A Book Obsession..

Early Review: Wish Bound by J.C. Nelson

, by KT

Wish Bound by J.C. Nelson

Grimm Agency #3

From the author of Armageddon Rules, the fanciful and fun continuation of the Grimm Agency novels...

As a partner at Grimm’s magical Agency, Marissa Locks is used to working odd jobs. But when an evil queen reappears in Kingdom, life becomes too strange to handle…

Even when she’s not starting it, trouble follows Marissa everywhere. First there was the incident with the homicidal Fairy Godmother. Then there was the time she accidentally started Armageddon. But the problems that always seem to arise on Marissa’s birthday take the cake.

This year, her annual bad-luck presents include an army of invading goblins, the resurrection of two vengeful enemies from hell, and the return of the Black Queen, the evil sorceress whose reign of terror still haunts Kingdom and who happens to have claimed Marissa as her servant.

As Marissa’s friends try to save her from the Black Queen’s clutches, Marissa fights to end a bitter war that started before her birth. But her quest for peace is about to bring up some inconvenient truths about her own past—ones that might cost her the happily ever after she’s always dreamed of…

This book is going to be really hard for me to review. I enjoyed it, but there were things that stuck out to me, keeping me from fully immersing and loving the story as much as I did in book two. But on the flip side, nothing really amazing stuck out to me, so unfortunately this review will focus on the less than great things. From the start, WISH BOUND proceeds at an almost frenetic pace. While this kept me completely hooked into the story, at times it was a a bit hard to follow. There's just so much going on with the story jumping all around that I found myself having to go back and re-read paragraphs just to make sure I didn't miss anything. I enjoy a fast paced plot as much as the next gal, but it needs to flow and allow me to fully immerse in the story, which just didn't happen here.

I have a feeling this is a series ending book, based on how many loose ends were tied up. After finishing I'm not quite sure about how I feel about everything in the end. On one hand, the end result has me content, but the path taken there and the motivating reasons which had been hid previously just seemed a bit forced to me. Between Grimm's secrecy, the reveal behind everything with Marissa, and the Dark Queen's motivations, I was left scratching my head at times. I feel like there's been this huge build up over the series, and while I wouldn't say the reveals fell flat, they didn't wow me either. Perhaps I'm judging things too harshly, but after the 2nd book knocking things out of the park for me, I was just hoping for a bigger end result.

I realize this review probably makes it seem like I wasn't a fan, but I did enjoy the book, if not as much as I had hoped I would. I almost wish I had more to say on the positive side to balance out the things that bothered me, because it is a good read. The book more than kept my attention, and I didn't want to put it down once I put it up. I'm glad I read WISH BOUND, and fans of the series should enjoy it as well. Marissa and company are left in a satisfying place that makes the overall journey in this series worth it

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
Book Junkiez

Previous Books:
1. Free Agent
2. Armageddon Rules

Early Review: Crucible Zero by Devon Monk

, by KT

Crucible Zero by Devon Monk

House Immortal #3

The national bestselling author of Infinity Bell returns to her “fresh and unique”* world where the truce between the ruling Houses has shattered and chaos now reigns. Only one woman has the power to save the world—but she could also destroy it...

Matilda Case never thought of herself as a hero. But because she is galvanized—and nearly immortal in her stitched, endlessly healing body—she doesn’t have much of a choice. Even if she doesn’t want to save the world, she’s the only one capable of traveling in time to do so.

But her rescue attempt hasn’t gone as planned. She’s stuck in an alternate universe, and her world is in danger of disappearing. Worst of all, an unfathomably powerful man who can also travel through history doesn’t want her to put things to rights. He’s willing to wage bloody war to stop Matilda, unless she surrenders control of time to him.

Now, with the minutes ticking, Matilda must make impossible decisions, knowing that one wrong choice will destroy her—and any chance of saving everything she loves...

This book was one heck of a ride, there just isn't a better way to describe it. From the opening where we are thrust into a whole new version of Matilda's world. The ending events of the last book completely changed everything, and those changes are anything but calm. I was on the edge of my seat from the start. It's amazing how a world can be so similar and yet so very very different at the same time. Ms. Monk did an incredible job bringing all these changes to life and all the vast implications. From the lack of technology, to having to step into someone else's shoes, to the incredible differences with the Galvenized, Tilly had her hands more than full. The biggest challenge was in the romance department. The changes there felt like a sucker punch to the gut to be honest as I was sucked right into everything along with Tilly. Watching how everything panned out in this book definitely made for an enthralling and utterly engrossing read.

