A Book Obsession..

Waiting on Wednesday (24)

, by KT

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

My pick this week:

Angelfire

by Courtney Allison Moulton

Publication Date: February 15th, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: Angelfire

First there are nightmares.

Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.

When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.

Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Review: Death's Sweet Embrace by Tracey O'Hara

, by KT

Death's Sweet Embrace by Tracey O'Hara

Dark Brethren #2

Teenage shapeshifters are being slaughtered by a sadistic serial killer who rips their still-beating hearts from their paralyzed bodies. A task force forms to halt the madness-a union of avengers including the vampiric Aeternus Antoinette Petrescu, as well as Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, members of enemy Animalian tribes...and forbidden lovers.

A centuries-old blood feud has divided their shapeshifting peoples, and if their passion is discovered it will doom them both. But past hostilities must be put aside, for the killer they seek is but the first sign of a blossoming terror rising from ancient history: the all-consuming nightmare of The Dark Brethren.

After losing her brother, Dylan, in the last book, Kitt is just trying to start over. When her ex-lover and their shared twins that she hasn't seen since their birth show up at the academy she is teaching at Kitt nearly loses it. She doesn't even get a chance to breathe before she is thrown into a investigation into a serial killer that is preying on the students of the academy. Things get really messy when the group realizes that the symbols that are carved into the victim's chest point to an evil ancient threat that could mean the death or enslavement of every last parahuman. They must all work together to stop the killer before it's too late because the threat is bigger than any of them could possibly realize.

The main characters from the last book returned for this one. While Christian only shows up for a small cameo appearance, Antoinette and Oberon play an important role. However the focus of this book really is the star crossed lovers, Kitt and Raven. Their history is extremely complex with a ton of baggage. When Kitt gave birth to their twins, she gave them up to protect them and spent the next 20 years trying to get her status in the pride reinstated. Raven disappeared at the same time, only to reappear when the pride found the girls. Their attraction to one another is so strong that neither can really resist even though being together is a recipe for disaster.

I loved Raven's character. When things went bad and their twins were hidden from Kitt's pride, he abandoned his pack and traveled with the girls to stay with them and help raise them. After they were found almost 20 years later, he came back with them at a great risk to himself despite the bounty on his head. He is highly trained and is definitely someone you would want to have in your corner. He also didn't seem to lose any of love for Kitt despite all that time apart. My feelings about Kitt's character are a little more murky. There isn't really a definable reason, but I just couldn't seem to feel a real connection to her. Perhaps it is because she chose to abandon her daughters to be raised by someone else rather then standing up and fighting to keep them. She just didn't seem to have much of a backbone and I prefer my heroines to be strong.

I enjoyed this book even more than I did the first one. While the first one served as a good introduction into the world and characters, this one really cemented my connection to the characters. I really liked how all of the characters were important to the story and not just the two lovers. The "big bad" threat is just starting to reveal itself and I think the group in in store for a world of danger. In the next book I'm hoping Oberon will be the focus, as the grumpy old bear could use a little love in his life. All in all it was a good read with some really interesting characters and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment.

(Received from Netgalley)
Rating:

Pre-Order at Amazon:
Death's Sweet Embrace: A Dark Brethren Novel

Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
Paranormal Romance
Shifter

It's Monday! What are you reading (24)

, 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.

Here's what I read this past week:

Need By Carrie Jones (Review)
Arcane Circle by Linda Robertson (Review)

I started the Need series, and so far I like it. I love the covers, and I was hoping the story would live up to them. I also read Linda Robertson's latest book, Arcane Circle. I LOVE this series. Persephone is really an awesome character, with a heart of gold as well as some major determination. I devoured it in one setting, and I'm actually even more desperate for the next one to come out. Sometimes waiting for books can be really hard, and this series is definitely one of them.

My upcoming list:

Death's Sweet Embrace (Early Review)
Awakened by PC Cast

2010 Year in Review

, by KT

Hey guys! I can't believe that it is the end of the year already, but here it is. I just wanted to post a recap of the past year on the blog. I started reading again after not being able to for year because of a vision problem. That all changed when my hubby bought me a kindle, and it has been absolutely wonderful. In fact I was reading so much that in May right after the RT Convention. I decided to start this blog. Here are my accomplishments for the year:

I read 300 books this year. That is just incredible! Sometimes I wish I read a little slower, as my wallet would thank be, but then I wouldn't get to read as many great books either. I'll probably wind up reading a little less in 2011 as the next semester will be absolutely insane, but that is okay because I will finally graduate.
I wrote 96 Reviews that posted on the blog, as well as several more that will post in 2011.
I hosted two giveaways and I hope to do many more in the upcoming year.

I hope everyone has enjoyed my blog this year, and will continue to in 2011. I hope to keep bringing quality material to you as well as interact with the awesome book blogging community. You guys are really Awesome!!

Follow Friday & Book Blogger Hop (22)

, by KT

On Fridays I participate in both Follow Friday and the Book Blogger Hop.

Follow Fridays is hosted by Parajunkee's View, and is just Fridays.

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books, and runs Friday to Monday. There are new rules for the hop, so make sure to check out Crazy for Books for the details.

No Hop scheduled this week.. Have a Merry Christmas!!

This week's question from Parajunkee:

What are your new years book blogging resolutions?

I've never been one for setting resolutions. I'll just have to say that I want to keep reading tons of books as it is my favorite past time. I also want to keep up with the blog and my determination to have at least two reviews posted a week no matter how busy I am. I've been working really hard to get a bunch scheduled in advance, so even when I am really busy I will be prepared.

Review: Arcane Circle by Linda Robertson

, by KT

Arcane Circle by Linda Robertson

Persephone Alcmedi #4

Even magic can’t solve everything. . . .

After facing down the forces of Fairy in mortal combat, Persephone Alcmedi still must deal with the aftermath. Not only does Seph now possess deadly secrets she must hide from the arcane and mundane world alike, but the dozens of magical creatures who’ve taken up residence behind her cornfield need food and shelter, and there’s still her foster daughter Beverly’s tenth birthday party to plan.

And that’s not all. . . . Seph’s boyfriend Johnny has revealed himself as the wærewolf Domn Lup, and the ruler of the wære world is en route from Romania to make sure Johnny really is the “king” he claims to be. But Johnny’s hiding a dangerous secret: his magic is locked in his mysterious tattoos. He and Seph must find a way for him to reclaim it—fast—despite those who have no intention of letting Johnny gain his full powers. Seph knows that, in the arcane world, strength is always a necessity and power must be constantly proven, but how far is she willing to go to succeed . . . and at what cost?

After the events of the last book Persephone was left pretty much in shambles. Johnny was wounded, perhaps fatally, and many of their allies were killed by the fairies before Seph could get the gate shut. What's even worse is the fact that Menessos's life, or well, undeath, hangs in the balance. She had to stake him in the previous book in order to sever his tie with the fairies and banish them from this world. Only time will tell if he will awaken as a true member of the undead, or whether that staking killed him for good. Before any of them even get a chance to even lick their wounds, Johnny and Seph find out the leader of all the wæres is coming to visit, and it doesn't seem like he wants to hand over any of his "power" and acknowledge him as king. Of course her choice to become Menessos's Court Witch in the last book is still causing problems, as well as a certain elder witches death. But what else can you expect for the the Lustrata, the bringer of balance. It will only get worse before it gets better.

In the last book, the tensions between Johnny, Seph, and Menessos really came to a head. Seph realized that she had strong feelings for both of them, but she couldn't really quantify them. She knows she is very attracted to Johnny and quite possibly in love with him but she also knows the same could be said about Menessos, even though she would wish otherwise. This love triangle issue really took a back seat in this book since there were much more pressing matters, such as the question of Menessos's life in the balance and the race to unlock Johnny's powers. However, there were different events that made me believe that it could potentially cause some major problems in the future. I'm not usually the type of person to wish for the heroine in the book to keep both the men, but in this situation I think she needs both of them equally, albeit each in their own way. It's just a matter of the three of them first accepting this fact, and then learning to cooperate with each other and find a good balance.

