A Book Obsession..: 5 Bfly

Showing posts with label 5 Bfly. Show all posts

Early Review: Archangel's War by Nalini Singh

, by KT

Archangel's War by Nalini Singh

Guild Hunter #12

Wings of silver. Wings of blue. Mortal heart. Broken dreams. Shatter. Shatter. Shatter. A sundering. A grave. I see the end. I see. . .

The world is in chaos as the power surge of the Cascade rises to a devastating crescendo. In furiously resisting its attempts to turn Elena into a vessel for Raphael’s power, Elena and her archangel are irrevocably changed. . .far beyond the prophecy of a cursed Ancient.

At the same time, violent and eerie events around the world threaten to wipe out entire populations. And in the Archangel Lijuan’s former territory, an unnatural fog weaves through the land, leaving only a bone-chilling silence in its wake. Soon it becomes clear that even the archangels are not immune to this deadly evil. This time, even the combined power of the Cadre may not be enough. . .

This war could end them all.

After the insane ending of the previous book, to say I couldn’t wait for ARCHANGEL’S WAR is an understatement. I actually was a bit miffed at Nalini Singh for the torturous ending, but this book made up for it and then some. It’s a longer read, and every single page was jammed packed, the action, and the stakes never left up, not even for a moment. All of the previous cascade events pale in comparison, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I made the mistake of starting this book later in the evening, and couldn’t put it down. There was no sleep to be had that night, but the next day exhaustion was more than worth it. It’s simply that good. All of the favorite main characters play an important role in this book, and things come to a head. I can’t really say much more for fear of spoiling, just trust me when I say this book was simply amazing!

Guild Hunter fans, RUN do not walk to your nearest bookstore and grab this one as soon as you can. A penultimate read of epicness, ARCHANGEL’S WAR was the best in the series yet. I can only imagine where things will go next. Bravo Ms Nalini, bravo!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:

Previous Books:
1. Angels' Blood
2. Archangel's Kiss
3. Archangel's Consort
4. Archangel's Blade
5. Archangel's Storm

6. Archangel's Legion

7. Archangel's Shadows

8. Archangel's Enigma

9. Archangel's Heart

10. Archangel's Viper

11. Archangel's Prophecy

Early Review: Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews

, by KT

Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews

Hidden Legacy #4

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.

To say I was excited to read Catalina’s first full length novel would be a gross understatement. I utterly love anything Ilona Andrews writes, and each new book goes on my favorites shelf without a hesitation. SAPPHIRE FLAMES was no exception. We had a little taste of Catalina in the novella, Diamond Fire, but it only whet my appetite for more. While reading this book felt like coming home to a beloved series, Catalina is a very different character than Nevada. While they both have an iron will, Catalina is much more reserved and cautious than her older sister. Being in charge and responsible for her house doesn’t come naturally for her, but she’s finding her way, and I really enjoyed getting to see her grow.

The romance this time around was oh so very fun and delicious. Alessandro seems like the perfect match for Catalina, not that she’ll make it even remotely easy for him. The attraction between the two is off the charts, and the buildup is perfect. However he’s very mysterious and cagey at times, and Catalina has a lot of trust issues due to her ability to ensnare without even trying. Things didn’t move too quickly so I feel like their relationship only gave us a taste of what’s to come, and I can’t wait.

If you haven’t read the Hidden Legacy series, well what are you waiting for? Nevada’s trilogy was fantastic, and Catalina’s is off to an amazing start. I cannot recommend this series any higher! I’ll be counting down the days until the next book, and it can’t come quick enough. Yet another fantastic read from Ilona Andrews, SAPPHIRE FLAMES is not to be missed.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
Slapdash & Sundry
A Reader of Fictions

Previous Books:
1. Burn for Me
2. White Hot
3. Wildfire
3.5. Diamond Fire

Early Review: Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh

, by KT

Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh

Psy-Changeling Trinity #3

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh takes us on a new adventure in this next novel of the Psy-Changeling Trinity series…

The end of Silence was supposed to create a better world for future generations. But trust is broken, and the alliance between Psy, Changeling, and human is thin. The problems that led to Silence are back in full force. Because Silence fixed nothing, just hid the problems.

