Blog Archives
Crow: Episode Two Now Available (New Adult Fantasy Series by Alex Owens)
It’s early, even. Check it out!
About the Crow Series:
Cassiopeia “Pia” Alexander is just your typical college student. She can’t pick a major, her love life is virtually non-existent and the only thing good in her life seems to be her job as an Animal ER Nurse. Even that doesn’t feel like enough, though.
Beylin Callaghan is one of the Brotherhood tasked to give souls a winged-ride from one life to the next, and to remove the memories from each soul so that they can start with a fresh slate in their new incarnations.
But he’s keeping a secret– a secret that when exposed, will bind Pia’s fate to his own. For better or worse.
Links:
Crow: Episode One (5/19/2013)
Crow: Episode Two (5/23/2013)
About the Author:
Alex Owens is a woman with little free time, which means she stays up all hours of the night putting pen to paper. By day she’s June Cleaver in jeans, and by night she writes. Somewhere in the middle of all that she finds time to tend ‘dem babies, fry up the bacon and curl up with a good book (or ten), much to the chagrin of her family. She’s currently at work on her paranormal Blood Chord Series and the New Adult fantasy series, Crow.
Related articles
- New Series by Alex Owens – Crow (New Adult Fantasy) (quirkygurl.com)
Quickie Book Review – Bedlam Maternity by Morgan Gallagher
Bedlam Maternity by Morgan Gallagher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very well done. The writing was tight, yet evocative in the “chills up your spine” kind of way. Definitely recommend for fans of classic horror stories. The setting (hospital) and cast of characters amped up the ghastly tension even further too.
I read this as an ARC a while back, and I can still recall the details with enough clarity to re-goosbump myself. So that’s saying something about the power of the story, for sure!
Quickie Book Review – The Eclective: The Apocalypse Collection
The Eclective: The Apocalypse Collection by Emma Jameson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fabulous sampler of some of the most creative, talented indie authors on the market right now. Each story was inventive and wholly captivating. And I loved the way multiple genres were represented in the collection– having a little bit of something for everybody.
On a side note, the way each author approached the theme with such different techniques really jump-started my own creativity, so I’d highly recommend reading short stories in this format in order to get your own creative juices flowing 
Get your copy of The Eclective: The Apocalypse Collection today
Quickie Book Review – Outcome by Edward W. Robertson
Outcome by Edward W. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve read (and loved) the first book in the Breakers series, finding it extremely well-written and creative to the Nth degree. So it’s no surprise that I was sucked into this novella with such force that my neck feels a little stiff
While the series starts out during the tail-end of the viral outbreak, this novella goes back to the beginning and shows the reader exactly how mankind fell so quickly. I adored the characters and the plot. Robertson paints a vivid picture of just how wrong things can go, and how basic liberties can been taken away in the blink of an eye, and without one’s knowledge even. And it’s all in the name of the Greater Good.
Worth reading. But don’t stop there– go on to read the series as well!
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.
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 – 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 – Broken Shell Island by Dalya Moon
Broken Shell Island by Dalya Moon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First off, I really need to point out that this book was totally clean. As in, G-rated-not-so-much-as-an-innuendo clean. Those of you that know my work might have been confused, so I felt like I needed to clarify that from the get-go.
Now, to the meat of things. Broken Shell Island was one heck of a ride. It’s been a while since I’ve read something targeted to the often-more imaginative younger generation and reading this book reminded me of the magic of innocence and how inventive and creative writers can be when they shrug off the status-quo of adulthood.
Moon writes with crisp clarity, even when the story calls for suspended disbelief. After reading this book, I’m almost convinced that there really is a Broken Shell Island out there, and this novel was just a clever book-inside-a-book-inside-a-book plot!
While the writing style pulled it all together, the perfected details made this story. The Goats! I loved those little guys. And the tiny, bubbling bit of magic that saved the day– just goes to show that no matter how inconsequential a talent, it could very well come in handy in the right moment.
I’ll certainly read more books by Dalya Moon, even though my tastes usually run more adult.
Quickie Book Review – Death’s Avatar (#0.5) by S.M. Reine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kick-*ss heroine, race against the clock to save the world, and a brilliant way to showcase the series (by offering readers a prequel novella). Def. will be reading book one in the series very soon. In fact, it’s already on my ipad, patiently waiting for me!
Book Review – Me and My Ghoulfriends by Rose Pressey
Me and My Ghoulfriends by Rose Pressey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting “light” paranormal about a woman who can see and talk to ghosts– and owns a bookstore, the hot new business owner next door, and the *itch that owns the clothing store across the street.
As with the other books by Pressey that I’ve read, her humor and ability to give us quirky, realistic characters is what makes the books. The plotting in this book was fine (if though a little obvious)but the sparkle is in the people.
I’ll read more of the series for sure.
Book Review – Death’s Avatar by S.M. Reine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve seen the author, S.M. Reine, around on a few boards and have been impressed by her wit and way with words, so when I noticed this book on Amazon I decided to give this series a whirl.
Death’s Avatar is a novella, meant to be an introduction to the series for those who’ve not read any of the books yet. It does a great job introducing the characters and setting the basics prior to the first novel. I’m intrigued by the characters and want to know more. I also had some “car accident moments” along the way… you know, when you just can’t look away even though you probably should.
Not passive at all, this novel takes off running almost from the beginning. There’s plenty of action, a good bit of death and destruction, and some pretty cool magic to be seen. I particularly like the author’s writing style: to the point when need be, just enough exposition to have it all make sense, hints at each characters personality without telling the reader what to think.
If the writing in this novella is any indication, I’d say that the name SM Reine will be on the wagging tongues of many as these books become more well known, and perhaps, even spawning something on the silver screen…
Book Review – Something Witchy This Way Comes by HP Mallory
Something Witchy This Way Comes by H.P. Mallory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m a huge fan of HP Mallory’s. Not only does she invent such quirky characters, but she has a way of making me divide my loyalties when it comes to who the main character, Jolie, should end up with (in my opinion.) And her creative plot lines are so much fun to immerse myself in and drown out the daily sorking-stiff boredom.
That said, I found this latest installment in the series a bit of a departure from the “norm” of things. I don’t want to give away any of the plotting, but I’ll just say that this book is more focused on Jolie (independent of the whole Rand/ Sinjin thing) and that took some getting used to. Like I said earlier, I am soooo on the fence about which guy is the *right* one for her that I crave move screen time with each of them.
Something Witchy also reveals a few big surprises that will forever alter Jolie’s path, so if you haven’t picked up your copy of this novel yet hurry up and do so! I’ve been waiting for the release for months just so I could discuss!
