A Book Obsession..

Early Review: Wickedly Ever After by Deborah Blake

, by KT

Wickedly Wonderful by Deborah Blake

Baba Yaga #2.5

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one…

Having triumphed over a powerful enemy and ended up with both a wonderful guy—Sheriff Liam McClellan—and an adorable adopted daughter to raise as a Baba Yaga, Barbara Yager is ready to welcome her happily ever after.

But first she must bring Liam to the Otherworld and get the Queen’s permission to marry him. The Queen, however, is not so easily persuaded. She gives them three impossible tasks to complete in two weeks’ time—and if they fail Barbara will have to watch Liam slowly age and die like all humans, and kiss her happily ever after good-bye forever.

This was a quick and fun read bringing the story back to Liam and Baba. I always love follow up novellas like this as they give glimpses into the couple's lives after the original happily ever after. There's just something so satisfying at seeing where characters you loved are now, and that really was the case here. I enjoyed seeing Liam, Baba, and little Babs interact and navigate their new lives as a family all the while juggling three impossible tasks from the Queen. Even better, the rest of the Baba Yagas play a role as well making this novella tie everything together even more.

Overall, a fun treat of a read in an enjoyable series that keeps me coming back for more.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
Cat Among the Pigeons

Previous Books:
1. Wickedly Dangerous
2. Wickedly Wonderful

Kirsten Reviews: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

, by KT

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

The Broken Earth #1

This is the way the world ends. Again.

Three terrible things happen in a single day. Essun, a woman living an ordinary life in a small town, comes home to find that her husband has brutally murdered their son and kidnapped their daughter. Meanwhile, mighty Sanze -- the world-spanning empire whose innovations have been civilization's bedrock for a thousand years -- collapses as most of its citizens are murdered to serve a madman's vengeance. And worst of all, across the heart of the vast continent known as the Stillness, a great red rift has been torn into the heart of the earth, spewing ash enough to darken the sky for years. Or centuries.

Now Essun must pursue the wreckage of her family through a deadly, dying land. Without sunlight, clean water, or arable land, and with limited stockpiles of supplies, there will be war all across the Stillness: a battle royale of nations not for power or territory, but simply for the basic resources necessary to get through the long dark night. Essun does not care if the world falls apart around her. She'll break it herself, if she must, to save her daughter.

The Fifth Season, the first book in the Broken Earth series by N.K. Jemisin is set on the continent as the Stillness, where Essun, a seemingly ordinary woman, returns home one day to discover that her husband has murdered their son and kidnapped their daughter. At the same time, the empire of Sanze, suffers a tragedy as many of its citizens are killed. All of this while the Stillness has been rent by a rift which is spewing forth ash from deep within the planet, threatening to darken the sky for what may be years, or possibly hundreds of years. These three things happen on the same day, which is a good indicator that nothing is going as it should be for anyone except anyone with bad intentions.

The Stillness would have been destroyed many times before if it wasn’t for the efforts of the Orogenes, people who have the power to manipulate the planet’s energy and even shape the land itself. However, instead of being revered for their abilities and the fact that they have prevented all-out catastrophe, the Orogenes are viewed with suspicion and even violence. This is partly because their powers can cause as much damage as the disasters they work to prevent, particularly if they are unable to control their talents. This means that any child who shows signs of these talents is immediately removed from their home and forced to undergo rigorous training, except for those that are murdered by frightened neighbors, or even their own parents. As Essun is an Orogene, concealing her powers, when she finds her son murdered, she realizes what her husband must have done, and sets out to find him

Essun’s journey to avenge her son and rescue her daughter propels her across the Stillness, and it's one which will pit her against the forces of the continent, as well as those who would see her dead, even though the Orogenes are essential to maintain the balance of the land. Since this is only the first book in what promises to be a complex series, there are many questions left unresolved for future installments in the series, it sets up a web of politics, betrayal, and family drama set against an interesting world that deserves a great deal more exploration.
(Received a copy from the publisher)

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The Bibliosanctum
Fantasy Review Barn
Paranormal Haven

Blog Tour Review: City of Light by Keri Arthur

, by KT

City of Light by Keri Arthur

Outcast #1

The first in an all-new futuristic fantasy series from Keri Arthur—the New York Times bestselling author of the Souls of Fire novels.