This time, the Psy have to find a real answer to their problems–if one exists. Or their race will soon go extinct in a cascade of violence. The answer begins with an empath who is attuned to monsters–and who is going to charm a wolf into loving her despite his own demons.

Some stories in the Psy-Changeling world are very insular, but in a good way, focusing heavily on the romance and the world events take a back seat. Then other stories are very worldly with the couple's romance playing a large part, but the overall series arch really taking the reins. WOLF RAIN was the latter. Memory and Alexei are a fantastic pair, and their banter is very enjoyable. Memory in particular has a feisty, iron will and doesn't let Alexei do anything but toe the line, and it's rather hilarious. They of course have the majority of the page time in this book and I really enjoyed seeing their relationship progress. However, the overall series momentum and plot additions stole the show this time around. It really is amazing just how much depth can be continually added to this world even though we are so very many books into the series. Bravo, simply bravo.

Hands down, Nalini Singh is an incredible talent in the genre and the ever growing Psy-Changeling world never ceases to amaze me. Fans of the series will be delighted with this new installment! I enjoyed this book so much it inspired a re-read of the entire series. A serious delight!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
The Alliterates
Unstuck Pages

Previous Books:
1. Silver Silence
2. Ocean Light

Review: Wild Country by Anne Bishop

, by KT

Wild Country by Anne Bishop

The Others #7

In this powerful and exciting fantasy set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Others series, humans and the shape-shifting Others will see whether they can live side by side...without destroying one another.

There are ghost towns in the world—places where the humans were annihilated in retaliation for the slaughter of the shape-shifting Others.

One of those places is Bennett, a town at the northern end of the Elder Hills—a town surrounded by the wild country. Now efforts are being made to resettle Bennett as a community where humans and Others live and work together. A young female police officer has been hired as the deputy to a Wolfgard sheriff. A deadly type of Other wants to run a human-style saloon. And a couple with four foster children—one of whom is a blood prophet—hope to find acceptance.

But as they reopen the stores and the professional offices and start to make lives for themselves, the town of Bennett attracts the attention of other humans looking for profit. And the arrival of the Blackstone Clan, outlaws and gamblers all, will uncover secrets…or bury them.

I always enjoy returning to The Others world, and WILD COUNTRY was no exception. I especially enjoyed this look into a different town with new characters, but a few returning favorites, and that the timeline ran parallel to Meg's last book. Seeing things from a different perspective is always interesting. It added an extra element to getting to know all of the new characters. I particularly loved the dynamic between Jana and Virgil, and their little Wolfguard pack. Seeing Virgil the alpha Wolfguard trying to figure out how to navigate and deal with a female human member of his police pack was nothing short of hilarious. It definitely added the perfect amount of levity to tense situations in this plot.

It is fascinating just how incredibly stupid some people are in this world. The Others have proven time and time again they are top of the food chain, and yet so many idiots think they can run the show. While sometimes this series at a first glance may seem formulaic with new idiots trying to take things over each book, each new set of "idiots" brought an entirely new element to the series. I have to say the villains of this book may just take the cake in the stupidity, greediness, and absolute arrogance department. The world surely doesn't suffer fools. It was like a train wreck I could see coming a mile away, but I enjoyed every minute of seeing it unfurl.

Anne Bishop has done it once again, and WILD COUNTRY is another fantastic installment in The Others series that is not to be missed!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
All Things Urban Fantasy
Between Dreams and Reality
a GREAT read

Previous Books:
1. Written in Red
2. Murder of Crows
3. Vision in Silver
4. Marked in Flesh
5. Etched in Bone
6. Lake Silence

Early Review: Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs

, by KT

Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs

Mercy Thompson #11

In this new installment in the No. 1 New York Times bestselling series, Mercy Thompson must face a deadly enemy to defend all she loves . . .

My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.

And a coyote shapeshifter . . . And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.

Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn't stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.

The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.

But we are pack, and we have given our word. We will die to keep it.

