A Book Obsession..: July 2014

Kirsten Reviews: Silver Mirrors by A.A. Aguirre

, by Kt Clapsadl

Silver Mirrors by A.A. Aguirre

Apparatus Infernum #2

As powerful magic comes creeping back, dangerous days are dawning…...

Criminal Investigation Division inspectors Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko were lucky to make it out of their last mission alive. Since then, strange troubles have plagued the city of steam and shadows, apparently as a result of magic released during the CID inspectors’ desperate interruption of an ancient ritual. The fabric of the world has been unsettled, and the Council has assigned Mikani and Ritsuko to investigate.

They soon discover that matters are worse than they imagined. Machines have developed minds of their own, cragger pirates are raiding the seas with relentless aggression, and mad elementals are running amok. As the chaos builds to a crescendo, Mikani and Ritsuko must fight a war on two fronts—and this time, they may not be able to turn the deadly tide….

Silver Mirrors, by A.A. Aguirre, the second novel in the Apparatus Infernum series continues the adventures of Inspectors Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko, members of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the purpose of which is protecting the public from those magical beings that occasionally threaten the mundane world and its inhabitants. Of course, like any organization, they are in need of more personnel and funding, but at least Mikani and Ritsuko survived their last mission.

However, instead of enjoying a much-deserved vacation, they are soon given another assignment, as the resulting release of magic from the ancient ritual the Inspectors interrupted has been causing problems in the city. In fact, it’s worse than it appears, and the very foundation of the world have been shaken. It’s up to Mikani and Ritsuko to find out what’s behind it, and try to stop it from getting worse. Their initial investigation suggests that all of the trouble originate on the Winter Isle, and so that’s where they head, but as they learn more, they find even more questions and strange events. Machines are acting on their own, there are pirates staging even more raids than normal, and even the elements are not behaving as they should. Suffice to say, Mikani and Ritsuko have their work cut out for them.

As this is the second book in the series, there is more focus on developing the backstory of the main characters, as further developing their relationship with each other. In addition, the steampunk setting receives a great amount of attention, and this fleshing out of setting and protagonists makes the story and world feel richly inhabited, and the series one that promise to expand in interesting ways in future books.
(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
The Bibliosanctum
Pearls Cast Before a McPig
Reading Reality

Previous Books:
1. Bronze Gods

Blood Games Tour

, by Kt Clapsadl

I'm so happy to be once again hosting a spot on one of Chloe Neill's blog tours! This series is one of my all time favorites!

Here's an excerpt from my review of Blood Games:

"There's something to be said about a series that you know with each new installment will be a guaranteed great read. I don't even have to read the blurb to know that the upcoming book will have to be on my shelf. The books are just that good. It's like coming home to old friends and I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves an action packed and emotional read that's guaranteed to please." Read More...

*Do you have a set number of books in mind for this series and any hints you can give us for what's in store next?

There will be 13 Chicagoland Vampires novels, and at least one more novella (which comes out in February 2015). I can't give you any specific hints, but there are very big things in store for Ethan and Merit, including a visitor from Ethan's past.

*Just for fun. If you were stranded somewhere but had electricity, what three things other than basic survival supplies, would you have to have?

A copy of OUTLANDER, my husband, and Diet Coke.

*What is the craziest or at least most interesting thing you have ever done?

Hmm. That's a tough one, as I lead a busy, but pretty predictable, life. I once worked on a presidential campaign. Does that count? :D

*Just for fun. If you were stranded somewhere but had electricity, what three things other than basic survival supplies, would you have to have? (Whoops duplicate question, so it's your lucky day and you get 3 more things!)

This one's the same as Number 2! But if I get three more things, a copy of NAKED IN DEATH, and my dogs. :)

Blood Games

Chicagoland Vampires #10

While Merit didn’t choose to become a vampire or Sentinel of Cadogan House, she vowed to fight for her House and its Master, and she’s managed to forge strong alliances with powerful supernaturals across Chicago. But even though Merit has had wild adventures, this may be her deadliest yet….

A killer is stalking Chicago, preying on humans and leaving his victims with magical souvenirs. The CPD hasn’t been able to track the assailant, and as the body count rises, the city is running out of options. Vampires and humans aren’t on great terms, but murder makes for strange bedfellows. Can Merit find the killer before she becomes a target?

