A Book Obsession..

Early Review: Mark of the Witch by Maggie Shayne

, by KT

Mark of the Witch by Maggie Shayne

The Portal #1

From New York Times bestselling author Maggie Shayne comes the first novel in her thrilling new trilogy, THE PORTAL She was born to save what he is sworn to destroy...

A lapsed Wiccan, Indira Simon doesn't believe in magic anymore. But when strange dreams of being sacrificed to an ancient Babylonian god have her waking up with real rope burns on her wrists, she's forced to acknowledge that she may have been too hasty in her rejection of the unknown. Then she meets mysterious and handsome Father Tomas. Emerging from the secrecy of an obscure Gnostic sect, he arrives with stories of a demon, a trio of warrior witches-and Indira's sacred calling. Yet there's something even Tomas doesn't know, an inescapable truth that will force him to choose between saving the life of the woman he's come to love-and saving the world.

When magic failed her in the only real desire she has ever had, Indy turned her back on the Wiccan faith. Yet strange events have made her reconsider her disbelief. Each night she dreams of an ancient time where she is sacrificed. When she wakes the burn marks from the ropes are real, forcing her to seek out help from her old High Priestess. Through her, Indy meets Father Tomas, and learns of an ancient tale of three witches and their destiny to either permanently imprison or release an evil demon. Suddenly, Indy's life is turned completely upside down, especially since her instincts are telling her that there is more to the story than what she's being told. Fighting a fierce attraction to Tomas, Indy will have to keep every wit about her if she is to have any hope at surviving this quest intact.

I absolutely loved Indy's character. She is so torn and rather confused about her Faith. A former wiccan, she's lost sight of her beliefs and is rather lost. Granted her loss of faith stemmed from her repeated attempts and failure in casting a spell to locate her soul mate due to an age old ache that she couldn't escape. Little did she know the reason for that emptiness in her heart was something she could have never imagined. Yet, underneath all that doubt and loss, lies and iron core of strength, and that is what really endeared her to me. That, and the fact that when she was faced with blatant prove that her faith was real, she didn't hold on to denial, but rather decided to embrace it all. No minor feat that, considering everything that was going on. That inner will is evident when she stands firm in her decision to make sure she was making the correct choice before acting despite the head priest's best efforts to convince her that she is vile and evil, and must stop the demon at all costs to have any chance at redemption. She made up her own mind about what was right and wrong both with the demon and in her strong ties towards Tomas, and in my book, more than proved herself.

I really enjoyed the overall feel of the book and the way it centered both around witchcraft and the ancient past of the characters. There was just something about the mystical feel of it all that kept me entranced. Everything about the magical aspects felt real, probably due in large part to Maggie being a High Priestess of the craft herself. I almost felt like I was getting a rare look into a secret world. This may sound corny, but in all honesty I felt almost privileged to be reading it. Perhaps that is because I have always had a fascination with the spiritual aspect of Wicca. There is just something so magical about being one with the elements.

I loved how Mark of the Witch had a happy ending that left things with the couple well and settled, yet left plenty enough open for the rest of the trilogy to progress. As with all paranormal romances I expect my happy ending that will leave me satisfied and content. That being said, I still want enough of an overall arc in a series to really ties the books together, and Maggie Shayne really delivered on that in Mark of the Witch. Tie that in with the magical aspects, the mysterious past, and a love that has survived eons, and Mark of the Witch is one heck of a read. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment to see where things go!

(Received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley)

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Literal Addiction

Kirsten Reviews: Bleeding Out by Jess Battis

, by KT

Bleeding Out by Jes Battis

OSI #5

From the author of Infernal Affairs comes a story of murder. mayhem, and demon relations. Is this really the vacation Tess was looking for?

Though she’s on leave from the Occult Special Investigations squad, Tess Corday is still grappling with her own personal mysteries. But finding out the truth about her demonic heritage has been more difficult than she expected. Plus, her unauthorized investigation into an addictive new vampire street drug is driving a stake between her and her undead boyfriend.

Then Vancouver’s premier necromancer turns up dead. Tess suspects that the cases are related. And her suspicions will lead her into a paranormal showdown that can—and will—change the course of her life forever.

