A Book Obsession..

Monday Wrapup (180)

, by KT

It's Monday! What Are You Reading, 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:

Fury of the Demon by Diana Rowland (Early Review)

"Fans of the series who enjoyed the old murder mystery feel from the earlier books will be pleased with this installment. From action to danger, love and heartbreak, secrets and twisted plots, FURY OF THE DEMON is not to be missed!"

The Grendel Affair by Lisa Shearin (Early Review)

"THE GRENDEL AFFAIR hit all my must haves for a great book. (Well all except romance that is, but the rest of the book was more than entertaining to make up for the complete lack.) From laugh out loud humor, to great characters, to an edge of the seat plot, THE GRENDEL AFFAIR is simply not to be missed!"

Kirsten's Book of the Week:

Storm Surge by Taylor Anderson (Review)

"Anyone who enjoys alternative takes on history, science fiction, or military fiction will find this a good blend of all three, and so long as the author deals with excess characters soon, it will continue to be a strong series. "

Other Posts:

The Sharpest Blade Blog Tour stopped by.
Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi was featured for Waiting on Wednesday.

Upcoming List:

Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi (Early Review)
Secret by Brigid Kemmerer (Early Review)

Kirsten Reviews: Year of the Demon by Steve Bein

Review: The Grendel Affair by Lisa Shearin

, by KT

The Grendel Affair by Lisa Shearin

SPI Files #1

We’re Supernatural Protection & Investigations, known as SPI. Things that go bump in the night, the monsters you thought didn’t exist? We battle them and keep you safe. But some supernatural baddies are just too big to contain, even for us…

When I moved to New York to become a world famous journalist, I never imagined that snagging a job at a seedy tabloid would change my career path from trashy reporter to undercover agent. I’m Makenna Fraser, a Seer for SPI. I can see through any disguise, shield, or spell that a paranormal pest can come up with. I track down creatures and my partner, Ian Byrne, takes them out—usually saving my skin in the process.

Our cases are generally pretty routine, but a sickle-wielding serial killer has been prowling the city’s subway tunnels. And the murderer’s not human. The fiend in question, a descendant of Grendel—yes, that Grendel—shares his ancestor’s hatred of parties, revelry, and drunkards. And with New Year’s Eve in Times Square only two days away, we need to bag him quickly. Because if we don’t find him—and the organization behind him—by midnight, our secret’s out and everyone’s time is up.

I have to admit that when I saw the cover for THE GRENDEL AFFAIR I almost overlooked it as it "screamed" police procedural/sci-fi, which is a really hard sell for me. Luckily I then noticed the author quote from Ilona Andrews proclaiming it to be "urban fantasy at its best." Well then I knew I had to read the blurb and more than likely the book, as she's one of my favorite authors and is very up front about giving out very few book recommendations. After reading this book, I whole-heartedly agree that this is one heck of an urban fantasy read that frankly caught me off guard. Sure there still is the feel of the procedural aspect as it does revolve around an investigative service, but it's paranormal, not sci-fi and I have to admit I wish the cover had more of that look especially since it had a lighter and quirky feel due to the clumsy narrator that was incredibly endearing. You just wouldn't expect that kind of humorous read from such a cover, and I'm a big advocate for the cover matching the content.

Putting the cover issues aside, I really loved this book. Mac's character is awesome. She's so quirky and spunky, yet hopelessly clumsy. It was more than a little hilarious seeing her navigate through everything that was thrown at her, and her reactions had me laughing out loud. Trust me, considering some of the more gruesome aspects of this book, it's a true testament to Mac's character that she was able to keep things so light. The rest of the cast of characters were pretty stellar as well from Mac surly partner, Ian, to her Dragon-in-disguise boss, the werewolf Sasha, I could go on and on. Each one had their own unique personality that really shown through, making for the best kind of read.

THE GRENDEL AFFAIR hit all my must haves for a great book. (Well all except romance that is, but the rest of the book was more than entertaining to make up for the complete lack.) From laugh out loud humor, to great characters, to an edge of the seat plot, THE GRENDEL AFFAIR is simply not to be missed!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:

Seeing Night Book Reviews

Urban Fantasy Investigations

Kirsten Reviews: Storm Surge by Taylor Anderson

, by KT

Storm Surge by Taylor Anderson

Destroyerman #8

In the Pacific, as USS Walker is repaired and updated after a previous battle and Reddy is healing from his wounds, planning begins for a bold raid on the very heart of the Grik Empire.

