Book Birthdays: New Titles This Week (9)

, by KT


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 might like it if I shared.


Releasing 11/5-11/11
 

Bitter Blood by Rachel Caine
Morganville Vampires #13

For years, the human and vampire residents of Morganville, Texas, have managed to co-exist in peace. But now that the threat to the vampires has been defeated, the human residents are learning that the gravest danger they face is the enemy within…

Thanks to the eradication of the parasitic creatures known as the draug, the vampires of Morganville have been freed of their usual constraints. With the vampires indulging their every whim, the town’s human population is determined to hold on to their lives by taking up arms. But college student Claire Danvers isn’t about to take sides, considering she has ties to both the humans and the vampires.

To make matters worse, a television show comes to Morganville looking for ghosts, just as vampire and human politics collide. Now, Claire and her friends have to figure out how to keep the peace without ending up on the nightly news… or worse.

Amazon          The Book Depository

Darkness Hunts by Keri Arthur 
Dark Angels #4 

Risa Jones, half-Aedh/half-werewolf, can enter the realm between life and death. She can speak to the dying and the dead, and she can see the Reapers, collectors of souls. What she can not yet see is the identity of a stranger murdering women and draining their blood. Now Risa must summon her gifts to find him, even if it means putting her own life in danger. But Risa needn’t look far. The killer knows who she is.

He tells her his victims are infected by darkness and he’s fated to destroy them. Fascinated by Risa, he engages her in a sinister game: the chance to save the life of his next victim by deciphering his series of clues. In a race against time, she enlists the help of the Reaper Azriel.

But as an attraction between them grows, so does the fear that the stranger’s motives are only part of a larger, more dangerous scheme—one that has lured Risa and Azriel into the dark.


Amazon          The Book Depository   

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is--and what she is. But with this knowledge comes anoher truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope. But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?


The Dragon Men by Steven Harper
Clockwork Empire #3

As China prepares to become the ultimate power in an era of extraordinary invention and horror, Alice Michaels’ fate lies inside the walls of the forbidden kingdom….
 
Gavin Ennock has everything a man could desire—except time. As the clockwork plague consumes his body and mind, it drives him increasingly mad and fractures his relationship with his fiancée, Alice, Lady Michaels. Their only hope is that the Dragon Men of China can cure him.

But a power-mad general has seized the Chinese throne in a determined offensive to conquer Asia, Britain—indeed, the entire world. He has closed the country’s borders to all foreigners. The former ruling dynasty, however, is scheming to return the rightful heir to power. Their designs will draw Gavin and Alice down a treacherous path strewn with intrigue and power struggles. One wrong step will seal Gavin’s fate…and determine the future of the world. 


Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison
Elder Races #5

In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, two mates find themselves on different paths, torn between their duty to the Wyr and the passion that binds them… Before she met Dragos, half-human/half-Wyr Pia Giovanni was alone and on the run. Now she’s mated, pregnant and heading south to repair the Wyrs’ frayed relationship with the Elves. Being separated from Dragos is painful, but for the good of the Wyr demesne they need to figure out how to be partners—in more places than just the bedroom. In New York to preside over the Sentinel Games, Dragos is worried about his mate, but knows that finding two replacement sentinels is essential to show the rest of the Elder Races just how strong and brutal the Wyr demesne can be. But as the Games heat up, Pia’s negotiations with the Elves take a turn for the dangerous, straining her bond with Dragos and threatening everything they hold dear…


Magic for a Price by Devon Monk
Allie Beckstrom #9

Allison Beckstrom’s talent for tracking spells has put her up against some of the darkest elements in the world of magic, but she’s never faced anything like this.

Magic itself has been poisoned, and Allie’s undead father may have left the only cure in the hands of a madman. Hunted by the Authority–the secret council that enforces magic’s laws–wanted by the police, and unable to use magic, she’s got to find the cure before the sickness spreads beyond any power to stop it.

But when a Death magic user seeks to destroy the only antidote, Allie and her fellow renegades must stand and fight to defend the innocent and save all magic…


Amazon           The Book Depository

Still Life With Shapeshifter by Sharon Shinn
Shifting Circle #2

For her entire life, Melanie Landon has hidden the fact that her halfsister Ann is a shapeshifter—determined to protect Ann from a world that simply wouldn’t understand.

