Early Review: A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray

Firebird #1

Every Day meets Cloud Atlas in this heart-racing, space- and time-bending, epic new trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray.

Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents are known for their radical scientific achievements. Their most astonishing invention: the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes, some vastly altered from our own. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered, the killer—her parent’s handsome and enigmatic assistant Paul—escapes into another dimension before the law can touch him.

Marguerite can’t let the man who destroyed her family go free, and she races after Paul through different universes, where their lives entangle in increasingly familiar ways. With each encounter she begins to question Paul’s guilt—and her own heart. Soon she discovers the truth behind her father’s death is more sinister than she ever could have imagined.

A Thousand Pieces of You explores a reality where we witness the countless other lives we might lead in an amazingly intricate multiverse, and ask whether, amid infinite possibilities, one love can endure.
This was a really interesting and enthralling read. I love alternate reality stories, and this one took that concept a step further which I loved. The ethical and scifi aspects kept me enthralled. There's just something about the idea of all the many different possibilities stemming from every little decision each person makes that just really interests me. I especially enjoyed the firebird aspects, and the different rules of the travelers, in that they overtook their alternate selves, but also needed their firebird devises to ensure they remained in control. The downside would be that they would be trapped inside their alternate selves without knowing it, which added an element of danger to the story. Not that there wasn't more then plenty other dangers as well, which made this an edge of your seat read for me.

Marguerite is one heck of a character. She's determined, strong willed, and more than a little fierce, yet also vulnerable at the same time. I loved the mix-up of her character, and it was really enjoyable to see things through her eyes. I especially loved how she could see through her anger and was determined to stay rational about what was going on. She's one heck of a character to say the least.

I really loved the romance aspects of this story, and the different facets of the love interest's personality. I was enthralled by the questions it arose in whether alternate versions were really the same person at the core, or if when it boils down to it they aren't. That question still wasn't solved by the end of this book, but it was intriguing in the process. Can you love two versions of the same person or are they really the same thing just a bit different? Only time will tell, and I loved the juxtaposition and questioning aspects this brought to the story. Bravo!

The great thing about A THOUSAND PIECES OF YOU, aside from the fabulous characters and world of course, was that it could have easily been a stand alone. Of course, I'm really glad it's not as I can't wait for more from this world, but there was no nasty cliffhanger, and the ending was a rather satisfying new "beginning" that I would have been content with. But since it's a beginning that going to be continued on, I can't wait to see what happens next. So, all in all, A THOUSAND PIECES OF YOU is sure to please YA readers who love alternate reality plots. I loved it!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     The Eater of Books!
     Sab The Book Eater
     Dark Faerie Tales

Kirsten Early Reviews: Tainted Blood by M.L. Brennan

Tainted Blood by M.L. Brennan

Generation V #3

In the third Generation V novel, Fortitude Scott proves that working with family can be deadly…

>Former film student Fortitude Scott is finally gainfully employed. Unfortunately, said employment happens to be with a group of sociopathic vampires—his family. And as much as Fort is loath to get too deep into the family business, when his brother, Chivalry, is temporarily unable to run the territory, it’s up to Fort to keep things under control.

So when the leader of a powerful faction of shifters turns up murdered, Fort finds himself tracking down a killer while navigating dangerous rivalries, longtime grudges, and hidden agendas. Even with the help of his foxy kitsune sidekick, Suzume, he’ll need to pull out all the stops to hunt for the paranormal assassin.

as he calls on fairies, witches, and ghouls for help, he discovers that the problem is much bigger than a single dead werebear. The supernatural community is preparing for a massive shift in power within the Scott family leadership—and Fort has landed right in the middle of the gathering storm.…

M.L. Brennan’s Generation V series’ third installment, Tainted Blood establishes both the gathering storm that is the fast-approaching shift of power within the Scott family, and Fort’s changing place within the supernatural community.

