A Book Obsession..

Review: Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

, by KT

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

The Great Library #1

In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.…

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.

When he inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn.…

What a interesting and incredibly unique world! When I read the blurb for this new series, I knew I would have to read it as I fell in love with the premise. What's even better than a really interesting premise? When the book more than lives up to it. It's a dystopian world revolving around the Library having all the power and control. It's a truly horrifying concept, the idea that books could be limited. Reading this book made me truly appreciate the freedom to read that we have. Between that and the fact that I love a good dystopian read, I was really hooked from the start.

I really enjoyed Jess's character and how much he grew even over the short course of the book. He's rather lost, and trying to balance responsibilities and loyalties. Everyone in his entire life has always used him, and while he's trying to carve his own path, he still has so many tethers tying him down and pulling him in different directions. It's really admirable how well he's held up and I couldn't help rooting for him from the very start. I can't wait to see how he grows even more over the series as I predict he will become a force to be reckoned with.

After reading INK AND BONE, I'm happy to report that Rachel Caine has kicked off her new series with a bang. You have a great cast of characters, an incredible premise, stellar world building, and a great plot. In fact, the only thing keeping me from rating this a full five stars is a bit of pacing issues, but otherwise a fantastic read. If you're looking for something fresh and unique that will suck you in from the start, look no further than INK AND BONE.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
Gizmo's Reviews
The Eater of Books!
Tenacious Reader

Blog Tour Early Review: Wicked Embers by Keri Arthur

, by KT

Wicked Embers by Keri Arthur
Souls of Fire #2

Keri Arthur, New York Times bestselling author of Fireborn, presents the thrilling new Souls of Fire Novel featuring Emberly Pearson, a phoenix that can transform into a human—and is haunted by the ability to foresee death....

Crimson Death, the plague like virus spawned from a failed government experiment to isolate the enzymes that make vampires immortal, continues to spread. Emberly and her partner, Jackson Miller, are desperately seeking the stolen research for a cure before the virus becomes a pandemic.

But their mission is jeopardized by another threat uncovered in Emberly’s prophetic dreams. A creature of ash and shadow has been unleashed on a murdering spree. Now Emberly must summon all her gifts and investigative knowledge to put an end to this entity’s brutal rampage—even if it means placing herself in harm’s way....

I love a strong but vulnerable heroine, especially a unique brand of character like Emberly being a Phoenix. She's incredibly powerful and yet not without limitations. She also had a huge weakness for saving others, which while not a bad thing moral wise, it's another story when it comes to her own safety. The risks she take for others is staggering, and I couldn't love her more for it. So much so that you can't help rooting for her even when you know it's almost pointless due the heartbreaking curse she's under in the romance department. I really hope to see that somehow resolve and break during this series even if I'm not the biggest fan of this "lifetime's" love. Emberly more than deserves a bit of real happiness, so as I said I'll be rooting for her.

I'm really enjoying the unique world behind this series. Not only is the main character a phoenix but the rest of the cast is very varied in species as well. This makesfor a fresh read especially now that we're two books and I have a better grasp on all that's involved. In my review of the last book I had expressed a bit of frustration with the lack of world building or full explanation of what was going on. I'm happy to say that wasn't a sticking point for me this time around. While there's still plenty of unanswered questions I didn't feel so in the dark and was able to fully immerse in the story. So if you read the first book and felt just a bit lost, I'm happy to report it's much another this time around.

All in all this was yet another fast paced and enjoyable read from one of my favorite authors. I know every time I pick up a Keri Arthur book, I'm going to have a solid block of entertainment, and this was no exception. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy with a fresh world and great characters.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
a GREAT read
Tome Tender
Urban Fantasy Investigations

Previous Books:
1. Fireborn

Early Review: Flight from Death by Yasmine Galenorn

, by KT

Flight from Death by Yasmine Galenorn

Fly by Night #1

From New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn comes an all-new series set in the realm of her Otherworld novels.

I’m Shimmer, a blue dragon shifter. Thanks to a mistake, I was exiled from the Dragon Reaches and sentenced to work for Alex Radcliffe, a vampire who owns the Fly by Night Magical Investigations Agency. Now, not only do I have to adapt to Earthside culture, but every time I turn around, somebody’s trying to kill us. And worse, Alex is as gorgeous as he is exasperating. But you know what they say: All’s fair in love and bounty hunting…

When an old friend of Alex contacts him about a haunting at the High Tide Bed & Breakfast in Port Townsend, Washington, we think we’re on a simple ghost hunt. But our investigation quickly transforms into a deadly fight as we uncover an eighty-year-old murder, a cursed house, and a dark force trapping the spirits within. To stop impending disaster we must break the curse and lay the angry spirits to rest.

