KILL THE QUEEN by Jennifer Estep

Rating: C-
Release Date: October 2, 2018
Synopsis:
Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.

In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.

But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.

Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.

But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen. 

My thoughts on the book:
I am usually a huge fan of Estep's writing, so I am pretty disappointed that I didn't enjoy this book very much. I didn't hate it, and there were some poignant moments, but for the most part, I was bored throughout the novel. When I finished the book, I was left feeling "meh." Also, the cover for this book looks way too much like the covers for the Elemental Assassin series. 

The characters in this novel are not very noteworthy. Evie evolved and everything, sure, but she kept telling the reader every time any tiny thing about her changed. It's better to see an evolution happen, not be told about it. Also, she was kind of a selfish brat. At 28 years old, she needed to grow up some, in my opinion. Then there was the love interest. Meh. I didn't feel any connection between them, though Estep really tried to make one. The other characters were run of the mill, too, and it was just boring. 

In addition to boring characters, the plot was extremely predictable. I could predict every twist and turn before it happened, which kept me pretty bored. Also, the descriptions were really overdone. When you write over a page describing one room, there's a problem. The novel goes on and on and on, and like the Elemental Assassin series, this series seems to be centered on food, too. The magical types are similar to the Elemental Assassin series, and the main character's backstory is also a lot like Gin's. I don't know that I'll read the next book in the series because it's just not that original. 

Overall, I wasn't blown away by this novel. I mean if you have nothing else to read and you want to read a fantasy book, then check it out from the library. A lot of people loved this book, and you may, too. The writing itself was well-done. This book just wasn't for me, unfortunately. 

UNCHAINED by J. Lynn

Rating: B+
Synopsis:
Between the pissed off creatures that want demon-hunter Lily Marks dead and the fallen angel who just...wants her, Lily is about ready to trade in forever for a comfy job in a cubicle farm.

The fact that she and Julian are civil to one another is enough to have her thrown out of the Sanctuary, but she can't shake her not-so-angelic stalker or how he brings her dangerously close to ecstasy.

Her forbidden relationship with Julian provides the perfect fuel for suspicion when a traitor is discovered to be working within the Sanctuary. Lily quickly finds herself hunted by well, everyone.

Her only hope is to discover the real traitor before she loses everything--and she'll need Julian's help. That is, if Julian is really there to help her...and not destroy her.


Yeah, being a Nephilim isn't everything it's cracked up to be.

My thoughts on the book:
According to the information at the end of this novel, this was the first book that Jennifer L. Armentrout wrote, and when I think about it, it's obvious that she hadn't developed her voice 100% when writing this. The novel itself is a great read, and the writing is good. The characters are interesting and flawed and humorous in a way that only JLA can pull off, but her big reveal, while shocking, was a little obvious. Usually in her novels, she surprises me, at least a little bit.

I really liked Lily, though she made me mad a couple of times due to her prejudice that she'd had beat into her, more or less, since day 1. Overall, she was a good leading character, though, and unapologetically herself. She didn't try to change for anyone, and she did what was right for her (for the most part). She was brave in many ways and selfless, though at times she was too selfless. Julian was also a really complex character, and I absolutely adored him. The entirety of his story surprised me, and it made me love him even more when it was revealed at the end of the novel. They made a great couple, and their chemistry was through the roof. The secondary characters felt like real people instead of cardboard cutouts, which is something JLA has always excelled at.

The pacing of the story was pretty spot-on. My main contention with the story was that about 3/4 of the way through, it became glaringly obvious who the traitor was. Usually JLA is sneakier than that, and the big reveal was still shocking due to the reaction of the traitor, and everything the traitor did was actually more twisted than I'd thought. That being said, the lack of surprise is what made me give this book a B+. The writing was entertaining and engrossing, and like all JLA books, once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I also think the story really shows what happens when you assume certain traits about people, or in this case supernatural beings, based on their race alone, and that's always a good reminder to have in a book.

Overall, I'd recommend this novel to anyone who is a JLA fan and who loves urban fantasies with flawed yet wonderful characters and a lot of steamy romance.

A PROMISE OF FIRE by Amanda Bouchet

Rating: A
Synopsis:
KINGDOMS WILL RISE AND FALL FOR HER...
BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT

Catalia "Cat" Fisa lives disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus. She is perfectly content avoiding the danger and destiny the Gods-and her homicidal mother-have saddled her with. That is, until Griffin, an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south, fixes her with his steely gaze and upsets her illusion of safety forever.

Griffin knows Cat is the Kingmaker, the woman who divines the truth through lies. He wants her as a powerful weapon for his newly conquered realm-until he realizes he wants her for much more than her magic. Cat fights him at every turn, but Griffin's fairness, loyalty, and smoldering advances make him increasingly hard to resist and leave her wondering if life really does have to be short, and lived alone.

My thoughts on the book:
I picked up A Promise of Fire at BEA in Chicago, back in 2016. Between all of the moves and life disasters and events since then, I never got around to reading it. When I was looking at my bookshelf yesterday, trying to decide what to read, it jumped out at me, and I'm glad it did. This is a fantastic novel. The characters are so well-developed, they feel like real people. The writing is superb; the pacing is spot-on. There is the right balance of action and romance, and the ending ties things up while leaving room for the sequel, which I've already bought and downloaded on my Kindle. 

Cat is a fantastic heroine. She has just the right amount of sass. Her horrific past is heartbreaking, and while she seems too combative and flat out abusive, it starts to make sense the more Cat reveals about herself. Griffin was a bit too "macho" for my tastes. He needed a course on toxic masculinity and then he needed to tone it down a bit. Cat can more than stand up for herself, though, and at least she called him out on his crap. Also, he took a lot of Cat's abuse, and even though he abducted her (when looking at this through an Ancient Greek mythological lens and all of the events surrounding it, it's not as annoying or awful as it would be in other contexts), he was kind and didn't deserve her wrath to the extent that she dealt it. I liked that both characters were flawed and that I didn't love everything about them, though. It made them more real. The secondary characters were just as well-developed, and I really loved Flynn and Carver. They were my two favorites, I think. 