Monday, July 28 – Booklovers For Life | Finding Sanity In Our Crazy Life
Tuesday, July 29 – Nocturne Reads | Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust | Krista’s Dust Jacket
Wednesday, July 30 – Reading on the Rocks | A Book Obsession
Thursday, July 31 – Professional Fangirls | Reading & Writing Urban Fantasy, Paranormal & Romance | Cere’s Book World
Friday, August 1 – Meredith’s Rambles & Babbles | Fallen for Books

Monday, August 4 – Tru Bookie’s Review
Tuesday, August 5 (Release Day) - Saucy Wenches | Literary Escapism | Vampire Book Club
Wednesday, August 6 – Book Suburbia
Thursday, August 7 – Nomi’s Paranormal Palace | Between Fantasy & Reality
Friday, August 8 – Team Nerd Reviews

Author Info:

Chloe Neill is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Chicagoland Vampires and Dark Elite series.

She was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest–just close enough to Cadogan House and St. Sophia’s to keep an eye on things. When not transcribing Merit’s and Lily’s adventures, she bakes, works, and scours the Internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Chloe also maintains her sanity by spending time with her boys–her favorite landscape photographer/husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout. (Both she and the photographer understand the dogs are in charge.)

Chloe is represented by Lucienne Diver of The Knight Agency. Chloe is a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

Photo by Dana Damewood.

Find Chloe Online:

Website Twitter Facebook Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The fun doesn’t stop here. Want more chances to win? You can also enter the Blood Games Grand Prize Giveaway, which runs July 28 through August 8 on Chloe’s web site.

What is the Grand Prize Giveaway prize?
-An engraved Cadogan House medal necklace
-A Kindle Paperwhite
-A complete set of Chicagoland Vampires Audiobook CDs (graciously provided by Tantor Audio)
-A limited edition Cadogan House keychain
-Chicagoland Vampires bookmarks, pens, and lanyard

Early Review: Blood Games by Chloe Neill

, by Kt Clapsadl

Blood Games by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires #10

While Merit didn’t choose to become a vampire or Sentinel of Cadogan House, she vowed to fight for her House and its Master, and she’s managed to forge strong alliances with powerful supernaturals across Chicago. But even though Merit has had wild adventures, this may be her deadliest yet….

A killer is stalking Chicago, preying on humans and leaving his victims with magical souvenirs. The CPD hasn’t been able to track the assailant, and as the body count rises, the city is running out of options. Vampires and humans aren’t on great terms, but murder makes for strange bedfellows. Can Merit find the killer before she becomes a target?

As I've said in previous reviews, one of the best things about this series is that there always is the "current" focus of the book, typically a crime or other catastrophe that needs solved, and there also is the over-arching storyline as well. This time around that over-arch took more of the forefront, which I really enjoyed as the political issues have been brewing for some time now. Those issues with the GP finally hit the boiling point, and boy did that result in a one heck of an interesting read. I can honestly say that I wasn't expecting things to turn out the way that they did, and boy will that ending be a massive shakeup for the future. Yet again, I've finished a new installment only desperate to get my hands on the next.

Warning, mini rant coming... Every time I think Ethan Sullivan has finally grown up when it comes to his and Merit's relationship, I'm proven wrong. I get that he has flaws despite being a vampire, he really is "only human" when it comes to that sort of thing, but at this point I'm just tired of it. He knows that Merit is it for him, and yet when something new comes up that isn't easy to deal with, he pushes her away. Well at least he tried to. Merit's done with allowing him to do that, and there were several times throughout the book where I applauded her. She's really come a long way since the first book in terms of coping with things, now it's just time to get his head out of his petunia. Oh and on another side note that ties into this, I find it incredibly amusing that Merit is utterly terrified of the idea of Ethan proposing someday. She's said on numerous occasions about eternity and all that, so why does marriage scare her so much. Just gives me a chuckle each time to see her panic.