I really love Shimmer's character. She's quite broken and is slowly trying to find her way in her new situations. On one hand, she's an all powerful dragon and has a lot of the feelings of superiority that comes with it. But on the other hand, due to her banishment her powers are severely limited, in fact she can't even shift unless fully submerged underwater. This combined with the fact that she never was an accepted member of dragon society, makes her very unlike the rest of the dragons we've seen in Otherworld, even Smoky. While I wouldn't say she's humble, she's a whole lot more down to earth and easy to love. She very easily could have been bitter and harsh over her situation, but she's choosing a better path and I'm really enjoying watching her find her way.

Not only did I enjoy Shimmer's character but the supporting cast as well. They really rounded out the story and were very well fleshed out. However, Shimmer aside, the real star of this book was the plot. It was intriguing and fast paced, full of danger and twists, making this a quick and engrossing read.

I always love a spinoff series. You get to take an established world and expand upon making things fresh without having to get bogged down from the world building found in starting a new series. It's really the best of both worlds, and I'm definitely enjoying this one. I would recommend this one to fans of the Otherworld series who are looking for something fresh to start.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
Stuck in Books

Previous Books:
0.5. Flight from Hell

Kirsten Reviews: The Accidental Highwayman by Ben Tripp

, by KT

The Accidental Highwayman by Ben Tripp

Adventures of Kit Bristol

The Accidental Highwayman is the first swashbuckling adventure for young adults by talented author and illustrator, Ben Tripp.

In eighteenth-century England, young Christopher “Kit” Bristol is the unwitting servant of notorious highwayman Whistling Jack. One dark night, Kit finds his master bleeding from a mortal wound, dons the man’s riding cloak to seek help, and changes the course of his life forever. Mistaken for Whistling Jack and on the run from redcoats, Kit is catapulted into a world of magic and wonders he thought the stuff of fairy tales.

Bound by magical law, Kit takes up his master’s quest to rescue a rebellious fairy princess from an arranged marriage to King George III of England. But his task is not an easy one, for Kit must contend with the feisty Princess Morgana, gobling attacks, and a magical map that portends his destiny: as a hanged man upon the gallows….

Fans of classic fairy-tale fantasies will find much to love in this irresistible YA debut by Ben Tripp, the son of one of America’s most beloved illustrators, Wallace Tripp (Amelia Bedelia). Following in his father’s footsteps, Ben has woven illustrations throughout the story.
“Delightful and charming. A swashbuckling adventure in the vein of Robert Louis Stevenson.” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson

The Accidental Highwayman by Ben Tripp, is as the dust jacket notes ‘the tale of Kit Bristol, his horse Midnight, a mysterious princess, and sundry magical persons besides’ That alone should give readers an idea of what kind of story they are about to read. It’s both written and illustrated by Ben Tripp, often to whimsical effect, and as the first in a trilogy, promises many more adventures to come.

It’s eighteenth-century England, and Christopher “Kit” Bristol is unaware that he is the servant of the infamous highwayman Whistling Jack. When he finds his master severely wounded, Kit garbs himself in the man’s riding cloak in order to seek help, and thus alters the course of his life. He is mistaken for Whistling Jack, is soon on the run from the redcoats, and shortly winds up squarely involved in matters both royal and magical.

Kit is bound by magical law to complete his master’s quest, that being to rescue a fairy princess who is opposed to an arranged marriage to King George lll. But, this is no easy task, as Kit must contend with fairies, attacks from goblings, and a magical map which tells his future, including him being a man waiting to be hung on the gallows.

While the books is very charming, and the illustrations likewise enjoyable, the romance which features largely in the book feels contrived at times, and Kit, although inexperienced and thus not wise to the ways of the world is often called upon to lead, when he should be learning from others instead.

As a YA novel, this will be a fun read for kids who are looking for a little bit of swashbuckling, but for more mature readers, the sexist tropes applied to the female characters, and the fact that the hero is rewarded on virtually no merit may become tiresome. With several more books left in the trilogy, there is plenty of opportunity for the author to rectify some of these issues, while still remaining true to the period and genre.
(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
Bibliophile Gathering
A Lot Like Dreaming
URL Phantomhive

Review: Pure Blooded by Amanda Carlson

, by KT

Pure Blooded by Amanda Carlson

Jessica McClain #5

Jessica arrives back from the Underworld to find her father embroiled in a battle against the Made wolves. She and her crew drop everything to join them.