After months of no contact, Melanie fears the worst when a man shows up on her doortstep saying he’s there about her sister. A freelance writer, Brody Westerbrook intends to include Ann in a book about the existence of shapeshifters. While Melanie is immediately drawn to the stranger, she knows revealing Ann’s secret isn’t an option.

Protecting her sister has always been such an enormous part of Melanie’s life, but when Ann finally appears looking frail and sick, Melanie must come to grips with the fact that saving her may mean letting go... 



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Book Blogger Confessions (10)

, by KT


This meme is hosted by Midnyte Reader and Karen from For What It's Worth on the first and third Monday of each month.


This week's question:

November 5th: Should bloggers & authors discuss politics? Does that turn you off to a blogger or an authors books if they tweet/post about their political positions or do you appreciate their passionate point of view?

I really despise drama. I avoid it all costs. Mostly this is because I am not a confrontational person. In fact, I live in a constant state of cringing in the months leading up to the elections. So, obviously I avoid everything political when it comes to my blog and tweeting. I'd just rather stay out of things. I realize that there is probably a lot of times where there can be a drama free discussion and debate, but I just have no desire to take that risk.

As far as whether or not blogger and authors should discuss politics, I don't think I have the right to tell them what they can or can not do. Granted, I will "skip over" or ignore any political posts due to wanting to keep my head in the sand. Do I have my own opinion of each candidate's merit? Sure. But that is through my own research as I weed out the ridiculous bull crap and try and decide which one will be more likely to stick to their campaign layouts. So while I appreciate that authors and bloggers are passionate about politics, that will just be one section that I will pass on reading.

How about you guys, do you love political discussions or are you like me and wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole?

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It's Monday What Are You Reading (120)

, 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:
 



Dark Light of Day by Jill Archer (Review)
Days of Blood and Starlight by Nalini Singh (Early Review)
Magic For a Price by Devon Monk (Early Review)


Kirsten's Book of the Week:


Lyon's Pride by Anne McCaffrey (Review)

Other Posts:

Book Birthdays featured 6 new releases on my radar

Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione was featured for Waiting on Wednesday

This week's Bargain Books & Kindle Deals

The Dystopian Giveaway Hop ends 11/7

This week's Let's Talk question was about old post embarrassment. Come join in the fun!

We received 9 books in the past 2 weeks. Check out our Stacking the Shelves to see which ones.

Upcoming List:

The Dragon Men by Steven Harper
Daughter of the Spellcaster (Early Review)
Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione (Early Review)

Kirsten Reviews: Pirate Cinema by Cory Doctorow



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Stacking the Shelves (14)

, by KT



Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

Here's the books that I have received in the last two weeks:

For Review:



From Netgalley:

Won:

 
Thank you Literary Escapism!!
Bought:


From the Library:






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Early Review: Magic For a Price by Devon Monk

, by KT

Magic For a Price by Devon Monk 
Allie Beckstrom #9


Allison Beckstrom’s talent for tracking spells has put her up against some of the darkest elements in the world of magic, but she’s never faced anything like this.

Magic itself has been poisoned, and Allie’s undead father may have left the only cure in the hands of a madman. Hunted by the Authority–the secret council that enforces magic’s laws–wanted by the police, and unable to use magic, she’s got to find the cure before the sickness spreads beyond any power to stop it.

But when a Death magic user seeks to destroy the only antidote, Allie and her fellow renegades must stand and fight to defend the innocent and save all magic…



Allie Beckstrom has faced down some pretty steep odds and came out on top in the past, but this time things may just be insurmountable. Magic itself is poisoned and killing people at an alarming rate. Even worse, while Allie has always been able to rely on her magic in the past, she now suffers in agony after using only the smallest spell. But, she's the only one who even stands a chance at healing magic, and no matter the price, she'll pay it to keep both her city and the people she loves safe.
  
After finishing Magic For a Price I knew I would have to wait a few days before writing this review to let the epicness really sink in so I wouldn't sound like an incoherent fan girl squealing. However, even after taking those extra days, I'm still having a hard time putting my thoughts to words. It's just hard to express all of the emotions that were running through my head, from outright anger to devastation, and even the other end of the spectrum with sheer and utter joy. It really is amazing when you take a step back to look at the range and depths of emotions that were in Magic For a Price.

