A Book Obsession..

Early Review: Fall of Night by Rachel Caine

, by KT

Fall of Night by Rachel Caine

The Morganville Vampires #14

Thanks to its unique combination of human and vampire residents, Morganville, Texas, is a small college town with big-time problems. When student Claire Danvers gets the chance to experience life on the outside, she takes it. But Morganville isn’t the only town with vampire trouble...

Claire never thought she’d leave Morganville, but when she gets accepted into the graduate program at MIT, she can’t pass up the opportunity. Saying good-bye to her friends is bittersweet, especially since things are still raw and unsettled between Claire and her boyfriend, Shane.

Her new life at MIT is scary and exciting, but Morganville is never really far from Claire’s mind. Enrolled in a special advanced study program with Professor Irene Anderson, a former Morganville native, Claire is able to work on her machine, which is designed to cancel the mental abilities of vampires.

But when she begins testing her machine on live subjects, things quickly spiral out of control, and Claire starts to wonder whether leaving Morganville was the last mistake she’ll ever make...

Claire honestly never thought she would be able to leave Morganville, but through a twist of fate, she finally is as she's headed off to MIT. Still it wasn't an easy choice to leave the home she has built with her friends, some of whom surprsiginly enough happen to be vampires. However, all this time she's been living under a shadow, and knows that she needs to have the chance to experience life outside of Morganville to determine what she really wants from life. Only things aren't quite as she expects, as the safety she counted on outside of the vampire's immediate grasp was just a smokescreen. Suddenly things are spinning out of control as she seems to be under attack from multiple sides. Who would have thought vampires would ever become the least of her worries?

I was so incredibly proud of Claire in this book. As the reader, I've seen her strength grow by leaps and bounds from the shy and scared girl we first met, yet her friends have a hard times seeing her as an equal rather than someone who needs to be protected, and Shane is the worst of them all. Don't get me wrong, I love the too of them together, but I think Claire leaving was incredibly important for her to not only learn about herself and what she really wants, but to force Shane (and the others) to see her for who she has become. Shane really messed up in the last book, and while I realize that it wasn't the first time, this time around she knew that she couldn't just let his actions go. He had to learn to see her differently and that she wasn't a pushover any more, or the two of them would never work in the long run. That being said, leaving wasn't easy, and Rachel Caine truly nailed the emotional aspect as my heart really went out to both of them. Still Claire had to figure out what she really wanted in life, and FALL OF NIGHT gave her the opportunity, even if things didn't turn out quite as she had expected.

Prior to this point in the series, things were almost entirely set in Morganville, or at least under a vampire authority's close watch while Claire company were out of the borders. To see the new dynamic with Claire outside of Morganville was both interesting and terrifying at the same time. At least in Morganville, the threat is known, whereas outside of it, the threats' identities are hidden and seem to be coming from all sides. It simply amazed me (and Claire) that she could possibly be in more danger than she ever was before, and yet somehow she was. I really loved how the world view was opened up so much more, especially as it showed Claire that both her action and those of the vampires reached so much further than just Morganville's limits. I think it really upped the ante and ratcheted up the intensity up to eleven.

Sometimes I truly believe authors enjoy torturing readers, and with the way FALL OF NIGHT ended, I have to think Rachel Caine is no exception to that rule. I just cannot even begin to imagine what those events will mean in the next installment. I've said this several times throughout this series whenever she would throw us for a loop, but honestly this time around it's looks to be the game changers of all game changers. Even if the rest of FALL OF NIGHT had not been fantastic, I still would be as desperate to get my hands on the next installment. But lucky for me, FALL OF NIGHT was fantastic, which honestly is incredibly impressive considering just how long run this series is. From what I can see, the next book is potentially the last, but if FALL OF NIGHT is any indication, there's plenty of room for more as there's no sign of this series going stale yet. An absolute treat for fans of the series, FALL OF NIGHT is not to be missed!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Let's Talk With Smash & Kt (27)

, 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!

We'd love to hear any ideas you have for questions. Submit them Here.

This week's question:

Do you have pets? Are they your cuddle-buddies when you’re reading? Share the pet love! (Thanks, Sarah/Sarah Says Read and Miki/ Lecture toute une Aventure and Dovile)

My answer this week is pretty boring as I don't have any pets. Both myself and my son are highly allergic to animals, so we stick with the stuffed variety. I do love looking at pictures of other people's pets though as they are adorable!! So please feel free to share them with me!!

Kirsten Reviews: Generation V by M.L. Brennan

, by KT

Generation V by M.L. Brennan

American Vampire #1

Reality Bites

Fortitude Scott’s life is a mess. A degree in film theory has left him with zero marketable skills, his job revolves around pouring coffee, his roommate hasn’t paid rent in four months, and he’s also a vampire. Well, sort of. He’s still mostly human.

But when a new vampire comes into his family’s territory and young girls start going missing, Fort can’t ignore his heritage anymore. His mother and his older, stronger siblings think he’s crazy for wanting to get involved. So it’s up to Fort to take action, with the assistance of Suzume Hollis, a dangerous and sexy shape-shifter. Fort is determined to find a way to outsmart the deadly vamp, even if he isn’t quite sure how.

But without having matured into full vampirehood and with Suzume ready to split if things get too risky, Fort’s rescue mission might just kill him.…

Generation V by M.L. Brennan introduces readers to Fortitude Scott, who has a more than a few problems: a degree in film theory that isn’t getting him any work, a job he hates, he’s behind in his rent, and he’s a vampire. But not quite.

On top of that, there’s a new vampire in town, and shortly afterward, girls vanish. Fort’s family are much stronger than him, and they all think he should reconsider getting involved. Fort’s partner in this is a shapeshifter by the name of Suzume (all jokes about foxes aside, she’s clever, likes to have her own way, and is very mischievous). The trouble is, she’s not always willing to hang around when things get tough.

For a vampire who hasn’t fully matured, it’s dangerous to get involved in this kind of thing, and Fort is thought of by his family to be kind of sweet, but interfering in things that he has no business sticking his nose in. Like an overly curious puppy who just has to learn the ways of the world. To his credit, Fort sticks to his moral code, and refuses to give up, simply because it seems impossible for mature vampires to empathize the way he does. In fact, no vampire has the sort of moral objections, or empathy that Fort demonstrates, a question that plagues him throughout the book. He’s different than his siblings, and not only because he hasn’t transitioned into a full vampire.

The book offers a few supernatural creatures that aren’t seen as often in urban fantasy, such as elves, and the kitsune, but there are also witches, and some very creepy vampires and Renfields. Another interesting twist is the way that vampires have children. No, it’s not pretty, but it makes for a good Silence of the Lambs homage scene or two, and is well-explained with the unique take on vampire physiology.

With this new world and different rules, Brennan has written a book that doesn’t reinvent the vampire, but gives readers one who’s more ordinary than not, and still figuring out who and what he is, which makes him easy to identify with.

Fort’s squeamishness and tendency to be a bit of a doormat with certain people, such as his ex-girlfriend, can be a bit annoying, but it’s a character point, and thankfully he does learn to stand up for himself both in his personal life, and as a vampire, with results that surprise him.

Without calling this ‘a story about a vampire with morals,’ Generation V manages to be exactly that, and for the most part, the hero is called on his superior attitude and learns a lesson or two that may just keep him alive.

Generation V will be released on May 7th, 2013.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Covet Feature Author: Misa Ramirez

, by KT

As many of you may know, I'm a Publicist for Entangled Publishing, and I'm a huge paranormal fan. So, I'm so excited that we have launched our new Paranormal Romance line, Covet!! Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. They are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules, alike. To find out more about our launch titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website, follow us on Twitter, and LIKE our Facebook page.

Over the next several weeks I'll be featuring our authors from this fabulous new line as they each tell us about their top 5 favorite paranormal characters. Today's guest is Misa Ramirez. Her book, Deceiving the Witch Next Door features a sexy witch and a man who can't help falling for her despite his best efforts. Please join me in welcoming Misa and celebrating her new release!

I’m such a comfort seeker, that when Katie invited me here to talk about my top five favorite paranormal characters, I really struggled. Yes, Rhage is awesome, and sure, Illiam is cool, but when I think of paranormal characters I love, I go to the ones that are like pot roast and make me relax and settle into their worlds. So, instead of talking about the people, I’m going to talk about the worlds and the characters.

So, with that caveat, here goes:

5. Oz and Elphaba

I saw Wicked for the second time recently and I just love the world and the story of Elphaba, Galinda, and the people of Oz. I’ve always loved the land of Oz, and this new version of the Wicked Witch of the West and how misunderstood she is. Elphaba becomes a sympathetic character and her villainy is not villainy at all, which makes the story all the better.

4. Halfblood Camp and Percy Jackson

Percy Jackson is one of those hero’s jouneys that is so fun and wrought with conflict. Medusa and Zeus and Athena, not to mention all the demigods, make this an adventure that is irresistible. When I’m in one of those moods and don't want to do much, Percy Jackson gets my attention!

3. Once Upon a Time and everyone involved

Everyone. This story, with all its charm and magic, is comfort every Sunday evening. I adore it, and how intertwined the stories are. I can’t choose one character as a favorite, although I do adore Mr. Gold/Rumplestiltskin!

2. Supernatural, and although he’s not a paranormal character, he’s just badass: Dean Winchester

Need I say more?

1. Hogwarts and Hermione

Because Harry Potter opened up a whole world of wizardry and fun and good verses evil. Because Hermione is so dang smart, and doesn’t hide from it. Because Hogwarts and the world of Harry Potter is magical. As soon as the cold weather hits, guess what we’re doing? Reading and watching Harry Potter.

Thanks for having me, Katie!

Thanks Misa! Love the choices. I have to admit a fondness of Percy Jackson too. Although I do prefer the book over the movie. :) Oh and the kids and I are currently in the middle of a Harry Potter marathon. It's spanned weeks due to a lack of time, but we just finished #6. So hopefully we will get to watch part 1&2 of the final installment soon!

Author Info:

Melissa Bourbon, who sometimes answers to her Latina-by-marriage name Misa Ramirez, gave up teaching middle and high school kids in Northern California to write full-time amidst horses and Longhorns in North Texas. She fantasizes about spending summers writing in quaint, cozy locales, has a love/hate relationship with yoga and chocolate, is devoted to her family, and can’t believe she’s lucky enough to be living the life of her dreams.

She is the Marketing Director with Entangled Publishing, is the founder of Books on the House, the co-founder of The Naked Hero, and is the author of the Lola Cruz Mystery series with St. Martin’s Minotaur and Entangled Publishing, and A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series with NAL. She also has two romantic suspense novels, and is the co-author of The Tricked-out Toolbox, all to be released in 2012/2013.

Find Misa online:

Website Newsletter Twitter Facebook Blog

Book Info:

Down-on-her-luck witch Storie Bell never thought the biggest threat to her future would be Reid Malone, the very man she’d run from years before. After striking it rich in Texas shale, he’s back in town, and he seems hell-bent on getting in the way of her bookstore’s grand opening. A witch trying to blend in in a small southern town is hard enough, but now he’s seriously testing her strict No Kissing Mortal Men policy. But even witches don’t have a spell for that.

Reid knows there’s much more to Storie than meets the eye. But right now he has only one mission: to infiltrate her shop so he can snatch the elusive secret ingredient to his father’s million-dollar moonshine recipe. Once he does, he can go back to the city and get out of his small hometown, a place in which he has no future.

But as the days go by, he can’t help falling for Storie in every way…and every encounter brings him closer to finding out what happens when you try to deceive a witch.

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Let's Talk Question Reminder

, by KT

Let’s Talk is a weekly meme that delves into the minds of bloggers and readers alike. *snort* Actually, we just talk about lots of entertaining and corny stuff half the time, but the meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. We talk about book-related things, as well as personal questions, always remaining respectful and never asking for too much detail. Each Friday, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.

It’s FUN. It’s EXCITING! It’s COOL!

Well, it will be if you

JOIN US THIS FRIDAY!

This week's question:

Do you have pets? Are they your cuddle-buddies when you’re reading? Share the pet love! (Thanks, Sarah/Sarah Says Read and Miki/ Lecture toute une Aventure and Dovile)

You can view all the Let’s Talk topics here, and if you have any fun topics to discuss, we’d love to hear them! You can submit your thoughts here.

Bargain Books & Kindle Deals (44)

, 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 4/24)

Bargain New Paperbacks/Hardcovers:

Kindle Deals: If you find one of these kindle deals that has expired, please let me know in the comments. Thanks!

$0.99

$1.99

$2.24-$2.99 $3.49-$3.99 $4.00-$5.99

Waiting on Wednesday (145)

, 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:

Gameboard of the Gods - Age of X #1

by Richelle Mead

Publication Date: June 4th, 2013

Pre-Order:

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.