Fort at last has a steady job, the downside is that he’s picking up the slack for his brother Chivalry, who is, for emotional and physiological reasons, currently indisposed. Prudence might have otherwise helped out, but she’s still working off the black mark their mother gave her. So when a rusalka wants to talk about her lake, or some other creature has an issue, it’s Fort that has to step in for the family. But when the leader of the metsän kunigas, or ‘werebears’ is killed in apparent, and very bloody murder, Fort knows that he isn’t the vampire everyone wanted on the job.

Luckily Fort’s friend Suzume, a kitsune with a love of practical jokes and laughing at the expense of others, is along to help. She too is having family troubles, including some involving her sister Keiko, which Fort somehow finds himself involved in up to his neck.

As Fort looks into the identity of the killer, he uncovers tangled loyalties, old grudges, and quite a bit of political maneuvering that seems to include him. Although his style of problem solving might not always be looked on favorably by his family, there are those who are making a point to let him know where they stand when the Scott family selects a new leader.

To top it all off, Fort is having to cope with his ongoing transition into a full vampire, something he would have liked to postpone forever, but which he now has to deal with before somebody gets killed. It’s not as if Fort thought he was a kickass heroic type, but just staying ahead of trouble long enough to catch his breath is becoming his second full-time job, and he could use a break.

All told, the worldbuilding that the author is doing is steadily becoming more complex, and it’s complemented nicely by the increasingly dicey situations that Fort and co. find themselves. Anyone who likes a different sort of vampire mythos, family issues, and a good mix of other creatures will find this book to their liking.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Previous Books:
     1. Generation V
     2. Iron Night

Release Day Review: Otherworld Nights by Kelley Armstrong

Otherworld Nights by Kelley Armstrong

Otherworld Stories Collection

This short story collection will include many brand-new tales and others only previously available on Kelley Armstrong's website. Most of the stories will feature the werewolves of the Otherworld, Elena and Clay, Jeremy, Karl and other members of the American Pack. These are some of Kelley Armstrong's best-loved and most enduring characters, from bestselling books such as Bitten, Stolen and Frostbitten.

1) Demonology - Adam's mother discovers what he is
2) Stalked - Clay/Elena honeymoon story from "My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon"
3) Hidden - SubPress 2012 Elena/Clay novella
4) Twilight - a Cass story from "Many Bloody Returns"
5) Chivalrous - Reese's backstory from SubPress's long sold-out "Tales of Dark Fantasy 2" (the Dec'14 SubPress graphic novella picks up this storyline)
6) Lucifer's Daughter - Hope/Karl story from "Blood Lite II: Overbite"
7) From Russia with Love - Elena bonus story included with hardcover of "Thirteen"
8) Vanishing Act - brand-new Savannah/Adam novella set after "Thirteen"

I have to admit that anthologies aren't typically my favorite thing as the short stories never seem long enough for my tastes. The exception to that rule is when the anthology is set in one of my favorite series, where the world is already known to me. I enjoy getting to see extras from my favorite main characters, as well as the bonus of featuring some of the side characters as well. It's an opportunity to expand the world, and even while Kelley's world already was very very expanded for me due to the narrator rotation, this anthology only enhanced things for me. Now onto the individual stories:

Demonology - This one's about Adam's mother and how she learned about his demonic half. It was enjoyable, but it left me wanting more in the end. It just felt like it ended too abruptly. Even so, it was a good look into her character and the determination to help her son.

Stalked - I had read this one before, but it was just as much fun the second time around. Clay and Elena are anything but a normal couple, so seeing them try to go through the full ritual of a honeymoon was amusing, especially as both were determined to follow procedure. A cute and fun story.

Hidden - I've read this one as well, and own the really nice hardcover collector's edition. This one is perfect for fans of the werewolves as the whole gang is there for the most part, including the twins. A great additional story to satisfy fans.

Twilight - This one was interesting because it showed Cassandra, and explained some more details on vamps at the end of their lives. It could have been a bit longer, but I was glad to have those questions answered.

Chivalrous - This one utterly and completely broke my heart. I knew Reese's back story wasn't a happy one, but this one felt like a sucker punch to the gut. But, after reading this one, I feel I understand him better, and my heart goes out to him even more.

Lucifer's Daughter - This was a fun and crazy story to match Karl and Hope's lives. Enjoyable.