When the bombs that stopped the species war tore holes in the veil between this world and the next, they allowed entry to the Others—demons, wraiths, and death spirits who turned the shadows into their hunting grounds. Now, a hundred years later, humans and shifters alike live in artificially lit cities designed to keep the darkness at bay....

As a déchet—a breed of humanoid super-soldiers almost eradicated by the war—Tiger has spent her life in hiding. But when she risks her life to save a little girl on the outskirts of Central City, she discovers that the child is one of many abducted in broad daylight by a wraith-like being—an impossibility with dangerous implications for everyone on earth.

Because if the light is no longer enough to protect them, nowhere is safe...

In the Urban Fantasy genre, starting a new series is always somewhat of a challenge. There's always so much world building needed to set the stage for the story, which can really bog things down. Or sometimes the reverse can be true where not near enough is explained, which worse in my book. However, every so often a series opener comes along that just perfectly nails that balance. One where you can immerse yourself into the story with enough backstory and information to blend along with the action at the forefront to keep you fully hooked from the start. CITY OF LIGHT nails this balance in every way. The world behind this story is incredible, from the post apocalyptic feel after the war, to the variety of species and the prejudices that go with them. That and all the various dangers brought an interesting mix that kept me hooked.

Speaking of hooked, the characters were stellar in this one, particularly Tig. While she may be slightly reminiscent of Arthur's other heroines from other series, Tig is fully her own character. The similarities lie more in writing style than repetition, and that doesn't detract one bit, in fact it makes her shine a bit more as I found myself understanding her more quickly, and sinking in faster due to the same flow of Arthur's writing style. But getting back to Tig, she's incredibly strong, but despite or rather perhaps in spite of, some staggeringly horrific past events she's not hard. Far from it. She risks life and limb over and over in this book for those who would just as soon as see her dead. She truly is admirable.

All in all, CITY OF LIGHT proves Keri Arthur is truly a master at her craft. Plain and simple this series should be on every urban fantasy lover's list. I'll be counting down the days until the next book is released. Bravo!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Carol's Random Life
Koeur's Book Reviews
125 Pages

Review: Liam Takes Manhattan by Thea Harrison

, by KT

Liam Takes Manhattan by Thea Harrison

Elder Races #9.5

Reeling from a deep loss, the magical prince of the Wyr, Dragos and Pia’s son Liam Cuelebre, turns inward and withdrawn as he struggles to come to terms with who he is, along with the challenges that lie before him.

Hoping to ease his heartache and offer comfort, a concerned Dragos and Pia offer him a gift, something he has desired for a long time. Liam’s response has a ripple effect across all of New York. Soon miracles of all kinds start arriving just in time for Christmas, along with a visit from a mysterious person who gives Liam hope and a vision of his future.

I love this series, and all the characters, but Dragos/Pia/Liam hold a special place for me. So this novella trilogy has been a real treat, and I especially enjoyed Liam's story rounding things out. His incredibly rapid growth made him a bit of an unknown, and this peek inside his head really opened things up. I mean abstractly while he showed to be very intelligent and extremely fast developmentally, both I and Pia/Dragos still saw him as only a child. But what else could you expect when you consider that technically he's less than a year old. This novella while incredibly short showed a turning point for Liam, and paved the way for full novel(s) from his perspective. After reading this and the previous two installments in this novella trilogy, I'm only more desperate for the next book in this fantastic series, a sure sign of a great read. A perfect bonus treat for fans of the series, LIAM TAKES MANHATTAN is not to be missed.

(Received a copy from the author)

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Other Reviews:
Smexy Books
Coffee, Cookies, and Books
Tome Tender

Previous Books:
1. Dragon Bound
2. Storm's Heart
3. Serpent's Kiss
4. Oracle's Moon
5. Lord's Fall
6. Kinked
6.5. Dragos Takes a Holiday

6.6. Pia Saves the Day

6.7. Peanut Goes to School

7. Night's Honor

8. Midnight's Kiss

8.5. Dragos Goes to Washington

8.6. Pia Does Hollywood

Kirsten Reviews: The Unfortunate Decisions of Dahlia Moss by Max Wirestone

, by KT

The Unfortunate Decisions of Dahlia Moss by Max Wirestone

For anyone who has ever geeked out about something and for fans of The Guild, New Girl, Scott Pilgrim, Big Bang Theory, Veronica Mars.

