Early Review: Priestess Dreaming by Yasmine Galenorn

Priestess Dreaming by Yasmine Galenorn

Otherworld #16

We're the D'Artigo sisters: savvy half-human, half-Fae operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. My sister Delilah is a two-faced werecat and a Death Maiden. Menolly is a vampire married to a gorgeous werepuma. And me? I'm a Moon witch married to three gorgeous husbands, and I'm about to journey through the veils to search for a long lost legend...

With the war in Otherworld raging, the Queen of Shadow and Night summons me to her court. Aeval orders me to embark on a hunt through the mists to find an ancient ally she once knew. I must seek out The Merlin and wake him from his long sleep. But Morgaine and Bran are along for the journey, and the pair pose a threat to both me and my quest. Now, surrounded by danger on all sides, I must pray they are allies rather than enemies, as we undertake a perilous search through the labyrinth of time...

I always look forward to Camile's books the most as I love her trio of men so much, but I'm not so sure how I feel about the romance department in this one. I mean Camile has these three awesome husbands and some of my favorite parts of her books has been watching the three men bumbling along trying to work together and balance their time with Camile, etc. However, this time around Camile is separated from two of them leaving that fun dynamic out. There was a pretty emotional beginning as Camile dealt with Trillian having to leave for a time, which was really hard on her. But when Smoky had a problem with Camile needing to leave to go on a very dangerous quest, she basically shut him down completely claiming it was her duty. It just left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth as Smoky seems to frequently get the short end of things. I guess I was just hoping for more of the dynamic between all four of them, and that just didn't happen. That being said, the smexy scenes were still there, perhaps not as hot as they have been in the past, but definitely still steamy.

Camile being separated by all but one of her men aside, I was largely enjoying this book. The quest gave things a bit of a different feel and a change of pace that I liked. Add that into the growing world dynamic with the dragons and the reveals that happen surrounding Morgaine and I was utterly hooked. The book was one heck of a journey, and I've always been a fan of quest books. But I will note that while I was really enjoying the storyline, the ending turned a bit sour for me as I felt the resolution was way too easy. Things were portrayed as the biggest bad they've face, which when you consider just how many foes they've come up again, that's saying something. And yet... The resolution was so easy, that I had to go back and re-read those paragraphs to make sure I didn't miss something. Sure there's warnings for consequences on their actions, but to me that's not enough to make up for how easy the final showdown went. It honestly left me scratching my head, but I guess only time will tell as to what those repercussions will hold. Maybe they'll balance the easy go this round next time.

So all in all, this is another good read in this long running series that's showing no signs of slowing up. Fans of the series should be pleased with Camile's latest installment, and if they are anything like me, they will finish and will already be looking for the next one. Bring on more books!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:

Previous Books:

     1. Witchling

     2. Changeling

     3. Darkling

     4. Dragon Wytch

     5. Night Huntress

     6. Demon Mistress

     7. Bone Magic

     8. Harvest Hunting

     9. Blood Wyne

     10. Courting Darkness

     11. Shaded Vision

     12. Shadow Rising

     13. Haunted Moon

     14. Autumn Whispers

     15. Crimson Veil

     15.5. Flight from Hell

Early Review: Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

Elemental #5

Earth. Fire. Air. Water.

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick understands pressure. He's the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it in for his family, and he's all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, understands pressure too. She's got a child of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could put her life in danger at any moment.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael's defiance, his family's 'bad luck'. Before he knows it, Michael's enemies have turned into the Merricks' enemies, and they're armed for war.

They're not interested in surrender. But Michael isn't the white flag type anyway. Everything is set for the final showdown.

Four elements, one family. Will they hold together, or be torn apart?

SACRIFICE just wasn't what I was expecting. Perhaps I had too high of hopes based on all the build up over the previous books and novellas, but I just don't feel like this book gave the series the proper send off that it deserved. Things just were not settled at all in the end and were left far to open for my tastes. Perhaps that means that this series isn't actually finished, but I'm not really sure who the next book would be about as all of the characters have seen their "day." Even so, putting the lack of a finalized ending aside, I still don't feel like this book was as strong as the previous ones. Michael just seems stuck in an overbearing protecting rut, shutting the rest of the world out and refusing any help. Frankly while some of that showed in the previous books, him being wise and the glue that held the family together was what came through more. I loved how everyone could really count on him to be fair and know what to say to reassure them. So I was really excited to see things from his side, but unfortunately felt let down as that element just seemed missing this time around. That being said, he did grow by leaps and bounds by the end of the book, so there's a plus, but again, I would have like to have seen more of the Michael that's we've seen in the previous books rather than how things played out in this one.

Another character that came across completely differently than had been previously portrayed was Hannah. I just didn't get her at all. Never would I have guess she would have had such a chip on her shoulder, and so many of her actions came across as childish and immature despite her claiming to be a grown up. It just didn't jive with what had been shown before, and it left the romance stilted and stale. With Michael being so closed off and Hannah being anything but understanding about everything, I was left scratching my head at what was really going on there. I mean they are supposed to be two adults in a relationship, and yet, there just didn't seem to be anything real there. I just didn't get it, and it soured the read for me.

The plot behind Sacrifice left me wanting more as well. The villain seemed just a bit over the top as liked to play with his victims which is in complete contrast to anyone the brothers have faced previously. I'm not sure I liked this element. Sure, it ramped up the tension a bit, but I don't think it drew me in emotionally toward their plight, and when you consider just how much craziness occurs in this book, I should have been more emotionally invested. Unfortunately I just wasn't making this a mediocre read overall for me. I wanted so much more from this book and it just wasn't there. I still think fans of the series should read SACRIFICE to see Michael's side of things and hope along with me that the series will be continued.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     The Midnight Garden
     The Eater of Books!
     Books of Amber

Previous Books:
     1. Storm

     2. Spark

     3. Spirit

     4. Secret

Early Review: In a Handful of Dust by Mindy McGinnis

In a Handful of Dust by Mindy McGinnis

Not a Drop to Drink #2

The only thing bigger than the world is fear.

Lucy’s life by the pond has always been full. She has water and friends, laughter and the love of her adoptive mother, Lynn, who has made sure that Lucy’s childhood was very different from her own. Yet it seems Lucy’s future is settled already—a house, a man, children, and a water source—and anything beyond their life by the pond is beyond reach.

When disease burns through their community, the once life-saving water of the pond might be the source of what’s killing them now. Rumors of desalinization plants in California have lingered in Lynn’s mind, and the prospect of a “normal” life for Lucy sets the two of them on an epic journey west to face new dangers: hunger, mountains, deserts, betrayal, and the perils of a world so vast that Lucy fears she could be lost forever, only to disappear in a handful of dust.

In this companion to Not a Drop to Drink, Mindy McGinnis thrillingly combines the heart-swelling hope of a journey, the challenges of establishing your own place in the world, and the gripping physical danger of nature in a futuristic frontier.

This is going to be a very hard review to write, especially when it comes to rating due to high expectations. I absolutely LOVED Not a Drop to Drink, so when I saw this companion novel, I knew I would have to read it. That being said, while I enjoyed IN A HANDFUL OF DUST, I wasn't completely sucked in like I was with the first book. Don't get me wrong, it was a good read, but it just didn't have the same all consuming feel that the first one did. The first time around the bleakness was all consuming, but this time it didn't have the same sucker punch feeling, which I was hoping to be repeated.

I think a lot of my different feelings this time around had to do with Lucy's character. She's so stark in comparison to Lynn. Sure Lynn came a long way in accepting others, but Lucy just seems to be way too far on the opposite spectrum. Their world is harsh, and she just seemed too trusting, naive, and somewhat selfish to match that. It just didn't seem to jive for me. That being said, it was interesting to see their harsh world from a different perspective. Granted this story did pick up 10 years down the road from where Lynn's book left off, so perhaps Lucy really was sheltered that much "off page" to make this naiveness make sense, but somehow I just doubt it as the circumstances just wouldn't have allowed too much of an easy life. And I think that's where my sticking point lies. The first time around it was the stark world that drew me in as much as the characters and Lucy's different view of things lessened the harsh feel a bit.