Once she arrives, the threat is after her. Jessica is lured into danger when her adversary takes something precious from her. With help from an unlikely source, Jessica goes up against her creator in a battle that will decide the path of everyone involved. She must war against a new set of foes, ones who could not only steal her power, but could take her soul as well.

I really love how every book in this series is a guaranteed roller coaster ride. I know when I pick a new one of these books up, I'm in store for nonstop action, and PURE BLOODED was no exception. Jessica, like always has landed herself in a new mess, and it's up to her and her "crew" to stop the current evil. As much as I love the action, honestly it's that crew that really draws me to this series each time. Every single character is so well fleshed out that I can't help falling right into the story with them and cheering on their triumphs as well as shedding tears when they do. I really love a book I can get attached to and this one, as well as the entire series fits the bill.

This was pitched to me by the publisher as the final Jessica McClain book, which I truly hope was a mistake. Things definitely were not settled at all, in fact I'd almost say it was a mild cliffhanger. Unfortunately it colored my reading experience just a bit as I was expecting things to be wrapped up as the final book, so imagine my surprise when the ending surely made it seem like it's not. I know I'll definitely be stalking the author's networks to hear news about a next book as I really do enjoy this series and hope it has a proper send off.

Series ending confusion aside, this was yet another a fun, and fast paced installment that kept me entertained from page one. Jessica never fails to meet (and defeat) a new "big bad" and it's always fun to watch her dig her way out of her latest mess. I recommend these books to anyone who loves Urban Fantasies that are full of great characters and non stop from start to finish.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
Gizmo's Reviews
a GREAT read
Vampire Book Club

Previous Books:
1. Full Blooded
2. Hot Blooded
3. Cold Blooded
4. Red Blooded

Kirsten Reviews: Sustenance by Chelsea Quinn Yarbo

, by KT

Sustenance by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Saint-Germain #27

The vampire Count Saint-Germain protects Americans fleeing persecution—and becomes trapped in a web of betrayal, deceit, and murder in post-WWII Europe in Chelsea Quinn Yarbro’s SUSTENANCE

The powerful House Un-American Activities Committee hunted communists both at home and abroad. In the late 1940s, the vampire Count Saint-Germain is caught up in intrigue surrounding a group of Americans who have fled to postwar Paris. Some speak out against HUAC and battle the authorities.

Saint-Germain swears to do his best to protect his friends, but even his skills may not be able to stand against agents of the OSS and the brand-new CIA. And he has an unexpected weakness: his lover, Charis, who has returned to Paris under mysterious circumstances.

Sustenance by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro is the twenty-seventh book in her St. Germain series, and at this point, new readers may be daunted by the sheer scale of the series. But, with the basic premise understood, one can jump into this series at almost any point without losing too much.

In this outing, vampire Count Saint-Germain is protecting Americans fleeing persecution, , and who have attracted the attention of the House Un-American Activities Committee, which hunts communists both in the United States and abroad. In doing so, Saint-Germain finds himself embroiled in a murderous plot in Europe after the Second World War.

Although Saint-Germain has abilities beyond those of his human friends, much of the plot of this series revolves around the fact that even a vampire cannot rely on the supernatural, and must approach a problem through a combination of cunning, and at times, by seemingly fleeing in the opposite direction.

Such is the case here, but Saint-Germain must look into the reasons behind his lover Charis’ mysterious return to Paris, as well as deal with the newly formed CIA, and agents of the OSS.

If one is familiar with Yarbro’s books, then the preface of historical information will be expected, and for anyone new to the series, this background is both interesting reading, and sets up the events of the book. This section can also provide details about the fates of characters from previous books, and learn more about what exactly constitutes vampirism in Yarbro’s novels.

