go.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera knew by accepting the love of John Hayden, she’d be forced to live forever in the one place she’s always dreaded most: the Underworld. The sacrifice seemed worth it, though, because it meant she could be with the boy she loves.

But now her happiness — and safety — are threatened, all because the Furies have discovered that John has broken one of their strictest rules: He revived a human soul.

If the balance between life and death isn’t fixed, both the Underworld and Pierce’s home back on earth will be wiped away. But there’s only one way to restore order. Someone has to die.


What did I think of it:
This is a very enjoyable read.

I will confess I read this book just after having read The Outside by Laura Bickle, and that made that I thought this book missed some bite. There are some tense moments, but compared to the grimness of my previous read they fell a bit flat.

That being said: I very much enjoyed this book. It's a worthy conclusion to a fun and intriguing trilogy. I think Cabot did a good job in re-imagining the myth of Persephone and Hades.

I liked how Pierce includes her friends in the action and doesn't run off alone (most of the times). I also liked how the roles are being reversed and Pierce becomes the one having to save John.

The thing that did bug me is the (recurring) theme of divorcees getting back together. Really: there's a reason people get divorced. Happy reunions are far and few between, yet YA seems to be full of them.

Overall I really did enjoy this book though and this whole trilogy deserves a spot on my keeper shelves to be reread in the future.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and cool Paranormal YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Teaser Tuesdays - Kindling the Moon

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


I remembered this, then told Lon the first honest thing that came to mind, "I've kissed an Earthbound, but I've never kissed a man with a mustache."
(page 172, Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett)


Monday 21 October 2013

Cold Blooded - Book Review


Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain #3)
by Amanda Carlson


What is it about:
Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious
skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...


What did I think of it:
This series is getting better and better.

Did I have my doubts about liking Jessica at the start of Full Blooded, I love her now. She's a cool and fun heroine even though she still seems a bit too powerful at times. I also really loved that Rourke had a bigger role in this book compared to the previous book. I think Jessica and Rourke make a perfect team and I very much enjoyed getting to know Rourke better. The scenes between Jessica and Rourke were my favorites I will confess.

The story is intense and full of action. Just when you think Jessica gets a chance to take stock of the situation and recover she and her friends are thrown into danger again. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book.

I like how not only Jessica is growing into her powers over the course of this series, but how other characters are developing and changing as well. Apart from Tyler (Jessica's brother, who I just don't like for some reason) I really like the team Jessica has surrounded herself with, and I'm curious what will happen next for them.

The ending was another major cliffhanger, but while this annoyed me a bit in the first book, I didn't mind it in Cold Blooded. It tells me the next book will be another cool, action-packed adventure and it hinted deliciously at the things and dangers yet to come.

Why should you read it:
It's a thrilling and cool Urban fantasy read


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Friday 18 October 2013

BirthMarked - Book Review


BirthMarked
by Maria Violante


What is it about:
Charlie Kale knows life isn't easy. But for the first time, this truck driver might have finally found her little piece of happiness. She's got it all—her big rig, friends, a great mentor, and a man about to join her on the road.

That is, until the good things in Charlie's life all fall apart, and she finds herself at the mercy of a sexy but mysterious gunman who claims to be a member of a secret order dedicated to fighting the supernatural monsters that filter over into our world.

She's given a choice—join up or die, and while the gunman might be insane, Charlie’s hell-bent on not dying.
Too bad it looks like that might not be an option.


What did I think of it:
This is a very cool read.

Charlie is a sympathetic heroine and the things that happen to her make that you root for her and want her to succeed. I like how she isn't a kick-ass heroine. She's an average woman who gets thrown into events she isn't prepared for.

I was pleasantly surprised by the secret order that Charlie gets roped into. In most stories secret orders who fight evil are all about being good and heroics and stuff like that. I liked that Violante shows that orders like that can have their negative and even dark sides. From bland oatmeal for breakfast and tiring lessons in self defense, to conspiracies that might get Charlie killed: the order is no picnic.