From Russia with Love - This is another I had read before, and again it was just as enjoyable the second time around. I always enjoy the werewolf centered stories the most. This one is set right after the end of the series.

Vanishing Act - This was the new novella for this anthology, and while I enjoyed it, it really did spotlight Savannah's immaturity. Frankly I kind of had enough of that back in the main series, so it irked me a bit, but none the less I enjoyed the story, and I think the immaturity might be finally on its way out, so it will be interesting to see if there will be any more Savannah stories coming up in the future.

So as you can see, this is a great set of stories for fans of the series. I can't wait to see what novellas will be in the next as Kelley has two more anthologies planned.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     a GREAT read
     Liberty Falls Down
     Paperback Wonderland

Previous Books:
     1. Bitten
     2. Stolen
     3. Dime Store Magic
     4. Industrial Magic
     5. Haunted 
     6. Broken
     7. No Humans Involved
     8. Personal Demon
     9. Living With the Dead
     10. Frostbitten
     11. Waking the Witch
     12. Spell Bound
     13. Thirteen

Early Review: Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews

Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews

Hidden Legacy #1

#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews launches a brand new Hidden Legacy series, in which one woman must place her trust in a seductive, dangerous man who sets off an even more dangerous desire…

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile case. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run or surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

I absolutely love Ilona Andrew's books, so when I saw she was writing a new series, I have to admit there might have been a bit of fan girl excitement. Of course, a part of me was wondering if lightning would strike twice and this series could be as good as the Kate Daniels series. Well let me just say that BURN FOR ME was every bit as good as any Kate book, and dare I say... possibly even better. You can really tell that this author duo is only getting better at their craft, and it showed in BURN FOR ME.

It's a toss up at to whether the world, characters, or the romance enthralled me the most, so I'll briefly talk about each without spoiling. The world behind the story was fascinating, and unlike anything I've read before. It felt like a mix between a dystopian and a normal urban fantasy, which I loved as it was anything but predictable. Now onto the characters. I absolutely loved Nevada. She's so fierce and devoted, but don't worry, she's definitely not Kate 2.0. She generally tries to avoid danger, and thinks before she leaps, and I enjoyed seeing the sensible aspects about her. The rest of the characters are every bit as well fleshed out, making for a really interesting cast.  Lastly onto the romance. While things were more of a set up rather than an actual romance, lordy can I tell that things will explosive. Oh my goodness is the attraction between Mad Rogan and Nevada incredible. I can't wait to see how this plays out!

BURN FOR ME is an utter treat. From the amazing world, to the incredible cast of characters, and enthralling plot, this book should be at the very top of any urban fantasy fan's TBR pile. I simply cannot praise this new series enough and will be counting down the months impatiently until the next release.


(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Parajunkee
     Gizmo's Reviews
   

Kirsten Reviews: Downfall by Rob Thurman

Downfall by Rob Thurman

Cal Leandros #9

I let it go—all of it. Everything I’d been saving up all my life, building and growing inside me, too much to hold in one half-human body. It pushed and fought to be free with a force that turned me into a bomb with a timer vibrating on zero. I was free.

But so was everything I’d fought so hard not to be…

Brothers Cal and Niko Leandros know trouble when they see it—and then proceed to wipe the floor with it. But now it seems their whole world is falling to pieces. Cal’s nightmarish monster side is growing ever stronger, changing Cal physically as well as mentally. Which is exactly what Grimm—Cal’s savage doppelgänger—wants. And when a covert supernatural organization decides that it’s time to put Cal down before he threatens pretty much everything else in existence, the brothers find themselves in a fight they actually might lose. But the dark temptations Cal has denied all his life may prove to be exactly what can save them.

Even if he must fall forever…

Downfall by Rob Thurman is the ninth of the Cal Leandros novels featuring Niko and Caliban Leandros, brothers who hunt monsters and are perpetually on the edge of going up against something that may be too much for them to handle. But this time, it’s Cal’s heritage that is the true enemy, as he is rapidly undergoing the transformation that will end with him becoming fully Aufe, ie a monster.