The world-building and descriptions were well done, and I felt like I was there in this fantastical realm with Cat and Griffin. The plot was sound, and with all of the Greek mythology woven into a fantasy realm, that couldn't have been easy. Normally I get annoyed with characters who seem to develop Stockholm's Syndrome, I don't think that was really the case in this instance. There were a lot of sociopolitical, cultural, and religious things surrounding Cat's abduction that made it less of an abduction and more of a fate type of thing. Anyway, potential Stockholm's Syndrome aside, there was just the right mix of action and romance, and our heroine is no pansy. She can fight just as well, if not better than, the men. One thing that struck me as different in this novel is that there were large sections devoted to Cat developing relationships (friendships and a romantic relationship) with different people, and while I would have thought that would annoy me, it actually made the relationships feel more realistic and really created a rich emotional story. 

Overall, I'd recommend this novel to anyone who loves paranormal romance, fantasy novels, and Greek mythology. It's a wonderfully unique and genuine read.

BONE DRIVEN by Hailey Edwards

Rating: A+
Release Date: May 31, 2018
Synopsis:

The bayou is burning, the battle is just beginning - and Luce Boudreau is smack in the middle of no-man's land . . .

Life as a cop in Canton Town, Mississippi, is never dull - particularly when hiding deep within you is a demon bent on the apocalypse. Luce is doing her best to pretend her two worlds aren't crashing into each other, but what should be a routine arson investigation takes a shocking turn when Luce discovers a link between the suspects and her own dark secrets. There's no turning back, even though her search for the truth threatens to burn her old life down around her.

Lines are being drawn in a war Luce barely understands, and she just might be on the wrong side of them. Now she must embrace her powerful destiny, or the ones she loves most will pay the ultimate price.

My thoughts on the book:

I absolutely love Hailey Edwards. I have ever since I read Everlong back in 2010. Her novels are steamy and sexy, but they also have heart. Her characters are real, and they are funny and heartbreaking and flawed and wonderful. The plots will always keep you on the edge of your seat, and the writing is wonderful. Bone Driven is no exception to this. I stayed up half the night reading this novel because I had to see what happened to Luce next. Edwards writes novels with heart, and that is so hard to come by, especially in the paranormal romance genre. 

Edwards excels in making you care about her characters. Luce may be a demon and she may be one of the four horsewomen of the apocalypse, more or less, but she is also so human. She's someone that anyone could relate to. She's such a strong character. She doesn't need any men to save her. I love how she makes the tough decisions, but they chip away at her soul, like they would anyone else's. The author does a terrific job of showing the inner struggle that Luce is feeling every second of her existence, and that's absolutely beautiful. Luce's coterie is also amazing. My favorite member is Thom, but that's because he shifts into a black Manx or bobtail, (or nubbin cat, as I call mine) and I have a black Manx, and it just made me picture my little Finnegan every time Thom shifted. All of the coterie members are extremely complicated, and their complex and evolving relationship with Luce is interesting to watch. Luce shows how a bit of kindness can soften even the harshest of "monsters." 

The plot of this book is mysterious and thrilling, and at some points, heartbreaking. I could not put this novel down. The book is fast-paced, and Luce doesn't get a moment of peace in the entire thing. I was white knuckling my Kindle for the majority of this novel. It was one hell of a rollercoaster ride. The writing is wonderful. Edwards has a very strong voice, and I love how she explains things. There are moments of hilarity, and I found myself laughing out loud a few times while reading (which always alarms the cats). The world-building is done perfectly. I feel like I have a good grasp on the mythology of this universe that Edwards created. The mythology has some unique twists to it that I really enjoyed. It's not your typical angels/demons/good/evil/end of the world/save the world type of story. There are layers to it (and to the world itself), and it's fascinating. I absolutely can't wait until the third book. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who is looking for a paranormal romance that has a lot of heart, some serious sexual tension, real and fully-developed characters, and a unique mythology. I think this is my favorite series that Edwards has written, and that says a lot. Do yourself a favor and give these books a try. 

MOONLIGHT SEDUCTION by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Rating: A+
Release date: June 26, 2018
Synopsis:
The de Vincent brothers are back—and so is the intrigue that surrounds them—in New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s sizzling new novel...

Nicolette Bresson never thought she’d return to the de Vincents’ bayou compound. It’s where her parents work, where Nikki grew up... and where she got her heart broken by Gabriel de Vincent himself. Yet here she is, filling in for her sick mother. Avoiding Gabe should be easy, especially when so much of Nikki’s time is spent trying not to be stabbed in the back by the malicious hangers-on who frequent the mansion. But escaping memories of Gabe, much less his smoking-hot presence, is harder than expected—especially since he seems determined to be in Nikki’s space as much as possible.

Gabriel spent years beating himself up over his last encounter with Nikki. He’d wanted her then, but for reasons that were bad for both of them. Things have now changed. Gabe sees more than a girl he’s known forever; he sees a smart, talented, and heartbreakingly beautiful woman... one who’s being stalked from the shadows. Now, Gabe will do anything to keep Nikki safe—and to stop the de Vincent curse from striking again.

My thoughts on the book:
I absolutely LOVE Jennifer L. Armentrout. Words cannot express how much I love JLA and her writing. I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing her at BEA 2016, and she is a lovely person and a phenomenal author. No one can write romance like she can. Her characters are always realistic, and her pacing and plotting are just amazing. Moonlight Seduction is a beautiful, touching, and steamy romance. If you want a book that you can't put down with a strong female lead and a swoon-worthy bad boy, then this novel is for you. 

