Oct 2 2012

Coming Soon: books to get excited about!

Title: Hidden

Series: House of Night #10

Authors: P.C. and Kristin Cast

Release Date: October 16, 2012  Now Available!

I loved the first few books, and although I still enjoyed the later releases, I found them a bit repetitive. I’ve mostly continued reading out of loyalty and perhaps a fair bit of curiosity. Only two more to go after this release – I’m hoping they will blow me away! I believe I am the minority, however, so don’t let me skew your opinion. Most people are in love with ALL the books, not just the first few.

by Niki Hawkes

Oct 1 2012
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Book Review: Darkness Unbound by Keri Arthur

Titles: Darkness Unbound

Author: Keri Arthur

Series: Dark Angels #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: Risa Jones is as extraordinary as her heritage. Born from a lab-enhanced clone mother and an Aedh father, she can not only talk to the souls of the dying and the dead, but she can see the reapers and walk the gray fields that divide this world from the next. They are skill she rarely uses, however, preferring to concentrate on the business she shares with her two best friends. But when her mother asks her to help the parents of a little girl locked in a coma, she reluctantly agrees. What she discovers scares the hell out of her. Because the little girl’s soul no longer resides in her body, and it wasn’t death and the reapers that took her.

 The Review:

Keri Arthur is my favorite paranormal author! I love her characters: they are all well-developed and evoking, and their unique personalities get me emotionally attached every time. The reason they affect me so much is partly due to Arthur’s excellent sense of humor – it translates to her writing in a way that makes the characters more realistic, and the overall story more enjoyable. I also love the story-lines of her books: while primarily romances, these books have dynamic and interesting plots that have you unraveling mysteries with the characters from start to finish. Finally, I love the content… these are incredibly sexy books!

As a spinoff from Arthur’s “Riley Jensen” series, “Darkness Unbound” is every bit as good as its predecessors. Not only is there great development of the characters, but the plot is also fresh and interesting – you wont be able to put it down! In fact, I recommend you have the next book already handy. Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely, and look forward to what Keri has in store for us next!

While this was an excellent read, I’m not sure that it would have the same impact as a stand-alone novel. There are countless references to characters and events that took place in Riley’s series, and I can see how the story would be a little flat if you didn’t know the backstory on most of the referred characters. I’ve had nine books to get to know these people, so their thoughts and opinions have a lot more significance and meaning than would any random character. Also, there are certain familial connections that would be quite confusing if you haven’t read the other books. Therefore:

Recommendations: if this is your first introduction to Arthur’s books, I strongly recommend you start with “Full Moon Rising” (Riley Jensen #1). They are sexy, dynamic, engaging, and memorable, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! On a side note, readers who dislike strong language and sexual content should proceed with caution.

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

  • “Blue Moon” by Lori Handeland
  • “Guilty Pleasures” by Laurell K. Hamilton
  • “Moon Called” by Patricia Briggs
  • “Stray” by Rachel Vincent
  • “Succubus Blues” by Richelle Mead
Sep 30 2012
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Coming Soon: A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson

Title: A Memory of Light

Series: Wheel of Time #14

Author: Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson

Release Date: January 8, 2013 Now Available!

The Overview: When Robert Jordan died in 2007, all feared that these concluding scenes would never be written. But working from notes and partials left by Jordan, established fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson stepped in to complete the masterwork. With The Gathering Storm (Book 12) andTowers of Midnight (Book 13) behind him, both of which were # 1 New York Times hardcover bestsellers, Sanderson now re-creates the vision that Robert Jordan left behind. Edited by Jordan’s widow, who edited all of Jordan’s books, A Memory of Light will delight, enthrall, and deeply satisfy all of Jordan’s legions of readers.

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass.
What was, what will be, and what is,
may yet fall under the Shadow.
Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.