The story is suspenseful and interesting. I really liked Violante's take on superatural monsters. It was original and a bit creepy at times.

The ending is quite cliffhangery and there's lots of hints as to what might come next. I for one will keep an eye out for the sequel because I'm very curious what the future will bring for Charlie.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Urban Fantasy read.


Buy from:
Taliesin Publishing
Amazon Kindle
Barnes and Noble
Omnilit

Thursday 17 October 2013

On McPig's Wishlist - The Demon's Lexicon

I just read Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan and loved it. Apart from dying to read Untold, the sequel to Unspoken, I also really want to try the first book in The Demon's Lexicon series.

I'll be going to World Fantasy Con at the end of the month, where I'll be meeting Sarah Rees Brennan, so I should probably try to wait until then with buying any more of her books, so I can get signed copies.


The Demon's Lexicon (The Demon's Lexicon #1)
by Sarah Rees Brennan


Sixteen-year-old Nick and his brother, Alan, are always ready to run. Their father is dead, and their mother is crazy—she screams if Nick gets near her. She’s no help in protecting any of them from the deadly magicians who use demons to work their magic. The magicians want a charm that Nick’s mother stole—and they want it badly enough to kill. Alan is Nick’s partner in demon slaying and the only person he trusts in the world. So things get very scary and very complicated when Nick begins to suspect that everything Alan has told him about their father, their mother, their past, and what they are doing is a complete lie. . . .


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Wednesday 16 October 2013

Unspoken - Book Review


Unspoken (The Lynburn Legacy #1)
by Sarah Rees Brennan


What is it about:
Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?


What did I think of it:
I'm going to World Fantasy Con at the end of this month and I signed up for a so called KaffeeKlatsch (a talk with coffee and cookies) with Holly Black and Sarah Rees Brennan. I will confess having signed up because I was interested in meeting Holly Black, because I love both White Cat and The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. But I decided that if I was meeting Sarah Rees Brennan at that KaffeeKlatsch too I might as well try reading one of her books. So I ordered Unspoken.

This is such a great book!

I will confess I was completely swept of my feet and surprised in a very good way. Sarah Rees Brennan manages to combine humor with a really suspenseful and intense story.

This book had me rooting for Kami, laughing at her wit and kept me on the edge of my seat.

The idea of an imaginary friend suddenly turning out to be a real person was very intriguing and I liked how both Kami and Jared felt almost betrayed when they discovered the other was real and not just a voice in their head. Their reaction to each other felt believable and I loved reading how they try to come to terms with the existence of the other.

The other characters, like Kami's best friend Angela and their classmate Holly are really cool as well. I liked how Kami's friends actually played a big role in the story instead of being there just to compliment the heroine as is so often the case with best friends in YA.

The story itself is suspenseful and kept me guessing at what was going on. The suspense is lightened by the humor, but still I was totally engrossed in the mysterious things that were going on.

And the ending!

I want, no, need the next book!

Knowing that ordering it now will mean it will most probably arrive just before I leave for World Fantasy Con, I decided to be strong and wait, so I can buy a signed copy of Untold while also getting my copy of Unspoken signed.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and suspenseful Paranormal YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Tuesday 15 October 2013

Event Winner


the winner of the event wide giveaway has been picked and has responded to my email.

miki

She picked a book that wasn't really on my radar, but that does sound very intriguing. I might have to add it to my wishlist as well.

Winners of other giveaways are named in the original posts.
Some giveaways are still running, so enter those soon if you haven't already.

Thank to everyone who visited the event and commented!
I hope you will stick around and otherwise I might see you again at a future event.