Series enders are always bittersweet for me with having to say goodbye to much loved characters, and CRUCIBLE ZERO is no exception. That being said, I'm really happy with how everything came together in the end in a very fulfilling matter, especially when you consider all the curveballs thrown in this last week. But don't take my word for it, go grab your copy and find out for yourself how great of a read this is. A guaranteed ride from start to finish, CRUCIBLE ZERO and the entire House Immortal series are must reads for avid fans of Urban Fantasy.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:

Previous Books:
1. House Immortal
2. Infinity Bell

Early Review: Deceptions by Kelley Armstrong

, by KT

Deceptions by Kelley Armstrong

Cainsville #3

Olivia Taylor Jones's life has exploded. She's discovered she is not only adopted, but her real parents are convicted serial killers. Fleeing the media frenzy, she took refuge in the oddly secluded town of Cainsville. She has since solved the town's mysteries and finds herself not only the target of its secretive elders but also her stalker ex-fiancé.

Visions continue to haunt her: particularly a little blond girl in a green sundress who insists she has an important message for Olivia, one that may help her balance the light and darkness within herself. Death stalks both Olivia and the two men most important to her, as she desperately searches to understand whether ancient scripts are dictating the triangle that connects them. Will darkness prevail, or does Olivia have the power to prevent a tragic fate?

I'm a huge Kelley Armstrong fan, but this series has been a bit of an up and down for me. I absolutely loved the first book in this series, but the second book just didn't wow me. The lack of answers and forward momentum really slowed things down for me. So, this time around I have to admit I went into the book with just a bit of trepidation, worried about another book without explanations. I shouldn't have worried. After finishing DECEPTIONS, I'm happy to say that I was hooked from the start. Sure there's still a lot of things unanswered but between the things that were revealed and the plot/character momentum those questions didn't seem so important anymore. There just was a certain amount of intensity this time around that put things back on track and now I'm content to sit along for the ride. And a ride it was.

Another thing that made this book more addictive was the stronger prevalence of the love triangle. Sure it was hinted at previously, but it was only that, a hint. Typically I'm not the biggest fan of these as there's always a whole lot of angst involved. But for Olivia, Ricky, and Gabriel, it just somehow works. Perhaps that's because it's all tied into the plotline and secrets behind Cainsville, or perhaps because there's no real jealousy involved. Regardless, I found it interesting and I'm rather anxious to see how everything plays out in that department especially as it intertwines with each of their choices and future. I'm honestly not sure who I'm rooting for, and that's just fine with me.

All in all DECEPTIONS was a very enjoyable installment in the Cainsville series. I know I'll be counting down the days until the next book's release.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
Rabid Reads
a GREAT read

Previous Books:
1. Omens
2. Visions

Early Review: Reawakened by Colleen Houck

, by KT

Reawakened by Colleen Houck

The Reawakened #1

When seventeen-year-old Lilliana Young enters the Metropolitan Museum of Art one morning during spring break, the last thing she expects to find is a live Egyptian prince with godlike powers, who has been reawakened after a thousand years of mummification.

And she really can't imagine being chosen to aid him in an epic quest that will lead them across the globe to find his brothers and complete a grand ceremony that will save mankind.

But fate has taken hold of Lily, and she, along with her sun prince, Amon, must travel to the Valley of the Kings, raise his brothers, and stop an evil, shape-shifting god named Seth from taking over the world.

From New York Times bestselling author Colleen Houck comes an epic adventure about two star-crossed teens who must battle mythical forces and ancient curses on a journey with more twists and turns than the Nile itself.

When I realized REAWAKENED involved Egyptian lore, it instantly became an absolute must read. I've always had a fascination with ancient Egypt, and really enjoy books in this theme where the world is done well. In this case it wasn't just done well, but incredibly so. It reminded me so much of the Mummy movies that I really enjoyed, but also always wanted just a bit more from them, and this book delivers that. Of course that's not to say they are anything remotely alike in plot-line, as I'm more talking about the feeling and love of the lore. REAWAKENED takes that ancient Egypt theme and amps it up tenfold bringing it to everything I could want. It's like Colleen Houck took everything there's to love about the movies, removed everything that wasn't so great and built upon it to make for a spellbinding read.

As fantastic as the Egyptian lore was, the characters really stole the show overall. At the start of the book, Lily is almost a shell of who she blossoms to be by the end of the book. Her parents have forced perfection and an incredibly stale life upon her from their expectations. Amon's arrival turns everything upside down, and I really enjoyed watching her step outside that forced comfort zone. Speaking of Amon, he had his own comfort zone to step outside as well. I cannot imagine what it would be like to wake after a thousand years, especially into our modern world. Amon utterly fits the fish out of water description, and yet he was still so confident and strong. The pair of them were truly admirable and made this book such an amazing read.