The focus of this book was definitely more on Johnny and the wæres rather than the vampires. Don't get me wrong, Seph is still in the thick of it with the vampires, but they definitely took a back seat in this book. Considering the fact that Johnny never really wanted anything to do with wære politics, nor wanted his birthright as the Domn Lup, he seems to be handling his new responsibilities well and really steps up to the plate. Seph really worries about him losing himself in the mess and changing too much, but I don't think that will happen. Of course he will change some, but at his core he will still be the man she is falling for. He still will choose good over evil and stand by her side through everything. It's just going to be a matter of trying to prioritize and learn some balance. Luckily he has a good teacher, the Lustrata.

I enjoyed this book, perhaps not quite as much as the last one due to the lack of Menessos having a major role, but other than that it was really good. I really love both Johnny and Menessos, especially when the time is balanced between them. This may make me greedy wanting both men for her, but I just think they would work well. After some hard truths were learned in this book as well as someone from Seph's past showing up and majorly conflicting things, I cannot wait for the next book. It will be interesting to see what is in store as more and more of the supernatural community starts to find out who Seph really is. As of yet, most do not seem to be reacting very well, but with her iron-clad determination I know she won't give up until her destiny is fulfilled.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Arcane Circle (Persephone Alcmedi 4)

Waiting on Wednesday (23)

, by KT

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

My pick this week:

The Iron Witch

by Karen Mahoney

Publication Date: February 8th, 2011

Amazon Pre-Order: The Iron Witch

Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

Review: Need by Carrie Jones

, by KT

Need by Carrie Jones

Need #1

Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal.

Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.

With suspense, romance, and paranormal themes, this exciting breakout novel has all the elements to keep teens rapidly turning the pages.

When her father died, it left Zara nearly dead inside. In a last ditch effort to "wake" her up, Zara's mother sends her to live with her Gram in Alaska. She quickly gets wrapped up in a mess that has been going on for years. Boys are going missing and it's happened before. Meanwhile a mysterious man keeps following her and soon starts trying to draw her out. It seems like he would stop at nothing to get her. The more she digs, the more secrets she uncovers, and she unravels something about her past that is absolutely shocking. In order to survive she must quickly swallow her fears and face them or someone else may just pay the price.

The love interest, Nick, is a very uncommon character. In most books the guy is very "experienced" and the girl usually isn't. In this book however, both of the characters are pretty "pure." Nick hasn't ever even kissed a girl. I found this to be a refreshing change of pace. It makes their relationship so much sweeter. I also love his flaws as they make him all the more endearing. Zara's main flaw on the other hand are not quite so endearing. She tends to over emphasize her desire to stop the world's atrocities that she completely forgets about the here and now. However, when you put that aside, she is a pretty interesting character that is very selfless.

This books was extremely fast paced, to the point where at times I felt like I was missing something. The book just seemed to be so condensed that it actually skipped over a lot of the build up. One example would be the almost instant friendship between Zara, Issie, and Devyn. I would have liked to have seen more of the beginnings of the friendship to make it just a little more realistic. I just didn't really feel everything was established between them well enough so I had a hard time feeling a connection between them.

All in all I found this to be a pretty good book. The pacing was very quick and it was incredibly hard to put down. The resolution at the end was a temporary one at best, and promises for a very interesting continuation of the series. I look forward to digging deeper into the world of pixies and weres and the parts these great character play in it.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Need

It's Monday! What are you reading (23)

, by KT

Counterfeit Magic (Women of the Otherworld)

My Soul to Steal (Soul Screamers, Book 4)

Counterfeit Magic by Kelley Armstrong (Review)
My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent (Review)

I finally got my copy of Counterfeit Magic, the collector's novella by Kelley Armstrong. Let me just say that it is GORGEOUS! The story was pretty good too. I also read my ARC of My Soul to Steal that I received from Rachel Vincent.Very good book!

My upcoming list:

Need by Carrie Jones
Arcane Circle by Linda Robertson

Follow Friday & Book Blogger Hop (22)

, by KT

On fridays I participate in both Follow Friday and the Book Blogger Hop.

What are your plans for Christmas?

I plan to spend the day with my hubby and kiddos, and then my parents later in the day. It will be nice to relax and watch the kids open their presents. I love this time of year.