I absolutely love Mercy and the entire series. Each new installment is like coming home to old friends, and STORM CURSED was no exception. Mercy has such an entertaining knack for getting herself both in and out of trouble, which is a delight to read. This time around she's found herself tangled up with the blackest of witches. And if that weren't enough there's things afoot with the government trying to control the pack. Plus all the continued repercussions from Mercy's declaration that the tri-cities were her territory and you have a whole lot going on in Mercy-land. As always she handles things with her normal wit and perseverance, and it made for one heck of an enjoyable read.

There were a whole lot of moving parts in STORM CURSED with so many different factions and issues Mercy and co were facing. It really made for and interesting read, and it felt great to return back to the tri-cities after the overseas hijinks from the previous book. As they say there's no place like home, and there's nothing like a Mercy book. Fans of the series will really enjoy this installment for all the action, comedy, familiar faces, and typically Mercy fun. Definitely a great read!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
Gizmo's Reviews
Mrs Leif's Two Fangs About It
The Bibliosanctum

Previous Books:
1. Moon Called
2. Blood Bound
3. Iron Kissed
4. Bone Crossed
5. Silver Borne
6. River Marked
7. Frost Burned
8. Night Broken
9. Fire Touched
10. Silence Fallen

Review: Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven

, by KT

Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven

Fallen Empire #1

A woman with power over fire and illusion and an enslaved son of a chieftain battle a corrupt empire in this powerful and deeply emotional romantic fantasy from the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance.

Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire's capital--her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village's tithe has been the same woman. Gilene's sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses.

But this year is different.

Azarion, the Empire's most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion--and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. And unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan.
To protect her family and village, she will risk everything to return to the Empire--and burn once more.

PHOENIX UNBOUND was such a rich and enjoyable story! It had such a great premise and incredible characters that I was hooked from the first page. Sometimes full fantasy worlds can take me a bit to get into due to all of the necessary world-building set up that can sometimes slow the early pacing. However, this was not the case in this book. There was no sacrifices made anywhere in this book, the pacing was executed flawlessly without sacrificing anything. The world, the plot, the characters, the conflict, all wrapped together perfectly making for one heck of an enjoyable read. I felt like I was experiencing things right alongside the characters.

Onto the romance: that it centered around my all time favorite trope of enemies to lovers, only sweetened the read for me. Azarion and Gilene start out as utter enemies in the truest of sense. Gilene couldn't possibly hate him as her captor any more than she does. And yet, slowly throughout the book she starts to see him in a new light. I know some would say Stockholm, but it didn't really have that vibe throughout. Yes he kidnapped her, and yes he's using her for his own gain, but it just worked for me. The progression of the romance is slow, but believable considering the circumstance, and I loved every minute of it.

After finishing this book, all I can say is that I'm so glad this is to be a series, because I can't wait to read more in this incredible world! PHOENIX UNBOUND is an incredibly enjoyable read that you won't want to miss!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
Between Dreams and Reality
All Things Urban Fantasy
Gizmo's Reviews

Early Review: Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones

, by KT

Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones

Charlie Davidson #13

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plain for eternity – which is the appropriate amount of time to make a person starkraving mad. But someone’s looking out for her, and she’s allowed to return after a mere hundred years in exile. Is it too much to hope for that not much has changed? Apparently it is. Bummer.

She’s missed Reyes and her daughter, Beep, but now that she’s back on earth, it’s time to put to rest burning questions that need answers. What happened to her mother? How did she really die? Who killed her? And are cupcakes or coffee the best medicine? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel.

As a long time Charlie fan, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book after the killer cliffhanger of the previous installment. SUMMONED TO THIRTEENTH GRAVE, picks up right where things left off, and it's no time at all until Charlie is up to her usual shenanigans. This time around is a doozy and I really enjoyed getting to see Charlie and co unravel the latest mess. I truly enjoy seeing this motley crew in action, and this book didn't disappoint.