Teaser Tuesdays - Monsters

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Between Dreams & Reality - Pearls Cast Before A McPig event is over, so back to teasing you all ;-)


"Safe?" He heard the whip of his fear. His arm tightened around the old man's neck. "I'm not safe. Leave me alone, all of you. Just stay away!"
(page 293, Monsters by Ilsa J. Bick)

Monday 14 October 2013

Horde - Early Book Review


Horde (Razorland #3)
by Ann Aguirre


What is it about:
The horde is coming.

Salvation is surrounded, monsters at the gates, and this time, they're not going away. When Deuce, Fade, Stalker and Tegan set out, the odds are against them. But the odds have been stacked against Deuce from the moment she was born. She might not be a Huntress anymore, but she doesn't run. With her knives in hand and her companions at her side, she will not falter, whether fighting for her life or Fade's love.

Ahead, the battle of a lifetime awaits. Freaks are everywhere, attacking settlements, setting up scouts, perimeters, and patrols. There hasn't been a war like this in centuries, and humans have forgotten how to stand and fight. Unless Deuce can lead them.

This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost hangs in the balance. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity.


What did I think of it:
You probably heard me rave about how much I love Enclave and Outpost. So I preordered Horde as soon as it was available on bookdepository. Imagine my joy when I won an ARC of Horde in a contest Ann Aguirre held on her Facebook page so I could read Horde early.

And Horde is so good!

When reading the end of Outpost, my first thought was: Horde is going to be epic!

And it is. It's full of hard decisions, battles, heartache and pain. It's dark and grim, but still Deuce doesn't give up. She fights for the things and people she holds dear.

I love Deuce. She's grown throughout this trilogy and is changing from the brat she was at the start of the first book into a woman who knows what she wants and who doesn't give up when obstacles get thrown in her way. That doesn't mean she's a hard-ass. She has her fears and doubts, but knowing people depend on her, she soldiers on, showing her vulnerability only to those she trusts.

And Fade!
The things he endured in Outpost had a large impact on him and his struggles against his fears and nightmares are heartbreaking. I loved how Aguirre wrote the relationship between Deuce and Fade, how Deuce doesn't quit when things get difficult between her and Fade. There are some really intense and emotional scenes between the two of them and I kept rooting for them to find a way back to each other.

The overall story line is as I said grim. There's a major confrontation brewing between humans and the horde and things are looking dicey for the humans. I like how Aguirre showed the harsh reality of war in this book. It's not all heroics. Victories are hard won and not without loss. This book is the most intense and grim of the three books in this trilogy I can tell you.

I can't tell you too much about the ending without being spoilery, but let me just say:

Wow!

This book is an epic and fitting conclusion to this trilogy and made me all emotional.

You can bet I will reread this whole trilogy regularly and I'm already looking forward to the next book by Ann Aguirre. She has become an auto-buy author I can tell you.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome and intense Post apocalyptic YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Expected publication: October 29th 2013

Sunday 13 October 2013

Cruel and Swift Instruments of Nature - Book Review


Cruel and Swift Instruments of Nature
by Edward Lange

ebook, short stories

What is it about:
A prehistoric beast wreaks havoc upon the cities of humanity. A man’s promise threatens to unravel the fabric of the universe. A college student is tormented by extra-terrestrials. A creature from another world kidnaps people for his monstrous art. An ancient roman legion sets sail on a voyage doomed from the start.
These are tales of horror and mystery, where worlds end and unholy desires are satisfied. Where dreams are shattered, and nightmares become real.


What did I think of it:
This is a very intriguing and disturbing collection of stories.

There are strange stories, disturbing stories, darkly humorous stories, but all of them are intriguing.

Lange has a very vivid way of describing the weird and horrific creatures and events that fill his stories. Even when what he is describing is something you have never encountered (and hopefully never will) I could easily picture it and I was drawn into the strange worlds he created.

As with every story collection there were stories I liked better than others and some that didn't work for me, but mostly I really liked this collection of dark and mysterious stories and I will have to investigate what other things Lange has written.

Why should you read it:
It's an intriguing collection of nightmarish stories.