But putting all that aside, let's get onto the things I enjoyed. IN A HANDFUL OF DUST opened the stark world up even further, bringing us looks into how others have survived this bleak landscape. There were so many horrors along the way, some of which were so shocking they turned my stomach. What some people will do to survive is both incredible and horrifying it's hard to wrap your head around it. I really have to give the author kudos for expanding this world realistically (When you look outside of Lucy's view and really take in what's going on that is.) Things are not easy, nor are they all bad, and I feel the balance was well played as I never lost hope despite the terrible situations they found themselves.

It's funny, at the close of Not a Drop to Drink, I was completely content with the world to have ended there stay a stand alone, but now that I've read IN A HANDFUL OF DUST, I'm no longer content as after that ending I want more. I feel like there's so much more of a story to be told either from Lucy or Lynn, although I'd prefer the latter of course. Unfortunately it doesn't seem like there will be more books. But either way, Mindy McGinnis has more than earned herself on my authors to watch out for list, and I'll be on the lookout for what she has coming next. If you enjoyed Not a Drop to Drink, then IN A HANDFUL OF DUST should be on your must read list.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Gizmo's Review's
     Brandi Breathes Books
     Dark Faerie Tales

Previous Books:
     1. Not a Drop to Drink

Kirsten Reviews: Captive by A.D. Robertson

Captive: The Forbidden Side of Nightshade

Forbidden Side of Nightshade #1

The first adult novel set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Nightshade series, Captive delivers a steamy, forbidden romance between sworn enemies drawn together by an irrepressible desire.

Twenty-five-year-old Tristan Doran enjoys a life of incredible power and privilege. As a direct descendant of the Keepers—witches who have embraced dark magic—he defers to no one but his overlord, Lord Bosque Mar. For most of his life, Tristan has been kept out of the centuries-old Witches War, his bloodline too valuable to risk in battle.

But when a beautiful, young human Searcher named Sarah is captured and made a prisoner in his Irish castle, Tristan’s infatuation with her flings him headlong into the fray. Captive and captor, unable to contain their longing, embark on a passionate, forbidden romance together—only to learn that their love is at the heart of a prophecy predicting the downfall of the Keepers’ ages-old reign.

Captive explores the darker side of the richly imagined Nightshade universe, a fantasy world of powerful dark witches, shape-shifting wolf warriors, and fascinating history. The first of three erotic novels, Captive delves deeply into the fiery, illicit romance of two young lovers whose very desires invite their doom.

A.D. Robertson’s Captive: The Forbidden Side of Nightshade is the first book in a series that takes place in the same word as those written by the author under the pseudonym of Andrea Cremer, and which pits the descendant of witches against a human, in hopes of creating sparks and conflict - to only partial success.

Tristan Doran is the descendant of the Keepers, witches who have embraced dark magic, and has been excluded from a war that has lasted centuries because his bloodline is too valuable to lose.

Sarah, a human Searcher is the catalyst to push Tristan into the thick of things. When she is taken prisoner, he becomes infatuated, and the clichés are easy to see coming. It should not come as any surprise that it’s the attraction, and emotional bond between Tristan and Sarah that is the linchpin of a prophecy that predicts the end of the Keepers’ reign of power.

The book has a range of different beings and characters, including lupine warriors, witches, and humans somehow in the middle of everything and tipping the scales. This has been billed by some as a YA novel, but it’s more accurate to say that it’s the ‘adult side’ of the world of Nightshade, and has far more in common with erotic novels than most YA out there.

