Thursday, November 13, 2014
Book Review - Shadowed Threads by Shannon Mayer
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Book Review - Raising Innocence by Shannon Mayer
Raising Innocence
by. Shannon Mayer
If this was the first book in the series Rylee Adamson series I would not be continuing on. As it is, this is the third book in the series. Many series seems to have a time when they are a bit dried up, and you can see the writer struggling to continue the series. In Raising Innocence it seems that Mayer hit an period of adolescence instead.
She made completely irrational decisions in the plot, and then tried to backtrack and connect them to what has happened in the first two books - in most cases completely unsuccessfully.
The vulgarity is absolutely horrible in this book. While the series never was clean, it was at least semi appropriate. In this novel Rylee basically tells the reader that she is going to speak like she wants to, and screw anyone who does not like it.
Along the same lines Rylee's attitude has downgraded to that of a thirteen year old book with authority issues. Yes, she always had issues, but not to this degree.
The saving grace is that Mayer is able to put two words together without making the reader cringe - unless those two words are actually a whole string of unnecessary profanity. Even then it does no good unless the plot and charactors are worth investing time in reading.
I was so excited when the third book in the series finally came to Kindle Unlimited. Then I read it, and wished I would have just skipped to the fourth book. However, I would have probably had a hard time understanding what was going on in the fourth book since the third book took everything from the first two books and threw them out the window.
Overall, not impressed but hopeful that Mayer took feedback and improved in the forth book.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Book Review - Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Shiver
by Maggie Stiefvater
Monday, October 6, 2014
Book Review - Cupcakes, Trinkets, and other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic
by. Meghan Ciana Doidge
Rating - *** (3 stars)
This is a paranormal story that is not quite like most paranormal stories. For one, it is centered around a cupcake store. The owner is a part witch who believes she has no true skill with magic. Instead she focuses on baking the most amazing cupcakes (she even will bake up gluten free cookies, so the cupcake theme did not even loose the book a star).
For such a dark ending the writing was pretty light and easy going. It was a short and easy read. However, it was also an enjoyable one. I stayed up late just to finish the book, and was disappointed when it was done. I do eventually have plans to even go on and read the next book, which is about as high of praise as you can get.
Should you read it? If you like paranormal stories of any kind - then yes. If you do not, then you should probably give it a try anyway if it is still free. Either way just remember this is a great book for the beach, not one for really making you think. However, we need all kinds.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Book Review - Immune (Book 2 of Rylee Adamson Series) by Shannon Mayer
Immune
by Shannon Mayer
Rating **** (4 stars)
The second book in the Rylee Adamson series is a quick read. It picks up shortly after the ending of the first book. Except the tables are turned Rylee is no longer trying to flirt with O'Shea, in fact she is trying to do anything to get him to leave her alone. The thought of falling in love with him is freaking her out - I think even more then all the new advisories thrown in her way.
The second book is as good as the first, or even better. It is a light but fun read. I look forward to what is coming next. I feel a connection with Rylee, but some of the other characters could use a little more depth including O'Shea, however I have hope that will continue in the rest of the series.
If you are looking for a new series. Check this one out!
Monday, August 11, 2014
Book Review - Changeling's Crown
Changeling's Crown
By Juli D. Revezzo
Virtual Book Tour Dates: 8/12/14 – 8/19/14
Genres: New Adult Paranormal Romance (Sweet)
Tour Promo Price: $.99
Rating - ***1/2 (3 1/2 stars)
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was eager to read Changeling's Crown because I was drawn to the unique plot. Paranormal romance is so full of werwolves and vampires that having the main character be a fairy godmother seemed ingenious. The world continues to be unique with the main characters going between the land of the fairies and the human realm.
The writing of Changeling's Crown is great. The words flowed together well. They were not awkward in construction. I did not notice one awkward comma or even misspelled word - but I will admit that is not my major strength.
The characters are good. They could have used some build up and a bit more backstory earlier in the book to make them seem a bit more real. In truth it was the last few chapters where I really formed an emotional connection with them.
There is an adage in writing to show do not tell. Yet, I think this book could have benefited from a little more telling. The world is so different from what is in the mainstream market that a few sentences, or even paragraphs of backstory of the society and the main character earlier in the novel would have stopped me from having to always feel like I was having to play catch up and could really focus on the characters.