There's something to be said about a series that you know with each new installment will be a guaranteed great read. I don't even have to read the blurb to know that the upcoming book will have to be on my shelf. The books are just that good. It's like coming home to old friends and I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves an action packed and emotional read that's guaranteed to please.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
Carmel By the Cornfields

Previous Books:
1. Some Girls Bite
2. Friday Night Bites
3. Twice Bitten
4. Hard Bitten
5. Drink Deep
6. Biting Cold
7. House Rules

8. Biting Bad

9. Wild Things

Early Review: Free Agent by J.C. Nelson

, by Kt Clapsadl

Free Agent by J.C. Nelson

Grimm Agency #1

When it comes to crafting happily-ever-afters, the Agency is the best in the land of Kingdom. The Fairy Godfather Grimm can solve any problem—from eliminating imps to finding prince charming—as long as you can pay the price…

Working for Grimm isn’t Marissa Locks’s dream job. But when your parents trade you to a Fairy Godfather for a miracle, you don’t have many career options. To pay off her parents’ debt and earn her freedom, Marissa must do whatever Grimm asks, no matter what fairy-tale fiasco she’s called on to deal with.

Setting up a second-rate princess with a first-class prince is just another day at the office. But when the matchmaking goes wrong, Marissa and Grimm find themselves in a bigger magical muddle than ever before. Not only has the prince gone missing, but the Fae are gearing up to attack Kingdom, and a new Fairy Godmother is sniffing around Grimm’s turf, threatening Marissa with the one thing she can’t resist: her heart’s wishes.

Now Marissa will have to take on Fairies, Fae, dragons, and princesses to save the realm—or give up any hope of ever getting her happy ending…

There are two things that really drive a really good read for me for me, the characters and the romance. While the latter was only a small part of this book, I still connected. That being said, Marissa stole the show for me. I simply adored her character. She's so tough yet vulnerable at the same time. She's quirky and stands up for what she believes in no matter the odds it seems. At first it seems like life has dealt her a raw deal, but as time went on, I got the feeling there was a lot more going on than first met the eye. I'm looking forward to seeing more from Marissa in future.

I'll be honest that books that lie on the more fantasy side of Urban Fantasy can be rather hit or miss for me. I just find all the complicated rules can get a bit overwhelming. So while the blurb of this one intrigued me enough to pick it up, I did so with a bit of trepidation. I'm happy to say that FREE AGENT landed on the "hit" side. Sure there was a bit of a learning curve to the world and the Kingdom sections were a bit confusing, but overall this was a pretty interesting read. The plot moved quickly and the pacing was steady keeping me well entertained, and the characters, specifically Marissa were fantastic. So, if you are looking for a good read you'll want to check out FREE AGENT.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Kirsten Reviews: Malice by John Gwynne

, by Kt Clapsadl

Malice by John Gwynne

The Faithful and the Fallen #1

A black sun is rising …

Young Corban watches enviously as boys become warriors under King Brenin’s rule, learning the art of war. He yearns to wield his sword and spear to protect his king’s realm. But that day will come all too soon. Only when he loses those he loves will he learn the true price of courage.

The Banished Lands has a violent past where armies of men and giants clashed shields in battle, the earth running dark with their heartsblood. Although the giant-clans were broken in ages past, their ruined fortresses still scar the land. But now giants stir anew, the very stones weep blood and there are sightings of giant wyrms. Those who can still read the signs see a threat far greater than the ancient wars. Sorrow will darken the world, as angels and demons make it their battlefield. Then there will be a war to end all wars.

High King Aquilus summons his fellow kings to council, seeking an alliance in this time of need. Some are skeptical, fighting their own border skirmishes against pirates and giants. But prophesy indicates darkness and light will demand two champions, the Black Sun and the Bright Star. They would be wise to seek out both, for if the Black Sun gains ascendancy, mankind’s hopes and dreams will fall to dust.

Malice by John Gwynne, the first book in The Faithful and the Fallen series is the sort of epic fantasy that utilizes many of the familiar tropes of the genre, while attempting to make them something, if not novel, at least fresher than readers might anticipate.

The story includes a prologue, which may put off some readers, and in this case, it concerns The Banished Lands, a place where a tenuous peace holds after countless battles with giants. But, word is spreading that now a new war is brewing. Of course, the solution is for the lands to be united against a common enemy, but nothing is that simple. This fact casts a long shadow over the rest of the book, and it’s a fact that touches all of the characters in some fashion.

There are a number of protagonists, and for anyone who doesn’t want to follow multiple storylines, it will prove a bit confusing, but each chapter follows one of these characters, so the plots stay organized while forming a mostly cohesive whole.