Jes Battis' 'Bleeding Out' is the fifth, and final book in the OSI series featuring Tess Corday, a woman in touch with the earth, if not her own feelings.

This final installment sees OSI Detective Selena Ward calling Tess and Derrick in to deal with the investigation of a high profile murder, that of Lord Nightingale, who is the highest ranking necromancer and the governor of Trinovantum.

When an author wraps up a series, particularly if it's a lengthy one, there are a lot of loose ends to check off. Sometimes, making sure that everything is neatly taken care of can make the book feel like it's a list of events, with characters explaining what’s going on. At other times it gives the reader a feeling as if they've shut the door after a long visit with old friends that they can remember fondly.

In some ways, Bleeding Out does exactly this very well. No character is left hanging, but at the same time, the pace of the book is so comfortable that the reader doesn't feel any urgency. Yes, there are some vampires 'juiced' and acting kind of freaky, but they lack any true menace. It feels more like the neighborhood kids got a little uppity, and OSI has to step in and remind them that there's no feeding on people without their consent.

Although there isn't any imminent peril to Tess or her little family, issue of her past, as well as that of her necromancer boyfriend Lucian do come to light. Among those is the truth about Tess' father, as well as some things that her mother has been concealing from her.

In short, Bleeding Out is well written, but at times almost too neatly done; the kind of final chapter that leaves readers satisfied, and won't annoy anybody who's been hoping for a few more answers to lingering questions in the OSI series.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Previous Books:

Night Child
A Flash of Hex
Inhuman Resources
Infernal Affairs

Early Review: How to Marry a Warlock in 10 Days by Saranna DeWylde

, by KT

How to Marry a Warlock in 10 Days by Saranna DeWylde

10 Days #2

Got Warlock?

Middy Cherrywood does. She’s got more warlock than she can hex with Dred Shadowins. He isn’t just a billionaire playboy and Weekly Warlock centerfold. He’s a spy for the High Chancellor, and he convinces Middy to pose as his fiancée for his latest mission. Too bad no one told his mother before she slipped Middy a potion that will make their sham engagement all too real in just ten days.

Dred Shadowins already has his hands full with cursed objects, possessed nuns, and dreams where Merlin makes him pay for taking his name in vain by relating his sexcapades with Nimue. But by the end of the mission, he’s convinced his most difficult challenge is the hero’s cape Middy’s draped over his shoulders. Because he wants nothing more than to give her the one thing he may not be capable of providing: Happily Ever After.

For years Middy has been secretly lusting after Dred Shadowins, her childhood tormentor turned billionaire playboy extraordinaire. She has every issue of Weekly Warlock featuring a centerfold with him. Yet, she never wanted to make her fantasies a reality as he goes through women like water. She has more self-respect than that, or at least she thought so until he convinced her to pose as his fiancée. Turns up he actually is a spy for the High Chancellor, and his latest case is one stepping horrors, and Middy would do anything, even sacrifice her pride to help stop the ones responsible. Yet things take a turn for the interesting when Dred's mother gives Middy a potion that makes their engagement turn from a farce to a reality leaving her only 10 days to make Dred hers or she will lose her Magick forever.

I really loved Middy and Dred's characters. Middy is a outwardly confident Witch who more than holds her own against Dred. He's been around the block a few times, and women typically fall at his feet, yet Middy gives him one heck of a run for his money with her brutal honesty. I loved watching her turn him upside down and off balance. Dred on the other hand has much more to him than meets the eye. Sure, he goes through women like crazy, but that really is only to keep from letting anyone close. Despite his outward confidence, inside he is actually rather insecure and doesn't believe he deserves to be loved. That's a perception that slowly changes over the book as Middy starts to teach him the error of his ways. Of course there are more than a few bumps along the way, making for an incredibly entertaining ride.