Overal, I really enjoyed the book. It is a fun light read that is different then most everything you will pick up.
Giveaway:
One winner will win an e-book copy of any title from Juli D. Revezzo backlist! See them all at http://julidrevezzo.com/julis-novels/ – Open internationally, must be 18 or over to enter. Enter through Rafflecopter.
Blurb:
When Ianthe began her career as a faery godmother, she stumbled so badly that Snow White will probably never speak to her again. After a long suspension, she’s finally been given a chance to redeem herself…but everything on this latest assignment is going wrong.
But why?
Worse, she definitely doesn’t need an attractive mortal man distracting her from her duties. Of course, needs and wants are two different things.
Briak has had his eye on Ianthe for a very, very long time, but he’s been waiting for just the right moment to make his move. Despite the fact all hell’s about to break loose on his watch, he can’t resist the opportunity to insert himself into her earthly assignment. Can he convince Ianthe of her true calling and thereby win her heart? Or will his subterfuge ultimately cost him her love?
See the book trailer on Youtube
Excerpt:
What had she said wrong?
“If Mallory cared about their relationship, would she’ve done something like this? I mean, she didn’t even check with us first.”
But [Briak] didn’t seem quite as annoyed as he should. Indeed, Ianthe thought he was amused.
“These things happen,” she said, watching her father [examine the sick mare]. The elder man muttered to himself and from the sound of it, Ianthe didn’t think he was coming up with good news for Snow White’s owner. “We’ll deal with it.” She frowned. “Who knows if you might not need to reschedule both?”
[Briak] glanced at her, worry wiggling deep into his eyes. “Yeah.” He cared about the horses if not so much the owner’s schedule. What a weird guy.
She reached out and smoothed a hand down his back. Briak relaxed a little and so did she. “She’ll be okay,” she said. “Daddy’s the best vet I know. Why don’t we get him some coffee? You don’t need to hover.”
“I’m not hovering.” A smile lit over Briak’s face for the first time. “Besides, we’re going to owe you a check for this. Come on inside and I’ll see to it.”
She laced her arm through his and tugged him to the doors. “Whatever you want to call it, I’m not going to refuse.”
Though he seemed reluctant to go, that he followed her, and she liked it, confused her. She didn’t need the distraction. What had she been thinking to suggest they go inside, away from the others? Maybe a little faery dust would make him go away—and knock sense into her.
He opened the office door for her, ushered her over the threshold, and disappeared into Randall’s office for a moment.
“Tell me about this group Mallory booked,” she called out.
“They’ve been here, I don’t know... Years,” Briak said. “I’ve seen them around the hospital now and then. Their coordinator said they work with the cancer patients.” He reemerged and handed her a check. “Hang on to this.”
“Daddy’s not finished his exam, yet,” Ianthe said.
“I trust your word. If you say he’s skilled, he’ll be worth the pay. Will this do?”
She glanced down at the check, studying Briak’s fine, clean script. He’d offered more than she suspected they paid their own veterinarian. “I can’t take this.”
He folded her hand around it. “It’s the least we can do. Keep it.”
She didn’t want to break his hold, but he soon moved away and she folded the check into her pocket.
“You wanted some coffee,” he said.
She nodded. “Please. I hear drumming circles can be a boon to good health,” she said, returning to the previous subject.
Briak shrugged. “I guess. You ask me, they’re loud.”
She smiled. “Drums tend to be.”
He retrieved a can from the cabinet. His hands unsteady, he spilled coffee grounds on the counter as he tried to fill the filter. Ianthe marched over and took the coffee can away. “Here, you’re making a mess. Let me.”
She took a spoon from the strainer and used it to scoop out more grounds. Briak shifted behind her and she felt his warm breath on her neck. She gulped and shut the basket. Turning to seek out water, she landed against Briak’s broad chest.
Ianthe blinked up at him, surprised, startled, and pleased all at once. “Hi.”
“Hi,” he said.
“I need to get the water if I’m going to finish this coffee.”
“How do we keep ending up like this?” he said in a soft voice.