All told, Captive did more telling than showing, overused plot devices, and was full of scenes that felt overly dramatic, or underplayed things too much. It was, to put it mildly, very uneven. Fans of the author’s other books may enjoy seeing her branch out into a different direction, but new readers may not find it as palatable.
(Received a copy from the publisher)

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     Head Stuck in a Book
     Books-n-Kisses
     Bookish

Release Day Review: Made for You by Melissa Marr

Made for You by Melissa Marr

Bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely books Melissa Marr’s first contemporary YA novel is a twisted southern gothic tale of obsession, romance, and murder. A killer is obsessed with Eva Tilling. Can she stop him, or will he claim her?

When Eva Tilling wakes up in the hospital, she’s confused—who in her sleepy little North Carolina town could have hit her with their car? And why? But before she can consider the question, she finds that she’s awoken with a strange new skill: the ability to foresee people’s deaths when they touch her. While she is recovering from the hit-and-run, Nate, an old flame, reappears, and the two must traverse their rocky past as they figure out how to use Eva’s power to keep her friends—and themselves—alive. But while Eva and Nate grow closer, the killer grows increasingly frantic in his attempt to get to Eva.

For the first time, New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr has applied her extraordinary talent to contemporary realism. Chilling twists, unrequited obsession, and high-stakes romance drive this Gothic, racy thriller—a story of small-town oppression and salvation. Melissa’s fans, and every YA reader, will find its wild ride enthralling.

My goodness was this book a nail biter. It kept me literally on the edge of my seat, as it was engrossing, captivating, and horrifying all at the same time. Typically I'm not the biggest fan of seeing into the villian's POV as more often than not it either comes across as a cheesy with a "dastardly plan," or frankly, boring. That was no where near the case here as the villain's point of view brought chills to my skin, especially as the book went on, and it became more and more clear just how messed up he was. Frankly this just wasn't something I would have expected from a YA novel. Even though this is a bit out of my preferred genre as thrillers just don't quite do it for me, I found myself completely unable to put MADE FOR YOU down.

I absolutely loved Eva's character. The way she was portrayed was perfect. She comes from a privileged southern family and struggles with the constraints that involves. At the start she's trying to balance what is expected of her and what she really wants from life. You know, the normal teenage struggle to find who really are in life, and I really like the way it was done in this book. Eva won me over right away, which considering everything that happened right away this instant connection really helped to make the read un-put-downable for me. Then when you add in the fact that the rest of the cast of characters, specifically Grace, Eva's parents, and Nate were  every bit as well fleshed out, this one is a winner.

If you are a fan of YA thrillers with a little twist of paranormal, then MADE FOR YOU should be on your next to read list. Heck, even if you aren't a fan of thrillers, you'll still want to give this one a look.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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     a GREAT read
     Brandi Breathes Books
     Young Adult Hollywood

Review: Ghost Layer by Robin D. Owens

Ghost Layer by Robin D. Owens

Ghost Seer #2

Clare Cermak’s adjusting to a new man in her life—and a lot of ghosts. The passing of Clare’s aunt gave way to a sizeable inheritance of not only money, but also the ability to communicate with the dead. At the same time, she met Zach Slade, a private detective with a rough past, and just like Clare, he’s not yet ready to accept her gift—or his own.

But Clare has another matter to look into. A multimillionaire needs her help after relocating an old ghost town to his mountain estate. The bones of a murdered prospector are making nightly appearances in his guests’ beds. When the gold miner’s ghost contacts Clare, she promises to help find the name of his killer—but someone doesn't want the past revealed and might find her first…

Ghost Layer while enjoyable on the surface, suffered from some underlying issues that kept me from getting sucked into the story as much as I would like. The overall premise is interesting, but I don't think enough is being revealed or explained to really hold my attention. There's this outside influence that's controlling the strings, but it's rather infuriating to be honest. It threatens Clare despite her moving towards accepting her new fate of seeing ghosts, because she's not "progressing as she should" yet it doesn't give her any information either. I'm just a fan of hypocrisy like that. But on the flip side, Clare does seem to be overly obtuse in that she doesn't seem to learn from anything. It's the same actions and mistakes over and over, leaving me more than a bit frustrated. And yes, which she's moving towards accepting her fate, it is slow going, and at times she just seemed petulant, which just isn't an attractive character trait. 

