Quickie Book Review – Awakened by Brenda K. Davies
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reminiscent of Beautiful Disaster (but with Vampires) this book captivated me almost from the get-go. I even recommended it to a friend the very next day, as we have similar tastes in paranormal books. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5, is that at times I felt the book could have stood some pruning of the “-ly” variety — to remove some of the extraneous “softly” and “slowly” type words.
Overall though, the flourishes didn’t detract from the top-notch plot, complex characters or swoon-worthy romance so definitely give this series a try!
Quickie Book Review – Give Me by L.K. Rigel
Give Me: A Tale of Wyrd and Fae by L.K. Rigel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have so many good things to say about this book. First, it’s a very well written novel and the intricate weaving of a couple of timelines was done very well. The characters, while not always likeable, rang true and clear. The setting and descriptions made it easy to transport myself to this strange land as I read along.
The author’s take on the Wyrding and spells was a breath of fresh air, as was her take on fairies. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes their fantasy/ paranormal to have a creative flair.
Quickie Book Review – Hell Kat by Vivi Anna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fabulous post-apocalyptic novel with fairly unique paranormal tidbits, a smidgen of fantasy, and a heaping-helping of steamy goodness.
Book Review – Life is But A Dream: On the Lake by Cheryl Shireman
Life is But a Dream: On the Lake by Cheryl Shireman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s not everyday that a book can be depressing one minute and funny the next. Or suspenseful. Or both. But this novel manages to run the gamut of human emotions, much like real life.
I found the writing to be exquisite and insightful. Most of the character’s were fully fleshed-out and just quirky enough to feel real and not contrived.
I’m still thinking about this book a few days later, so that has to tell you something about it’s ability to invade your neural pathways and hang around for a while!
Read it. Seriously.
Book Review – Rosy by Suzanne Tyrpak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a fan of author Suzanne Tyrpak’s other novels (both which are more historical in nature) I was pleased to discover that she writes just as well no matter the time period or sub-genre of the book.
Not every author can pull of a novel with some of the things that this one contains (violence, betrayal, sadism) without it being bleak and depressing. Tyrpak’s that talented- even after reaching the novels conclusion I felt light and sated the way one does after feasting on a worthy tome.
Book Review – Wool by Hugh Howey
Wool by Hugh Howey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Now I see what all the fuss is about! Not only is the writing smooth-as-butter flawless, but the premise of Wool is just flipping genius. I totally didn’t see the ending, or the final ending, coming and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
My only complaint is that I wanted more after that last page. Good thing I know there are more Wool books to be devoured!
(Don’t let the simple cover dissuade you– there is a brilliant gem hiding under that plain gray cloth!)
Book Review – Death’s Hand by S.M. Reine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Like my review for other books in this series, I loved the non-stop, pulse-pounding action in this book. The characters are flawed (human, working on their own issues and emotions)and compelling, the author’s knowledge of weaponry and fight scenarios is A+ and I can’t get enough of these books!
Book Review – Thoroughly Modern Monsters by Jennifer Rainey
Thoroughly Modern Monsters by Jennifer Rainey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If these stories contained in this collection are any indication of the freaking genius lurking in Rainey’s mind, I foresee many fantastic books to come in the future. I loved the author’s creativity and spunk, which shines through each story in the collection despite their length (which is hard to do, mind you.)
Authors Bewitch Readers With Halloween Ebook Sale
More than thirty horror authors are coming together this Halloween to offer book lovers a bewitching deal on almost fifty witch-themed ebooks on October 30, 31, & November 1, 2012.
Bargain hunting readers will find that a spell has been cast, magically lowering sale prices, which will range from free to $2.99 with the majority of ebooks being sold for 99 cents. The complete list of participating authors and their books featuring witches, warlocks, and other seasonally appropriate creatures is available at WitchyEbooks.Blogspot.com and includes links to the ebooks on retail sites.
Although their books share a similar witchy theme, the cauldron-stirring group of authors has approached the subject many different ways, from frightening to fun and from historical to hysterical. Some authors crossed genres, mixing romantic comedy with their witchcraft while others stuck to traditional hard core horror featuring evil witches. Assorted demons, vampires, ghosts, and zombies appear in various books as well.
The promotional idea originated with author E. L. Sarnoff who was looking for a way to work with other authors to cross-promote witch-themed novels and short stories during the month of October. Other writers immediately responded with enthusiasm and ideas including Vera Nazarian who summed up what many in the group felt when she said, “We are gonna rock Halloween!”
Author Alex Owens offered the use of her blog address, WitchyEbooks.Blogspot.com, which thanks to the fact that she gets “goose-pimply with excitement over anything and everything paranormal” she had already dedicated to “featuring all the Fantabulously Freaky witch books” that she could find. Writer Cate Dean took the lead in compiling all the evolving information on each author’s books including, title, link, blurb, and sale price.
So what are you waiting for?
Head on over to WitchyEbooks and fill your Cackling-and-broom-riding-quota and then some!
Book Review – Spell Checked by C. G. Powell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was clearly a sleeper– I picked it up on a whim, half expecting to feel “meh” about it after I read it. Boy, was I wrong.
I loved the star-cross lover angle, the historical details, the way the whole motley lot of them congregated in one place to teach the magic to one so untrained. And the genetics/ science aspect was an interesting detail for the author to add as well.
When done, I felt sad that it was over, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. Fans of H.P. Mallory’s Jolie Wilkins series should really like this series as well!
Spooktacular Giveaway Hop
Have I said before how much I love this time of year?
Mmmm. Fall. Halloween. English Toffee lattes and Sweet potato pies.
And of course, for all the wonderful chances to get FREE books and swag through the seasonal Blog hops! I’m participating in one such Halloween hop that has soooo many participating Authors and sites that my head is spinning and I’m giddy with the excitement of it all.
In case you don’t understand how a “hop” works, just click the banner above and find yourself with gads of other sites to “hop” on over to. Each site is giving something away, whether free books or cool swag, so definitely check out the other sites and see what you can win!
Now, for my Giveaway:
I’m offering up a paperback copy of Kill Me for your reading pleasure, an ebook copy of Kill Me, and a cool little mini-poster that features the Kill Me cover art (autographed too!)
Book Review – Sin and Sacrifice by Danielle Bourdon
Sin and Sacrifice by Danielle Bourdon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved just about everything about Sin and Sacrifice. The premise was something I’d never seen before, the characters diverse and interesting, and the pacing was spot on. The writing was tight and often vivid and concise.
I felt the surprise, betrayals, anguish and fear just like things were happening to me. I was soooo sucked into this book. And the guys… yum 
Well worth the time to read and I’ll bet most people go on to reading the rest of the series after putting this one down!
Book Review – Witch Way Bends by Olivia Hardin
Witch Way Bends by Olivia Hardin
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Overall a decent read. I spent a little too much time at the beginning trying to figure out what was going on, since the story starts rather abruptly. (I know, I know… hook the reader and all that.) Maybe there was too many things going on and not enough time to process anything from the start.
I did like the characters, but at times they felt a little younger than I think they were supposed to. The premise of the novel is intriguing, but I felt the ending conflict was done a little too easy, or something.
The writing was good and the story line fairly unique, so I am still interested to see where the series heads though!