Meet Dahlia Moss, the reigning queen of unfortunate decision-making in the St. Louis area. She is unemployed, broke, and on her last bowl of ramen. But that's all about to change.

Before Dahlia can make her life any messier on her own she's offered a job. A job that she's woefully under-qualified for. A job that will lead her to a murder, an MMORPG, and possibly a fella (or two?).

The Unfortunate Decisions of Dahlia Moss by Max Wirestone navigating the tenuous divide between the absurd and the hilarious, and manages quite well.

The odds of Dahlia successfully navigating adulthood are 3,720 to 1. But never tell her the odds.

Meet Dahlia Moss, the reigning queen of unfortunate decision-making in the St. Louis area. Unemployed broke, and on her last bowl of ramen, she's not living her best life. But that's all about to change.

Before Dahlia can make her life any messier on her own she's offered a job. A job that she's woefully under-qualified for. A job that will lead her to a murder, an MMORPG, and possibly a fella (or two?).

Turns out unfortunate decisions abound, and she's just the girl to deal with them.

Dahlia Moss is broke and unemployed, one might even say chronically. Her social life is likewise abysmal. Her roommate, Charice, is a buggy, (no, really, there's unexpected surveillance), and sometimes ridiculous force of nature prone to scheming and basking in any sort of attention. However, one thing Dahlia does have going for her is she knows her way around video games.

Of note is the fact that she's not a detective. Not a licensed detective, this is an important distinction, but not one that will stop her from getting her spear. Yes, there's a spear to be found, a murder to be solved, and is essential. The police are not amused by any of this, and perhaps most of all, Dahlia's interference. However, some of these same cops can’t recognize the insidious power of Candy Crush, so their contempt should be taken with a drop or three of invisibility oil.

Something else Dahlia has in spades is a low-level of embarrassment at her lack of accomplishments - she's distanced herself from college friends because of her lack of a good career, and that sort of determination most millennials will recognized. We may not know how something is going to turn out, but we'll figure out a way to get to our destination, be it Zoth or the Land of Secure Employment and Retirement. Maybe it can be unlocked after reaching level 30 in Kingdoms of Zoth.

Readers who are any type of geek will enjoy the many pop culture references, the story’s use of, and respect for gaming culture, which can be presented as zany, but is never denigrated, and a heroine who finds her footing, even in costume and while juggling a lyre.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
The BiblioSanctum
Badass Book Reviews

Shadow's End by Thea Harrison

, by KT

Shadow's End by Thea Harrison

Elder Races #9

The author of Lord’s Fall and Midnight’s Kiss returns with an enchanting and sizzling new tale about debts that cannot be repaid and hunger that cannot be satisfied…

For Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord, and Graydon, gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr, even the slightest desire for each other is forbidden. But two hundred years ago, after a desperate play to save Beluviel’s stepson left them indebted to the cruel Djinn Malphas, they found their fates inexorably linked together—and the hunger between them growing too strong to ignore…

Two centuries later, with their debt to Malphas coming due, Beluviel and Graydon realize that, if they are to stand any chance of saving their souls, they must once again work together—this time more closely than ever before. But every moment they spend with each other brings them nearer to losing something even more vital—their hearts…

This is one of those books that brings everything together in a long running series. There's been so many different pieces leading up to this book and so many threads, that it was really enjoyable to finally see how everything ties together. From the elves, to the Djinn, the Nightkind, plenty of politics, and a long running forbidden romance, this book has so much going on tying those threads together from all the books and I enjoyed every moment of it.

The convergence of all the threads would have kept me more than thrilled with the book, but when you consider that I've loved Graydon from the very first book, the romance took things a step further. Sure their epic love affair is a bit of a instalove stretch if you really think about it, but it worked nonetheless. I couldn't help feeling so much for Graydon and Beluviel, making for the best kind of romance.

I could go on and on, but I'll keep vague to avoid spoiling. A seriously game changing installment in the Elder Races series, SHADOW'S END is a must read for fans of the series. It proves once and for all that Thea Harrison is a master at her craft and I can't wait to see what happens next.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
Hot Listens
Red Hot Books
Smexy Books

Previous Books:
1. Dragon Bound
2. Storm's Heart
3. Serpent's Kiss
4. Oracle's Moon
5. Lord's Fall
6. Kinked
6.5. Dragos Takes a Holiday

6.6. Pia Saves the Day

6.7. Peanut Goes to School

7. Night's Honor

8. Midnight's Kiss

8.5. Dragos Goes to Washington

Happy Thanksgiving!

, by KT

We want to wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving. We'll be taking a bit of time off here to refresh and spend with our families and we hope you get to do the same!

Review: Pia Does Hollywood by Thea Harrison

, by KT

Pia Does Hollywood by Thea Harrison

Elder Races #8.6

After making a diplomatic pact with humankind and the other leaders of the Elder Races, Pia Cuelebre, mate to Dragos Cuelebre, Lord of the Wyr, reluctantly heads to Hollywood to spend a week with the Light Fae Queen, Tatiana, before the busy Masque season hits New York in December.

Dragos has never let the lack of an invitation stop him from doing anything he wanted. Unwilling to let his mate make the trip without him, he travels to southern California in secret to be with her.

But when an ancient enemy launches a shattering assault against the Light Fae, Dragos and Pia must intercede. The destruction threatens to spread and strike a mortal blow against all of the magically gifted, both human and Elder Race alike.

Working with the Light Fae to neutralize the danger, Dragos and Pia find their deepest vulnerabilities challenged and their most closely held secrets threatened with exposure.

I really love these novellas that bring us back to my favorite pair, Dragos and Pia. They always seem to get themselves in such a mess, and this time around is no exception. They really "stepped" in it this time, and I was thoroughly entertained watching their latest fiasco unravel. There's so much going on in this novella despite it's short length, and I found myself wishing for just a bit more by the end. Everything continued at a frenetic pace to the point where I wanted this to be a full length book and slow down to expand on things. Who am I kidding though... I'd find any reason to ask for a full length featuring Dragos and Pia. There's just something electric about the pair that keeps me wanting more. And I'm thankful for any tastes we get to see of the pair. So all in all, I highly recommend PIA DOES HOLLYWOOD to fans of the series. There's some pretty interesting and important reveals as well as a great deal of fun that you won't want to miss!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
Love Affair with an e-Reader
Tome Tender
The Window Seat on a Rainy Day

Previous Books:
1. Dragon Bound
2. Storm's Heart
3. Serpent's Kiss
4. Oracle's Moon
5. Lord's Fall
6. Kinked
6.5. Dragos Takes a Holiday

6.6. Pia Saves the Day

6.7. Peanut Goes to School

7. Night's Honor

8. Midnight's Kiss

8.5. Dragos Goes to Washington

Kirsten Reviews: Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier

, by KT

Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier

Blackthorn & Grim #2

Award-winning author Juliet Marillier’s “lavishly detailed”* Blackthorn & Grim series continues as a mysterious creature holds an enchanted and imperiled ancient Ireland in thrall.

Disillusioned healer Blackthorn and her companion, Grim, have settled in Dalriada to wait out the seven years of Blackthorn’s bond to her fey mentor, hoping to avoid any dire challenges. But trouble has a way of seeking out Blackthorn and Grim.

Lady Geiléis, a noblewoman from the northern border, has asked for the prince of Dalriada’s help in expelling a howling creature from an old tower on her land—one surrounded by an impenetrable hedge of thorns. Casting a blight over the entire district, and impossible to drive out by ordinary means, it threatens both the safety and the sanity of all who live nearby. With no ready solutions to offer, the prince consults Blackthorn and Grim.

As Blackthorn and Grim begin to put the pieces of this puzzle together, it’s apparent that a powerful adversary is working behind the scenes. Their quest is about to become a life and death struggle—a conflict in which even the closest of friends can find themselves on opposite sides.

Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier is the newest book in her Blackthorn and Grim series.

Disillusioned healer Blackthorn and her companion, Grim, have settled in Dalriada to wait out the seven years of Blackthorn’s bond to her fey mentor, hoping to avoid any dire challenges. But trouble has a way of seeking out Blackthorn and Grim.

Lady Geiléis, a noblewoman from the northern border, has asked for the prince of Dalriada’s help in expelling a howling creature from an old tower on her land—one surrounded by an impenetrable hedge of thorns. Casting a blight over the entire district, and impossible to drive out by ordinary means, it threatens both the safety and the sanity of all who live nearby. With no ready solutions to offer, the prince consults Blackthorn and Grim.

The story picks up shortly after the conclusion of Dreamer’s Pool, the first book in the series. The story is told from the perspective of Grim, Blackthorn, and the person who they are attempting to help, in this case, Lady Geleis. Of note, her motives are not straightforward, and this complicates the protagonists’ work and also serves to heighten the overall tension of the book.

As with most series, the second book is an opportunity for the author to expand on the world, its people and rules, and this is the case in Tower of Thorns, allowing Marillier to delve further into the politics, family relationships, and religious beliefs.

While Blackthorn and Grim have been damaged by the things they have been through, their strength and abilities are explored further, and their bond strengthened by the challenges they face in this book. They are not cheerful adventurers, and their complicated histories and the lessons they are learning, serves to help them heal as much as it does the people they seek to help.

As a whole, the book moves the characters forward, but does not put them on a pedestal, keeping them on a path that will compel them to grow, which will make readers eager to read further books in the series.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
Rabid Reads
The Bibliosanctum
The Eater of Books!

Previous Books:
1. Dreamer's Pool

Release Day Review: Fangs for the Memories

, by KT

Fangs for the Memories by Molly Harper

Half-Moon Hollow #4.5

How did Andrea and Dick Cheney fall in love? Join Half-Moon Hollow’s favorite couple for a trip down memory lane—to a time when Mr. Wainwright was newly dead, Jane Jameson was a newbie vampire, and a budding paranormal romance was not yet uncorked…

Half-Moon Hollow’s supernatural social event of the season—Zeb’s Titanic-themed werewolf wedding—is coming up, and Dick Cheney (not that Dick Cheney!) needs a date. But Andrea’s had enough of clever, handsome, and rakish to last a lifetime, and Dick Cheney is certainly not the sort of man you bring home to mom (not that Andrea’s deadist parents are speaking to her ever since she dropped out of college and became a blood surrogate.) Shameless, relentless, roguish, with a Stetson-worthy swagger, a naughty sparkle in his eyes, and a constant smirk—oh, and fangs—no, Dick is the last person (er…vampire) Andrea wants to date.

But the infuriatingly irresistible man who lives quietly on the edge of a criminal underworld knows exactly what he wants, and once he surprises Andrea with a thrilling hot and dirty kiss behind the paranormal bookshop, she knows what she wants too: Dick. All it takes to ignite their unconventional courtship is a near-undeath experience that confronts Dick with a choice between turning Andrea, losing her forever, or tapping into his countless shady resources).

I'm a huge fan of the Half-Moon hollows series. There's just something so comforting about them. In fact this series is one of my favorites to listen to on audio for rereads. And with each new book, I always know I'll get a solid block of entertainment and hilarity that will have me laughing out loud. Fangs for the Memories is no exception. This one is a bit different from the rest of the series as it goes back a bit in time to the beginning of Dick and Andrea's relationship. I've always wanted to see more about how this rough, roguish, and slightly sheevy vampire could win over the polished Andrea's heart. Of course knowing everything we do now so much further in the series, Dick's no where as bad as he seemed. But this story takes place before all that and I really enjoyed the further insight. It only made me love Andrea and Dick even more. So, all in all this is a fun little treat for fans of the series that's not too be missed.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
Rabid Reads
Reanne Reads
Give Me Books

Previous Books:
1. The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires
1.5. Driving Mr. Dead
2. A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses
2.5. Undead Sublet
2.7. I'm Dreaming of an Undead Christmas
3. The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire
4. The Single Undead Moms Club