A Book Obsession..: November 2012

Early Review: Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep

, by Kt Clapsadl

Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep

Mythos Academy #4

For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes—the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki—the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will.

I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming.

I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself…

Despite the major blow dealt to Gwen Frost when Loki was released, she was hoping to steal a few moments of normalcy and go on a date with Logan Quinn. However that just wasn't in the cards as the date turned disastrous when Logan's father, the head of the Protectorate charges Gwen with the crime of setting Loki free and promptly arrests her. It's kind of hard to enjoy a date when one of the pair gets thrown in jail. Even worse, it seems everyone has already decided her guilt and tries to take matters into their own hands. Innocent or not, this gypsy girl may not live to see her own trial.

I have to be honest that I wasn't exactly thrilled about the plot of this book at first. I mean there's more than enough going on with the reaper/Loki business that I just didn't think Gwen being put on trial by the supposed "good guys" was the best direction for the story. Much to my surprise, it took no time at all for me to forget about that annoyance and get sucked into the whirlwind of a story. Perhaps a lot of that has to do with the fact that the reaper stuff never faded to the background, but only added to the threat from the trial. I'm just glad the whole book wasn't just about persecuting Gwen, because honestly the poor girl is probably the last person in the world who deserves that kind of treatment. I am still amazed at her ability to stand strong no matter the odds against her. This especially held true in this installment when everyone who was supposed to be on her side turn terribly against her. Truly an admirable character.

One of my biggest pet peeves with this series has to do with the relationship between Logan and Gwen. In the beginning of it there was a whole lot of teen angst going on, and then once that died down, the relationship barely moved at a snail's pace. So, I was really looking forward to seeing them finally get some time as a real couple in this book. Of course that quickly went out the window since Gwen was arrested in the first chapter. Being guarded 24/7 doesn't really allow for any romance. However, that being said, I could see some real progress between them, which made me really happy. But in true Jennifer Estep style, that happiness was quickly snatched away once Logan made a rather bad decision that will really change things. Without getting into any real details about this, I have to say that I'm incredibly disappointed in him. I may understand his reasons, but that doesn't make it the right decision in my book. Hopefully the boy will redeem himself in the next book, as I've simply lost my faith in him and would really like to see it restored since he really is a great character. I know that was really vague, but I just felt the need to vent a little even if no one understands what I'm talking about until after they read the book.

As I read back over this review, I'm feel like I've been in rant mode, which is funny because I actually really enjoyed Crimson Frost. Everything flowed well and there was plenty of action. I was rather sucked in the whole time, so I really cannot fault the book for my frustrations at the obstacles that were thrown in Gwen's path both physically and emotionally. If things came easy, then the book wouldn't be very entertaining now would it. I guess I'm just a little too attached to Gwen, therefore making me rather outraged on her behalf. So, rants aside, Crimson Frost was a solid installment in the Mythos Academy series that is sure to please fans. I know I'll be waiting rather impatiently for the next installment set to release in August of 2013.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Let's Talk With Smash & Kt (5)

, by Kt Clapsadl

Welcome to the Let’s Talk weekly discussion meme!

Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another! Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!

This week's question:

How much time do you think you spend on blogging each week, including commenting on other blogs, participating in events, Twitter/Facebook blog talk, etc? Do you have a time management system that works well for you? We’d love to know! (Thank you, Vicky/Books, Biscuits and Tea!)

That is a very difficult question to answer. Since I work from home and my job as a publicist involves Twitter/Facebook and other social networks along with blogs, etc, my blogging time and working time kinda gets all lumped in together. Granted, I always start the day with work, taking care of things via email, scheduling posts, etc. But there are times throughout the day where I'll be waiting for a response on something and I try and use that "downtime" for blogging. That being said, the large majority of my blogging time is now in the evenings/weekends.

I will say that I've had to learn to keep myself more focused during the time that I'm working on blogging. Before I started working for Entangled I would start writing a review and keep getting distracted by Twitter, etc in the middle of it and before I knew it, hours have passed, and I just don't have that kind of time to spare anymore. In fact due to my blogging time being pushed back to evenings/weekends, which was my prime reading times, I've had to seriously cut back on the number of books I read. The blog isn't suffering as I'm still posting my normal 2-3 reviews a week, I just don't have time for all the "extra" books anymore. While this does bum me a little, I can't complain at all because I'm working my dream job by getting to promote authors.

Kirsten Reviews: Death's Rival by Faith Hunter

, by Kt Clapsadl

Death's Rival by Faith Hunter

Jane Yellowrock #5

Jane Yellowrock is a shapeshifting skinwalker you don’t want to cross—especially if you’re one of the undead…
For a vampire killer like Jane, having Leo Pellisier as a boss took some getting used to. But now, someone is out to take his place as Master Vampire of the city of New Orleans, and is not afraid to go through Jane to do it. After an attack that’s tantamount to a war declaration, Leo knows his rival is both powerful and vicious, but Leo’s not about to run scared. After all, he has Jane. But then, a plague strikes, one that takes down vampires and makes their masters easy prey.

Now, to uncover the identity of the vamp who wants Leo’s territory, and to find the cause of the vamp-plague, Jane will have to go to extremes…and maybe even to war.

Death’s Rival is the latest in the series by Faith Hunter about Jane Yellowrock, a skinwalker who hunts vampires, and it’s a book both for loyal readers of the series, and anybody who happens to be looking for something new. As the fifth book in the series, Hunter has to change things up a bit, and she does this by introducing an illness that only strikes vampires.

It’s apparent that this mysterious disease is designed as a power play to displace Masters of the City such as Leo Pelliser, and whoever is behind it has already brought down other powerful vampires. As if that isn’t frightening enough, every vampire who’s been afflicted with the disease has been forced to submit to the authority of the alpha vampire. It’s an effective way of securing loyalty, since without their vow of fealty, there is no cure, and Jane doesn’t want to find out why this vampire wants all this power. Except, Leo asks her to, and that’s kind of her job, so Jane’s in the loop, whether she wants to be or not.

Of course, being sent to find out what’s going on has its risks. Jane has bodyguard Eli at her back, as well as his hacker sibling, and she may need the help. The action scenes are well written, and Jane’s physicality is impressive, although she’s up against some very formidable adversaries, which keeps things exciting.
On top of the sick vampires plotline, this book features more background into Jane’s character. Anybody who’s enjoyed the character of Beast will be happy to discover that the relationship between her and Jane is a large part of the storyline. Jane is struggling with her nature, and has to decide what it means for her to be a skinwalker, both as a vampire hunter, and a woman looking for a partner, both in life and romance.

All told, Death’s Rival is a great addition to the series, giving Jane more depth, moral dilemmas to wrestle with, and toying with the question of romance, while leaving plenty of room for the next novel.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Previous Books:

Skinwalker
Blood Cross
Mercy Blade
Raven Cursed

Keegan's Chronicles Book Blast $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

, by Kt Clapsadl

Keegan's Chronicles Trilogy Set
Books 1-3

Coexist:

Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends--she's an elf, descended from a long line of elves that live in secrecy alongside humans.

In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are eighteen. Against tradition, Keegan's brother Thaddeus told her Rourk's name because his visions warned him she'd need Rourk's protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves.

Conflicted:

Keegan, is only alive now due to Black Magic, and her bond with her Chosen is broken. She cannot remember Rourk at all.

For the first time, she feels like a normal teenager. She is dating Donald, her long-time crush, and everything seems perfect. But Rourk still feels their bond, and despairs for the woman he was always meant to love.

Keegan's best friend Anna is determined to find a way to use her powers to return Keegan's bond, no matter what it takes. The question is does Keegan even want it?

Consumed:

Keegan has dealt with a lot over the last two years: Death, black magic and the loss of her bond to her chosen mate. But on her eighteenth birthday, the bond with Rourk returns.

Now, Keegan faces her hardest decision. Tradition requires elves marry at eighteen. If she accepts the path laid out for her, she will be spared a lifetime of physical and emotional pain. But will that life ever really be her own?

Praise:

Really enjoyed this book. The story draws you in, and the characters are engaging, especially Rourk. I've never read a book about elves, so I wasn't sure what to expect. This was really good. Would recommend to anyone interested in a quick, fun, paranormal read.

-- Amazon Reviewer

I am not one for Elves or Fairies but yeah these Elves RULE! What is not to love? You have an age old prophecy, destined loves, a great family and amazing friends. Not to mention .... Rourk *yummy* All that is left is the amazing way it all is put together into this fantastic story.

-- Amazon Reviewer

If you pick up this book, I'm sure it will not disappoint, it had everything, it was cute, yet dark..and well that combo just makes for a perfect book on my shelf, Julia has truly written an amazing read. (:

-- Haley @ Ya-aholic.com

Purchase

Amazon * Nook * iBooks

Author Julia Crane

Julia Crane is the author of the YA paranormal fiction novels: Keegan's Chronicles, Mesmerized, Dark Promise and Eternal Youth. Julia was encouraged by her mother to read and use her imagination, and she's believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Julia has traveled far and wide to all the places her grandmother told her about, gaining inspiration from her journeys to places like Nepal, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Italy, France and many more. And who knows? Maybe the magical creatures she writes about are people she met along the way.

Julia Crane has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Although she's spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.