Buy it here



Saturday 12 October 2013

Alien's Bride - Book Review by Voodoo Bride


Alien's Bride
by Yamila Abraham

ebook, novella

What is it about:
Kind-hearted Maritza is transported thousands of years into the future to be a bride for one of the malevolent aliens who has conquered earth. A sci-fi romance adventure for adults only!

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I will confess I almost put this book down when reading the first few pages. The writing at the start of the story is very wonky and illogical. But I soldiered on and the writing did get better further into the story.

The story itself is nice, although clearly a set up for the next book in my opinion. It didn't feel complete. I also thought the romance and erotica were too toned down. Although I was intrigued by the setting and world building they took up too much space. There could have been a bit less world building and more romance in my opinion. I liked the love/lust interest, but he didn't get enough screen time to really get a feel for him. There was another male character who got more screen time, I would have liked this to be the other way around.

All in all this story does have some really nice ideas, but would have worked better as a longer story where those things I missed now could have been explored. I will keep an eye out for other books by Abraham to see if future books will deliver on the promise I see in Alien's Bride.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice SciFi read.


Buy it here




Friday 11 October 2013

Maid of Secrets - Book Review


Maid of Secrets (Maids of Honor #1)
by Jennifer McGowan


What is it about:
Seventeen-year-old Meg Fellowes is a wry, resourceful thief forced to join an elite group of female spies in Queen Elizabeth’s Court. There she must solve a murder, save the Crown, and resist the one thing that will become her greatest freedom–and her deadliest peril.

For Meg and her fellow spies are not alone in their pursuit of the murderer who stalks Windsor Castle.

A young, mysterious Spanish courtier, Count Rafe de Martine, appears at every turn in the dark and scandal-filled corridors of the Queen’s summer palace. And though secrets and danger are Meg’s stock-in-trade, she’s never bargained on falling in love…


What did I think of it:
This is a nice read.

I really liked the setting and the idea of young women acting as spies for Queen Elizabeth. Meg is an interesting character, she's a bit too sure of herself at times, but overall she's a likeable heroine.

The story is intriguing and suspenseful, although a bit slow at times. There could have been a bit more action in my opinion to move the plot along. I also would have liked a few more scenes between Meg and Rafe to make their attraction to each other feel more believable.

But those grumblings aside this is an enjoyable and well written story. I really liked the interaction between Meg and the other maids and I'm hoping the future books in this series will switch to the point of view of the other maids because I'd like to find out more about some of them.

All in all I can advice this book to everyone who likes Historical YA and doesn't mind slow pacing. I will keep an eye out for the next book.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable Historical YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide



Thursday 10 October 2013

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown - Book Review


The Coldest Girl in Coldtown
by Holly Black


What is it about:
Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave.

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and Gavriel, a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.


What did I think of it:
I am in love with this book!

It has everything I love in a good Dystopian YA read: It's well written, has great world building, a lead character that I can root for and it's gritty and grim.

Tana is a great character. She isn't the 'special' heroine you see so often in Dystopian YA stories. She is insecure, makes mistakes, terrible things happen to her (And not just to others. Ok, she's lucky to survive the massacre that kills most of her friends, but that's about it.), but she keeps struggling on and manages to overcome the obstacles that keep getting thrown in her way.

And then there's Gavriel. He is such a cool character. The way Black writes him is incredible. I was intrigued by him and even if the story hadn't been as awesome as it is, I had wanted to keep reading to find out more about him.

Luckily though the story is absolutely awesome. It's intense, grim, gritty and had me on the edge of my seat. I started reading this book shortly before I had to go to work and had to put it down when I was several chapters in. I can tell you I counted the hours until the end of my workday so I could continue my reading.

There's only one negative thing I can say about this book: It's a standalone as far as I understand and that saddens me, because I could read lots more about these characters and this setting. So to get my fix I'll just have to reread this book often.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome Dystopian YA read with vampires.



Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide



Wednesday 9 October 2013

Countdown - Book Review


Countdown
by Michelle Rowen


What is it about:
3 seconds left to live. Once the countdown starts, it cannot be stopped.

2 pawns thrown into a brutal underground reality game.

Kira Jordan survived her family's murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis.

1 reason Kira will never, ever trust Rogan. Even though both their lives depend on it.

Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira's psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan's secrets prove evermore deadly, Kira's only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can't escape.

GAME OVER


What did I think of it:
I bought this book because it sounded like a YA version of The Running Man. It was only after I received the book that I found out it had been released earlier as an adult book and was now re-released after being rewritten for a YA audience. I haven't read the original story though, so for me it wasn't a problem.

And this is an entertaining read.

Both Kira and Rogan are interesting characters and it was easy to root for them. I did think the book missed bite though. For a story that is about a deadly game it wasn't very intense or suspenseful. Even when the last seconds of a challenge were counting down I never felt the pressure of failure press down on Kira and Rogan. I think that had to do with how the book was written, it was a bit too breezy in my opinion, it didn't get me emotionally involved.

But apart from that missing emotional attachment to the characters and story this is a cool read. It has an intriguing setting and there's lots of action. The breezy writing made that I finished the book in no time.

All in all this is a nice YA read and I might check out other books by Rowen in the future.

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining Dystopian YA read.


Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide



Tuesday 8 October 2013

Cold Blooded - Release Day Alert + Rafflecopter Giveaway

Today it's the release day of Cold Blooded.

I loved the first two books in this series and I'm waiting impatiently for my preordered copy of Cold Blooded to arrive.

Read what Cold Blooded is about below and don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.


Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain #3)
by Amanda Carlson


Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious
skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...







a Rafflecopter giveaway


Monday 7 October 2013

Rogue's Possession - Release Day Alert + Giveaway

Today is the release day of Rogue's Possession, book 2 in the Covenant of Thorns series.

We loved Rogue's Pawn, the first book in the series and were lucky to read Rogue's Possession early and loved it even more than the first book.

Really: it's so good! Just read the cover story below:


Rogue's Possession (Covenant of Thorns #2)
by Jeffe Kennedy


A human trapped in the world of Faerie, in possession of magic I could not control, I made a bargain for my life: to let the dangerously sensual fae noble known as Rogue sire my firstborn. And one does not break an oath with a fae. But no matter how greatly I desire him, I will not succumb. Not until I know what will happen to the child.

Though unable—or unwilling—to reveal the fate of human-fae offspring himself, Rogue accompanies me on my quest for answers. Along the way he agrees to teach me to harness my power, in exchange for a single kiss each day and sleeping by my side each night. Just as I am about to yield to temptation, I find myself in a deadly game of cat and mouse with an insane goddess. Now my search for the truth will lead me to the darkest of all Faerie secrets.


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Normally I would do a review to tempt you further into reading this awesome book, but because I was a Beta reader of Rogue's Possession and I'm not sure on the protocols of reviewing a book that you were a Beta reader for I have something else for you today:

A giveaway!

Jeffe was kind enough to provide the prize in this giveaway and it's a great one!

- To be entered for a chance to win a digital copy of either Rogue's Pawn or Rogue's Possession just leave a comment and a way to contact you.

Want a chance to get extra entries and win both books?

This is what you can do:



for 2 extra entries and a chance to win a digital copy of both Rogue's Pawn and Rogue's Possession:

- Post the following message on facebook, twitter or somewhere else together with the above picture or the cover and leave the link in the comments:

Releasing 10/7: Rogue's Possession by @jeffekennedy Find out more here: http://www.jeffekennedy.com/rogues-possession/


If anyone is creative enough to make their own Rogue's Possession picture to go along with the message I will even award 3 extra entries!

So go spread the news, enter the giveaway and maybe Rogue wil become your possession!


The winner is Mary!


Buy Rogue's Possession here