But time is running out for the Alliance army in Indiaa, and the Allied forces in the west must gather in an unprecedented land, air, and sea campaign to destroy the mighty Grik battle fleet and break through to their relief. All other plans go on hold when the attempt proves more difficult—and more heartbreakingly costly—than anyone imagined.

Meanwhile, the struggle continues on other fronts near and far: in the jungles of Borno in distant Southern Africa and in the Americas, where the allies are finally learning the terrible truth about the twisted Dominion.

The Alliance is on the offensive everywhere, but their enemies have a few surprises, including new weaponry and new tactics...and a stunning geographic advantage that Reddy never suspected.

Storm Surge by Taylor Anderson, the eighth novel in the Destroyermen series. The basic premise is that a WWII destroyer goes through a vortex and winds up in an alternate dimension, where Earth is very different. In this world, primates didn’t evolve to come out on top. Instead Grik, which are much like dinosaurs and other creatures took the lead. Darwin’s head would spin and by this point in the series, so do the characters, sometimes a little too much like a hamster on a wheel, going nowhere.

This isn’t down to weak writing, in fact, the issue is that there are so many interesting characters that at times it feels as if they are literally hopping from one setting, continent and storyline to the next. Even when it’s done by a good writer, this doesn’t make it easy to keep up with them, or even to form a real attachment to any of them. While it wouldn’t be much help for there to be a mass removal of characters through some disaster, this is one aspect of the series that does need to be resolved in future works.

In terms of the worldbuilding, the author has considered culture, clothing, music and how the issue of species might have an effect on all aspects of life. It’s clearly been well thought out and gives one thought about the various implications.

The story places the Alliance in a position of trying to rebuild and modify their weaponry, vessels and also give main characters an opportunity to recuperate from the last battle. Of course, when so many are besieged, this is no easy thing and while there are secret plans afoot, nothing is moving fast enough for the main characters. Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy of the USS Walker has a scheme, the Second Fleet and Jenks are eager to attack the Dominion. Meanwhile, Kurokawa continues to influence the Grik and Kari and Fred are running from the Dominion and barely staying one step ahead.

Anyone who enjoys alternative takes on history, science fiction, or military fiction will find this a good blend of all three, and so long as the author deals with excess characters soon, it will continue to be a strong series.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:

Previous Books:
1. Into the Storm
2. Crusade
3. Maelstrom
4. Distant Thunders
5. Rising Tides
6. Firestorm
7. Iron Gray Sea

Review: Fury of the Demon by Diana Rowland

, by KT

Fury of the Demon by Diana Rowland

Kara Gillian #6

Demon summoner Kara Gillian bears the scars of Rhyzkahl’s treachery, but she refuses to let them slow her down. She and the demonic lord Mzatal have not rested in their efforts to recover Idris—Mzatal’s summoner protégé who was kidnapped by enemy lords—but now their search has brought them back to Earth.

With the help of FBI agents Ryan Kristoff and Zack Garner, they begin to track down summoners who are working with Rhyzkahl. However, Kara knows Ryan’s true identity, and questions of loyalty threaten to tear apart this group of allies. When Kara intervenes to help a brilliant young computer expert and his bodyguard after an accidental shooting, she quickly learns that Rhyzkahl’s machinations run deeper than she could have ever imagined. The search for Idris takes on a desperate edge as their enemies increase in number, and Kara realizes that an old homicide case may hold the key to their success—or their doom.

With the very fabric of the universe at stake, Kara must rely on her skills, wit, and luck to save her friends and her world, yet ancient vows will have to be broken if she is to have any hope.

But the price of breaking those vows may be her own blood.

Fair warning, this review is going to be more about my feelings rather than anything that actually happened as honestly the entire book is pretty much one giant spoiler. There's so much going on, and the early events greatly impact the latter ones as it's all woven into a very engaging read that kept me sucked completely in from the start. While the previous installment was enjoyable, I was glad to see things back on Earth as much less time was spent in the Demon Realm. It was good to see Kara getting back into her element, even if things have changed. There's definitely an adjustment period as she's still coming to terms with what happened to her in the previous book as well as the changes back home. But that being said, as hard as everything is and will be, she'll only be stronger for it, and I've only grown to love her more.