Nikki is one of my favorite female characters of all time. I'm a "helper," and an animal lover, and a bleeding heart, more or less, and it is so hard not to be a doormat. Then I feel bad because I refuse to be a doormat, but I just let myself feel guilty because it's better than being walked on. ANYWAY, because of this, I absolutely loved her character. She is a person who cares about the world around her, and she grows into someone who will protect herself, no matter what, and I had an immense amount of respect for her. I wish she was real so we could be friends. I'd also like my own Gabe, please. Yes, he's dark and somewhat broody and makes stupid mistakes, but he's good deep down, and he really does a lot for those he cares about. Seeing things from his perspective and Nikki's perspective really made me feel a connection to both of them. I also wish he was real, and would clone himself. I wouldn't steal him from Nikki because they are just beautiful together, so cloning it is. 

The plot made me not want to put this book down. Watching the characters grow and interact while also wondering who the worst of the bad guys were (let's face it, there are a lot of bad guys in these novels haha) made this book hard to put down. The pacing is spot on, and nothing feels rushed or too slow. Everything unraveled at the perfect time. There was one thing I didn't see coming, though I had the "bad guys" figured out, and it shocked me. The romance was super hot and steamy. There was nothing PG13 about this book, that's for sure. The writing was fantastic, of course. 

Overall, this is a fantastic, and hot, summer read. Give this book (and series) a try, if you haven't already. You won't be sorry. 

CITY OF LIGHT by Keri Arthur

Rating: B+
Synopsis:
The first in an all-new futuristic fantasy series from Keri Arthur—the New York Times bestselling author of the Souls of Fire novels.

When the bombs that stopped the species war tore holes in the veil between this world and the next, they allowed entry to the Others—demons, wraiths, and death spirits who turned the shadows into their hunting grounds. Now, a hundred years later, humans and shifters alike live in artificially lit cities designed to keep the darkness at bay....

As a déchet—a breed of humanoid super-soldiers almost eradicated by the war—Tiger has spent her life in hiding. But when she risks her life to save a little girl on the outskirts of Central City, she discovers that the child is one of many abducted in broad daylight by a wraith-like being—an impossibility with dangerous implications for everyone on earth.

Because if the light is no longer enough to protect them, nowhere is safe...

My thoughts on the book:
I didn't know what to expect with this novel, to be honest, but I really enjoyed it. I generally like Arthur's work quite a bit, and this book was no exception. The characters were well-developed, the worldbuilding was done wonderfully, and the pacing was spot on. The ending tied things up nicely but set up the sequel, which I can't wait for. If you're looking for a unique spin on Dystopian novels, this book is definitely for you.

Tiger was a super strong female lead. I really loved her. She wasn't callous or angsty or bitter. She was just strong. She accepted things as they were and made the best out of her situations. She did what she had to do in order to live up to her own standards, everyone else be damned, and I really loved that about her. The men in the book were interesting, but Sal was a weak character, in my opinion. I really liked Jonas, and I think he'd be a good match for Tiger. The other men weren't present much, so I didn't get to form any lasting opinions on them. Nuri was interesting. I'm not sure what I think about her yet. I really loved the ghosts that Tiger interacted with and how she viewed them as equal to the living. I could appreciate that outlook. 

The plot was pretty fast paced and there was a lot of action. Some sex and romance, but nothing too extensive. A lot of violence, but nothing graphic. The story and world were dark enough without graphic descriptions of darkness. I appreciated Arthur going light on that. The world made sense, though, and I could picture the world that Tiger lived in. It wasn't as desolate as some Dystopian worlds, but it was pretty bleak. I think things will get better, though. Just a feeling I have. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book to fans of Dystopian novels and fans of Keri Arthur. She lives up to her great reputation with this novel, and these characters and this world are intriguing and full of mystery and suspense that you won't want to miss. 

FIRE TOUCHED by Patricia Briggs

Rating: B+
Synopsis:
Mercy Thompson has been hailed as “a heroine who continues to grow and yet always remains true to herself.”* Now she’s back, and she’ll soon discover that when the fae stalk the human world, it’s the children who suffer...

Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae.

Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched?

My thoughts on the book:
When I saw this novel on NetGalley, I was so excited. Patricia Briggs is one of my favorite authors, and this is one of my favorite series, even though a couple of the most recent efforts in Mercy's world have fallen flat for me. However, this novel was a refreshing change from the past few books. The action starts in the first couple of chapters and doesn't end until the very last page. Some of the new characters introduced were extremely interesting, and aside from Mercy randomly throwing in ridiculous words in an effort to prove she's intelligent, the writing was top notch. Fans of the series are going to devour this book.

Mercy is one of my favorite Fantasy heroines. She's tough, smart, and able to take care of herself. She has a man in her life because she loves him, not because she needs him to be fulfilled. She continues to grow throughout the series, but she doesn't change so much that the growth seems out of character for her. She has issues and PTSD and a bit of anxiety, but she overcomes that to help others. She's a great example of a flawed, but still wonderful and strong, heroine. Adam is a fantastic complement to her, and the way he's evolved over the series is also organic. I really like who he's becoming, and I love how Mercy has challenged him, and his whole pack, to open their minds and accept people for who they are instead of trying to change them. This novel illustrates more of that kind of pack growth, and I feel that it's much needed and really added to the tapestry of the pack and their bonds. 