About the Author:
Juli D. Revezzo is a Florida girl, with a love of fantasy, science fiction, and Arthurian legend, so much so she gained a B.A. in English and American Literature. She loves writing stories with fantastical elements whether it be a full-on fantasy, or a story set in this world-slightly askew. She has been published in short form in Eternal Haunted Summer, Dark Things II: Cat Crimes (a charity anthology for cat related charities), Luna Station Quarterly, Potnia, By Blood, Bone, and Blade (forthcoming charity anthologies by Biblioteca Alexandrina); Crossing the River, An Anthology in Honor of Sacred Journeys; The Scribing Ibis: An Anthology of Pagan Fiction in Honor of Thoth, and Twisted Dreams Magazine. She’s the author of The Antique Magic series and the Paranormal Romance Harshad Wars series.
She is a member of the Independent Author Network and the Magic Appreciation Tour. Come learn more about her at http://julidrevezzo.com
Author Links:
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Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Book Review - Priceless
Priceless
by Shannon Mayer
I have been trying to find another really good paranormal romance or urban fantasy series. While I love Patricia Briggs and Kim Harrison I can only reread the books so many times. The current market is so saturated that you are more likely to pick up a book that appears to be written by someone who did not even pass their sixth grade literature course. While I have my own difficulty with spelling and grammar, there is a point where you just can not ignore it.
I have had Priceless in my to be read pile for a long time. I picked it up when it was offered for free on Amazon. I was afraid of another horrible disappointment.
After the first chapter I knew that this was going to be a good series. The writing is good, not poetic literature like Dickens, but quality enough to get lost in the drama of the book. The characters are good, they are strong willed but mostly believable. There could have been some more development, but overall it was a great start. I foresee me happily reading through the rest of the books in the series.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Book Review - Bitten
Bitten
by Kelley Armstrong
Monday, July 14, 2014
Book Review - A Shade of Vampire
A Shade of Vampire
by Bella Forrest
A Shade of Vampire
Except, it was not all that great. The story is about a strong willed 17 year old who is kidnapped off a beach and taken to an island of vampires as a gift for a vampire prince who has slept for the last 400 years.
The plot has potential. The execution was that of a short story. There were hints of story line development, but nothing really teased out. The whole meet each other and fall instantly in love (which is close enough to what happens) is a bit over and done.
My mind is in a whirl about how many places this story could have gone, yet it did not even come close.
This is a first novel, and because of the reviews that I have heard I am more inclined to give the series another shot, and read the second book. I can see potential in the writing skills and plot development. My main concern is that this first book has so many amazing reviews, when it is not even close to being a five star book.
If you have it on your kindle you should read it, it will take you a couple hours at most. If you are thinking about paying eight dollars to get the paperback version I would strongly suggest that you see if you can get it through your local library or borrow it through Kindle Prime instead.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Book Review - Pale Demon
Pale Demon
by Kim Harrison
Pale Demon is the ninth book in the Hallows series by Kim Harrison. This book is almost a novella turned novel, meaning that the plot is more of a break in the story then the story itself.
Rachel is being shunned by the witch counsel and has to get to the west coast, except no one will let her fly (duh). As if by fate Trent needs help also getting to the west coast, and with everyone conspiring together they send Trent and Rachel off together.
While the two do not actually get together in this book, it does open up to the possibility in the future. I suppose I could see an eventual relationship happening clear back when they were surviving the explosion on the boat. The only problem is that Rachel is a whinny baby, and Trent is an idiot. With both of the strong personalities gone, it is really hard to care if they are together or not.
The ultimate twist at the end I had pegged as soon as Trent mentioned his quest, so it was not much of a surprise. The book was a bit better then the last in the series, but still missing the connection of the beginning of the series.
The Hallows Series
Book Four: A Fist Full of Charms
Book Five: A Few Demons More
Book Six: The Outlaw Demon Wails
Book Seven: White Witch, Black Curse
Book Nine: Pale Demon
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Book Review - Black Magic Sanction
Black Magic Sanction
by Kim Harrison
We are now eight books into the Hollows series. Eight books is a pretty good run before having the series begin a gradual decline into death. It is not that this book is bad, it is because this is the book where it starts getting old. This is the book where the characters stop changing. Jinks does not die, Rachel does not grow up, and Ivy becomes almost non existent.
At this point in the series you have already ran for the hills, or are so invested that you will see it out no matter what happens. There are limits to that - look at the Stephanie Plum series. But, with the soon to be released last book in the series (book number thirteen) it is worth holding on to see what else is in store.