On top of this, Cal has been targeted by more than a few of his enemies. The Vigil are after him after he revealed himself, and consequently the supernatural to humans, Delilah, his ex, now Alpha of the Kin (part of the werewolf purity movement) has contract out on him, which means there are Kin popping out of the woodwork, and then there’s Grimm—Cal’s savage doppelgänger who is trying to bring out Cal’s Aufe side, preferably with as much violence as possible.

Robin Goodfellow plays a much larger role in this book, and the plot also deals with how he’s connected to the Leandros brothers, and what he will do in order to protect his friends. Goodfellow may often seem like a hedonist uninterested in putting himself in harm’s way, but readers should remember that he’s very old, extremely clever, and will fight just as dirty as the Leandros brothers in order to keep them safe. Thurman uses history, mythology, and different povs in order to reveal their shared story, which is more complex than it appears.

Of course, the monsters don’t always do the expected, and the bond between the Leandros brothers isn’t going to be broken by something like this, although it remains to be seen where they go from here. It should be noted that this is not the final book in this series, as Thurman says there are at least two more books yet to come, and the events of Downfall leave plenty of space for new mishaps, adventures, and enemies.
(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     All Things Urban Fantasy
     Smexy Books

Previous Books:
     1. Nightlife
     2. Moonshine
     3. Madhouse
     4. Deathwish
     5. Roadkill
     6. Blackout
     7. Doubletake
     8. Slashback

Black Spring Blog Tour

*Where did you get the inspiration for the Black Wings series?

I’d wanted to write a series about a grim reaper, and I had some very vague ideas about that story. At first I thought the protagonist would be male, and that the series would be much darker. Then I heard Maddy and Beezle talking in my head, and they dictated the both the plot and the tone of the entire series.

*How many books do you have planned in the series? Is this the last book? Any hints you can give us for what's in store next?

BLACK SPRING is the last book in the series for now. There is always the possibility that I may return to the series in the future if I feel that there are other stories to tell in Maddy’s universe. I’d like to try my hand at writing something different.

*If your books were to be made into a movie, who would be your top picks for the cast?

I always thought of Michael Fassbender as Gabriel. This is not necessarily because he looks like Gabriel but because Gabriel’s voice in my head always sounded like Michael Fassbender. Other than that I think it’s better to cast unknown actors. That way you see the actor as the character and don’t impose your previously conceived notion of a famous actor on the story.

*Could you tell us a little about the ups and downs you have experienced in publishing?

I’ve actually had a lot more ups than downs. I got very lucky because I was able to sell my first book fairly quickly – it took less than a year. Since then I’ve been able to continue selling new books to my publisher so I’m very grateful that people keep buying and reading them and keeping me in the business J

*What are some of your favorite books in the paranormal or dystopian genres?

I’m a huge fan of Jim Butcher, China Mieville, Joe Hill, Neil Gaiman and Robin McKinley. I also read a lot of mysteries and nonfiction.

*If you could tell readers one thing about yourself or your books, what would that be?

I try out everything Beezle likes to eat in the books. You know, in the name of research.

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

I’m sure the least interesting thing I’ve ever done was work for an insurance company. However, there was an upside – it inspired the never-ending stream of paperwork that Maddy has to deal with at the Agency.

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

My slow cooker, a large box of books, and a case of wine.

*Finish this statement: "You'll like the Black Wings series if...

…you like humor mixed with different mythologies and urban fantasy action.

Thanks Christina!

Author Info:

CHRISTINA HENRY is the author of the BLACK WINGS series (Ace/Roc) featuring Madeline Black, an Agent of Death, and her popcorn-loving gargoyle sidekick Beezle: BLACK WINGS, BLACK NIGHT, BLACK HOWL, BLACK LAMENT, BLACK CITY, BLACK HEART and BLACK SPRING. She is also the author of the forthcoming dark fantasy ALICE (summer 2015).

Christina was born in New York and now lives on the North Side of Chicago with her husband and son. She sees no conflict in rooting for both the Yankees and the Cubs. She also enjoys running long distances, eating large quantities of cinnamon rolls, reading anything she can get her hands on and watching movies with zombies, samurai and/or subtitles.