The world-building and descriptions were beautifully done in this book, but Briggs seemed so hung up on showing that Mercy wasn't an idiot that she used some really random, what I like to call "GRE words" to prove it... words that no one uses because you can express things in a much simpler manner. This hasn't happened in the past, and I'm not sure why it happened now. Those words really broke up the flow of writing, though, because even though I knew what they meant, as many readers will, they just didn't come across naturally. That was my main pet peeve with this novel and why it got a B+ instead of an A. The pacing was super fast, but not rushed, the story itself was well-told and interesting, and the alternating of action scenes vs. emotional scenes kept me emotionally engaged. The ending tied things up nicely, and after this book, I can't help but think that Mercy's story is about to come to an end. I feel like she's about to get things squared away enough that she can have her happily ever after. We'll see if I'm right or not, but that's the feeling that I got. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this series. I'd also recommend this series to anyone  who loves Urban Fantasy with strong female characters. Briggs is an amazing author, and she will not disappoint. 

MARKED IN FLESH by Anne Bishop

Rating: A+
Synopsis:
For centuries, the Others and humans have lived side by side in uneasy peace. But when humankind oversteps its bounds, the Others will have to decide how much humanity they’re willing to tolerate—both within themselves and within their community...

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.

But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs…

My thoughts on the book:
This book is amazing! Marked in Flesh is by far my favorite Others novel yet. I absolutely adored the relationships formed as well as the new characters introduced. The plot was multi-faceted and completely engrossing. I was not bored for a single sentence while reading this novel. Bishop's descriptions were beautifully done, and I could fully picture this alternate reality of the world we know. Also, I felt that this book was telling the story of what's going on in our world as well as what's going on in the world of the Others. The bigotry and ethnocentrism are pretty much in line with what we're experiencing now, and I felt that these issues were addressed from both sides and really showed the problems with wanting to eliminate those who are different. I loved the first novel in this series, and liked the second and third books okay, but Marked in Flesh really stands out in the series and in Fantasy literature in general. 

The new characters introduced in this book were so interesting. I can't wait to get to know more about Twyla, especially. She was so fun. Jesse and Tobias weren't new, but we got to know more about them. Tolya was another character who really grabbed me, along with Barb, and I hope we see more of them in the future. Each character, including secondary characters, had his or her own personality and was very unique. I love that about Bishop. She always lets her characters be themselves instead of trying to force them into boxes. Simon and Meg, of course, were fantastic, and they both grew so much in this novel, as did Vlad. I liked seeing more from the Sanguinatis' perspective because they're different from the vampires we know. Sam was present and adorably wonderful, and Hope and Jackson's challenges were sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes comical. It was interesting watching them learn to deal with each other. 

The plot was fast-paced and full of suspense. The book started with a sense of foreboding, and that carried on throughout the entire story. Bishop did such a great job describing the different parts of the world. I could picture all of the different areas on the continent. Her descriptions of the Elders were fuzzy, but from my understanding, they were so horrifying that no one's brain could really register them fully, so I felt that the lack of description fit well with that. A lot of terrible things happened in this book, and there were parts that simply broke my heart. Other times, I wanted to cheer because of what happened, so this was definitely an emotional rollercoaster. The ending tied things up very nicely and opened things up for the next part of Meg's story. I can't wait to see how things change for her now. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who loves Fantasy and Urban Fantasy novels, but is tired of the same old types of stories. Bishop really goes outside of the box with her characters, places, and plots in a way that's both refreshing and captivating. Well done, Ms. Bishop. Well done.

THE VEIL by Chloe Neill

Rating: F
Synopsis:
Seven years ago, the Veil that separates humanity from what lies beyond was torn apart, and New Orleans was engulfed in a supernatural war. Now, those with paranormal powers have been confined in a walled community that humans call the District. Those who live there call it Devil's Isle.

Claire Connolly is a good girl with a dangerous secret: she’s a Sensitive, a human endowed with magic that seeped through the Veil. Claire knows that revealing her skills would mean being confined to Devil’s Isle. Unfortunately, hiding her power has left her untrained and unfocused.

Liam Quinn knows from experience that magic makes monsters of the weak, and he has no time for a Sensitive with no control of her own strength. But when he sees Claire using her powers to save a human under attack—in full view of the French Quarter—Liam decides to bring her to Devil’s Isle and the teacher she needs, even though getting her out of his way isn’t the same as keeping her out of his head.

But when the Veil threatens to shatter completely, Claire and Liam must work together to stop it, or else New Orleans will burn…

My thoughts on the book:
The Veil is one of the biggest disappointments of the year. I was looking forward to getting a fresh start with Ms. Neill since I tired of the Chicagoland Vampire Series after that ridiculous nonsense with Ethan. I really loved her YA series, but for some reason the publishers and author decided not to complete it. I was hoping that this book would be as intriguing as the early Chicagoland Vampire books, but it was not. There was so much description that I was bored to tears. I actually fell asleep once while reading this book, and it was the middle of the day! I read until the end, hoping that something amazing would happen, but I was let down again. This book had a lot of potential. Unfortunately almost none of it was realized. 

Claire was a pretty dull leading lady. Of course we had a grad student (linguistics instead of English this time), but Tadji was Claire's best friend. Claire didn't stand out much. She could supposedly fix things, but I didn't see her put a single thing back together successfully. Gunnar was the token gay friend, and Liam was a really boring love interest. Sure he's a bounty hunter and that should make him bad ass, but he was just meh. I liked Tadji the best, to be honest, but we didn't get to see a ton of her. 

There was so much description that the pacing was thrown completely off. For some ungodly reason, Neill felt the need to describe every speck of dirt on every single block. And if we happened to return to the same block, she'd describe every speck of dirt AGAIN, like we hadn't just been there 5 pages ago. I get it. New Orleans looks like crap because of what happened. I didn't need it beat into my head by 2-3 page long descriptions every scene. I started skimming over the insanely long descriptions after the first 75% of the book. I just couldn't take it anymore. Not much really happened. Basically boring Claire and dull Liam ran around in circles looking for wraiths and having no chemistry. What happened to the steaming hot sexual tension between Merit and Ethan? Did Neill use all of that up in her other series? There was absolutely nothing between Claire and Liam. Maybe if Claire had quit gawking at her surroundings like some redneck tourist and paid attention to Liam instead of analyzing specks of dirt, things could have been different, but that didn't happen. The ending was so uneventful that I don't even remember it, and I finished the book last night. 