I have to admit that I'm never a big fan of the whole virginity aspect in adult books, especially as the heroine goes from no experience to a borderline nympho after just one encounter. Seriously, that just earns books a major eye roll from me. In How to Marry a Warlock in 10 Days Middy is a virgin at the start, but a very self-experienced one, so that did help balance things out a little, and made it rather easy to ignore the fast pace of the "pleasure." Speaking of which, I wouldn't have though it possible after the very steamy nature of the first book, but this book was even hotter. The interactions between Maddy and Dred practically sizzle right off the page. I'm talking crazy hot. It was just one of those situations where the chemistry between two people was simply perfect, making their encounters full of fireworks. Don't get me wrong, the romance wasn't only sexual, as there was definitely a deeper element between them, even if it did take them a long while to admit to each other and even themselves. But in all honestly, that only made it sweeter for the anticipation.

I was fully immersed in this book, laughing and snorting the entire time, right up until the last third of the book where things just seemed to turn rather bizarre and underdeveloped. Don't get me wrong, it was still enjoyable, but it just didn't quite flow as well as the rest of the book. Add that with the rather anti-climatic resolution of the main plot, and I couldn't help feeling a little let down in the end, which is really a shame considering how strong the first two thirds were. I guess I just prefer my books to go out with a little more of a bang than this one did. That being said, I am still completely in love with both this book, and the series overall as they provide plenty of laugh out loud moments and incredibly hot romances that are not to be missed! I'll be eagerly awaiting the third installment, How to Seduce an Angel in 10 Days, set to release at the end of February next year.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Previous Books:

How to Lose a Demon in 10 Days

Bargain Books & Kindle Deals (16)

, by KT

I've decided to make my Bargain Book and Kindle Deal finds a weekly feature here at A Book Obsession.. If you guys are anything like me, your book addiction can easily get out of hand, so any sales/deals are a huge help. If you like any of the deals below, I would appreciate if you use the affiliate links below. All earning support the giveaways here on the blog. :)

(Prices accurate as of 9/12)

Bargain New Paperbacks/Hardcovers:

Kindle Deals:

$0.99

$1.59-$1.99 $2.24-$2.99 $3.99 $4.00-$5.99

Waiting on Wednesday (112)

, by KT

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights an upcoming release we are greatly anticipating.

My pick this week:

Beautiful Redemption - Beautiful Creatures #4

by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Publication Date: October 23rd, 2012

Pre-Order:

Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?

Ethan Wate has spent most of his life longing to escape the stiflingly small Southern town of Gatlin. He never thought he would meet the girl of his dreams, Lena Duchannes, who unveiled a secretive, powerful, and cursed side of Gatlin, hidden in plain sight. And he never could have expected that he would be forced to leave behind everyone and everything he cares about. So when Ethan awakes after the chilling events of the Eighteenth Moon, he has only one goal: to find a way to return to Lena and the ones he loves.

Back in Gatlin, Lena is making her own bargains for Ethan's return, vowing to do whatever it takes -- even if that means trusting old enemies or risking the lives of the family and friends Ethan left to protect.

Worlds apart, Ethan and Lena must once again work together to rewrite their fate, in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series.

Release Day Review: Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield

, by KT

Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield

Summer is the best part of the year in Winston, California, and the Fourth of July is the highlight of the season. But the perfect town Clare remembers has changed, and everyone is praying that this summer will be different from the last two—that this year's Fourth of July festival won't see one of their own vanish without a trace, leaving no leads and no suspects. The media are in a frenzy predicting a third disappearance, but the town depends on tourist dollars, so the residents of Winston are trying desperately to pretend nothing's wrong.

And they're not the only ones hiding something.

Clare, a seamstress who redesigns vintage clothing, has been blessed—or perhaps cursed—with a gift: she can see people's pasts when she touches their clothes. When she stumbles across a denim jacket that once belonged to Amanda Stavros, last year's Fourth of July victim, Clare sees her perfect town begin to come apart at the seams.

In a town where appearance means everything, how deep beneath the surface will Clare dig to uncover a murderer?