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Book Info:

A former Agent of death, Madeline Black now has everything to live for, most importantly, her unborn child. But Chicago has become ground zero in a struggle between ancient creatures, and only Maddy can stop the carnage…

The mayor of Chicago has announced a plan to round up the city’s supernatural beings and put them in camps. With her due date looming, Maddy’s best move would be to lay low for a while. But not everyone is willing to respect her privacy. Hounded by tentacled monsters, a rogue shapeshifter, and a tenacious blogger, Maddy turns to her most powerful ally, her uncle Daharan, only to find him missing.

Just when it seems like things can’t get any worse, Maddy gets an invitation in the mail—to Lucifer’s wedding. Turns out everyone has been invited, friends and enemies alike. And with that kind of guest list, it’s highly unlikely there will be a happily ever after.

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Early Review: Black Spring by Christina Henry

Black Spring by Christina Henry

Black Wings #7

A former Agent of death, Madeline Black now has everything to live for, most importantly, her unborn child. But Chicago has become ground zero in a struggle between ancient creatures, and only Maddy can stop the carnage…

The mayor of Chicago has announced a plan to round up the city’s supernatural beings and put them in camps. With her due date looming, Maddy’s best move would be to lay low for a while. But not everyone is willing to respect her privacy. Hounded by tentacled monsters, a rogue shapeshifter, and a tenacious blogger, Maddy turns to her most powerful ally, her uncle Daharan, only to find him missing.

Just when it seems like things can’t get any worse, Maddy gets an invitation in the mail—to Lucifer’s wedding. Turns out everyone has been invited, friends and enemies alike. And with that kind of guest list, it’s highly unlikely there will be a happily ever after.

Something you don't see too often is a pregnant protagonist in Urban Fantasy novels. Things are just too brutal and action-y so pregnancy and young children always seem to be left out of things in the direct storylines, or at least don't happen until the last epilogue of the series as part of the happy ever after. So, I really enjoyed seeing Maddy being pregnant and dealing with the mess of her paranormal life throughout. It just seemed more realistic as supernatural stuff and mayhem don't just go away after the HEA. It's just that we don't see that stuff, with the writers perhaps choosing to save that HEA and baby stuff untainted. So with Maddy, it just rang more real to me, and I loved it. She's one heck of a power, and trust me, being pregnant doesn't change that one bit. In fact, it may have made her even fiercer, and I was rooting her every step of the way. No delicate flowers here, but one kick butt mama.

I'm still rather surprised at how much Nathaniel has grown on me. If you had asked me at the start of the series if I could see Maddy with him and be happy about it, I would have laughed. That being said, he's come a really long way, and I think the start of the turning point was when he stood by Maddy when everyone else turned their back on her saying she was going too dark. However, at that point he was so desperate for her to accept him that frankly he was a bit of a push over, just going with whatever she said. Sure, he had a bunch to make up for, so it made sense. However, what I loved about his character in BLACK SPRING was that he solidified his back bone, and stood up for what he believed when it came for taking care of Maddy. He refused to always let herself only put her own self in harms way, and fought to be an even partner in their relationship, earning my stamp of approval for them long term. He's exactly what she needs, and I'm happy to see that for this last book.

Wow has this series has been one heck of a ride, and I'm sorry to see it ending. That being said, while most series enders just don't seem to live up to my expectations, but I'm happy to say that wasn't the case here. Sure, I think some of the resolution could have been expanded a bit, and I would have loved an epilogue, but all in all, I feel BLACK SPRING left things in a place that has me largely content. And in the end that's all I ask for in a series, keep me entertained along the way, and leave me satisfied in the end. The Black Wings series delivered, and earns a stamp of recommendation from me for any Urban Fantasy fan. 