Overall I did not enjoy this book. I know that a lot of people seemed to like it, and I'm sure that those of you who like tons of description and world-building will love it, but the novel just wasn't for me. I think I'll be skipping this series. 

PURE BLOODED by Amanda Carlson

Rating: B
Synopsis:
Jessica arrives back from the Underworld to find her father embroiled in a battle against the Made wolves. She and her crew drop everything to join them.

Once she arrives, the threat is after her. Jessica is lured into danger when her adversary takes something precious from her. With help from an unlikely source, Jessica goes up against her creator in a battle that will decide the path of everyone involved. She must war against a new set of foes, ones who could not only steal her power, but could take her soul as well.

My thoughts on the book:
I enjoyed Pure Blooded much more than its predecessor. While there were some awkward spots, and the ending was a bit abrupt for my tastes, this book was entertaining. The nonstop action had a lot to do with me not being able to put this book down, and the pacing was really fast. The character development was lacking a little bit, but the plot developed quite a bit more. This book was a good addition to the series.

Jessica was strong, as usual, and she kept growing in her powers throughout this book. However, her character didn't grow that much. Rourke was about the same, but I do really like him as the love interest. Tyler annoyed me a little bit, and Marcy always gets on my nerves, so that was nothing new. Danny and Naomi were okay, but we didn't get to see much of them. I really liked learning more about Juanita, though. That was a fun part of the story. We also got to meet some new supernatural types, which was cool. The characters weren't as interesting (so far) as their supernatural talents, but that may change in the next installment.

The pace was super fast and a lot happened in this novel. I felt like the last book, set in the Underworld, dragged on forever, but this installment flew by. The Florida part was the slowest, but it went by pretty quickly, too. One thing I noticed about this book is that it wasn't really set up "traditionally." I felt like the climax of the story happened at like 50-60%, and the remainder of the book was falling action and rising action for the next novel. The story itself stopped in a really odd and awkward place. Also, the sex scenes weren't exactly steamy. They were kind of forced and uncomfortable. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book, though it's not my favorite in the series. I will be reading the next installment to see what Jessica and company get up to next. 

Order Pure Blooded

OLD DOG, NEW TRICKS by Hailey Edwards

Rating: B
Synopsis:
While Thierry is away, the Morrigan will play. Snatching the crown from her daughter-in-law’s head wasn’t the motherly thing to do, but Thierry doesn’t mind trading the throne in Faerie for the ratty couch in her Texas apartment. The old crow is welcome to it. But ruling one world is not enough. The Morrigan wants an all-access pass to the mortal realm too. 

An attack on the marshal’s office leaves Thierry shaken…and Shaw missing. Now the fight brewing since Thierry took up the Black Dog’s mantle has landed on her doorstep, and the only way to save the man she loves is to defend the title she never wanted. 

My thoughts on the book:
I really loved this entire series, and while this book was my least favorite, it still was a good ending to this part of the story. From my understanding, the next book set in this world will follow Mai's adventures. Part of me is looking forward to that, and the other part of me isn't, but I digress. The character development in this novel is pretty good, the world-building is well-done, and the writing is decent. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, and I didn't really get into the story until about the 60% mark. That's why I gave this novel a B instead of an A.

Thierry is a strong character, and I've enjoyed reading from her perspective. She's a bit temperamental at times, but that just makes her seem real. I also have quite the temper, so I can relate to her pretty easily. She doesn't disappoint in this book. Not only was she unselfish for the most part, but she also learned to appreciate her fae heritage more. I really enjoyed reading her interactions with Mac. Speaking of Mac, he's a terrific character, and I'm glad we finally got to know him some in this installment. I would have liked to have seen Shaw some, but I know his disappearance was key to Thierry reaching who she was meant to be as a person. I also liked seeing Rook evolve over the course of the novel. Mai wasn't in the book much, but she isn't my favorite, so I didn't mind not having her around. 

As I said, the pacing is a bit slow in the beginning, but I think that was to give Thierry's relationship with Mac some time to develop, and that was nice to see. Most of the book was set in Faerie, and it was interesting to see the denizens, both old and new. Things moved along organically, if a bit slow, and I really enjoyed seeing all of Faerie through Theirry's "tour through the seasons." The ending tied up Thierry's story nicely, but left room for the spin-off with Mai. I'll read that one, I'm sure, just to see if I can tolerate Mai better from her perspective. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to fans of Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance. Edwards has created a beautiful world with charming characters. 

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SPIDER'S TRAP by Jennifer Estep

Rating: C-
Synopsis:
The next thrilling book in Jennifer Estep’s New York Times andUSA Today bestselling Elemental Assassin series—“an extraordinary series… One of the most intriguing heroines in the genre” (Romantic Times Book Reviews).

Keep your friends close but your enemies within stabbing distance.

One important lesson I’ve learned in the assassination business is that to be the best you have to roll with the punches. Now that I’m queen of Ashland’s underworld—by default, not by choice—a lot more punches are being thrown my way. But I suppose that’s the price of victory for taking down some of the underworld’s top dogs. Good thing I have my Ice and Stone magic to help me survive my volatile new position. Just when I think things are finally settling down, someone tries to murder me during a hush-hush underworld meeting. But the real surprise is how strangely familiar my shadowy assailant seems to be.