The Fourth of July festivities in Clare's childhood home aren't quite as she remembers them when she and her mother move back into their ancestral home. For the past two years a child has gone missing, never to return and the media proclaims worries of a third occurrence. The locals are just as worried, but they rely on tourism for much of their income so everyone is putting on a smile and acting like nothing is wrong. Yet Clare knows differently when she finds one of the missing girl's jacket due to her special gift. She can see the past through articles of clothing that people have worn, and the jacket holds more secrets than she has ever known. She knows this is one mystery she should stay out of, but the compulsion to find the truth is too strong, even if it means putting her directly in harm's way.

One of my biggest issues with Hanging by a Thread was the very large amount of pages that the sewing aspect took up. Although I have sewn a few things in the past, I definitely was not drawn in by Clare's obsession with it. I have to admit that my eyes wound up crossing several times at the lengthy fashion descriptions as I am most definitely not a fan of designers. All I really care about is that my colors don't clash, and that I don't look like a total fool when I walk out the door. Clare however spent an agonizingly long time planning out every outfit down to the last minute detail, with very lengthy descriptions to go along with this process. I mean, I'm glad the girl had a passion for something, and it was obvious how much sewing and designing clothing meant to her, but unfortunately it just didn't translate well in the story. I found myself skimming and wishing she would just move on with things several times throughout the story, which didn't make for the best of reads.

I could have overlooked my issue with the overabundance of sewing and fashion if I could have formed a strong attachment to any of the characters. It usually is rather easy to form a bond with the main character in a first person narrative, because it allows you to be directly inside their head. However, in Hanging by a Thread, I couldn't form that connection with Clare as I felt like I was constantly being narrated to rather than immersed in the story like I would have preferred. I couldn't even connect to the love interest because in all honesty the only thing Clare showed any real passion about were the fashion aspects, everything else just felt like she was going through the motions. Sure, she said she felt this immense draw towards the guy, but it was never really shown. The only character that seemed "real" to me was Clare's grandmother, but she doesn't play a very large role in the story, leaving me with a bad case of character disconnect.

This book had so much potential, but in the end only wound up being mediocre at best for me. I had such high hopes for it because I absolutely loved Sophie's Aftertime series with a passion, so I was looking for more of the same style writing. In all honesty I could have never guessed that the same person wrote these very different stories. Don't get me wrong, the writing wasn't bad, it just didn't have even a shred of the impact that the Aftertime series does. In all honesty, I probably would have abandoned this book very early on if it had not been for my desire to find out the answers to the mystery. To make matters worse, I had a pretty good idea rather early on at what those answers would be, so it became a matter of just confirming my suspicions. Perhaps this book would appeal to bigger fans of sewing and fashion, but for me, it just didn't really work.

(Received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley)

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Book Birthdays: New Titles This Week (1)

, by KT

I've decided to start another feature this week. I keep a google calendar of all the books releasing each week that are on my radar. With all of the many books I am excited about it is so easy to lose track of when things come out. Since I'm already doing this research for myself, I thought you guys would like if I shared all that hard work so you don't have to.

Releasing 9/10-9/16

All He Ever Needed by Shannon Stacey
The Kowalski Family #4

Born to Roam

Mitch Kowalski lives out of a suitcase—and he likes it that way. Traveling for work has the added bonus of scaring off women who would otherwise try to tie him down. But when he’s called home to help with running the family lodge, he’s intrigued by the new girl in town and her insistence that she doesn’t need a man—for anything. If there’s one thing Mitch can’t resist, it’s a challenge, especially a beautiful one.

Looking for Home

After a nomadic childhood, Paige Sullivan is finally putting down roots. Determined to stand on her own two feet, she lives by the motto men are a luxury, not a necessity. But when Mr. Tall, Dark and Hot pulls up a stool in her diner and offers her six weeks of naughty fun with a built-in expiration date, she’s tempted to indulge.

Mitch won’t stay put for a woman, and Paige won’t chase after a man—they’re the perfect match for a no-strings fling. Until they realize the amazing sex has become anything but casual…
Amazon The Book Depository

Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson
Jessica McClain #1

Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared.

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her.

Amazon The Book Depository

Flock by Wendy Desol
Stork #3

The climactic conclusion of a supernatural romantic trilogy starring a savvy, sharp-tongued heroine who taps into ancient Norse secrets.

After surviving her (shall we say) intense adventure in Iceland, Katla is psyched to be back for a blissfully uneventful senior year of homecoming and fashion explorations. But her hopes of dodging unfinished business are dashed by the arrival of two Icelandic exchange students: Marik, an oddly alluring merman-in-disguise, and Jinky, a tough gypsy girl. It seems Katla not only enraged the Snow Queen by rescuing her boyfriend, Jack, she also was tricked into promising her frail baby sister to the water queen — and Marik has come to collect. What’s worse, Katla doesn’t dare confide in anyone lest she endanger them, so even her soul mate, Jack, is growing suspicious. And now Katla’s stork dreams, her guide for matching babies with mothers, have become strange and menacing as well. Hold on for a thrilling finale as the heroine of Stork and Frost calls on her wits (and her wit) to protect those she loves and face a final mythic disaster.

Amazon The Book Depository

Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield

Summer is the best part of the year in Winston, California, and the Fourth of July is the highlight of the season. But the perfect town Clare remembers has changed, and everyone is praying that this summer will be different from the last two—that this year's Fourth of July festival won't see one of their own vanish without a trace, leaving no leads and no suspects. The media are in a frenzy predicting a third disappearance, but the town depends on tourist dollars, so the residents of Winston are trying desperately to pretend nothing's wrong.

And they're not the only ones hiding something.

Clare, a seamstress who redesigns vintage clothing, has been blessed—or perhaps cursed—with a gift: she can see people's pasts when she touches their clothes. When she stumbles across a denim jacket that once belonged to Amanda Stavros, last year's Fourth of July victim, Clare sees her perfect town begin to come apart at the seams.

In a town where appearance means everything, how deep beneath the surface will Clare dig to uncover a murderer?

Amazon The Book Depository

Hidden by Sophie Jordan
Firelight #3

Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....

Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy.

Amazon The Book Depository

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
The Lynburn Legacy #1

Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

Amazon The Book Depository

Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst

In a desert world of sandstorms and sand-wolves, a teen girl must defy the gods to save her tribe in this mystical, atmospheric tale from the author of Drink, Slay, Love.

Liyana has trained her entire life to be the vessel of a goddess. The goddess will inhabit Liyana’s body and use magic to bring rain to the desert. But Liyana’s goddess never comes. Abandoned by her angry tribe, Liyana expects to die in the desert. Until a boy walks out of the dust in search of her.

Korbyn is a god inside his vessel, and a trickster god at that. He tells Liyana that five other gods are missing, and they set off across the desert in search of the other vessels. For the desert tribes cannot survive without the magic of their gods. But the journey is dangerous, even with a god’s help. And not everyone is willing to believe the trickster god’s tale.

The closer she grows to Korbyn, the less Liyana wants to disappear to make way for her goddess. But she has no choice: She must die for her tribe to live. Unless a trickster god can help her to trick fate—or a human girl can muster some magic of her own.

Amazon The Book Depository

It’s Monday What Are You Reading (112)

, by KT

It's Monday! What Are You Reading, is hosted by Book Journey, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Reviews for the past week:

Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson (Early Review)
Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (Early Review)
Silver by Talia Vance (Early Review)

Full Blooded was completely awesome. I have not enjoyed a werewolf book this much since the first time I read Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. Seriously, you don’t want to miss this one!

Unspoken was so beautiful, hilarious, and haunting at the same time, my senses were in utter awe at the blend. I’m incredibly desperate to get my hands on the next installment.

Silver wrapped up the week well as it was yet another really enjoyable book. I just loved the uniqueness of the story, no small feat in the genre.

Kirsten's Book of the Week:

The Last Four Things by Paul Hoffman (Review)

Other Posts:

Velveteen by Daniel Marks was featured for Waiting on Wednesday

This week's Bargain Books & Kindle Deals

I received 9 books in the past two weeks. Check out my Stacking the Shelves to see which ones.

Upcoming List:

Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Jordan (Release Day Review)
How to Marry a Warlock in 10 Days by Saranna DeWylde (Early Review)
Mark of the Witch by Maggie Shayne (Early Review)

Kirsten Reviews: Bleeding Out by Jes Battis