 Nik’s Notes:

The final volume of the Wheel of Time series is almost upon us! If you haven’t read Robert Jordan yet, now’s your chance! You only have to wait a few months for the conclusion, not 20 years like the poor folk who’ve been following the series from the beginning.

by Niki Hawkes

Sep 29 2012
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Book Review: Blood Engines by T.A. Pratt

Title: Blood Engines

Author: T.A. Pratt

Series: Marla Mason #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Review:

I have read so many urban fantasy books that, after a while, they all start to sound the same. This was not the case for “Blood Engines.” It was an incredibly unique novel, with a great mix of of fantasy, mystery, and just a touch of romance. Although a good deal of Pratt’s works are on the bizarre side, I have to give him major kudos for originality. His perspective is refreshing, and he combines that with interesting plot-lines: As the guardian for the city of Felport (in which most of the other novels take place) Marla finds herself in San Francisco, hunting after a relic that will protect her from a threat back home. While there, things start to snowball and she gets caught up in a lot more trouble than she bargained for. I found the entire book vivid and engaging.

My favorite element of this series was the excellent character development throughout. I’m a stickler for good characters, and that is probably why I liked these so much. While Marla definitely steals the show, everyone from Rondeau (the main sidekick) to the most minor characters have personalities that are rich and interesting.

I also have a particular affection for this author’s works from a writer’s standpoint. From the way he crafts a story, develops characters, and devises his plots, he always leaves me in awe. His prequel, “Bone Shop” was particularly insightful, including author’s notes at the end of each chapter. It gave a wonderfully helpful look into how he tackled each scene, and also alluded to his once a week writing schedule. It was encouraging: if you take writing seriously, you can accomplish great things despite having a hectic schedule. Anyway, I can’t say enough good things about this author. The more you read, the more he blows your mind with intricate plot-lines. I really love these books – if you’re sick of the same old stuff, give this series a try!

Recommendations: These aren’t for everyone, as I said, they are a bit bizarre by typical urban fantasy standards, and also contain some language and sexual references. However, if you liked them as much as I did, I highly recommend you also read Pratt’s short stories as they provide a great back-history on some awesome characters, along with excellent examples on writing well and developing your craft.

Other books you might like:

by Niki Hawkes

Sep 28 2012

Coming Soon: Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

Title: Frost Burned

Series: Mercy Thompson #7

Author: Patricia Briggs

Release Date: March 5, 2013 Now Available!

The Overview: Mercy Thompson’s life has undergone a seismic change. Becoming the mate of Adam Hauptman—the charismatic Alpha of the local werewolf pack—has made her a stepmother to his daughter Jesse, a relationship that brings moments of blissful normalcy to Mercy’s life. But on the edges of humanity, what passes for a minor mishap on an ordinary day can turn into so much more… After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and Jesse can’t reach Adam—or anyone else in the pack for that matter. They’ve all been abducted. Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. With the werewolves fighting a political battle to gain acceptance from the public, Mercy fears Adam’s disappearance may be related—and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from any ally she can get, no matter how unlikely.

Nik’s Notes:

One of the best urban fantasies out there – if you haven’t read Patricia Briggs, you’re sorely missing out!

Recommendations: If you love Mercy, but have yet to read the Alpha and Omega spin-off series, consider doing so before March, as there are a few events that might add some great back-history for Frost Burned. I recommend you start with “Alpha and Omega” a novella available in either ebook format or part of the anthology “On the Prowl.”

by Niki Hawkes

Sep 27 2012

Coming Soon: Bard’s Oath by Joanne Bertin

Title: The Bard’s Oath

Series: Last Dragonlord #3

Author: Joanne Bertin

Release Date: November 27, 2012 Now Available!

The Overview: In The Last Dragonlord and Dragon and Phoenix Joanne Bertin created a world unlike our own, where Dragonlords soar in the skies above the many realms of the land. The Dragonlords’ magic is unique, giving them the ability to change from dragon to human form; to communicate silently among themselves; and other abilities not known to mortals. For many millennia, the Dragonlords have been a blessing to the world, with their great magic and awesome power. And though they live far longer than the humans who they resemble when not in their draconic state, these fabled changelings are still loyal to their human friends.

Nik’s Notes:

This is a long overdue release! After reading the first two books back in 2000 (and loving them), I eventually resigned myself to never knowing what happens next, but no longer! Twelve years in the making, I am so excited to finish this series I can hardly stand it! If you’ve never read it, now’s your chance! The conclusion iIt’ss only a mere two months away! ;)

by Niki Hawkes