My job is to maintain order among killers, crooks, and thieves, and soon I’m embroiled in a bloody game where the ability to keep secrets could be the greatest superpower of all. My enemies have all sharpened their knives and laid their traps, waiting for me to fall. But this Spider weaves her own webs of death…

My thoughts on the book:
I love this series, but to be honest, all of these books are starting to run together. There's not enough character growth or change in plot to keep me interested anymore. I think it's just about time for this series to come to an end. I still enjoy Gin's snarky comments and all of the action and romance, but these novels just aren't exciting anymore. I'm not sure that I'll read the next in the series.

Gin is the same as she always is. Finn is the same as he always is. Owen is the same as he always is. You get the idea. I love these characters, but sadly, they just aren't developing anymore. I think it's time to tell them goodbye. I hate to say it, but it's true.

The plot itself is the same as always. People are trying to kill Gin. Bad guys are out to get her. Blah blah blah. The pacing and writing are good, so I was engrossed the entire time, but I knew what was going to happen because it's the same in every book. The ending left room for yet another sequel, but I kind of hope it just stops. I know it sounds like I didn't enjoy this book, but I did. I'm just tired of it being the same book with new bad guys each time.

Overall, I'd say if you love the series go ahead and read this one. It's a good read and Gin is charming as ever.

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Lie Down with Dogs by Hailey Edwards

Rating: B+
Synopsis:
With tentative peace established in Faerie, Thierry returns to her job as a conclave marshal in Texas while the countdown to her coronation begins. But what happens in Faerie doesn't always stay in Faerie. A crown wasn't Theirry's only souvenir from her trip. Her new husband, Rook, is scheming again, and this time his plans are invading her dreams.

When her best friend throws a beachside going away party, Thierry is grateful for the distraction from Rook...and from Shaw. But her presence in Daytona rouses an old evil, one who wants the future queen as the crown jewel of his private collection.

My thoughts on the book: 
I enjoy most books by Hailey Edwards, and this novel was no exception. I think this series is actually my favorite of hers, so far. Lie Down with Dogs was a lot different than the first two books in the series, and it took a little while to adjust to Thierry's new life circumstances. However, I was quickly captivated by the world and characters and couldn't put the book down. I'm looking forward to the sequel, but also dreading it since it will be the last book in the series, and I hate to see such a good story end. 

Thierry is a likable and strong heroine. I really love reading from her perspective, though her stubbornness irritates me sometimes. No one is perfect, though, and I like that she is flawed. In this novel Thierry made some pretty big mistakes, but I was rooting for her the whole time. Shaw also redeemed himself in this book, which helped the story progress. We didn't get to see much of Rook, which kind of sucked because he was an interesting character. I really loved Diode, and Mable's had a couple of cameos, but not enough to develop any more than she already had. 

The world-building had already been established for this series, but Edwards was able to explain new occurrences in a way that made them fit perfectly with the story. The plot itself was intriguing, even though the pacing and feel of this book was very different from the first two. The ending was a cliffhanger, but it answered a lot of the questions raised in this novel. The writing was wonderfully done, and the character dialogue was realistic. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who wants to read something a bit different about the fae. I'd also recommend any of Hailey Edwards' books to people who haven't read her before. She really is a fantastic author.

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THE SHATTERED COURT by M.J. Scott

Rating: B
Synopsis:
First in a new fantasy series from the author of the Novels of the Half-Light City.

Entangled in a court ruled by tradition and intrigue, a young witch must come to terms with newfound power and desire—and a choice between loyalty and survival.…

The royal witches of Anglion have bowed to tradition for centuries. If a woman of royal blood manifests powers, she is immediately bound by rites of marriage. She will serve her lord by practicing the tamer magics of the earth—ensuring good harvests and predicting the weather. Any magic more dangerous is forbidden.

Lady Sophia Kendall, thirty-second in line to the throne, is only days away from finding out if she will be blessed—or perhaps cursed—with magic. When a vicious attack by Anglion’s ancient enemies leaves the kingdom in chaos, Sophia is forced to flee the court. Her protector by happenstance is Lieutenant Cameron Mackenzie, a member of the royal guard, raised all his life to be fiercely loyal to the Crown.

Then Sophia’s powers manifest stronger than she ever imagined they would, and Cameron and she are inextricably linked in the process. As a witch unbound by marriage rites, Sophia is not only a threat to the established order of her country, but is also a weapon for those who seek to destroy it. Faced with old secrets and new truths, she must decide if she will fight for her country or succumb to the delicious temptation of power.

My thoughts on the book:
After reading the reviews about this novel, I was a bit apprehensive to start it, but I actually really enjoyed it. Yes it's an adult novel, but I have been wanting to read some adult fantasy, and this was a good place to start. I really enjoyed Sophie as a character, and Cameron was an excellent leading man. The plot was intriguing, and the world-building was fairly well done. The pacing was pretty spot on, too. I think that as long as you're aware that this is an adult book and sex scenes are present, then you'll like it just fine. If that offends you, then skip this one. 

Sophie was a fairly strong character, considering this book seemed to be seemed to be set in something akin to the Middle Ages. Women were oppressed, but she stood on her own very well. She was well-developed, too, and pretty easy to relate to. Cameron was also decently well-developed, and I really respected him as a leading man. The secondary characters weren't as fleshed out, and I would have liked to have gotten to know all of them a bit more. 

The plot was intriguing, but the climax wasn't that thrilling. There was no huge sense of urgency at all in this novel. A lot of it was world-building, and for the most part, the world makes sense to me now. I didn't feel that anything was over explained. The pacing was pretty spot-on, though a couple of places dragged. The ending set up the sequel, and didn't really answer any of the questions raised in this novel, which I didn't like. However, I will be continuing the series. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book to people who love adult fantasy. I wouldn't go so far as to say that this is high fantasy, since there were no dragons or anything. It just seemed to be set in an alternate world that had magic. Either way, this series is worth reading. I say give it a shot. 