I could have overlooked the frustrating world and heroine if the romance had been stronger. Sure there was plenty of heat in the bedroom aspects, but it just felt forced. Almost like it was missing a spark or that oomph to make it substantial. The chemistry just wasn't there, and it was a case of telling not showing to be honest. I just want more from the romance department in my books. I want to be swept off my feet right along with the characters, and that just wasn't the case here.

In the end GHOST LAYER was a a mediocre read for me. While it wasn't a struggle to keep reading, I was easily distracted and wound up putting it down more frequently as I wasn't sucked in enough to be consumed but the read. I think I'll give this series one more shot, and hopefully the next one will grab me more. 

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     The Book Pushers
     Rabid Reads
     Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Previous Books:
     1. Ghost Seer
 

Review: Wickedly Dangerous by Deborah Blake

Wickedly Dangerous by Deborah Blake

Baba Yaga #1

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one of them…

Older than she looks and powerful beyond measure, Barbara Yager no longer has much in common with the mortal life she left behind long ago. Posing as an herbalist and researcher, she travels the country with her faithful (mostly) dragon-turned-dog in an enchanted Airstream, fulfilling her duties as a Baba Yaga and avoiding any possibility of human attachment.

But when she is summoned to find a missing child, Barbara suddenly finds herself caught up in a web of deceit and an unexpected attraction to the charming but frustrating Sheriff Liam McClellan.

Now, as Barbara fights both human enemies and Otherworld creatures to save the lives of three innocent children, she discovers that her most difficult battle may be with her own heart…

When I read the blurb for WICKEDLY DANGEROUS, I knew right away that I'd have to read this one. I mean come on, a story about Baba Yaga? And she's not an old hag? How awesome is that?!? Of course this means I went into the book with very high expectations, but I'm happy to report that those expectations were warranted. It's such a fun, sassy, and sexy book. I really enjoyed the blending of the worlds between the human realm and Otherworld, with Baba straddling both of them. It definitely made things more than a little interesting. 

Baba is such a fun character. She's definitely a fish out of water, and despite being pretty old (ages very slowly) she doesn't know anything about relationships or really how to deal with attraction and romance. So it was pretty amusing to see her stumbling all over herself for Liam, despite her hard act and exterior. It has that first love and new experiences feel to it, without seeming too young and naive. Liam is the perfect match for her as while he's a strong right side of the law kind of man, he has his priorities in order and didn't stubbornly hold onto the law. They are a bit of opposites so it was amusing at times to see them clash, but overall they really worked together for me. The romance in general left a smile on my face, and that's all I ask for. 

I will say that after finishing this one and reading the blurb for the next one, I was a bit bummed to see that things wouldn't be continuing on with this Baba, but onto another one. I just felt like there could have been so much more added onto this story. But regardless, I'm still eagerly anticipating the next story if this one is any indication of how much I'll enjoy it. So if you are looking for a fun and sexy paranormal story that's a different change of pace, WICKEDLY DANGEROUS is worth a look. Or two.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Badass Book Reviews
     Urban Fantasy Investigations
     The Reader Girls

Early Review: The Witch With No Name by Kim Harrison

The Witch With No Name by Kim Harrison

The Hollows # 13

At long last... The final book in the New York Timesbestselling Hollows series by Kim Harrison!

Rachel Morgan's come a long way from the clutzy runner of Dead Witch Walking. She's faced vampires and werewolves, banshees, witches, and soul-eating demons. She's crossed worlds, channeled gods, and accepted her place as a day-walking demon. She's lost friends and lovers and family, and an old enemy has become something much more.

But power demands responsibility, and world-changers must always pay a price. That time is now.

To save Ivy's soul and the rest of the living vampires, to keep the demonic ever after and our own world from destruction, Rachel Morgan will risk everything.