Corban longs to be a warrior under the banner of King Brenin, and he does get what he wants, but there’s a high price for it. In the course of his journey, he evolves from a boy bullied by others to a warrior. His journey to learn swordsmanship encompasses the other life lessons that are essential to any epic fantasy novel with any sort of heroic journey.

Another, Evnis, tired of feeling that his older brother is pushing him further into obscurity, decides that the best thing to do is to consult an ancient demon in order to gain power. In return for great power, Evnis must offer himself to the demon. Proving that he hasn’t thought things through, Evnis agrees, and the story fast-forwards several decades to the present day, where the consequences of his actions can be seen and his story continues.

Other characters include Nathair and Veradis, both of whom are young nobles who are seeking to plan for the future, that of their families, and handling politics, as well as the looming spectre of war.

The story is brought to a reasonable conclusion; while leaving the fate of characters uncertain, in jeopardy, or grappling with the ways in which their lives have changed uncertain, to be dealt with in future books.
(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
Bookwraiths Reviews
The Book Plank
Dom's Fantasy Review Holistic

Review: How the White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back by Diana Rowland

, by Kt Clapsadl

How the White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back by Diana Rowland

White Trash Zombie #4

READERS HUNGER FOR ANGEL CRAWFORD...

It’s zombie versus zombie as the Saberton Corporation declares war against the Zombie Mafia, kidnapping several of their party. It falls to Angel to lead the remnants of her gang halfway across the country to claw their way through corporate intrigue, zombie drugs, and undead trafficking to rescue her friends—and expose the traitor responsible for their abduction...

I loved the first book in this series, it was unique and completely unlike any other zombie book I've read. Plus Angel was a really interesting yet flawed character that you couldn't help falling for. So by the end of the book I was thoroughly hooked. However, I recently picked up the second book and I have to admit that I was less than thrilled with the introduction of the zombie conspiracy happenings. It just gave the series a different feeling than the first one established in my opinion. That being said, I then picked up the third book and started to accept the conspiracies. So, with this one I figured that trend would continue and I would be on board with thing, but unfortunately I just wasn't feeling it yet again. I'm not sure what it is, but I guess most of my issue stems with me not buying the conspiracies. Originally it was sold as other zombie factions wanting to corner the market on certain things, but now it seems like it's more about one woman's extremish hatred towards zombies and her crazy machinations when it all boils down. So it made reading this book just a bit mediocre as I wasn't buying what was being "sold," but that's just me.

My plot issues aside, what kept this book and series for that matter from falling to the wayside was Angel. I adore her character. She's so flawed yet has been slowly and painstakingly inch for inch carving a new and better life for herself. But of course, it's a slow process, and there are setbacks. While she's trying, she still sees herself as that junkie and it does hold her back a bit. But all the same I love seeing her grow and make a new life for her. There's just something to be said about cheering a character on. That being said, I'm a bit frustrated with the ending of this book. I won't get into what it was to keep from spoiling things but it was so far backtracking that it seemed so far out of character that it rang a bit false to me. Perhaps I just don't understand how this issue would have worked in the real world but it just soured things a bit for me especially considering it's her character that really carried this book.

So as you can see based on this review, this installment was rather mediocre for me. That being said, I'm still a fan of the series overall and will be looking forward to the next installment to see what trouble Angel can get herself into.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
Rabid Reads
Casual Readers

Previous Books:
1. My Life as a White Trash Zombie
2. Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues
3. White Trash Zombie Apocalypse

Early Review: Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews

, by Kt Clapsadl

Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews

Kate Daniels #7

No matter how much the paranormal politics of Atlanta change, one thing always remains the same: if there’s trouble, Kate Daniels will be in the middle of it…

As the mate of the Beast Lord, Curran, former mercenary Kate Daniels has more responsibilities than it seems possible to juggle. Not only is she still struggling to keep her investigative business afloat, she must now deal with the affairs of the pack, including preparing her people for attack from Roland, a cruel ancient being with god-like powers. Since Kate’s connection to Roland has come out into the open, no one is safe—especially those closest to Kate.

