Jan 12 2013

Coming Soon: Rise

Title: Rise

Author: Anna CareyView post

Series: Eve Trilogy #3

Genre: Teen Paranormal Romance

Release Date: April 2, 2013

The Eve trilogy is yet another dystopian novel that follows life of a teen girl after some form of apocalypse. Based on reviews and other research I’ve done on it, the series strikes me as a watered down version of Partials (by Dan Wells) which is the one I’ve been raving about for the last couple of months. While that one focuses more on events and overall ideas, I think this one’s main focus is the love story. Book #1 is coming up soon on my TBR list, so I’ll be sure to post a review for it soon…

Here’s the overviews for the first two novels in case you’re like me and can’t manage to keep up on all the good books out there:

Title: Eve (Eve Trilogy #1)

Overview: Where do you go when nowhere is safe? After a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth’s population, the world is a terrifying place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a bright future in The New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school’s real purpose—and the horrifying fate that awaits her. Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Caleb slowly wins her trust . . . and her heart. But when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

Title: Once (Eve Trilogy #2)

Overview: When you’re being hunted, who can you trust? For the first time since escaping from her School, Eve can finally sleep soundly. She is living in Califia, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America in the year 2041. But she was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at Califia’s gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand. Trapped inside the city walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past—and must confront the harsh reality of her future. In this breathless sequel to Eve, Anna Carey returns to her tale of romance, adventure, and sacrifice in a world that is both wonderfully strange and chillingly familiar.

*Overviews taken from bn.com

Jan 9 2013

Coming Soon: Deadly Sting

Title: Deadly Sting

Author: Jennifer Estep

Series: Elemental Assassin’s #8

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Release Date: March 26, 2013

While I haven’t gotten around to reading this series yet, I can tell you that her teen books, Mythos Academy are fantastic. She’s got a fun writing style that makes her stories accessible and highly entertaining. I, for one, can’t wait to start this series and hope it gets picked during the next Your Pick for Nik! nominations (hint hint). As for all of you dedicated readers out there, there are only two more books after Deadly Sting, so enjoy it while it lasts…

Here’s some information about Estep’s teen and urban series:

Title: Spider’s Bite

Series: Elemental Assassins #1

Overview: After Gin’s family was murdered by a Fire elemental when she was thirteen, she lived on the streets and eventually became an assassin to survive. Now, Gin is given an assignment by her handler to rub out an Ashland businessman, but it turns out to be a trap. After Gin’s handler is brutally murdered, she teams up with the sexy detective investigating the case to figure out who double-crossed her and why. Only one thing is for sure —Gin has no qualms about killing her way to the top of the conspiracy.

Title: A Touch of Frost

Series: Mythos Academy #1

Overview: I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me—again. Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects—and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me? It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me—and I’m in for the fight of my life. Read full review

*Overviews taken from bn.com

Jan 7 2013

Book Review: Disappearing Nightly by Laura Resnick

Title: Disappearing Nightly

Author: Laura Resnick

Series: Esther Diamond #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

The Overview: I’m not a heroine — I just play one. Also psychotics, vamps, orphans, hookers, housewives and — on one memorable occasion — a singing rutabaga. It was never my ambition to utilize my extensive dramatic training by playing a musical vegetable. However, as my agent is fond of pointing out, there are more actors in New York than there are people in most other cities. Translation: Beggars can’t be choosers.

This explains how I wound up painting my body green and prancing around stage half-naked the night Golly Gee, the female lead in the off-broadway show “Sorcerer!” disappeared into thin air. Literally. Now other performers are also vanishing, and a mysterious stranger is warning me: There is evil among us. But the producers want me to take over Golly’s part. Looks like I’m going to need a little magical help if I want to keep my starring role . . .

The Review:

I have to say that I was really looking forward to reading this one, so it’s a bit disappointing that I found it a bit lacking. I now understand why the publishers were willing to put out books 2-5 before releasing it.

The whole thing was just… okay. The writing style was decent in the sense that I didn’t notice any flaws, and the basic plot was even a good one. Honestly, my main complaint was with some storyline decisions. There were just too many ridiculous and far-fetched elements for me to really enjoy it. I’m not even referring to the bizarre things that make Piers Anthony and Terry Pratchett so successful either. It was more of a bad series of decision that came across cliché and overdone. Now I’m not averse to whimsy in urban fantasies (and in fact expect a little), I even went with it at first, but Resnick lost me when she brought in the drag queens and condom-selling cowboys. It just went too far, especially since there are so many other fantasies out there that merge eccentric and mystery quite well (see list below).