The blurb says it all "At long last... The final book." It's both so satisfying and yet utterly bittersweet to see this much loved and long running story come to an end. I have to admit that I was more than a little nervous to start this book as there has been so much build up and my expectations were so high. This series, probably more than any I've read, really need to go out with a bang to give true justice to the investment and attachment to these characters. I'm happy to say that THE WITCH WITH NO NAME doesn't go out with a bang. No, it goes out with a whole herd of fireworks and explosion bangs to light up the entire sky on the Fourth of July. 

It truly is amazing to see so many long running threads come together and work themselves out. The last couple of books have started pulling things together, but this final book was the final seal in everything, and I simply loved it. Never could I have predicted things to end up the way they have looking back to when I first read Dead Witch Walking. The character growth and change that the entire cast of characters have gone through is simply astounding. But of course Rachel most of all has stolen my heart with her changes. Who would have though that that reckless witch would have turned into the catalyst to changing all the different Inderlander groups for the better. 

THE WITCH WITH NO NAME proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Kim Harrison is an absolute master at her craft. I simply cannot express how much I have enjoyed this book and the series as a whole. These books will be on my re-read shelf for many many years to come. My hat goes off to you Ms. Harrison. Bravo!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Fresh Fiction
     Unconventional Book Views
     Tome Tender

Previous Books:
     1. Dead Witch Walking
     2. The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
     3. Every Which Way But Dead
     4. A Fistful of Charms
     5. For a Few Demons More
     6. The Outlaw Demon Wails
     7. White Witch, Black Curse
     8. Back Magic Sanction
     9. Pale Demon
     10. A Perfect Blood
     11. Ever After
     12. The Undead Pool

Review: Flight from Hell by Yasmine Galenorn

Flight from Hell by Yasmine Galenorn

Otherworld #15.5

Crossover from the Otherworld Series to Fly By Night Series.

New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn returns with another thrilling foray into Otherworld—introducing a new cast of heroes alongside the D’Artigo sisters…

When the half-demon Carter approaches Menolly and her sisters desperately asking for their help, they think he's just had a tiff with Shimmer, his blue dragon girlfriend.

But after talking to Alex Radcliffe, the owner of the Fly By Night Magical Investigations Agency where Shimmer works, they suspect that she has been kidnapped by an old enemy of Alex's.

Now, Alex must join forces with the D'Artigo sisters in a desperate race to find Shimmer before Julian, a powerful vampire from Alex's past with a grudge to settle, can use the dragon to wreak havoc on Seattle as revenge.

This is a really quick read, and the perfect introduction into Yasmine's upcoming spin-off world. I really love novellas like this that give a little extra in a series, as well as novella prequels to open a series. This one had the best of both of those worlds and really tied things together for me. And the fact that the new series is going to be about a dragon? I'm more than sold. While Shimmer isn't the focus of this story as it's told from Menolly's point of view, after reading this one I can't wait to get my hands on her book. Honestly based on the brief appearances she made in the Otherworld series, she seemed harsh and stand-offish, but if this book is any indication, she's more than a bit broken and had a very rough life. I love getting to see a character grow and come back from hard odds, so this series looks to be a winner. Now I just have to sit back and wait.

My excitement for Shimmer's series aside, I loved that this story was told Menolly's side, giving us a bonus story from the D'Artigo sisters. There's a whole lot going on and it was very fast paced, keeping me hooked throughout. I'll be interested to see just how closely these two series follow one another in the future. It should make for one interesting ride. Fans of the Otherworld books won't want to miss this treat of a novella and it's first foray into an exciting new series.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Paranormal Haven
     Tome Tender
     Literal Addiction

Previous Books:

     1. Witchling

     2. Changeling

     3. Darkling

     4. Dragon Wytch

     5. Night Huntress

     6. Demon Mistress

     7. Bone Magic

     8. Harvest Hunting

     9. Blood Wyne

     10. Courting Darkness

     11. Shaded Vision

     12. Shadow Rising

     13. Haunted Moon

     14. Autumn Whispers

     15. Crimson Veil