My only complaint about this book is that it ended and I'm now desperate to get my hands on the next one. Hopefully the wait won't be too long! Absolutely enthralling from the very first page, REAWAKENED is a simply must read book for fans of Egyptian lore. Trust me, this one is not to be missed.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
The Eater of Books
a GREAT read
Nick's Book Blog

Early Review: Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews

, by KT

Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews

Kate Daniels #8

In the latest Kate Daniels novel from #1 New York Times best-selling author Ilona Andrews, magic is coming and going in waves in post-Shift Atlanta—and each crest leaves danger in its wake…

After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.

So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.

An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…

The ending of the previous book was a serious game changer and I couldn't wait to get my hands MAGIC SHIFTS to see how everything panned out. So honestly I expected this book to be mostly about the repercussions of those game changing events, but it was that and oh so much more. Sometimes I'm in awe at how the stakes can continually be raised in a long running series. Every time I think "That's it, the author cannot possibly top this," and then the next book comes along and somehow they do. It truly is incredible.

I really love how these books make me both laugh and cry, and also keep me on the edge of my seat for the entire book. They definitely make for intense reads, almost to the point where I have to keep telling myself to slow down and savor the read, otherwise I'm so sucked in that I want to rush to the end. But I guess that's what they make "re-reads" for, and if there's ever been a series worthy of one, it's the Kate Daniels series. I've read all the books several times over, and MAGIC SHIFTS is sure to be the same. They simply are that incredible. Trust me, these are THE books to read for urban fantasy fans.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
Between Dreams and Reality

Previous Books:
1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
4. Magic Bleeds
5. Magic Slays
5.5. Gunmetal Magic

6. Magic Rises

7. Magic Breaks

Early Review: The Veil by Chloe Neill

, by KT

The Veil by Chloe Neill

Devil's Isle #1

Seven years ago, the Veil that separates humanity from what lies beyond was torn apart, and New Orleans was engulfed in a supernatural war. Now, those with paranormal powers have been confined in a walled community that humans call the District. Those who live there call it Devil's Isle.

Claire Connolly is a good girl with a dangerous secret: she’s a Sensitive, a human endowed with magic that seeped through the Veil. Claire knows that revealing her skills would mean being confined to Devil’s Isle. Unfortunately, hiding her power has left her untrained and unfocused.

Liam Quinn knows from experience that magic makes monsters of the weak, and he has no time for a Sensitive with no control of her own strength. But when he sees Claire using her powers to save a human under attack—in full view of the French Quarter—Liam decides to bring her to Devil’s Isle and the teacher she needs, even though getting her out of his way isn’t the same as keeping her out of his head.

But when the Veil threatens to shatter completely, Claire and Liam must work together to stop it, or else New Orleans will burn…

THE VEIL brings a fresh and interesting world as it's an interesting blend of dystopian and urban fantasy. So, pretty much the perfect combination in my book. There's a whole lot going on between the paras, human magic users, the Veil itself, and the Containment control and oppression over everything. What really interested me was that so many chose to stay in the zoned French Quarter. It's made clear that the "outside" world wasn't affected much and yet so many chose to stay behind with limited resources and constant struggle.

Claire made for a really interesting character. At the start of THE VEIL, she knows about her own ability but is living in hiding. Despite having these unwanted abilities with magic, she's still rather prejudiced about other magical users and the paranormal world. Granted considering what magic and paranormals cost her, I don't blame her one bit. That being said, her eyes are slowly opened in this book and I really enjoyed her progression from almost naive with a huge lack of confidence, to someone decidedly stronger by the end of the book. It was interesting to watch, and I can't wait to see how she grows even more over the next few books. Speaking of interesting characters, the supporting cast was very well fleshed out. From Claire's best friends, to their enemies, the paras, and an interesting newcomer, Liam, every single character really stood out, only further serving to hook me into this new series.

I enjoyed this start of a new series from Chloe Neill. While she's most known for her Chicagoland books, I can see these books becoming every bit as popular. If you're looking for a fast paced read that you won't want to put down once you pick it up, look no further than THE VEIL.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
Between Dreams and Reality
Carol's Random Life
Under the Covers Book Blog

Kirsten Reviews: Witches in Red by Barb Hendee

, by KT

Witches in Red by Barb Hendee

The Mist-Torn Witches #2

Céline and Amelie Fawe can see into anyone’s past and future simply by touching them. They have used their powers to secure sanctuary—and a fine apothecary’s shop—in the village around Castle Sèone. But their continued safety has a price…

Far to the north, the men of an isolated silver mining community are turning into vicious “beasts” that slaughter anyone in sight. The mines belong to the noble family of Prince Anton—ruler of Castle Sèone and Céline and Amelie’s patron—and Anton’s tyrannical father has ordered his son to solve the mystery as a test of his leadership. He has no choice but to send the witches into the perilous north, to use their abilities to discover the cause of the transformations. Given how much they owe the prince, the sisters have no choice but to accept.