BOUND BY FLAMES by Jeaniene Frost

Rating: A+
Synopsis:
Play with fire, pay the price.

Leila’s years on the carnie circuit were certainly an education. What she didn’t learn: how to be a vampire, or how to be married to the most famous vampire of them all. Adjusting to both has Leila teetering on a knife edge between passion and peril, and now the real danger is about to begin…

Vlad must battle with a centuries-old enemy whose reach stretches across continents and whose strength equals his own. It isn’t like Vlad to feel fear, but he does…for Leila, because his enemy knows she is Vlad’s greatest weakness. As friend and foe alike align against him—and his overprotectiveness drives Leila away—Vlad’s love for his new bride could be the very thing that dooms them both…

My thoughts on the book:
Bound by Flames, in my opinion, is the best book that Jeaniene Frost has ever written. I absolutely adore all of her novels, but this one really stands out. It is difficult to read in places (graphic torture), but it has heart, grit, and suspense. I couldn't put this one down. I'm a huge fan of the Night Huntress Series, and Vlad has always been one of my favorite "spin-off" characters, but this book goes above and beyond any expectations I had for him and his series. Well done, Ms. Frost. I can't wait to see what you come up with next. 

The character growth in this novel is astounding and extremely organic. Vlad really grows as a man, vampire, and husband in this installment. He proves he loves Leila by actually listening to her (sometimes). Leila, for her part, is coming into her own as a woman, vampire, and wife. She is learning how to deal with Vlad's overbearing ways and how to work things out through compromise. I really had tons of respect for both of them in this book. Some of the secondary characters really grow and/or show who they really are as well, and there are some very touching moments. 

Like all of Frost's novels, the pacing is pretty quick, and the plot is suspenseful, and full of action and romance with a touch of comedy. Some of the plot twists really surprised me, and I loved the cameo by Cat and Fabian. This novel had to be difficult to write with the torture scenes, and Frost shows that she doesn't shy away from challenges. She paints the torture scenes as vividly as the romance scenes, and that impressed me. While some of it is a little stomach churning to read (being skinned alive, for instance), Frost's ability to not back down while writing these scenes is deserving of respect. The Epilogue delivers some much-needed lightheartedness, and it's clear from the direction of this book that the series is winding down naturally (the next installment will be the last, unfortunately). While I can't wait to see what Frost comes up with for Leila and Vlad in the 4th book, I dread the end of this series. I've come to enjoy it just as much, if not more than, Cat's and Bones' books. 

Overall, I'd recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a good vampire novel that pokes some fun at the old Dracula myths. Frost is a fun and talented writer, and if you haven't read anything by her yet, you're definitely missing out. 

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DEAD HEAT by Patricia Briggs

Rating: C-
Release Date: 3/3/15 
Synopsis:
The Alpha and Omega novels transport readers into the realm of the werewolf, where Charles Cornick and Anna Latham embody opposite sides of the shifter personality. Now, a pleasure trip drops the couple into the middle of some bad supernatural business…

For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles’s role as his father’s enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal, as Charles plans to buy Anna a horse for her birthday. Or at least it starts out that way...

Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous Fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The Fae’s cold war with humanity is about to heat up—and Charles and Anna are in the cross fire. 

My thoughts on the book:
This novel was probably my least favorite book in the series. Normally I love the Alpha and Omega series, almost more than I do the Mercy Thompson series, but this book just really fell flat for me. The pacing was off, the plot was a bit dull (Briggs has done enough with evil fae, I'm ready for something new), and I just didn't feel a sense of urgency. It took me much longer to read this installment than it should have, as a result, and Anna and Charles didn't really stay true to character, which also bothered me. I'll continue this series, but I'll do so hesitantly. 

Anna had baby fever in this installment, which made me lose all respect for her. Way to ruin a great character by making her conform to societal norms, Briggs. Charles was just dull, and the secondary characters didn't really stand out to me. None of them mattered. I didn't care who lived and who died as long as Anna would quit acting like a loser. 

The plot itself read more like a kidnapping and murder mystery than a supernatural novel, and that bored me, oddly enough. I like the paranormal shows and books better than most murder mystery shows, but I usually like murder mysteries, too. This one just didn't grab me. I didn't care who was guilty. I just wanted it all to end. The pacing was really slow, and too much day to day crap was shown, in my opinion. I just got really annoyed by everything in this book. Even Briggs' writing wasn't up to par. 

Overall, I'd say if you already started this series, then go ahead and give this one a try, too. Other people seem to like it a lot more than I do, so I must be in the minority. 

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VISION IN SILVER by Anne Bishop

Rating: B+
Release Date: 3/3/15
Synopsis:
The Others freed the  cassandra sangue  to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before—both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.

Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.

For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep… 

My thoughts on the book:
The Others series by Anne Bishop is one of my absolute favorite series due to the fact that it's so different from other fantasy/urban fantasy/dystopian (not even sure of the genre it's so unique) works out there. I mean it's an alternate universe, so I'd say that makes it fantasy, but it's set it a contemporary-style city, which makes it urban fantasy. Then there's the element of humans being under the rule of the Others, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but there are idiots trying to mess with the Others constantly because they're different. That could be dystopian, depending on who you're talking to. I don't feel that humans are really oppressed, though. I think that they're just governed differently. Anyway, I digress. I'm not a fan of pigeonholing any form of art, so it doesn't really matter what genre this series is in. It stands out; it speaks for itself; it's amazing. The character development is organic, the writing is wonderful, the pacing is spot-on, the world-building is beautifully done, and the plot is engrossing. Each novel takes the reader further into the world that Bishop has created, and this installment is no exception. My only complaint about this book is that it seems to jump around a bit more than the former two novels. I know there are more characters who matter now, but it was hard to distinguish where one part was ending and another part was beginning. This could be simply because I had an ARC, and the published copy will draw these lines better (I'll see when I buy my copy on March 3), but the jumping around detracted from my enjoyment of this novel. 