Now onto the romance aspects. As usual with this series, things are kinda all over the place. Typically I'm not one for characters being caught between men or jumping back and forth, but that being said, I think it kinda works here. Sure Kara does seem a bit promiscuous, BUT when you take everything into account I don't really agree. She's become fully immersed in the Demon realm, and well let's face it, they don't do jealousy or monogamy, but rather celebrate love and affection openly. It's a bit hard to explain, but again it works. Of course this leads to a lot of tension between Ryan and Kara as whenever his human side (Ryan) is in charge rather than his demon alter ego, well he can be a bit of a jerk with his jealous and rather cruelty towards Kara. That being said, I can't help wondering who Kara will end up with in the long run, as putting all the non-jealousy aspects in the demon realm, I still think she'll find the one person (or demon) for her in the end. It's a bit early to place bets especially after how some things played out in this installment, but for the time being, Kara has what she needs and that's all that really matters.

As warned, this was a review about my feelings rather than events, but when you have a book that is as complex as this one, that can't be avoided unless you want to spoil things, which I won't do. Suffice it to say that fans of the series who enjoyed the old murder mystery feel from the earlier books will be pleased with this installment. From action to danger, love and heartbreak, secrets and twisted plots, FURY OF THE DEMON is not to be missed!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:

Douglas Meeks

Previous Books:

1. Mark of the Demon

2. Blood of the Demon

3. Secrets of the Demon

4. Sins of the Demon

5. Touch of the Demon

Waiting on Wednesday (179)

, by KT

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

Our pick this week:

Ignite Me - Shatter Me #3
by Tahereh Mafi
Publication Date: February 4th, 2014
Pre-Order:

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, called "a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love"

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she'll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong.

The Sharpest Blade Blog Tour

, by KT

Today I'm happy to be featuring Sandy Williams, author of The Shadow Reader Series. I really enjoyed the entire trilogy. Make sure to stick around until the bottom of the post to enter Sandy's giveaway, and also check out my reviews of the series:

The Shadow Reader

The Shattered Dark

The Sharpest Blade

Sandy's 2013 Goodreads Stats

I love Goodreads. Not all authors do, but I use it mostly as a reader, rating books that I like (I only rate books I like and recommend) and writing “reviews” that tell myself and everyone else what’s so great about them. I’m putting “reviews” in quotes because they’re usually barely comprehensible blathering about how fantastic the stories and characters and writing are. Honestly, I’m impressed and envious of all the bloggers/reviewers who are actually able to write great, interesting, and understandable reviews about the books they love. You guys do a great job! Last year, I wrote about The 5 Things I Adore About Goodreads in a guest post. I still adore all those things. I love receiving likes/votes and getting comments on my reviews as much as I love getting reviews of my published books. If you’re on Goodreads, feel free to follow my reviews. I don’t auto-approve friend requests, but if someone comments or likes my reviews often, I do notice. I check out their reviews, and if they read books I like and write reviews (not just rate the books), I often send them a friend request. I love talking about books. And I love looking at my end of the year stats. My reading stats aren’t impressive compared to bloggers and a lot of readers, but the reminder of what I read and what I liked is
great.

The book covers are tiny, I know, but I’ve read 27 books this year. Twelve of those were 5 Stars, Seven were 4 Stars, and two were 3 Stars. Since I’ve been on Goodreads, I’ve written reviews for 124 books. My most liked/voted for review is Shaedes of Gray by Amanda Bonilla with Bloodfever coming in second and a handful of books including Fortune’s Pawn, Mind Games, and Binding the Shadows tying for 3rd with 5 votes. My most commented on reviews are for Mockingjay, Fortune’s Pawn, and Bloodfever. But the thing that I really love about Goodreads is seeing the quotes from my books that are liked.

My most liked quote from The Shadow Reader, the first book in the series, is:

“Fine," he says, his words coming out breathless. "I'll save your precious sword-master, McKenzie. But I will never, ever give you back to him.”

This makes me so happy because it’s one of my favorite scenes and lines from the book, too! The most liked quote from The Shattered Dark is:

“The complete truth, McKenzie, is I’d do anything for you, but you ask for nothing. You won’t confide in me. You won’t rely on me. You’re so preoccupied trying to decide if you can trust your feelings that you won’t consider giving in to them.”

I love that one, too. And I can’t wait to see what quotes people like in The Sharpest Blade.

Author Info:

Sandy graduated from Texas A&M University with a double major in political science and history. She thought about attending law school. Fortunately, before handing over her life’s savings, she realized case studies weren’t nearly as interesting as novels and decided to get an MA in Library Science instead. She worked as a librarian until her husband whisked her off to London on an extended business trip. She’s now back home in Texas, writing full-time, raising newborn twin boys, and squeezing in time to play geeky board and card games like Settlers of Catan, Dominion, and Runebound.