As Roland’s long shadow looms ever nearer, Kate is called to attend the Conclave, a gathering of the leaders from the various supernatural factions in Atlanta. When one of the Masters of the Dead is found murdered there, apparently at the hands of a shapeshifter, Kate is given only twenty-four hours to hunt down the killer. And this time, if she fails, she’ll find herself embroiled in a war which could destroy everything she holds dear…

Wow, just wow. This book blew me away. I'll admit that I was a bit skeptical at the switch from Mass Market format to the much pricier Hardcover for this series, but MAGIC BREAKS proved that this series is more than worthy. There are very few adult series that I follow in hardcover for my shelves as frequently I make the long wait until the secondary mass market is released. But after reading this one, I can assure you that this series has earned a place on my very very limited top book budget area. It simply was that good.

Boy was this a game changing book. So much happens that my head was left spinning by the end. It was one heck of a ride to say the least. But what made this book really shine was that despite there being so much going on with the fast paced plot and the massive threat of Roland over their heads, there was more than a little humor throughout the book. There was one scene with a giant donkey... Well suffice it to say that it was so hilarious that I woke my husband out of his sleep from my outburst of laughter in bed. So while the hubby wasn't amused, I sure was, and I loved those moments of levity as everything around them was falling apart.

MAGIC BREAKS is one of those books that when you finish, you want to start right over from the beginning again just so it won't be over. I laughed and I cried while reading this book and I simply just could not get enough. I realize that this review may have been just a bit on the gushing side, but trust me, it more than earned it. An absolute must read for those new to the series and long time fans alike, MAGIC BREAKS is not to be missed. Bravo!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:

Previous Books:
1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
4. Magic Bleeds
5. Magic Slays
5.5. Gunmetal Magic

6. Magic Rises

Kirsten Reviews: The Last President by John Barnes

, by Kt Clapsadl

The Last President by John Barnes

Daybreak #3

An author who “excels at combining the tension of the chase with the elements of science fiction,”* John Barnes delivered a fascinating and frightening scenario about the collapse of America’s political and social infrastructure following the destruction of modern technology. Now, the author of Directive 51 and Daybreak Zero continues his story of the wild postapocalyptic frontier—and humanity’s last desperate attempt to re-civilize their world…

For more than a year, Heather O’Grainne and her small band of heroes, operating out of Pueblo, Colorado, have struggled to pull the United States back together after it shattered under the impact of the event known as Daybreak. Now they are poised to bring the three or four biggest remaining pieces together, with a real President and Congress, under the full Constitution again. Heather is very close to fulfilling her oath, creating a safe haven for civilization to be reborn.

But other forces are rising too.

Some people like the new life better...

In a devastated, splintered, postapocalyptic United States, with technology thrown back to biplanes, black powder, and steam trains, a tiny band of visionaries struggles to re-create Constitutional government and civilization itself, as a new dark age takes shape around them.

The Last President: A Novel of Daybreak by John Barnes is the story of an apocalypse in the very near-future. A life form known as Daybreak has set off biological weapons, as well as EMP bombs, which have decimated any oil or oil-based products, with the intention of destroying any and all technology. As if that wasn’t enough to cow humanity, many of the survivors are now being controlled by Daybreak, and have formed anti-technology militias, or gangs, and now attack anyone who is not part of their group.

Those not under the influence of Daybreak seek to try and rebuild the world, and more specifically, the United States. That’s where Heather O’Grainne and the community of Pueblo Colorado come into the story. There are additional groups in New York, Georgia, San Diego, as well as other locations, where people have found ways to fight off Daybreak.

The followers of Daybreak are easily compared to zombies, and a great deal of the story’s action involves fighting off these groups, and there is quite a lot going on top of that to keep the story moving. At times it feels like very slow going, and some moments of triumph and survival are earned, while others feel as if they’re fighting to be significant in the face of so much plot and what is at times, exposition that is more smothering than it is helpful. Instead of giving readers so many glimpses of different communities and introducing a large range of characters, time and pages would have been better served by focusing more on a few of them at a time in greater detail.

All told, the writing and ideas are not weak, but the universe Barnes has created is so complex that it feels as if it needs a great deal more room and narrative to breathe.
(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
Pamelibrarian

Previous Books:
1. Directive 51
2. Daybreak Zero

Review: Peanut Goes to School by Thea Harrison

, by Kt Clapsadl

Peanut Goes to School by Thea Harrison

Elder Races #6.7

This is a short story (15,100 words or 55 pages) intended for readers of the Elder Races who enjoy Liam Cuelebre, aka Peanut, as a character.

Dragos Cuelebre is no longer the only dragon.

Dragos’s son Liam Cuelebre (a.k.a. Peanut) is springing into existence, reminiscent of the first of the Elder Races who were born at the beginning of the world. At just six months of age, he has already grown to the size of a large five-year-old boy. He can read, write in complete sentences, and his math skills are off the chart.

A white dragon in his Wyr form, Liam also holds more Power than almost anyone else. In an effort to give him a taste of normality, no matter how fleeting, his parents Pia and Dragos enroll him in first grade.

They hope school will help teach Liam how to relate to others, a vital skill that will help him control his growing Power. But school has a surprising number of pitfalls, and relating to others can be a tricky business.When a classmate is threatened, Liam must quickly learn self-control, how to rein in his instincts, and govern his temper, because there’s no doubt about it—he is fast becoming one of the most dangerous creatures in all of the Elder Races.

This was a short but very endearing novella. Peanut, aka Liam may only be six months old, but he's worlds beyond that. In fact, while he's the size of a large six year old, mentally he's far beyond that. In fact in some ways he's worlds beyond any normal adult due to his power and abilities. And yet in other ways he's so much younger than he appears to the world. There's an innocence there and fierce love for his family that brings such a sweetness to him, but it's also tempered with his instincts and volatility of his power. And tempering that volatility is where sending him to school comes in. I understood where Dragos and Pia were coming from, wanting him to learn from his peers for the short while he will still be a child, but frankly I knew it was a catastrophe of some sort waiting to happen. And I was right in part. Some things happened that should never have been, and could have been prevented, but other things happened as well. And despite how much I wish the less than great things at school had not have happened, the very important learning experiences far outweighed the bad, and really warmed my heart. So yet again, I'm really pleased with this small outlook into the Elder Races world. I only wish this small side series would be continuing as I love the books centered around Dragos and Pia the most, and of course now Liam as well. Fans of the series will want to take a look at this mini trilogy as I highly recommend it for an extra look into these much loved character's lives.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
Tome Tender
Swept Away By Romance
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

Previous Books:
1. Dragon Bound
2. Storm's Heart
3. Serpent's Kiss
4. Oracle's Moon
5. Lord's Fall
6. Kinked
6.5. Dragos Takes a Holiday

6.6. Pia Saves the Day

Early Review: Poison Promise by Jennifer Estep

, by Kt Clapsadl

Poison Promise by Jennifer Estep

Elemental Assassin #11

In book eleven of her New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series, author Jennifer Estep continues “one of the best urban fantasy series going on the market” (Fresh Fiction).

Gin Blanco is hard-nosed, sexy, and lethal. Nicknamed “The Spider,” she’s a stone elemental assassin who brings her unique mix of magic and tact to every assignment, no matter the target.

There’s a new drug on the streets of Ashland, and its name “Burn” sums up the potent effect it has on its users. When one of her restaurant employees is threatened by dealers of the drug, Gin steps in to set things straight…

This series never stops amazing me. Every time I think Gin has overcome the worst that she can, yet another big and bad foe comes and one ups the last. Or perhaps it's not even that as I'm not quite sure this latest threat was really as bad as Mab Monroe was. But that's not what's important. What really matters is that each new big and bad doesn't feel like a repeat of the last. And that's why I love this series so much I think. Well aside from the absolutely fabulous cast of characters that it. But frankly even a phenomenal cast wouldn't be enough to keep this long of a series at the top of my all time favorites list. It's the fact that despite Gin being in the same near death situations over and over again, it never once has felt stale. When I sit down to read one of these books I know that I'm going to have a guaranteed block of entertainment, and POISON PROMISE more than delivered on that.

Another thing that continues to throw me for a loop are the character dynamics. Nothing is safe or stable as each time things start to feel comfortable, the rug is ripped out from under Gin. Early on it was things with Donavan, then it was things with her sister Bria, then Owen and Gin had one heck of a rough patch, with so many other rocky patches in between. This time is was a pretty important character relationship on the rocks that I won't spoil, but suffice it to say that Gin's world is turned upside down once again, proving that nothing is safe. Another thing was that Gin, despite having to "take out the trash" as she gets jumped almost daily, she's become complacent, and that all comes to a head in this book.

POISON PROMISE is a book of change and largely character dynamic driven that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's one heck of a ride from start to finish that is sure to please fans of the series. Trust me, you can't lose here.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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