When it comes to series ending books I'm always a bit a wary to start reading them because I know that no matter how good they are, there still will be the bittersweet goodbye. There also is the worry that not only will I have to say goodbye to characters that I have grown to love, but there also might be plot threads left open that will never be solved. Granted when things are wrapped up too neatly in a perfect bow, it does seem to lessen the realism of the story, but it still drives me insane when I'm left with unanswered questions. So, when Magic For a Price didn't let me down in either of those areas, you cannot possibly imagine my sigh of relief and contentment. There wasn't the bittersweet goodbye, because while Allie's narration is ending, Shame (LOVE that guy) will be getting his own turn in the limelight in a spin off and that means that there will be more from these awesome characters. On the second front, there weren't any major plot threads left open, but it also didn't turn into a sappy picture perfect ending. It ended perfectly and stayed true to the characters and the world, and I couldn't be happier. Seriously, I cannot remember the last time I was this content with a series ending book, and considering how many I have read, that is no small feat.

I realize I've been rather vague in this review, but the last thing I would want to do would be inadvertently spoil something as Magic For a Price truly deserves to be savored without any outside influence. In fact, this book easily earned itself a place on my top ten reads for the year. Fans of the series cannot possibly be disappointed with Magic For a Price as it is truly an amazing and incredibly satisfying end to the Allie Beckstrom series that will stay with you long after you finish.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:






Pre-order:



Other Reviews:
Previous Books:
  1. Magic on the Bone
  2. Magic in the Blood
  3. Magic in the Shadows
  4. Magic on the Storm
  5. Magic at the Gate
  6. Magic on the Hunt
  7. Magic on the Line 
  8. Magic Without Mercy


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Let's Talk With Smash & Kt (1)

, by KT

Welcome to the Let’s Talk weekly discussion meme!

Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another!  Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!  

This week's question:

Be honest, do you ever get embarrassed by some of the posts from when you first started blogging due to the lessor quality? Yes, growth and experience is natural, but do you ever get the urge to go back and “fix” things?

I realize that it is silly, but yes there are times where I have felt embarrassed by some of my old posts. I really feel like I've come a long way since I started blogging which is a good thing, but that doesn't really make it easier to not cringe when I read some of my early posts. However, other than grammatical rrors, I try to leave things alone. For the most part, this isn't too hard, but the fan girl squealing five star reviews of books that I would now only give a 3-4 based on my expanded view on books. After reading almost 800 books in the last 2.5 years I've become a whole lot more critical. It's just a whole lot harder to impress or surprise me at this point, so books that received a high rating at the start of my blogging career now get a much lower one. That being said, even though some of those high rating posts make me now want to cringe, I also realize that what I said was accurate at the time based on what I was feeling. Because of that, it really wouldn't be right to change anything. It would just lose that in the moment feeling.



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Kirsten Reviews: Lyon's Pride by Anne McCaffrey

, by KT

Lyon's Pride by Anne McCaffrey 
Tower and Hive #4

A DESTRUCTIVE SPECIES

The Hive acts as a single entity, relentlessly swarming the galaxy, endlessly propagating on every habitable world they encounter—destroying native populations in the process. They do not recognize any sentience but their own. They do not acknowledge any attempt to communicate with them. They do not understand they leave countless numbers of dead in their wake.

A FAMILY LEGACY

The Prime Talents of the Raven-Lyon clan—telepaths, teleporters, and telekinetics—have protected the Alliance from the Hive breeding contagion for years. Now a fleet orbits the alien homeworld to prevent them from leaving, and a Hive queen and her eggs are in captivity and quarantined. And unless the Raven-Lyons break the language barrier between Human and Hive, the Alliance may have no choice but to eliminate their entire race…

Lyon’s Pride, by Anne McCaffrey is the fourth installment in the ‘Tower and Hive’ series. As with any long-running series, it can be hard to know whether or not it’s possible to jump into the middle of the story, and if a book is a stand-alone, that’s certainly easy enough to do. However, Lyon’s Pride is not one such book. If readers are not already familiar with the characters and world, this book will leave them completely lost and confused.

This isn’t surprising, the series involves characters that are descendents of the Rowan, who have teleportational and telepathic abilities. They use their talents to deal with the Hivers, insect-like aliens who are hostile to any creature who is not one of their own kind.