Links

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Book Blast Giveaway Details (Starts November 29th)

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/9/12

*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it for the first person you follow and leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bargain Books & Kindle Deals (24)

, by Kt Clapsadl

I've decided to make my Bargain Book and Kindle Deal finds a weekly feature here at A Book Obsession.. If you guys are anything like me, your book addiction can easily get out of hand, so any sales/deals are a huge help. If you like any of the deals below, I would appreciate if you use the affiliate links below. All earning support the giveaways here on the blog. :)

(Prices accurate as of 11/28)

Bargain New Paperbacks/Hardcovers:

Kindle Deals:

$0.99

$1.99

$2.24-$2.99 $3.99 $4.00-$5.99

Waiting on Wednesday (123)

, by Kt Clapsadl

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights an upcoming release we are greatly anticipating.

My pick this week:

Crimson Frost - Mythos Academy #4

by Jennifer Estep

Publication Date: December 24th, 2012

Pre-Order:

Review: The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper

, by Kt Clapsadl

The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires by Molly Harper

Half-Moon Hollow #2

Iris Scanlon, Half-Moon Hollow’s only daytime vampire concierge, knows more about the undead than she’d like. Running all their daylight errands—from letting in the plumber to picking up some chilled O neg—gives her a look at the not-so-glamorous side of vampire life. Her rules are strict; relationships with vamps are strictly business, not friendship—and certainly not anything else. But then she finds her newest client, Cal, poisoned on his kitchen floor, and only Iris can help.

Cal - who would be devastatingly sexy, if Iris allowed herself to think that way - offers Iris a hefty fee for hiding him at her place until he figures out who wants him permanently dead. Even though he’s imperious, unfriendly and doesn't seem to understand the difference between "employee" and "servant," Iris agrees, and finds herself breaking more and more of her own rules to help him - particularly those concerning nudity.

Turns out what her quiet little life needed was some intrigue & romance—in the form of her very own stray vampire.

Iris Scanlon makes her living by being Half-Moon Hollow's only daytime vampire assistant. In other words, a glorified errand runner for the tasks vamps would rather not bother with. Because of this she has a healthy understanding of the way they work and as a result has implemented a strict no personal involvement clause, be it in friendship or something more. But when she finds her latest client, Cal, poisoned, she knows she's in for trouble. Persuaded by an obscene amount of money into sheltering him, she reluctantly agrees to take him back to her home. She's breaking her hard set rules left and right, and his surly behavior isn't helping the situation. Yet she can't help her mind wandering towards the rugged sexiness with him and if she isn't careful all those boundaries may come crashing down.

I really loved Iris in the last Jane Jameson book, so I was really happy to see that she would be getting her own spin off book. She is a personal assistant extraordinaire to the vampires, catering to their every whim, yet she still has a healthy does of wariness towards them. So much so, that she avoids actual contact with them at all cost, always ensuring she finishes her duties well before dark. Some would think she was paranoid, but she actually is pretty smart, as even if you put aside the potential safety risks, there still is the issue of the vampires being rather clingy. And nothing is worse than a clingy vampire. *shudders* As it stood, she hardly had a life, and allowing them any leeway, would have spelled for disaster. Of course all of those hard set rules came crashing down when she had to rescue Cal. Of course, there were desperate circumstances and a substantial amount involved, but it still was hilarious to watch Iris try to cope with her carefully constructed life falling apart at the seams due to one rather unruly vampire. It only got more interesting once the tides started to change in their relationship and clothing became optional.

The relationship between Iris and her teenage sister, Gigi was really heartwarming. In so many cases you see siblings resent each other when one of them in put in a lasting position of authority. Yet, in this case that didn't happen, and the bond between the two of them couldn't be any stronger. Of course there is the typical teenage issues and conflict, but those only made for some pretty hilarious interludes. Iris could think up some pretty hilarious ways to thwart Gigi's complaints and small rebellions. Things really got interesting when Cal started throwing in his own methods, especially when they involved a boy Gigi was dating.

Even though this book is a spinoff from the Jane Jameson series, it can easily be read separately without the reader being lost. Jane and the rest of the gang do make cameo appearances, but their roles are rather small overall. Of course if you haven't read Jane's book you will probably want to after reading this one. Just like I have come to expect from Molly's books, The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires was an incredibly sexy and fun romp that had me laughing so hard at times that I was crying. These books are my go to whenever I want a lighter read that is guaranteed to brighten my mood. Seriously, I cannot recommend this book, any higher. You will want to run out and purchase this book as soon as possible. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

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Driving Mr. Dead

Book Birthdays: New Titles This Week (12)

, by Kt Clapsadl

I keep a Google calendar of all the books releasing each week that are on my radar. With all of the many books I am excited about it is so easy to lose track of when things come out. Since I'm already doing this research for myself, I thought you guys might like it if I shared.

