A Book Obsession..: April 2013

Early Review: Icons by Margaret Stohl

, by Kt Clapsadl

Icons by Margaret Stohl

Icons #1

Your heart beats only with their permission.
Everything changed on The Day. The day the windows shattered. The day the power stopped. The day Dol's family dropped dead. The day Earth lost a war it didn't know it was fighting.

Since then, Dol has lived a simple life in the countryside -- safe from the shadow of the Icon and its terrifying power. Hiding from the one truth she can't avoid.
She's different. She survived. Why?

When Dol and her best friend, Ro, are captured and taken to the Embassy, off the coast of the sprawling metropolis once known as the City of Angels, they find only more questions. While Ro and fellow hostage Tima rage against their captors, Dol finds herself drawn to Lucas, the Ambassador's privileged son. But the four teens are more alike than they might think, and the timing of their meeting isn't a coincidence. It's a conspiracy.

Within the Icon's reach, Dol, Ro, Tima, and Lucas discover that their uncontrollable emotions -- which they've always thought to be their greatest weaknesses -- may actually be their greatest strengths.

Bestselling author Margaret Stohl delivers the first book in a heart-pounding series set in a haunting new world where four teens must piece together the mysteries of their pasts -- in order to save the future.

This review is going to be a bit different than my normal reviews as I can't seem to find enough to say to follow my normal format, which really is a shame as I had really wanted to love ICONS. I mean the premise sounded fantastic, and I LOVE the Beautiful Creatures series, so I knew I would have to get my hands on this. But quite frankly after finishing it, the biggest thing I can say about ICONS was that it was well... odd.

ICONS is rather long, and incredibly slow, and frankly, I can't even tell you much about what happened. Not because I don't want to spoil things, but because I'm still not quite sure what I read. I spent the entire book waiting for something to take off, only for the "main event" to leave even more confusion in the end. In a sci-fi book such as this, I do expect a bit of slowness as there usually is a great deal of world building involved, but I can't even say that was what held ICONS back for me. In fact, when it comes down to it, I think the world building was rather lacking overall. Sure I get that the point that a lot of the mystery was that Dol and the rest of them had been kept in the dark about who they really were, but I still needed a bit more sooner. Even by the end, things had never really formed enough for me to fully understand what was going on. Even worse, the characters just didn't seem to have enough depth for me to connect with them. I just didn't "get" them or their motivations, making it even harder to stay focused on the book.

While reading this book, I found myself skimming more often than not, as I just couldn't get involved in the story or the characters. When it comes down to it, the only reason ICONS wasn't a DNF for me was due to my determination to see it through as I hoped for that "click" to happen. Unfortunately, it never did, and I will not be continuing on with this series.

(Received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley)

Rating:

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Book Birthdays: New Titles This Week (34)

, 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 4/29 - 5/5

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
Blood of Eden #2

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

Amazon The Book Depository

Oath Bound by Rachel Vincent
Unbound #3

The Tower Syndicate will fall...

The secret daughter of the head of an infamous Skilled crime family, Sera Brandt has hidden her past, her potential and especially her powers. But when a tragedy strikes her other family, Sera needs justice. And the only way to get it is to reveal her heritage–including a rare Skill–and take the reins of the Tower Syndicate from her cunning and malicious aunt.

If he can figure out how...

Kristopher Daniels might have the answer. He's fought the syndicate to protect his sisters, but he'd never realized just how close to the new heir he needed to get....

And if they can survive

Neither is used to trusting. But there's something between them that can't be ignored. And so Sera is on the run with a man she can't figure out, a target on her back and the new knowledge of just how powerful she really is....

Amazon The Book Depository

Rogue Descendant by Jenna Black
Nikki Glass #3

The third novel in an action-packed urban fantasy series from the acclaimed author of the Morgan Kingsley, Exorcist books—starring a female private eye who discovers that she’s an immortal huntress.