Now onto the biggest question whenever closing out a much loved series, was the ending everything long term readers would hope for. In SUMMONED TO THIRTEENTH GRAVE'S part, the answer is yes and no as it's more than a little complicated. Was it a fitting ending? Yes. Was it the one I had hoped for, or could have predicted, absolutely not. Without spoiling things, I will say that it's more than a little bittersweet and while satisfying it's just not in the way one would think. It left a complex mix of happiness and yet strange sadness at the end that left me feeling all sorts of confused, but in a good way. It's hard to explain

I truly will miss Charlie and all of her fabulously hilarious and inappropriate quips. I hope there will be a spin off for Beep's story as there's so much room for more in this fantastic world. All in all, SUMMONED TO THIRTEENTH GRAVE was a fantastic read that I couldn't put down. Fans of the series will be more than pleased!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
Gizmo's Reviews
Silence is Read
Stephanie's Novel Fiction

Previous Books:
1. First Grave on the Right
2. Second Grave on the Left
3. Third Grade Dead Ahead
4. Fourth Grave Beneath My Feat
5. Fifth Grave Past the Light
6. Sixth Grave on the Edge
7. Seventh Grave and No Body
8. Eighth Grave After Dark
9. The Dirt on Ninth Grave
10. The Curse of Tenth Grave
11. Eleventh Grave in Moonlight
12. The Trouble with Twelfth Grave

Review: Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews

, by KT

Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews

Hidden Legacy #3.5

Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.

Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan's extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.

To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn't do for her sister's happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done.

DIAMOND FIRE is a bridge novella that does a great job of tying up a few things from Nevada's series and transitioning us to Catalina's. I really enjoyed getting that additional closure for Nevada and it was also a lot of fun seeing her from a different perspective. She came across so strong in her series, to see her as a mini almost-bridezilla was a lot of fun.

On Catalina's side, being in her head was a lot different as she's in a much younger and inexperienced stage of her life. If this novella is anything to go by, her series is going to be very enjoyable getting to see her really grow and blossom. Even in the short amount of time that this story covers she made a lot of ground, and I can't wait to see how things progress.

All in all, DIAMOND FIRE is an incredibly entertaining novella that will satisfy fans of the original series and wet their appetite for the next.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
Between Dreams and Reality
All Things Urban Fantasy
Fangs, Wands, & Fairy Dust

Previous Books:
1. Burn for Me
2. White Hot
3. Wildfire

Review: The Phoenix Illusion by Lisa Shearin

, by KT

The Phoenix Illusion by Lisa Shearin

SPI Files #6

The agents of Supernatural Protection & Investigation (SPI) are used to dealing with the weird and the wacky, but even they are stunned when a building from another world suddenly appears on an empty lot in New York. . .

I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI, and it’s just my luck that my birthday party is literally crashed by a building from another planet. And it’s not just any building—it’s my goblin boyfriend’s house from his home world. SPI’s mission, to keep the public clueless about the supernatural, has us scrambling to find who did this and why, not to mention how.

The deeper we dig, the more we realize this incident is the opening gambit to a much larger event. Old enemies have combined forces with an even older nemesis to develop the means to kidnap an entire building and everyone in it. But who, or what, is their ultimate target? Finding out and getting to the mark before they do will require all hands on deck, including some extraterrestrial help from the goblin home world. We’re running out of time, and if we can’t get our act together, we’ll have front-row seats for the end of the world as we know it.

Yet again, Lisa Shearin has knocked it out of the park again with THE PHOENIX ILLUSION. I really love how she seamlessly blends wit and humor right alongside a pretty intense and high stakes plot. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. This time around Makenna and crew are elbow deep in one heck of rabbit chase after an entire building appears out of nowhere from another dimension. And yet, not matter how dire the stakes got, the book never once lost that feeling of levity. I really enjoy a heroine who doesn't take herself too seriously no matter the stakes, and that perfectly fits Makenna. She's fierce and tough, but she's also not unrealistically powerful, which I appreciate. She's not afraid to step up and do what's needed to be done, but she also doesn't hesitate to let others more powerful than her jump in, instead. She's very level headed, and I love it. Add that to her quirkiness and overall spunk and she's the perfect recipe of a heroine.