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     a GREAT read
     Gizmo's Reviews
     Literal Addiction

Previous Books:
     1. Black Wings
     2. Black Night
     3. Black Howl
     4. Black Lament
     5. Black City
     6. Black Heart

Early Review: Archangel's Shadows by Nalini Singh

Archangel's Shadows by Nalini Singh

Guild Hunter #7

Return to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s sensual and painfully beautiful Guild Hunter world in her new novel of sacrifice, loyalty, and the choices of love that can shatter the heart.

In the wake of a brutal war, the archangel Raphael and his hunter consort, Elena, are dealing with the treacherously shifting tides of archangelic politics and the people of a battered but not broken city. The last thing their city needs is more death, especially a death that bears the eerie signature of an insane enemy archangel who cannot— should not—be walking the streets.

This hunt must be undertaken with stealth and without alerting their people. It must be handled by those who can become shadows themselves…

Ash is a gifted tracker and a woman cursed with the ability to sense the secrets of anyone she touches. But there’s one man she knows all too well without a single instant of skin contact: Janvier, the dangerously sexy Cajun vampire who has fascinated and infuriated her for years. Now, as they track down a merciless killer, their cat-and-mouse game of flirtation and provocation has turned into a profound one of the heart. And this time, it is Ash’s secret, dark and terrible, that threatens to destroy them both.

Oh my goodness did I love this book. I have to admit that I've been anticipating Ashwini and Janvier's story for a long time now, ever since reading their short story, and then all of the little hints and by plays in the rest of the series. The tension between the two was so palatable and oh so yummy. I just knew their story would be fireworks once we finally got there, and I was right. Ash and Janvier have this connection that just sucks you right in, but it's the banter that really seals the deal. There's no gushy love here, but that constant enemies to lovers tension that I absolutely love. Not that they are enemies, or ever really were, it's just that the tension and by play between them has that feeling, making for exactly my kind of romance. I realize I'm probably sounding like a bit of a fan girl here, but the book was simply that perfect for me. 

Onto other things aside from my love for Ash & Janvier. The plotline of this one was really intense, and kept me hooked from the start. I also liked the large focus on Elena and Raphael as well, always a plus. But what really stole the show for me was learning more about Nassir. He's always been a bit of a creepy mystery that I wanted to know about, and that wish was granted in this book. I cracked up so many times at what would come out of his mouth or how he would act. He's a bit out there and anything but civilized, unless he's wearing it as a disguise. I loved seeing him shed that and get a glimpse into who he really is. Now I think it's a toss up on whose book I want to see more next, Illium or Nassir. 

Let me just say, ARCHANGEL'S SHADOW was worth every bit of the wait. I devoured this book in one setting, staying up until the wee hours of the morning as I just couldn't get enough. Trust me, this is the book fans have been waiting for. 

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Gravetells

Previous Books:
     1. Angels' Blood
     2. Archangel's Kiss
     3. Archangel's Consort
     4. Archangel's Blade
     5. Archangel's Storm

     6. Archangel's Legion

Review: Unbinding by Eileen Wilks

Unbinding by Eileen Wilks

World of the Lupi #11

In the newest Novel of the Lupi, the human and elven worlds are both about to come under attack…

After questing through the sidhe realms with her ex-hellhound lover, Nathan, Kai Tallman Michalski has finally returned home. But she knows Nathan will eventually be called back to serve his queen—and Kai will have to decide whether to enter her majesty’s service as well. Sure, the job comes with great bennies, but there’s one big downside: she would have to swear absolute fealty to the Queen of Winter.

For now, though, Kai is glad to be home, and glad that Nathan completed his mission for his queen with surprising ease. But what seemed to be a quick conclusion turns out to be anything but. The two of them helped thwart the sidhe god of chaos—and he is not happy about that. He’s got plans for them. Plans, too, for the sidhe who killed him some three millennia ago. Nor has he abandoned his plans for Earth, as they learn when chaos begins bursting out all over...

The plot behind UNBINDING was a bit different, and didn't have quite the same feel to it as the rest of the books in the series, at least to me. But that could easily be explained away by my preference for the werewolf focused books. Sure, a lot of this takes place with wolves playing a large part in things, but they weren't the full focus. Even so, once I got over missing the wolf focus, I enjoyed the plot of this one. The chaos god sure made things interesting, and the intensity of everything kept me sucked in. At one point in the book where something major happens that's a game changer, well let's just say by that point I couldn't have put the book down even if I had wanted to. I just had to know how things were going to work out, and to me, that's a sign of a really great read.