My other complaint was characterization. There were a few really good characters that I definitely want to read more about, but for every one good character, there were five others that needed some work. You’ve probably gleaned from my mention of queens and cowboys that there were a lot of stereotypical fillers in this book. What’s sad is that she didn’t need them. If she had just taken the time to develop a well-rounded character in place of a couple of the fillers the story would’ve been a lot less silly and a whole lot more compelling.

I don’t usually post negative reviews, as I usually prefer to focus on the books I find recommend-worthy. The reason I made an exception here is that I’m almost positive I’m going to read the second book. I know that sounds odd, but based on the backwards publication circumstances of this novel, along with the promise I see in the story and the writing, I’m completely willing to make an exception to give the author a second chance. I guess we’ll all find out soon if the second book is any better (unless someone out there wants to save me some time by providing some feedback…).

Other books you might like more:

Blood Engines by T.A. Pratt
How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper
Touched by an Alien by Gini Koch
Storm Born by Richelle Mead
Ill Wind by Rachel Caine

by Niki Hawkes

Jan 6 2013

Coming Soon: The Lost

Title: The Lost

Author: Vicki Pettersson

Series: Celestial Blues #2

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Release Date: March 19, 2013

I’ve heard from several customers that Vicki Pettersson (specifically the Zodiac series) is right along the same lines as Patricia Briggs and Kim Harrison – an excellent endorsement if I’ve ever heard one. In any case, The Lost is the second book in her latest series and I have yet to hear any good feedback on it. From what I’ve read on it, the storyline seems a lot more generic than her previous works, so I suspect that’s the reason behind its somewhat lighter sales. Perhaps this second book will help it gain a little more momentum…

Other works by this author:

Title: The Taken

Series: Celestial Blues #1

Overview: Griffin Shaw used to be a PI, but that was back when gumshoes hoofed the streets . . . and he was still alive. Fifty years later, he’s an angel, but that doesn’t make him a saint. One small mistake has altered fate, and now he’s been dumped back onto the mortal mudflat to collect another soul—Katherine “Kit” Craig, a journalist whose latest investigation is about to get her clipped. Bucking heavenly orders, Grif refuses to let the sable-haired siren come to harm. Besides, protecting her offers a chance to solve the mystery of his own unsolved murder—and dole out some overdue payback for the death of his beloved wife, Evie. Joining forces, Kit and Grif’s search for answers leads beyond the blinding lights of the Strip into the dark heart of an evil conspiracy. But a ruthless killer determined to destroy them isn’t Grif’s biggest threat. His growing attraction to Kit could cost them both their lives, along with the answer to the haunting question of his long afterlife . . .

Title: The Scent of Shadows

Series: Sign of the Zodiac #1

Overview: When she was sixteen, Joanna Archer was brutally assaulted and left to die in the Nevada desert. By rights, she should be dead. Now a photographer by day, she prowls a different Las Vegas after sunset—a grim, secret Sin City where Light battles Shadow—seeking answers to whom or what she really is . . . and revenge for the horrors she was forced to endure. But the nightmare is just beginning—for the demons are hunting Joanna, and the powerful shadows want her for their own . . .

*Overview taken from bn.com

Jan 3 2013

Coming Soon – Beyonders: Chasing the Prophecy

Title: Chasing the Prophecy

Author: Brandon Mull

Series: Beyonders #3

Genre: Young Reader

Release Date: March 12, 2013

I’d have to say that Brandon Mull is officially my favorite YA author. Fablehaven captured my imagination like no book as done since Harry Potter, and his other works are just as entertaining. As the third book in his Beyonders series, it’s guaranteed to be a good read!

Working in the book business has some perks. I had the privilege to meet Brandon Mull several months ago. He told me Chasing the Prophecy is his favorite book that he’s ever written. He was so excited for its release and I couldn’t help but pick up on his enthusiasm!