Releasing 11/26-12/2

Dead on Delivery by Eileen Rendahl

Messenger #2

There are two men who have bitten the dust after a delivery from Messenger Melina Markowitz. As she tries to put together the pieces of this puzzle, she discovers that the two victims share common friends, common unexplained absences, and a common crime. Now, dark forces from the local community have been unleashed, drawing Melina into the web of a powerful woman, her voodoo, and her vengeance…

Amazon The Book Depository

Lullaby by Amanda Hocking

Watersong #2

Harper only wanted a safe, normal life. But when her younger sister Gemma runs off with a dangerous clique of beautiful girls, Penn, Thea, and Lexi, everything changes. Vowing to get her sister back no matter what the cost, Harper must face dangers unlike any she's ever experienced. Fortunately, she has Daniel by her side, a gorgeous guy who's devoted to helping her find her sister—and who's immune to the girls' dark powers.

While Harper searches for her sister, Gemma struggles to adjust to her new life. Gemma's powers are growing by the day, and the longer she lives with her new "sisters," the harder it is to resist entering their magical world. It's a realm both dark and beautiful, and where she's plagued by strange hungers and unspeakable needs. Just as she's drifting far away from her old life, Harper and Daniel find her...but no one can deny how much she's changed. All she wants is to return to her family and the mortal world, but how can she do that when she's become something else entirely—and will they still love her once they learn the truth?

Prepare to fall under the spell of Lullaby, the second book in the Watersong series from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking.

Amazon The Book Depository

Lust For Life by Jeri Smith-Ready

WVMP Radio #4

EVERYONE’S OUT FOR BLOOD—HERS Ciara’s con-artist parents taught her three keys to survival: keep low, keep quiet, and most of all, keep moving. But managing WVMP, the Lifeblood of Rock ’n’ Roll—not to mention becoming a vampire herself—has kept her in one place long enough to fall madly in love, adopt an undead dog . . .

. . . and make more enemies than she can shake a stake at.

A psychotic DJ, a wanna-be necromancer, and a posse of vengeful hippies would all love to see Ciara get her day in the sun—literally. To protect Ciara, her fiancé, Shane, has traded his flannel shirt and guitar for a flak jacket and crossbow. If she survives to walk down the aisle, will she recognize the man waiting at the altar?

In this final chapter of the award-winning WVMP RADIO series, Ciara must decide who to trust, whom to love—and whom to kill.

Amazon The Book Depository

Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews

The Edge #4

The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is a fairy tale—and the Weird, where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny…

Charlotte de Ney is as noble as they come, a blueblood straight out of the Weird. But even though she possesses rare magical healing abilities, her life has brought her nothing but pain. After her marriage crumbles, she flees to the Edge to build a new home for herself. Until Richard Mar is brought to her for treatment, and Charlotte’s life is turned upside down once again.

Richard is a swordsman without peer, future head of his large and rambunctious Edger clan—and he’s on a clandestine quest to wipe out slavers trafficking humans in the Weird. So when his presence leads his very dangerous enemies to Charlotte, she vows to help Richard destroy them. The slavers’ operation, however, goes deeper than Richard knows, and even working together, Charlotte and Richard may not survive...

Amazon The Book Depository

Touched by Corrine Jackson

Sense Thieves #1

Remy O’Malley heals people with touch—but every injury she cures becomes her own. Living in a household with an abusive stepfather, she has healed untold numbers of broken bones, burns,and bruises. And then one night her stepfather goes too far.

Being sent to live with her estranged father offers a clean start and she is eager to take it. Enter Asher Blackwell. Once a Protector of Healers, Asher sacrificed his senses to become immortal. Only by killing a Healer can a Protector recover their human senses. Falling in love is against the rules between these two enemies. Because Remy has the power to make Protectors human again, and when they find out, they’ll becoming for her—if Asher doesn’t kill her first.

Amazon The Book Depository

Undead to the World by D.D. Barant

The Bloodhound Files #6

Jace’s return to Kansas is an instant reminder that there really is no place like home. The tavern is still brimming with losers, practical jokers, and motorcycle chicks. Even the town’s only Goth is still wearing eyeliner. But just as Jace is about to click her heels and hightail out of there, she’s roped into a brand-new case. Somebody is possessed. And the bodies are piling up…

They call him the Gallowsman. According to legend, he was sentenced to hang—though his crimes still have not been specified. When he was strung up to die, his spirit stuck around waiting for people to hang themselves…so he could steal their bodies. Now, with the undead rising up and going on a rampage, Jace must put her own neck on the line. Can she get the Gallowsman to give up the ghost?

Amazon The Book Depository