I enjoyed seeing Kai grow in Unbinding. At the start she was stubborn, petulant, and more than a bit biased against the Elves. Frankly she did get on my nerves a bit at the start as she was just blindly negative against the Elves, and in turn the things they offered her. I guess I just found it a bit hypocritical as her lover, while not an Elf, was sworn to them, and hypocrisy is one of my pet peeves. Luckily that didn't hold me up too much as it didn't talk up too much of the page time, and she did grow over the course of the book, as her perceptions started to change. Another aspect she made large growth in was her self confidence. She started out the book not feeling like she was important nor was her magic really powerful or useful, but then as time went on, she started to see and understand her value. I just really enjoy seeing a character progress and grow as it makes it very easy to attach to them, which in turn makes for an even better read. 

So many times long running series like this one start to go stale after a while, but I'm finding myself enjoying each book as much as the last. Fans of the series should be more than pleased with this latest installment, and here's to hopefully many more to come.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Previous Books:

1. Tempting Danger
2. Mortal Danger
3. Blood Lines
4. Night Season
5. Mortal Sins
6. Blood Magic
7. Blood Challenge
8. Death Magic

9. Mortal Ties

10. Ritual Magic

Review: Reckoning by S.J. Harper

Reckoning by S.J. Harper

Fallen Siren #2

Join Agents Emma Monroe and Zack Armstrong.
She’s sacrificed. He’s suffered. They’ve both been betrayed.
Now it’s time for a reckoning.

Special Agent Emma Monroe has a secret. She’s a Fallen Siren, cursed by the gods and banished to Earth for her failure to prevent the kidnapping of Persephone. As an FBI agent she saves the lives of others believing redemption could be one rescue away.

er partner Zack is a werewolf and former Black Ops sniper who once carried out a string of questionable assignments. Now he’s determined to atone for his past. Ironically, there’s a portion of his past Zack doesn’t remember—an affair with Emma. Giving into their attraction for one another almost led to their undoing. Now it’s back to business as usual.

While trying to unravel the mystery behind a series of kidnappings in Southern California, Emma and Zack become entangled with political tensions in the vampire and Were worlds. Not to mention the struggles they face in their relationship with one another. With so much uncertainty, they come to realize the only thing they can really count on is one another…or can they?

I had forgotten just how much I loved the first book in this series until I started reading this one, and then it all came back to me. I just love the mix of elements from the romance, to the greek mythology, and the FBI cases to solve. Then of course add in all the other supernatural types, and I'm one happy reader. I'm a big fan of variety in my books, especially when they are come together so well like in this book. The characters and the world are very vivid, and I had no trouble at all getting sucked right into the story.

Onto the romance. I have to admit that at first I was a bit leery as it seemed to be venturing into love triangle territory, but luckily that's not really the case. Sure, there are two "romantic" interests, Kallistos and Zach, but the former isn't really about love. Emma's a Siren, and therefore smexiness is just part of who she is, so Kallistos is the perfect fit for a companion to keep her safe from the dangers of acting on her love for Zach. I was really happy that she had him, even if there never would be love there. However, that really didn't make it any easier on my heartstrings when it came to things with her and Zach. They have the kind of connection that you just can't help rooting for, but that path seems to lead to nothing but heartache. Every time I thought they may have a chance, the rug got pulled out from under again. I'm really really hoping Emma finds a way to finally put Demeter in her place and out of messing with her life, but as it's already been thousands of years, it probably won't be any time soon. But hey a girl can hope, right?

RECKONING and the Fallen Siren series have earned a place on my must read shelf. I'll be eagerly anticipating the next book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great Urban Fantasy read with some romance thrown in. Trust me, you'll want to give this one a look. 

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     a GREAT read
     Tome Tender
     KT Book Reviews

Previous Books:
     0.5. Captured
     1. Cursed