Here’s some information about some of this author’s other works:

Title: Fablehaven

Series: Fablehaven #1

Overview: Danger lurks everywhere at Fablehaven, where someone has released a plague that transforms beings of light into creatures of darkness. In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn, now that long trusted allies have been revealed as potential foes. Kendra embarks on a special mission that only she can attempt because of her new abilities as fairykind, while Seth stays behind and discovers an incredible new talent of his own. The siblings are put to the test as the threat grows both abroad and home at the Fablehaven preserve, and Brandon Mull spins his richest and most thrilling fantasy tale yet in this third title of the popular fantasy series

Title: The Candy Shop War

Series: Candy Shop War #1

Overview: Welcome to the Sweet Tooth Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe, where the confections are bit on the . . . unusual side. Rock candy that makes you weightless. Jawbreakers that make you unbreakable. Chocolate balls that make you a master of disguise. Four young friends—Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon—meet the grandmotherly Mrs. White, owner of the Sweet Tooth, and soon learn about the magical side effects of her candies. Then the ice cream truck driver, Mr. Stott, arrives with a few enchanted sweets of his own. The danger unfolds as the four youngsters discover that the magical strangers have all come to town in search of a legendary treasure—one that could be used for great evil if it fell into the wrong hands. The kids, now in over their heads, must try to retrieve the treasure first. And so, the war begins . . . Read full review

*Overviews taken from bn.com

Jan 1 2013

Niki’s Best Book Bulletin – Best of 2012!

2012 was a great year for reading! I fell in love with so many new authors and titles this year that a few have even made some of my other Top 10 bulletins. Here’s the best of the best in no particular order:

Title: The Name of the Wind

Author: Patrick Rothfuss

Series: Kingkiller Chronicles #1

Genre: Fantasy

Here you have it, my favorite book of 2012! One of the best books I’ve ever read, it has everything I’ve come to expect in great fantasy. If you haven’t read it yet, you are sorely missing out! Read full review

Title: Partials

Author: Dan Wells

Series: Partials #1

Genre: Teen Fantasy

Chosen for November’s Your Pick for Nik! feature, I was surprised by how much this story blew me away. All of you looking for the next best thing since Hunger Games, this is the novel for you! Read full review

Title: Succubus Blues

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Georgina Kincaid #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

I’ll say it yet one more time: Mead is one of my favorite authors of all-time, and the Succubus series is the one that helped solidify that status. I love everything about this series and recommend it to fans of Patricia Briggs and Kim Harrison.

Title: The Night Circus

Author: Erin Morgenstern

Series: N/A

Genre: Fiction

One of the most magical novels I’ve ever read, I can’t tell you how grateful I am that I decided to branch out of my normal repertoire to pick this up. It is a beautiful piece of work and one that I’ve been recommending to book clubs and fantasy lovers everywhere – it’s excellent!

Title: Mistborn

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Series: Mistborn #1

Genre: Fantasy

I can’t believe I waited so long to read this trilogy – it was amazing! Everything from the magic systems to the slew of memorable characters sent it to the top. Aside from all that, my favorite part was the ending – I’m still reeling from it months later. It’s a must-read for every fantasy buff!

Title: Frost Burned

Author: Jennifer Estep

Series: Mythos Academy #1

Genre: Teen Paranormal Romance

A bit under the radar, this is a great new series that combines everything I loved about the House of Night series with elements of Percy Jackson mixed in for kicks. I enjoyed ever moment of it! Read full review

Title: The Legend of Eli Monpress

Author: Rachel Aaron

Series: Eli Monpress #1-3

Genre: Fantasy

This series is incredibly witty and original, and I still remember every detail vividly even though I read this one back in January. I found it delightfully entertaining and a great read for those of you sick of the same old stuff. Read full review

Title: Grimspace

Author: Ann Aguirre

Series: Grimspace #1

Genre: Science Fiction / Urban Fantasy (Space Opera)

This first book may not have been out last year, but the conclusion was and you’d better bet that I dropped everything else I was reading to finish this series! Read full review

Title: The Last Stormlord

Author: Glenda Larke

Series: Stormlords #1

Genre: Fantasy

Again, one of my favorite authors, and this series was her best yet! Great world-building and lovable characters that make up a trilogy that I think should be among the fantasy greats! Read full review

Title: Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

Series: Divergent #1

Genre: Teen Fantasy

Literally the last book I finished in 2012, I stayed up an extra couple of hours practically dying with a bad cold to finish this. My only regret is that I’m almost finished with Insurgent and book three is no where on the horizon. It was excellent! Read full review

Title: Kushiel’s Dart

Author: Jacqueline Carey

Series: Kushiel’s #1

Genre: Fantasy

Okay, I’ll admit, this one was a little hard to get into at first. Don’t let that stop you, though. It is one of the most epic political love stories I’ve ever read and it was also completely unforgettable!

There you have it – all my favorites from 2012! What were some of yours?