In this volume, the Lyon-Raven clan’s members do their best to handle the movement of supplies and material telekinetically from Earth to other worlds. The story balances romance, diplomatic, and military subplots while giving the spotlight to several of the Lyon’s children, allowing other characters to take supporting roles. McCaffrey is gifted at creating universes, and this one is no exception, and is richly drawn with aliens and people who have distinct agendas and motivations.

The issue of communication with the Hive is brought to the forefront with the imprisonment of the Hiver queen, and the question of whether or not to destroy their entire race is one that will resonate for anybody who has been following the series, or who can pick up on historical parallels.

However, after several books, having people solve nearly every problem with telekinetic powers is a tired plot device, and instead of focusing more on the interesting social issues of having people with such gifts in power, or any of the other subplots, McCaffrey dwells on other subjects.

While this book does manage to conclude several story threads, it suffers from a wandering plot. This isn’t to say that the Rowan and Hivers aren’t interesting, but the story would be improved from a more developed narrative. In addition, with so many characters it may be difficult to tell them apart.
In summary,, the book has enough story for the book to be of a significantly shorter length, which would ultimately serve it better. Longtime readers will find something in it to move the story along, and anyone new to the series or McCaffrey’s writing should start at the beginning of the series.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:





Order Links:



Other Reviews:

Previous Books:
  1. The Rowan
  2. Damia
  3. Damia's Children
  4. The Tower and the Hive



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Early Review: Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

, by KT

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is--and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope. But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

For all her life Karou wanted to know who and what she is, but those answers came with a steep price as they revealed shocking truths about her past. She was in love with the enemy and because of that her people payed the consequences. Now on opposite sides from her lover and unsure who to trust, Karou is trying to find her way in her strange new world. Paying penance for her past deeds, she's helping her people return one resurrection at a time as they prepare for the ultimate battle. Be it for revenge or salvation, only time will tell.

If it weren't for the uniquely lyrical prose I almost would have thought Days of Blood and Starlight was written by a different author. It just felt incredibly lackluster when compared to the first installment. In fact up until I reached the 40% mark I pretty much had to force myself to continue reading. Considering the fact that first book was all consuming for me, that was a startling change. This book was just so incredibly slow as the lyrical prose tipped over from magical to overwhelming. Also, the rotating perspectives only dragged things even further. I realize that the author was probably trying to expand the story past just Karou's perspective, but in all honesty I could have done without most of the rotations, especially as they all became rather overwhelming. A lot of my problem with that was that by the time I was able to get "sunk" into the current character, it would up and switch to another one, throwing me out of the book.

I can't help wondering where the awesome and amazing Karou that we met in Daughter of Smoke and Bone went. She is nothing like her old self in this book, and it really disappointed me. I do realize that she had her world turned upside down and felt the utter sting of betrayal from Akiva. But even so, that doesn't explain why she is a completely different person this time around. She's so much harder, as well as incredibly bitter. Karou's spark just seems to be gone, especially as she wallows in guilt and allows everyone to walk right over her. She really believes she deserves their treatments towards her, and for what? Because she fell in love? She wasn't the one to spill the secrets that brought on their destruction, but she still accepts their scorn and hatred as if she had. Making matters worse was the way she treated Akiva, each time destroying him a little more. The man was giving his heart and soul utterly and completely in hopes of redemption and yet she couldn't possibly show him any more scorn. It just took the beautiful romance from the first book and threw it out the window making my heart break for Akiva.

I realize that my mediocre feelings towards this book may very well place me in the minority, but in all honesty I'm just so frustrated with the vast change from the first installment, that I feel a large amount of disappointment with Days of Blood and Starlight. I really hope that this book's issues can be chalked up to a sophomoric slump as I would really like to see this series go out on as high of a note as it began. I will say that some of my issues with Karou's lack of a backbone did seem to slowly start a turn around by the end of the book, so hopefully that means the spark that drew me to her in the first place will make a shining return. That being said, and my frustrations aside, I don't regret reading Days of Blood and Starlight as it set things up for a potentially epic finish to the series.

(Received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley)

Rating:






Pre-order:



Other Reviews:
Previous Books:
  1. Daughter of Smoke and Bone

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