No longer the leader of the Olympians, Konstantin has now gone into hiding. Konstantin is vulnerable, and Anderson believes now is the perfect time to destroy his nemesis. He orders private eye Nikki Glass to use her powers to locate Konstantin, and she balks at the idea until a series of attacks leads her to believe that Konstantin is gunning for her and Anderson instead of remaining safely in hiding.

Nikki’s search is complicated by Cyrus—Konstantin’s son and the new leader of the Olympians—who threatens retribution should his father be killed. The complications mount up as Nikki begins to suspect that Konstantin might not be behind the attacks after all. The only person who hates Konstantin more than Anderson does is Anderson’s estranged wife, Emma, who has joined the Olympians. And Nikki knows Emma would be more than happy if Anderson and his people embroil themselves in an all-out war against the Olympians—a war they cannot hope to win.

As Nikki tries to figure out who the true enemy is, she deals with her tumultuous relationship with Jamaal, who struggles to control his death magic. But being loved by a descendant of a death goddess is the least of Nikki’s worries…

Amazon The Book Depository

The Ward by Jordana Frankel

Sixteen-year-old Ren is a daredevil mobile racer who will risk everything to survive in the Ward, what remains of a water-logged Manhattan. To save her sister, who is suffering from a deadly illness thought to be caused by years of pollution, Ren accepts a secret mission from the government: to search for a freshwater source in the Ward, with the hope of it leading to a cure.

However, she never expects that her search will lead to dangerous encounters with a passionate young scientist; a web of deceit and lies; and an earth-shattering mystery that’s lurking deep beneath the water’s rippling surface.

Jordana Frankel’s ambitious debut novel and the first in a two-book series, The Ward is arresting, cinematic, and thrilling—perfect for fans of Scott Westerfeld or Ann Aguirre.

Amazon The Book Depository

Kirsten Reviews: Shadows of Falling Night by S.M. Stirling

, by Kt Clapsadl

Shadows of Falling Night by S.M. Stirling

Shadowspawn #3

At last, S. M. Stirling, the New York Times bestselling author of the Novels of the Change, presents the stunning climax to his Shadowspawn trilogy—the ultimate confrontation, in which the fate of all humanity hangs in the balance....

She’s back....

Near-purebred home nocturnus Adrian Brézé and his human mate, Ellen, thought they had dealt with his twin sister, Adrienne. In fact, they thought she was dead.

But she survived and now leads a faction of the Shadowspawn—the ancient, shape-shifting, blood-drinking breed who secretly control the world—that wants to leave just enough of the human race alive to satisfy their hunger and serve their needs. She has nothing but hatred and contempt for her brother, who remains on the side of humanity, fighting with the Brotherhood against the Shadowspawn.

To defeat him, she has suborned his mentor—the greatest warrior of the Brotherhood. The man thinks he’s bringing a weapon to the Council of Shadows that will wipe out the Shadowspawn’s leaders. In truth, his actions will make Adrienne demon-goddess of the world...unless Adrian and Ellen can turn him back in time.
Shadows of Falling Night by S.M. Stirling. The conclusion to Stirling’s Shadowspawn trilogy doesn’t bring an easy end to the series.

The Shadowspawn are literally the stuff legends are based on. The stories of vampires, werewolves, incubi, and succubi can all be traced back to these powerful beings. And, not all of them are interested in keeping humans around as more than a convenient snack.

That’s the crux of Adrian Breze’s problem with his sister Adrienne. She’s not one to shy away from gore and violence, and in fact is just as prone to debate wine as she is to rip somebody apart. On top of that, she enjoys it, and in order to crown herself the demon-Goddess of the world, she’s twisted the mind of Adrian’s mentor so that he’ll do her dirty work.

Adrian and his human mate Ellen have to find a way to rescue his mentor, restore his sense, and stop Adrienne before it’s the end of the world as they know it. But Adrienne knows that the Brotherhood opposes her, and so she’s gathered a number of Shadowspawn to fight for her and won’t back down in the face of logic, when brutality will get her what she wants.