The main character in this novel is Meg, and she is someone who is easy to relate to even though she's so different from most people. She has this child-like innocence about her due to the fact that she'd been locked away her entire life. It's really a lot of fun to experience the world through her eyes, though she does often times get overwhelmed. She has a pure heart and just wants to help everyone, though. And Meg is super strong. She can deal with things that most people would find challenging. She may not understand everything that's going on around her all the time, but she will do what she thinks is right, regardless of the sacrifice to herself. I really admire that about her. Simon is the leading male, and I've loved him from the start. He's unique. He's not some tortured hero. No, he knows exactly who he is. He's the leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and he puts the residents first. There are no angsty or complicated feelings when it comes to Simon, well not until Meg enters the picture. Still, he admits (if only to himself) amazingly simple feelings. He just wants to be around her all the time and keep her safe. It's refreshing not to have a leading male with 10 tons of emotional baggage. The other characters, who get their share of page time, too, due to Bishop's use of Austen's free indirect discourse style of writing, are also intriguing. They are all evolving before the reader's eyes, and it's a lot of fun to see how they change and grow with each new challenge. 

Bishop has a unique style of writing, and the dialogue with her characters is often quite simplistic. However, there are undertones in this story that go beyond the simple voices of the cast. The main question these books raise is, who are the real monsters here? Are humans really humane at all? The Others seem to have better morals and care more about each other (and even humanity, at times) than the humans. The Others would never hurt a child or someone who is weaker than they are, and the humans use the weak people as tools to get their way constantly. I really like that this novel shows that different doesn't always mean scary or mean or wrong. Also, the world-building is fantastic. I can easily picture the world in which Meg lives. I picture it as being less settled than our world and the cities are smaller, but it's still familiar enough that it could be mistaken for our Earth instead of Namid. My one issue with this book is that the story didn't flow as seamlessly as the other installments did. It jumped around a bit, which got to be distracting. I hope that Bishop covers a bit less in her next installment. The ending tied things up nicely, and kind of closed out the problems of the first three books while setting up the next two books in this series. I really liked that. There wasn't a cliffhanger, but I can't wait for book #4 to come out, nonetheless.

I'd recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good fantasy book. The shifters and vampires and other characters are quite different from anything I've ever read, and they'll definitely grab your attention. Bishop is an excellent author, and if you haven't read anything by her yet, you're definitely missing out. 

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HEIR OF THE DOG by Hailey Edwards

Rating: A-
Synopsis:
Faerie teeters on the brink of war and the mortal realm swells with fae refugees desperate to escape the bloodshed. As a half-blooded fae, Marshal Thierry Thackeray has a stake in the outcome of both realms and isn’t afraid to knock a few heads together if it keeps the peace.

When her father goes missing, the only hope of negotiating a truce between the light and dark fae vanishes with him. Eager to avoid another Thousand Years War, the Faerie High Court reaches out to the one person they believe can track him down—the daughter who shares his curse.

My thoughts on the book:
Let me start off this review by saying that this synopsis is incredibly misleading and doesn't really do the novel justice. This book is much more exciting than the synopsis makes it sound. There are so many twists and turns, it's hard to keep up, and the characters are well-developed, realistic, and extremely complex. The pacing is fast, and I can almost guarantee that you'll finish this book in one sitting. Once you're done with the novel, you'll be left staring at the last page wondering what hit you and when you can get your next fix. 

I really love Thierry as a main character. She's strong, yet vulnerable. She admits her pain, but she doesn't let her hurt and anger control her. She looks out for the people in her life, even if they've wronged her. Her reluctance to accept her fae heritage is her only drawback, in my opinion, but after what happened to her as a child, who can blame her? I'm not a huge Shaw fan, as far as love interests go. I really loved him in the first novel/novella, but now that I know what he did, I don't like him for Thierry anymore. Hopefully she's strong enough to let him go. I'm good with them being friends, but I just really think that romance authors have bad habits of letting scorned women return to their betrayers for the sake of "everlasting love" or whatever. I hope that Edwards is brave enough not to do that in these books. The new man in Thierry's life is much more interesting, and while he's dishonest, too, I feel like he has better reasons. Also, his faults are much less than Shaw's, in my opinion. The wrongs he did were already put in motion before he even knew Thierry. I hope she gives him a chance. Personal feelings about the characters aside, every character *feels* like a real person, and that's hard to come by in books. 

Edwards has this way of writing that makes you feel like the narrator (Thierry - 1st person POV) is talking to you and that you're old friends. Because of that, I'm much more invested in Thierry's outcome than I am some character who doesn't feel as familiar to me. Also, Edwards can create amazing fantasy worlds that the reader becomes completely engrossed in. I felt like I was in Faerie, for the most part, and I really enjoyed that. My one complaint is that some things didn't quite fit or make sense. some of the behaviors or faeries just are not completely, 100% clear. That could be due to the fact that I was reading late at night, or a couple of small parts of the world could need a bit more fleshing out. I'm not sure which, to be honest.  I do love the mixing of all of the different Celtic mythologies, though. The plot itself is a rollercoaster ride, and I was on the edge of my seat for the entire book. There is enough mystery, action, and adventure to keep even the most reluctant reader engaged. The ending ties things up nicely and paves the way for the next book in the series. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy reads. Edwards is a strong voice in the Adult Paranormal Romance genre. I've absolutely loved every single book I've read by her, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. 

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