Every series has not so great books. There is enough in this book to keep going, but nothing in this book to make it epic.
On a positive note Pierce starts to fade away after this book.
The Hallows Series
Book Four: A Fist Full of Charms
Book Five: A Few Demons More
Book Six: The Outlaw Demon Wails
Book Seven: White Witch, Black Curse
Monday, May 12, 2014
Book Review - White Witch, Black Curse
White Witch, Black Curse
by Kim Harrison
There is not a lot of series that can make it to the seventh book and leave you feeling like you are still at the beginning of a story. It is not that there is not progression. The main characters have developed a lot. It is more like you get to know them in real time, layer by layer. You get to see them come to self realization, and then realize that self realization was wrong. They develop and win a way in your heart, and allow you to relax from a long day of work and kids.
Of course, at the same time they are busy defending the city from banshees. I do find it funny that Rachel can interact with demons yet she is still terrified of banshees. As you continue on in the series you will once again see things being built off of this book. Yet, I am not sure if there is a book in this series where that is not the case. Point being, read these books in order. The order is below (not including the short stories).
The Hallows Series
Book Four: A Fist Full of Charms
Book Five: A Few Demons More
Book Six: The Outlaw Demon Wails
Book Seven: White Witch, Black Curse
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Book Review - The Outlaw Demon Wails
by Kim Harrison
Rating **** 1/4 (4 1/2 stars)
If you have already made it to the sixth book in a series you are pretty invested. I know I could not let go at this point - just look at the Stephanie Plum series. I think I made it to book eighteen (maybe I should not admit that).
So the question is - should you continue. Yep, hand down you should. The reason that Kim Harrison is such a great writer is that even her slow books are still good. This is not a slow book. Unlike some series you cannot start this mid series. If you have not read this series yet stop right now and go take a look at my review for book one - Dead Witch Walking.
This book lays the foundation for a twist in the series. We have been with Rachel for five books by now, we have a pretty good idea of who she is. Yet, there is still stuff that she does not know about herself.
The beauty of the plot twist is that you can go all the way back to book one and find evidence of it. Did Ms. Harrison have this planned out all along, or did she make the series change with the facts already presented? Honestly, I have no idea, nor does it matter if it all fits together. (It really bugs me when things to not fit). So, continue on. It gets even better from here.
The Hallows Series
Book Four: A Fist Full of Charms
Book Five: A Few Demons More
Book Six: The Outlaw Demon Wails
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Book Review - A Few Deamons More
A Few Demons More
by Kim Harrison
A Few Demons More is the fifth book in The Hallows series by Kim Harrison. While the fourth book was a bit of a disappointment, the series picked back up in this book.
The book began with a bang, or rather a possession. Rachel was being navigated by the only female demon, Newt. Newt has this memory problem, she has forgotten what she has remembered. The only thing she can remember is that Rachel has whatever she forgot. Throw in some problems with the focus that Rachel found in the last book, and you have a fast reading enjoyable novel.
I surfed through book five, and due to a bad mood with children I rushed onto book six before writing my review. When reviewing a series I really prefer to review before moving on, otherwise the series can be rushed together. Yet, for this book it is fitting. It bridges the not so greatness of book four and merges it with the awesomeness of book six.
So, if you have read this far in the series - do not stop now. If you have not, then check out the earlier books in the series.
The Hallows Series
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Book Review - A Fist Full of Charms
A Fist Full of Charms
by Kim Harrison
The Hallows Series
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Book Review - Every Which Way But Dead
Every Which Way But Dead
by Kim Harrison
This is the third book in The Hallows Series. If you have not already started the series, please check out my other reviews located on the bottom of this page.
It happens all to often that a series starts off fresh and then as you get a few books in the plot begins to get tired and the characters either loose a sense of who they started as, or are too boring and familiar. It is rare when the third book is even better then the first book - when the first book was already amazing.
The end of the second book was pretty climatic. Rachel has already beat her big bad guy, what can top that? How about a really great story. OK, there was a new villain also, something had the help build suspense. But the real gem of the story is the interplay between all the existing characters.
Trent, who is still a big bad guy, gets turned into a person with motivations behind his actions. The relationship between Ivy and Rachel become less death and more intimate. Jinks stakes his claim to being a real partner in the firm, by leaving. Nick is out, finally, and Kisten has moved in. A much better match then the little weasel.