Overall, the book is well-written, with many plot threads that may not come together as neatly as some readers might like, but there is plenty to absorb, both about the history of a postwar landscape, and the characters, which makes it hang together more or less in one piece.
(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Previous Books:
1. Hotel Transylvania
2. The Palace
3. Blood Games
4. Path of the Eclipse
5. Tempting Fate
6. The Saint-Germain Chronicles
7. Darker Jewels
8. Better in the Dark
9. Mansions of Darkness
10. Writ in Blood
11. Blood Roses
12. Communion Blood
13. Come Twilight
14. A Feast in Exile
15. Night Blooming
16. Midnight Harvest
17. Dark of the Sun
18. States of Grace
19. Roman Dusk
20. Borne in Blood
21. Memoirs
22. A Dangerous Climate
23. Burning Shadows
24. An Embarrassment of Riches
25. Commedia della Morte
26. Night Pilgrims

Release Day Review: Crash by Eve Silver

, by KT

Crash by Eve Silver

The Game #3

A thrilling action/suspense novel for fans of The Fifth Wave about contemporary teens pulled in and out of an alternate reality where battling aliens is more than a game—it's life and death.

Miki’s life is falling apart around her. Her dad and best friend are lying in the hospital. The Game is glitching, making missions more frequent and more deadly. And someone close to her is waiting for the right moment to betray her.

Miki feels like she’s hanging on by a thread and the only thing keeping her tethered is Jackson’s hand in hers. Yet telling him how much she needs him, how much she loves him, feels like the biggest challenge of all. And if Miki really wants the missions to end for everyone, she’ll have to let go and be ready to fight when the walls between the Game and reality come crashing down. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned, it’s that she’s got a whole lot left to lose.

Crash is the pulse-pounding conclusion to the Game trilogy fans won’t want to miss.

This was an interesting end to the trilogy. The first two books were incredibly action packed, yet this one was much more on the emotional side which really surprised me. Don't get me wrong, it's not like there wasn't emotion in the first two books, but it definitely took a back seat to the nonstop action. This time around while I wouldn't exactly say things slowed down, the focus definitely switched. We got to see a lot deeper into Miki's head as well as watch the characters come to some really tough realizations and overcome some pretty staggering emotional hurdles and events. While it did throw me for a bit of a loop, I think it rounded out the trilogy very well, and I feel like I was able to get closer to the characters before saying goodbye as a result.

Even though I had guessed at some of the twists and turns in this series, it still was pretty intense when all those predictions finally came to light. What the game about and why they were forced to fight for their lives on a regular basis was a really hard pill to swallow. I really loved how the author made this reveal and others so realistic that I felt every bit right alongside the characters. If you've been reading the series, dying to know all the only hinted at secrets, I can safely say you won't be disappointed.

This series was labeled as a trilogy, and things are wrapped up decently well at the end to the point that I'm content. However, I feel like the author left the door open for more in this series, and I hope one day she takes that path. I think there's many more stories that can be told, but as it stands now I'm very happy with how eveything turned out. I can't always say that about series ending books, so that right there is a big gold star in my book. If you are looking for a fast paced, action packed thriller type YA series on the paranormal side, then this series is perfect for you.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
The Eater of Books!
My Guilty Obsession
Falling for YA

Previous Books:
1. Rush
2. Push

Kirsten Reviews: The Falcone Throne by Karen Miller

, by KT

The Falcon Throne by Karen Miller

The Tarnished Crown Quintet #1

In the distant past, the Kingdom of Harcia was torn apart by royal brothers who could not accept a lesser inheritance. Now, the consequences of their actions are coming to light.

Balfre, son of Aimery, Duke of Harcia, is his father's heir. But he has dreams of a crown, not a coronet. He dreams himself the king of a Harcia re-united, but his brother Grefin, their father's favorite, stands in his way.

Harald, debauched Duke of neighboring Clemen, is feared and despised by his nobles. He thinks he can trust his bastard-born cousin Ederic ... but Ederic fears for the duchy and will do what he must to save it.

And caught between dangers is Harald's infant son, Liam. Stolen by his nurse, vanished into the lawless Marches, he is the spark that will grow to set the world on fire.

The Falcon Throne by Karen Miller begins a new series by the author, and this first installment in the Tarnished Crown Quintet, so there is quite a lot of setup to get through in terms of characterization and worldbuilding. The premise is that a kingdom is being torn apart by a conflict between two duchies, those of Clemen and Harcia. This is due to a rift caused by some long-ago dispute between royal brothers. War is looming large yet again, and the common people are caught in the middle of this power struggle.

Duke Harald, ruler of Clemen is disliked and feared by both the citizens and his nobles. It follows that there would eventually be a rebellion, and it is led by his cousin Ederic, born a bastard, and with the support of Humbert, the foster lord of Ederic. This rebellion ends Harald’s rule, and in the fighting, his infant son and heir, Liam is thought to have been killed, but in fact his nursemaid was able to steal him away and intends on raising the boy with the intention of returning him to his throne when he is older.