I don't think I can quite express just how enjoyable reading this series is. It checks off all my favorites; awesomely high staked plot, check; incredible cast of characters, check; a smoking romance, check; more than plenty hilarious moments, check, check, check. Seriously, if you enjoy a fast paced, fun story full of adventure and a great cast of characters, look no further than THE PHOENIX ILLUSION and the entire SPI series.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
All Things Urban Fantasy

Previous Books:
1. The Grendel Affair
2. The Dragon Conspiracy
3. The Brimstone Defection
4. The Ghoul Vendetta
5. Myth Manifestation

Blog Tour - Re-Read of The Trouble with Twelfth Grave + Giveaway

, by KT

The Trouble with Twelfth Grave by Darynda Jones

Charley Davidson #12

Re-Read Thoughts:

With the final book in this epic series coming soon, this felt like the perfect to re-read Twelfth Grade in preparation. It was every bit as good the 2nd time around if not even better. However, I will say that the cliffhanger did not get one bit easier, but I honestly wasn't expecting it to. You can't soften that kind of ending! I really feel like this book is the perfect set up for the epic final showdown we've all be waiting for! I really appreciate just how fun, but rich and intensely full this series and books are, more than keeping my attention no matter how many re-reads. There aren't too many series that have that claim and this one's at the top. All in all, fantastic series whether it's the first read, or the tenth and I can't wait to see how everything pans out!

Scroll below for an awesome giveaway and my original review!

Ever since Reyes escaped from a hell dimension in which Charley accidently trapped him, the son of Satan has been brimstone-bent on destroying the world his heavenly Brother created. His volatile tendencies have put Charley in a bit of a pickle. But that’s not the only briny vegetable on her plate. While trying to domesticate the feral being that used to be her husband, she also has to deal with her everyday life of annoying all manner of beings—some corporeal, some not so much—as she struggles to right the wrongs of society. Only this time she’s not uncovering a murder. This time she’s covering one up.

Add to that her new occupation of keeping a startup PI venture—the indomitable mystery-solving team of Amber Kowalski and Quentin Rutherford—out of trouble and dealing with the Vatican’s inquiries into her beloved daughter, and Charley is on the brink of throwing in the towel and becoming a professional shopper. Or possibly a live mannequin. But when someone starts attacking humans who are sensitive to the supernatural world, Charley knows it’s time to let loose her razor sharp claws. Then again, her number one suspect is the dark entity she’s loved for centuries. So the question becomes, can she tame the unruly beast before it destroys everything she’s worked so hard to protect?

Enter for a chance to win the entire Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones, an ARC of the epic finale, Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, plus fun swag!
https://read.macmillan.com/promo/charleydavidsonseriessweeps

Original Review:

Holy mother of cliffhangers batman! I'm honestly not even sure how to write this review as I can't get past that ending, even a week after finishing. The book was utterly fantastic, a bit short, but ultimately incredible. But that ending? It ripped out my heart, put it in a blender, and sadistically pushed the puree setting. Just wow.

Cliffhangers aside and out of my system. THE TROUBLE WITH TWELFTH GRAVE continued the series in normal snarky Charley style. Reyes is up to no good throughout most of the book and Charley is in a tailspin trying to bring down her own weakness. Things continue in a Scooby Doo gang style as they all group to try and figure out just what to do with the Reyes problem. It made for a really enjoyable read.

All in all THE TROUBLE WITH TWELFTH GRAVE is a fantastic installment in the Charley Davidson series that I thoroughly enjoyed. And after that ending I'm desperate to get my hands on the final installment next year. Fans of the series will be more than pleased!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
Between Dreams and Reality
All Things Urban Fantasy
Gizmo's Reviews

Previous Books:
1. First Grave on the Right
2. Second Grave on the Left
3. Third Grade Dead Ahead
4. Fourth Grave Beneath My Feat
5. Fifth Grave Past the Light
6. Sixth Grave on the Edge
7. Seventh Grave and No Body
8. Eighth Grave After Dark
9. The Dirt on Ninth Grave
10. The Curse of Tenth Grave
11. Eleventh Grave in Moonlight