Without spoiling the book, which has twists, and unpleasant events which befall some favorite characters, it’s safe to say that Stirling’s combination of humor and at times over the top villains makes for an enjoyable read. The contrast between Adrienne and Monica (her thrall) and the playful and loving relationship that Ellen and Adrian have (their safeword is ‘earwax’) is both fun to see, and run parallel throughout the story. A reader can see why different characters make the choices they do, and sometimes that is just the thing to put their throat in between sharp teeth.

This book may have creatures that behave in much the same way as vampires and werewolves, but they’re not ‘prettied up,’ and there’s always a sense of danger about them, never letting one forget that these aren’t the sort of creatures that will rescue a person if they’re hungry for a snack. Even Adrian, the ‘good Shadowspawn’ that’s working with the Brotherhood against his twin sister isn’t so tame that he doesn’t struggle with his own appetites.

There are some pretty big changes for a few characters, and although sharing them would ruin the plot twists, it’s enough to say that nobody is the same after the dust settles.

Shadows of Falling Night will be released on May 7th, 2013.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:

Previous Books:

A Taint in the Blood
The Council of Shadows

Covet Feature Author: Kendra Leigh Castle

, by Kt Clapsadl

As many of you may know, I work for Entangled Publishing, and I'm a huge paranormal fan. So, I'm so excited that we have launched our new Paranormal Romance line, Covet!! Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. They are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules, alike. To find out more about our launch titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website, follow us on Twitter, and LIKE our Facebook page.

Over the next several weeks I'll be featuring our authors from this fabulous new line as they each tell us about their top 5 favorite paranormal characters. Today's guest is Jenna Bennett. Her book, Tall, Dark and Devine features the oh so yummy Greek God of Love. Please join me in welcoming Jenna and celebrating her new release!

1. Dracula

Source

Seriously, how could I have a list without the guy who started it all? Tall, dark, and usually incredibly handsome, I fell hard for the ruling vampire back in the days when Monster Squad was my favorite movie. And when the Francis Ford Coppola version of Dracula came out came out? Wow. I'm always excited to see new interpretations of the original vampire, and I've written one myself in my Dark Dynasties series. Dracula will always be a favorite of mine. Can't wait to see Jonathan Rhys Meyers play him on TV this fall!

2. Illium (from Nalini Singh's Guild Hunters series)

(From Kt: I know this isn't Illium, but as he doesn't have his own book/cover yet, I decided to pick my favorite cover from the series.)

The blue-winged angel they teasingly call "Butterfly" for his striking coloring caught my heart from the get-go. With an unusual affection for humans, a slightly inappropriate interest in his boss Raphael's mate, and a loneliness he usually manages to cover up with flash and charm, Illium is a character I can't wait to see as a hero. Every book, readers are teased with just a little more of him. So my solution is to hook other people on the series so we can collectively sigh over Illium until he gets his story.

3. Darius en Kragin (from Gena Showalter's Heart of the Dragon)

Showalter's Atlantis series sits in all its glory on my keeper shelf, and though all her heroes are hot as hell, Darius remains my favorite. He's everything I like—taciturn, a little tormented, with a dry sense of humor and sex appeal that's off the charts. Also, he's a dragon. And did I mention he's a dragon? Because he's a dragon. Hot dragons.... *sigh*

4. Loki Laufeyson (as played by Tom Hiddleston)

Does a supervillain count as paranormal? I'm going to pretend the answer is yes, because OHMYGOD LOKI. Villains are too often one-dimensional, mustache-twirling baddies with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. But Loki...I found him the most intriguing character in the movie Thor. And it wasn't just that I happen to find him, erm, extremely attractive. Or that I could listen to that voice read the phone book for hours and be perfectly happy. Loki is a guy who could have stayed good, a complex character whose emotional wounds make you feel for him even as you want to smack him and tell him to wake up and quit destroying things. And even in The Avengers, as bad as he is, you can see the emotional turmoil in the character (not to mention the wicked sense of humor). Loki is a great villain, full of nuance and shades of gray, and I'm so interested to see where the writers take him in Thor: The Dark World.