Together with the over-protective Lieutenant Jaromir, Célene and Amelie enter the dark world of a far off mining camp tainted by fear, mistrust, and enslavement—and haunted by men turning into massive, mad wolves without warning. Now, the two must draw upon strength and cunning they never thought they possessed not only to solve the mystery, but to survive…

Witches in Red, the second book in Barb Hendee’s The Mist Torn Witches series finds sisters and witches, Céline and Amelie Fawe being sent to the far north, to an isolated silver mining community where men are turning into ‘beasts.’ Their patron, Prince Anton has received orders from his father to figure out what is happening in order to test his leadership. In spite of his misgivings, Anton has to send the witches northward, so they can use their abilities, including the talent for seeing the future of anyone they touch in order to solve the mystery.

As they journey north, accompanied by Lieutenant Jaromir, who tends to be overprotective, sometimes with good reason, other times, inconveniently so, Célene and Amelie find a town rife with mistrust, slavery, and men who transform into enraged wolves.

This book includes many of the same story devices as the first one, including the sisters using their gifts on various suspects, of which there aren’t many, and revealing a few secrets in the process. If a fairly straightforward sort of narrative is your thing, then this won’t be a problem, but others may prefer a more complex plotline.

Although Célene is more comfortable with her gifts, Amelie is learning to use them with greater confidence, and by looking into the past, is able to sort out some important aspects of the mystery. This makes things feel more equal between the sisters, while at the same time, keeping their maturity levels believable.

As a whole, the story is fairly simple, and the villain may stand out for those readers paying close attention, but most will enjoy the further worldbuilding, and the story of two sisters learning how to use their powers and find their way in the world together.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
Open Book Society
The Other Side
Candace's Book Blog

Previous Books:
1. The Mist-Torn Witches

Kirsten Reviews: Trailer Park Fae by Lilith Saintcrow

, by KT

Trailer Park Fae by Lilith Saintcrow

Gallow and Ragged #1

New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow returns to dark fantasy with a new series where the fairy world inhabits diners, dive bars and trailer parks.

Jeremy Gallow is just another construction worker, and that's the way he likes it. He's left his past behind, but some things cannot be erased. Like the tattoos on his arms that transform into a weapon, or that he was once closer to the Queen of Summer than any half-human should be. Now the half-sidhe all in Summer once feared is dragged back into the world of enchantment, danger, and fickle fae—by a woman who looks uncannily like his dead wife. Her name is Robin, and her secrets are more than enough to get them both killed. A plague has come, the fullborn-fae are dying, and the dark answer to Summer's Court is breaking loose.

Be afraid, for Unwinter is riding...

Trailer Park Fae by Lilith Saintcrow begins a new series, Gallow and Ragged, and introduces readers to a new version of the Sidhe, complete with political double dealing, betrayal, and even a bit of singing.

The titular characters, Robin Ragged, and Jeremiah Gallow are clearly on trajectory toward one another from the first page. Gallow, a half fae, who was once very close to the Queen of Summer, is working as a construction worker, mourning his dead wife, and pretending that he is human, largely through depressed inertia. Meanwhile, Robin Ragged is an unwilling servant of that same queen, and is doing all that she can simply not to be killed by her mistress on one of the fae’s cruel whims. Meanwhile, she is being sent on errands by the queen as there is a sickness creeping through the courts of the fae, and the purebloods are being stricken down without mercy.

One of the most recognizable characters, Puck, is acting in his own interests, moving between the two courts, and may very well be an ally to Robin or Gallow, but more than likely, he has several dozen plans of his own.

Beyond the wishes of her queen, Robin is occupied with keeping herself out of the hands of Unseelie, as Unwinter would like to use her talents to further their own agenda. She is not one to trust any man easily, particularly Gallow, who believes she looks like the wife he is mourning.

The book features a great deal of the language used by the fae, their tools, and traditions, and the fact that they only reluctantly pass over the barrier into the world of mortals. To them, humans are nothing more than tools, to be drained of all usefulness and eventually life. Some of this may put readers off, but for anyone interested in fae in any sort of urban fantasy, this book’s spin on the Courts, their magic, politics, and those caught up in them will enjoy this new series.

There are plenty of pretty words, interesting creatures, and jeopardy, both mortal and otherwise to keep pages turning, and there is a great deal of intriguing story to explore in the sequel.(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
Rabid Reads
My Para Hangover

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)

Rating:

Order Links:

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)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:
a GREAT read
Tome Tender
Urban Fantasy Investigations

Previous Books:
1. Fireborn