In Harcia, the two sons of Duke Aimery are the stereotypically hotheaded heuir, Balfre and the younger, calmer Grefin. The heir has some grandiose dreams of ruling the entire kingdom, which would involve conquest and bloodshed, while his father is aware that having such a person become king is a supremely bad idea. Unfortunately Balfre doesn’t intend on anyone thwarting his plans, not even own family.

The story certainly has the epic scale necessary for dealing with such scheming, fighting, and family drama, but although it has a lot of material, it doesn’t seem to do anything new with it. These are concepts that have been explored countless other times, and most notably, will be familiar to anyone who watches Game of Thrones and enjoys families who are trying to conquer kingdoms and stab one another in the back at the same time. Even so, the characters don’t really stand out from others in this genre of book, and while there is a lot going on, at times it feels like the story has to pause to overload readers with information, and the result is a decent story that needs a bit of breathing room.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
The Bibliosanctum
Speculating on SpecFic
Paranormal Haven

Review: Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

, by KT

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

Psy-Changeling #1

In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of “rehabilitation”—the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was…

Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a Changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy coexistence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several Changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice-cold Psy is very capable of passion—and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities—or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation…

I'm a huge fan of Nalini's Archangel series, but aside from a novella from an anthology that I read last year, I just never got around to starting the Psy series. That being said I'm so glad I did. Granted right now the Archangel series is still my favorite, but I can easily see this one moving right up there. The attraction, tension, and romance between Sascha and Lucas was both sweet and sizzling at the same time. I was hooked from the start at the byplay between them as they circled one another. Enemies to lovers is by far my favorite trope, so this one definitely helped give me my "fix." Sascha and Lucas practically sizzle right off the page and I really loved seeing the push and pull between them as well as there being a full plot in addtion to the romance. In fact if they are any indication of the rest of this series, I'm practically kicking myself for not starting it sooner.

With as much as I enjoyed the couple and the plotline in this book there were a few things that kept me from giving this one a five star rating. First up, there just wasn't quite enough world building, leaving me scrambling at times to figure things out. This tends to be an issue in series opening books for me, there's either too much world building to the point where the pacing is bogged down, or like in this case, where there's just not enough and I'm left scrambling to keep up. The second part that kept me from rating a five was due to the resolution somewhat fizzling. There was this amazing build up of tension both sexually between the main characters and also with the plot as they searched for a truly evil killer racing against the clock. I just felt like the climax wasn't quite enough after all that built up intensity. That's not to say that it wasn't good, I just was hoping for a bit more.

All in all, Slave to Sensation is a good kick off to what I can easily see becoming a favorite series. So if you are like me and have been meaning to give this one a shot, don't wait any longer!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
Debbie's World of Books
Reading Between the Wines
Red Hot Books

Review: Burn by Sara Fine & Walter Jury

, by KT

Burn by Sara Fine & Walter Jury

Scan #2

At the cliffhanger ending of Scan, Tate loses the very thing he was fighting to protect, what his father had called the key to human survival. Tate doesn't have much time to worry about it because he needs to get away, to ensure he and Christina are safe. His father left him one last thing that can do just that—a safehouse, which turns out to be a clue to what's really threatening the planet. As Tate follows the clues his father left behind, he starts to uncover the truth, realizing he's up against an enemy he's only beginning to understand.

A riveting, fast-paced "we are not alone" adventure, Burn thrills to the very end.

I'm very picky about SciFi books. I was raised on all things SciFi TV and movies, but most times I just don't seem to share that same love in books. It's one of the rare times I would actually prefer to watch the TV version over reading the book. That being said every so often a SciFi book comes along that the blurb intrigues me enough to give it a try, and this time it was definitely a winner. I'm so glad I gave this series a chance because both books were jammed packed with action and entertainment, BURN even more than the first book. So for anyone like me who's a bit leery about SciFi in their books, trust me, it's done very well in this one, and definitely worth checking out.

From the moment I picked BURN up, I could hardly put it down as one thing just happened after the next. Add in the mystery and clues Tate's father left behind as well as the sweet romance and frenetic action scenes and this one seriously is one heck of a roller coaster ride from start to finish. So if you love books that are incredibly fast paced without a dull moment, BURN (and Scan) are the perfect read for you.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Previous Books:
1. Scan