5. Erik, The Phantom of the Opera

I'm not sure he counts either, but this character has remained among my favorite dark heroes of all time. I loved the musical, the television adaptation, the movie, Gerard Butler in a half mask, you name it. Erik's magic may be an illusion, but the dark romance he promised captured my imagination from an early age and heavily influenced my idea of what a hero ought to be. I must admit, it was nice to finally see him pictured as I always had in my head when the movie came out. I very clearly remember sitting in the theater to see that version, and when Gerard appeared for the first time my sister and I looked at one another in the dark theater and mouthed, "Wow." I remain one of legions who think that Christine made the wrong choice in the end. I don't care what Gaston Leroux wrote. Somebody change the ending and give Erik his HEA!

Thanks Kendra! Those are some mighty fine choices. Although I do have to say that Illium takes the cake. I could daydream about him for hours. I love his parts in the books, particularly the audio versions. Le sigh.

Author Info:

Kendra Leigh Castle was born and raised in the far and frozen reaches of Northern New York, where there was plenty of time to cultivate her love of reading thanks to the six-month-long winters. Sneaking off with selections from her mother’s vast collection of romance novels came naturally and fairly early, and a lifelong love of the Happily Ever After was born. After graduating from SUNY Oswego (where it also snowed a lot) with a teaching degree, Kendra ran off with a handsome young Navy fighter pilot and has somehow accumulated three children, three dogs, and one enormous cat during their many moves.

While stationed in a remote corner of the Nevada desert, Kendra penned her first romance, and a career often spent working in fuzzy slippers and pajamas was born. Her work has garnered both critical praise and award nominations, but the best part has been connecting with readers who share her love of dark romance (not to mention heroes with sharp, pointed teeth). Kendra currently lives in Maryland, and can usually be found curled up with her laptop and yet another cup of coffee working on her next book. She loves to hear from her readers, and can be contacted via email or her Facebook page.

Find Kendra online:

Website Blog Twitter Facebook

Book Info:

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. At least, that's how it seems to Sofia Rivera when her attempt to help a friend ends in a blood-soaked confrontation with creatures that aren't even supposed to exist. With a group of rogue vampires determined not to leave a single witness to their violence hot on her heels, Sofia finds herself saddled with an immortal bodyguard—Phenex, the fallen Angel of Song.

While the vampire king roots out the corruption threatening to take down his underworld kingdom, Sofia will have to deal with a fallen angel whose dark beauty is often at odds with his ornery nature. Slowly, Sofia and Phenex give in to the strange attraction neither can deny. And as the darkness closes in around them, Phenex begins to wonder whether even the wickedest Fallen might find his own happy ending...and his heart.

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It's Monday What Are You Reading (145)

, by Kt Clapsadl

It's Monday! What Are You Reading, is hosted by Book Journey, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Reviews for the past week:

Reboot by Amy Tintera (Early Review)

"The world building is stellar, the characterization is incredible, and the pacing is excellent, making REBOOT a must read for any sci-fi/dystopian YA fans."

Dead Man's Deal by Jocelynn Drake (Early Review)

"Jocelynn Drake's Asylum Tales series is shaping up to be a heavy hitter in the Urban Fantasy genre. With just the right amount of action, romance, and character development, DEAD MAN'S DEAL is sure to please."

Kirsten's Book of the Week:

Blood and Magic by James R. Tuck (Review)

"Blood and Magick by James R. Tuck is full of monsters, with a good-sized heaping of gore to round out the plot and action."

Other Posts:

Covet Feature Author: Kristin Miller

Book Birthdays featured 9 new releases for this week.

Tempest Reborn by Nicole Peeler was featured for Waiting on Wednesday

This week's Bargain Books & Kindle Deals

Covet Feature Author: Jenna Bennett

Let's Talk about Review Requests!

Upcoming List:

Icons by Margaret Stohl (Early Review)
Fall of Night by Rachel Caine (Early Review)

Kirsten Reviews: TBD

Early Review: Dead Man's Deal by Jocelynn Drake

, by Kt Clapsadl

Dead Man's Deal by Jocelynn Drake

The Asylum Tales #2

The dark and dangerous follow-up that continues the adventures of a magical tattoo artist begun in Angel's Ink

In a world where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires swim free in a sea of humanity, sometimes you need an edge. Looking for a little love? Need some luck? Desperate for revenge? Gage can give you what you need. The most talented tattoo artist in town, he knows the right symbol and the right mix of ingredients and ink to achieve your heart's desire. One tattoo is all it takes. But remember, everything has its price. . . .

Gage learned that lesson long ago, in ways he'd rather not remember. But the cruel and powerful wizards in the dreaded Ivory Towers he escaped aren't about to let him forget. Though Gage has managed to stay out of sight, he can't outrun the past forever.

The wizards know Gage is using forbidden magic, and they intend to punish him for his transgressions. Too bad if innocent humans and monsters-entire cities-get in the way. They will quell a nascent magical uprising and Gage will be the sacrifice they need. First, though, they have to find him . . .

All Gage has ever wanted was to keep his head down and forget about his horrid past in the Towers. But the Towers do not easily forget a slight and have placed a restriction on his magic use. Problem is that magic is a very part of him, and he cannot so easily resist its seductive nature. His guardian has been fielding some of the interference from the Towers, but they are growing restless with Gage's continued freedom and are determined to bring him to a heel, dead or alive. He'll have to stay one step ahead if he is to have any chance at survival. Game on.

I have to say that I'm really loving the way Jocelynn is writing Gage's character, especially in DEAD MAN'S DEAL. To be honest, she has written the most realistic male perspective that I have ever read, at least in my opinion. Let's face it, men think differently than women, and most books I have read really don't show it. I mean even the most civilized man out there is still going to have crude or very basic "manly" thoughts. And yes I do realize that I am a woman writing opinions about the way men think, so really I'm just going off of my own observations here. Gage however thinks and talks about his bodily functions and they way he loses all focus when Trixie walks into the room in her typical very sexy get-up. It also makes the sex scenes so much hotter, because his mind is reduced to such a base state of lust. I guess what I'm saying is that I really love that he isn't made out to be the romanticized hero whose thoughts and actions have been glossed over to make him more attractive. He is real and quintessentially male, crudeness and all, and I love him for it.

As much as I had enjoyed ANGEL'S INK, I was still frustrated at the frenetic pace of the multiple plots with very little back story or explanations. So this time around I was really hoping to learn more about Gage's past, as well as some stronger world building and thankfully DEAD MAN'S DEAL delivers. While some things about Gage's past are still a mystery, I feel like I understand him so much better now that I've got a better picture of how he got to be in his position. Of course there still was several plot threads going on, so there's no worry about a dull moment, but this time around there also was a good deal more of character and world development weaved in, making for a much more balanced read.

While I wouldn't say the ending of DEAD MAN'S DEAL is a cliffhanger in the strictest sense, I will say that those ending events have opened a whole new ballgame that has me really desperate to get my hands on the next installment. Jocelynn Drake's Asylum Tales series is shaping up to be a heavy hitter in the Urban Fantasy genre. With just the right amount of action, romance, and character development, DEAD MAN'S DEAL is sure to please.

(Received a copy from the publisher via Edelweiss)

Rating:

Pre-order:

Other Reviews:

Previous books:
0.5. The Asylum Interviews: Bronx
0.6. The Asylum Interviews: Trixie
1. Angel's Ink

Let's Talk With Smash & Kt (26)

, 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!
We'd love to hear any ideas you have for questions. Submit them Here.

This week's question:

Do you accept review requests? If not, why? If so, then how many review requests do you get in a month? How many do you accept? How do you balance between review requests and reading your own books? Have you ever gone out of your way to reduce your incoming review books? With so many reviews books being offered (solicited or not) to book bloggers, have you ever emailed a publicist to reduce the number of books sent? Do you ever feel guilty over receiving these review books that you know you won’t be able to get to knowing other book bloggers could benefit from them? How do you deal? (Thanks, KT and Na)

Broken down:

Do you accept review requests?

Yes I do, and our review policy can be found here.

If so, then how many review requests do you get in a month?

Usually somewhere between 50-75 plus around 10-20 unsolicited physical copies that arrive on my doorstep.

How many do you accept?

I review 2 books per week. So when a request/unsolicited/Netgalley/Edelweiss book comes up, after I decide if the blurb sounds interesting, I look at the release date, and see if I have room in my review schedule before that date, or shortly thereafter. Also, I take into consideration if the book is the 2nd or 3rd, etc in a series where I haven't read the previous books. Unless I have time to read the previous book(s) first, its an automatic pass. So, some months I'll accept 8 max books, sometimes more if the requests are for books further out. So long story short, on average I can only accept two-ish per week.

Since Kirsten's tastes seem opposite to time in the paranormal/sci-fi/fantasy genre (I like romance in my books, she doesn't.), I'll send her anything where the blurb doesn't jump out to me (as long as it in our reviewed genres of course). She then decides if she's interested, and then if yes she adds it to her pile. She doesn't seem to have a limit, but I will say that she is very particular about the ones she does accept, so it works out in the long run.

How do you balance between review requests and reading your own books?

Since starting with Entangled, my reading and reviewing time has been cut back drastically. So, now it isn't very often that I read a book that isn't one for review or for work. However, I've compensated for being a whole lot more picky about which books I accept for review so that way I'm mostly reading things that I'm very excited about, not just mildly interested in.

Have you ever gone out of your way to reduce your incoming review books?

I wrote up our Review Policy page to help cut back on the requests outside of our review genres, which has helped some, but we still get a decent amount of oddball requests. I also stopped requesiting everythign that interested me on Edelweiss/Netgalley, only grabbing the ones that really jump out at me.

With so many reviews books being offered (solicited or not) to book bloggers, have you ever emailed a publicist to reduce the number of books sent?

Yes, but not really to reduce the number of books received, but I have emailed publicists letting them know that they have been sending me books/requests outside of my reviewed genres. The requests aren't as big of a deal, although I still do give them a heads up. However, I hate it when books show up on my doorstop that are in the wrong genre. I just am never sure what to do with them. It's not like a giveaway would really work as my readers come for the genres I review, so they sit on my shelf growing dust.

Do you ever feel guilty over receiving these review books that you know you won’t be able to get to knowing other book bloggers could benefit from them? How do you deal?

I used to feel guilty when books came in that were in my genre preference, but the blurb didn't grab me. I knew I wouldn't review it, so again they wound up sitting there gathering dust. But then I put the call out for an associate reviewer, and found Kirsten. It's really awesome because between us, there are few WELL EDITED books in Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal YA, Sci-fi, Fantasy, and Dystopian that won't appeal to us.

Kirsten Reviews Blood and Magick by James R. Tuck

, by Kt Clapsadl

Blood and Magic by James R. Tuck

Deacon Chalk: Occult Bounty Hunter #3

Taking out hellish creatures—not a problem. Armed with blessed silver hollow-points and the ability to manipulate magick, he’s ready for anything—except betrayal he never saw coming…

Deacon Chalk knows the biggest danger in fighting monsters is becoming one. Just another day at the office for your friendly neighborhood occult bounty hunter. If keeping three helpless were-dog children safe means battling a malevolent trio of witches by any means necessary, so be it. If that means partnering with a ruthless government agent to stay one step ahead of the allies and friends he must now suspect, he’s not going to cry about it. The only way Deacon can save humans and shape-shifters alike is to embrace a power beyond his imagining, putting his team at stake—and his soul on the line…

Blood and Magick by James R. Tuck is full of monsters, with a good-sized heaping of gore to round out the plot and action. While it can be difficult to jump into a series midway, the third book in the Deacon Chalk novels is both a strong novel, and can even be a good starting point, that is, if a reader doesn’t care about knowing all the background. Part of this has to do with the fact that Tuck wastes no time when it comes to getting down to the action, and it’s all downhill for Deacon Chalk, which makes it a lot of fun for readers.

This series could be compared to the Jim Butcher novels, but it’s much messier; the personal problems, and the violence aren’t for the faint-hearted, and Deacon isn’t a reluctant hero, but more of a vigilante, who will step in to help others, often with a round of bullets. And, unlike other series, being an important character does mean one is off limits when it comes to tragedy or even death.

A peaceful meal with Deacon, and his friends and loved ones, including Tiff. But, the evening doesn’t go to plan, and the meal is interrupted by a group of witches. Kids with unusual abilities or supernatural heritage are always a target, and Deacon learns that this time is no different. Sophia’s sons are the keys to a nasty ritual. Usually Deacon would rely on his friends to fend off this enemy, but now the government is involved.

Afterward, the Occult Crimes Investigation Division shows up, and Deacon has to work with this agency. Murderous witches aren’t something the government wants around, and they figure that Deacon is a useful tool for clearing up the problem.

While urban fantasy battles usually come down to a fight between the forces of good and evil, this one also includes issues of faith, as well as some big secrets finally being revealed, and some shake ups with friends and enemies,

For some, the action scenes may be too lengthy, but overall, the book is a fairly quick read, and sets things for the next book. Anyone who likes their urban fantasy with a little more gore, and less elves will find this book fits nicely on their shelf.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Covet Feature Author: Jenna Bennett

, by Kt Clapsadl

Harry Potter. The boy who lived. The boy who defeated the most powerful dark wizard of all time. And the boy who changed the reading habits of an entire generation while he was at it. Nuff said.

Ista dy Chalion, Paladin of Souls, from Lois McMaster Bujold’s book of the same name. The middle-aged widow of Roya Ias of Chalion and mother of Royina Iselle; a forty-something heroine who eats demons and works for the Bastard God. Yes, really.

Briar Moss AKA Roach, from Tamora Pierce’s Circle of Magic series. A street urchin turned plant mage in the kingdom of Emelan on the Pebbled Sea. Quite the heartthrob as he gets a little older, too.

Susan Sto Helit from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels. Susan is Death’s—the Grim Reaper’s—granddaughter. Pure awesomeness. She can walk through walls and live outside of time and be a little bit immortal. She’s also a governess/school teacher, and the girlfriend of Lobsang Ludd, the anthropomorphic personification of time.

Tank the fidget/furzel – telepathic cat creature – from Linnea Sinclair’s Games of Command. Yes, he’s a character; he has his own scenes with his own POV, and he saves the day more than once. Since we’re on the subject of Games of Command, telepath Jace Serafino isn’t bad either. Nor is Branden Kel-Paten, who is a bio-cybernetic creation, and as such a little bit paranormal too, in a science fiction-y way. :)

Thanks Jenna!

Author Info:

Jennie Bentley is the author of the New York Times bestselling Do-It-Yourself Home Renovation mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime, while Jenna Bennett writes the USA Today bestselling Cutthroat Business mysteries for her own gratification. Jenna is also the author of various forms of romance, from contemporary to futuristic, and from paranormal to romantic suspense, including the award-winning Fortune's Hero, first in the Soldiers of Fortune series, and winner of a 2012 SFR Galaxy award for best Enemies to Lovers story.

A former Realtor® and renovator and current full-time author, Jenna/Jennie lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with a husband, two kids, an African dwarf frog, a goldfish, and a hyper-active dog. Originally from Norway, she has spent more than twenty years in the US and still hasn’t been able to kick her native accent.

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Book Info:

Being the Greek god of love doesn’t mean you believe--or want--anything to do with that sappy emotion. Sure, Eros runs his matchmaking business, Made in Heaven, but finding his own love has never been part of the equation. When he spots the sweet baker who works across the street, he vows to match her with someone else before she stirs his sullen heart.

Annie Landon has given up on finding Mr. Right. What she needs is Mr. Right Here, Right Now, and this so-called “Greek God” she’s heard is on the rebound sounds like the perfect kind of distraction. But picking up the bitter workaholic is easier said than done…especially when he seems unreasonably determined to match her with someone else.

Can a woman looking for love—and the matchmaking god who wants her to find it with someone who isn’t him—have a shot at a happy ending? May the best god—or mortal—win.

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