Even a few new characters has entered into Rachel's family. This series is fantastic - seriously trust me - pick it up!
The Hallows Series
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Book Review - The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
by Kim Harrison
With a title like that you are almost guaranteed to have a paranormal book, or a horror book. Since I do not do horror (at all) you can rest assured that this is a paranormal book, urban fantasy to be specific. This is the second book in the Hallows series. If you have not read the first book then please read HERE first - since I may accidentally give spoilers of the first novel.
When this novel begins Rachael, or sassy tough as nails witch, is living in the church with Ivy, here against the norm vampire friend. Things are a bit rough, as in Rachael can not seem to get enough money to pay rent. I do not know, being the only person to survive a death threat by the IS seems like a good reason to hire her to me.
In this book the characters become more developed. Story lines that were started in the first novel had significance in this novel. I think this is a must of a talented series writer. There were a bit too many things that just magically appeared in this novel. However, I do not think that was lack of forethought by the author, more that there was just not enough space to include everything - especially in a first novel.
The writing is brilliant, the plot is integrate and does not just lead up to one ending and washes it's hand. There are several climatic points that lead up to one slightly more climatic point, that really just leads into the third book. This is annoying when you have to wait for the next book. This is amazing when the book has already been published. Thankfully for you, it has already been published - as well as many more in the series. So read a way. I would recommend having the third book on hand when you finish the second so you can jump right in. I did make myself wait to move on to the next book until I have written this review - so as soon as I am finished I get to start the next novel. Since this is at least my fifth time rereading the series, I also own the next book which is a bonus.
If you read the first book and enjoyed it, you will not be disappointed in the second book. At least as far as I have read, the series has yet to get stale at all. Since this is a series that depends heavily upon previous books I would suggest starting at the first novel. Do start, this series is epic (yes, I did just use that word). If that is not incentive enough, you get to find out what Trent is in this novel - did you guess correctly?
The Hallows Series
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Book Review - Dead Witch Walking
Dead Witch Walking
by Kim Harrison
Of all the Urban Fantasy/Paranormal series that I read it is safe to say this is my second favorite. Considering how many series there are right now that is a pretty high honor.
For my favorite series I will typically reread the entire series before reading the new book. Imagine my surprise when I realized that there were multiple books that I had not read in this series. It was time to start over. What a perfect opportunity to review them here.
Kim Harrison's The Hollows series takes place in an alternate reality where a large number of the human population was wiped out by genetically engendered tomatoes - see this is why you should eat non GMO food! With the decrease in human population the otherworlders came out of the closet, and stepped in to run the world.
There is a division between humans and otherworlders with each creating their own safe havens with their own police forces and customs.
This is all backstory which you will pick up in small doses in this first book. The first book is a bit awkward setting up the relationships with the characters. They do not mesh yet, they are still determining their connection and familiarity to each other. It is a book that is meant to be a first in a series - not a stand alone novel. This works since the book is the first in a series.
The book's main character, Rachel, is strong and independent. She is also a bit neurotic and screws up a fair bit - but only enough to keep the plot interesting. There is very little romance and the first book There series itself will take some twist and turns, some books are better then others. However, it is my second favorite series for a reason.
If you read science fiction, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, fantasy, or want to try something different this is a great series to check out!
The Hollows Series
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Book Review - Long Live The Queen
Long Live the Queen
by Kate Locke
Monday, January 20, 2014
Book Review - The Queen is Dead
The Queen is Dead
by Kate Locke
It is interesting to note that when looking at the copyright information that the author's origional name is actually Kathryn Smith as apposed to Kate Locke. I could understand why she would have changed it. Kate is short and decicive - perhapse even the name that she typically uses. Locke is so much more memerable then Smith. This, in truth, has nothing to do with the actual review of the book. I just found it interesting.
The Queen Is Dead
The heroin in this book is moody and self indulgent. I get that coming to terms with being a Goblin Queen has to be a bit of a shock. But, the author nearly completely changed her personality from strong and headstrong to strong and evasive. It was not a change that I enjoyed.
Do not get me wrong. The writing is still good. The plot is still fresh, and moves along decently. While there is a love connection it is not the entirety of the story. Basically, it is still worth reading to get to the third book.