She loves hanging out with other readers and talking about books. For recommendations, check out herGoodreads account. And if you have a favorite book or author, she’d love to hear from you on Facebook & Twitter.

Are you an aspiring writer or just fascinated by the publishing industry? She blogs about writing and publishing every Monday over at the Magic & Mayhem Writers’ blog. Interested in learning more about her and reading updates on her writing? She currently blogs here every Wednesday and Friday. Stop by and say hello!

Find Sandy Online:

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Blog

Book Info:

McKenzie Lewis's ability to read the shadows has put her--and those she loves--in harm's way again and again. The violence must end, but will the cost of peace be more devastating than anyone ever imagined? After ten years of turmoil, the life McKenzie has always longed for may finally be within her grasp. No one is swinging a sword at her head or asking her to track the fae, and she finally has a regular--albeit boring--job. But when a ruthless enemy strikes against her friends, McKenzie abandons her attempt at normalcy and rushes back to the Realm. With the fae she loves and the fae she's tied to pulling her in different directions, McKenzie must uncover the truth behind the war and accept the painful sacrifices that must be made to end it. Armed with dangerous secrets and with powerful allies at her side, her actions will either rip the Realm apart--or save it.

Amazon The Book Depository

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Monday Wrapup (179)

, by KT

Reviews for the past week:

Touch by Michelle Sagara (Early Review)

"I'm not sure what happened, but this series has completely derailed for me. I remember being completely engrossed in the first book. Sure, I was a bit frustrated with the slow pace of the world building, but the premise was great, and the characters were even better. However, this time around in TOUCH, it was incredibly hard to keep reading."

Cursed by Destiny by Cecy Robson (Early Review)

"This series has everything paranormal romance and urban fantasy lovers could possibly want. From Action, to danger, to steamy hot romances, to strong characters and bonds, plus a bit of mystery and politics, what's not to love?"

Kirsten's Book of the Week:

Hard Time Blues by Elwin Cotman (Review)

"Definitely not a lighthearted read, but in terms of character studies where fantasy and the faceless horror of inevitability come together, it’s worth checking out. "

Other Posts:

We celebrated the Covet December releases & giveaways
And the Edge December releases & giveaways

Upcoming List:

Fury of the Demon by Diana Rowland (Release Day Review)
The Grendel Affair by Lisa Shearin (Early Review)

Kirsten Reviews: Storm Surge by Taylor Anderson

Kirsten Reviews: Hard Times Blues by Elwin Cotman

, by KT

Hard Time Blues by Elwin Cotman

Zombies, elves, hobos, Martians, and dragons; musical ghosts and sorcerous retail managers wreak havoc in HARD TIMES BLUES, another trip through the dreamlands, courtesy of Elwin Cotman. These five lyrical and satirical fables look at the lives of the dispossessed through a fabulist lens. Drawing inspiration from the Gothic, the pulps, rock'n'roll, the Book of Revelations, and anime (to name a few), Cotman continues to redraw the map of the American fantastic.Hard Times Blues by Elwin Cotman is a collection of five stories in which people seem to find trouble and then can’t manage to get out of it without making a few bad, or in some cases, terrible choices.

The Elvis Room is the story of Ren and Lindsay, who are train hopping their way across the country and trying to get out of the rain for a bit. In the process, they discover that a camera, the Elvis Room, the Fairy Dance and a host of other characters not only turn things upside down, but sideways.

Pulp is a short piece, full of history, paper and is more stream of consciousness than an actual story. Even though it's short, the few pages are include talk of words, class inequality and corruption.

Revelation of John is formatted like a tale out of the Bible, and includes a 'demon wind,' senators and four riders who are the Horsemen of the apocalypse. It's a story about a man, an apocalypse and a lesson that some learn better than others.

A Song for the Yellow Prince features a girl with 'something of the witch to her' and the brother that helps her carry out schemes.

Graveyard Shift opens with a quote from 'Empire of the Necromancers' by Clark Ashton Smith and continues with the Careerist Vault and the god of entropy.

In each of the stories, the author gives the impression that these characters are going to end up in trouble and either find it through apathy or by actively seeking it out. Definitely not a lighthearted read, but in terms of character studies where fantasy and the faceless horror of inevitability come together, it’s worth checking out.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating: