A Book Obsession..

It's Monday What Are You Reading (140)

, by KT

It's Monday! What Are You Reading, is hosted by Book Journey, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Reviews for the past week:

Immortally Embraced by Angie Fox (Review)

"Steamy moments, hilarious interludes, and a killer plot, what's not to love? An excellent second installment the Monster M*A*S*H series, IMMORTALLY EMBRACED is perfect for fans of the grittier side of Paranormal Romance."

Iron Kin by M.J. Scott (Early Review)

"Since this series has been a pretty good blend of paranormal romance/urban fantasy in the previous books, the lessor romantic developments this time around did disappoint me."

Kirsten's Book of the Week:

The Golden Age of Death by Amber Benson (Review)

"Callie’s journey comes to an end in a way that will make most loyal readers happy."

Other Posts:

Book Birthdays featured 2 new releases for this week.

Hot Blooded by Amanda Carlson was featured for Waiting on Wednesday

This week's Bargain Books & Kindle Deals

Let's Talk about Books to Movies!

We received 11 books in the past two weeks. Check out our Stacking the Shelves to see which ones.

Upcoming List:

Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs (Review)
Taken by Erin Bowman (Early Review)

Kirsten Reviews: TBD

Stacking the Shelves (22)

, by KT

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

Here's the books that we have received in the last two weeks:

For Review:

Thank you Roc, Ace, & Signet!!

From Netgalley:

Thank you Little Brown & Orbit!!
From Edelweis:

Thank you Katherine Tegan Books, HarperTeen, & Avon!!
Bought:

Early Review: Iron Kin by M.J. Scott

, by KT

Iron Kin by M.J. Scott

The Half-Light City #3

Imagine a city divided. Fae and human mages on one side, vampire Blood Lords and shape-shifting Beast Kind on the other. Between these supernatural forces stands a peace treaty that threatens to shatter at the slightest provocation….

I was raised to do the right thing. But to my family that means staying safe behind the walls of human society. To be a respectable metalmage and never put myself at risk. But the treaty is faltering. And if it fails, nothing is safe. To help save the city and everyone I care about, I will use whatever means I can to ensure the negotiations to renew the treaty are successful—even if that means forging an alliance with a man who is the very opposite of the right thing….

Fen is trouble. Wild. He would rather bind himself in iron and drink himself into oblivion than learn to master the visions that come to him. Those visions might just hold the key to peace, and it seems that my power might hold the key to his control—if I can keep it around him….

The fragile peace between the different races is held by a treaty, one that must be renegotiated every five years. Without it, the Bloods, Beast Kind, Fae, and humans would stay locked in a brutal war that would cost untold deaths. Saskia DuCaine inherited the same fierce need to help others that her older brothers have. However, unlike her brothers, she has been kept sheltered and not allowed to place herself in danger. But with the negotiations coming right around the corner, Saskia, is determined not to stay on the sidelines any longer, and will do anything to ensure her place. Fen, on the other hand wants nothing to do with the negotiations, but his ability to see the future is a crucial advantage the humans need. Only problem is that his visions are impossible to control and cause him debilitating pain. But through a mysterious twist of fate, Saskia's touch blocks his visions and gives him a respite from the misery. The two of them will have to learn to work together, and fast as something is brewing on the horizon and it doesn't look good for the humans.

The previous two book in this series have been very strong in both romance and the current/overall series plot. However, this time around in IRON KIN, while the plot(s) were still very strong, I felt the romance to be lacking. Well, perhaps lacking isn't quite the word. It's just that I don't feel like it was developed to its full potential. In fact I was more engrossed with the early build up and sexual tension than I was with the actual romance once things started to progress. In all honesty I felt incredibly let down by all of it. I understand that there was a whole lot going on around them, so there wasn't a whole lot of room for sexy interludes. But in the same token, in order for me to really believe in a relationship and get the full feeling from it, I just need a little more actual involvement. I felt like I was being told about their love rather than getting to actually feel it along with them. It was like all of the good middle stuff was glossed over and the reader was just supposed to fill in the blanks of Saskia and Fen's relationship.

There was a whole lot going on at once in IRON KIN, so much so that it did become a little overwhelming at times. Especially since none of the multiple plot threads were really settled by the end. I have appreciated the way this series has a strong overall arc as that helps to really tie books together despite the character focus rotation. However, I feel that this time around the focus was too strongly placed on the overall plot arc rather than any current one. It just made me feel like there was a lack of forward momentum. Don't get me wrong, plenty happened in IRON KIN, but nothing was quite settled, so it just didn't give me the sense of satisfaction I would like. That being said, I think the next book will be the last in the series, so perhaps everything was left so open in order to prepare for the final showdown.

Since this series has been a pretty good blend of paranormal romance/urban fantasy in the previous books, the lessor romantic development this time around did disappoint me, but then again, I am a very romance driven person. Even so it would have been a bit easier to overlook if the multiple plot threads had of come together a bit more solidly. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed IRON KIN, in fact with the way things ended, I am rather anxious to get my hands on the next installment to see what happens next.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Pre-order:

Other Reviews:

Previous Books:

Let's Talk With Smash & Kt (21)

, by KT

Welcome to the Let’s Talk weekly discussion meme!

Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another! Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!
We'd love to hear any ideas you have for questions. Submit them Here.

This week's question:

Are too many books being made into movies? (Thank you Krista/The Dust JACKet)

I don't think so. In fact as I sit here writing this (2/14), I'm super anxious for this weekend as I'll finally get to see Beautiful Creatures. I just love seeing my favorite characters come to life. that being said, I will always think books are far superior to movies, and I do get annoyed at the changes they make in the movie adaptations. Well, let me rephrase that, I don't mind the minor changes made that are necessary due to the change in format. I just don't care for the big ones, like the way they changed the end of Breaking Dawn part 2. I also hate it when big chunks are left out as I think the tone changes drastically because of it. But still, there's just something so interesting about seeing those characters come to life on the big screen.

What do you think?

Kirsten Reviews: The Golden Age of Death by Amber Benson

, by KT

The Golden Age of Death by Amber Benson

Calliope Reaper-Jones #5

Meet Amber Benson's "authentically original creation" (Locus)…

My name is Calliope Reaper-Jones (Callie to my friends). I’m Death’s Daughter and—as of very recently—the (reluctant) head of my father’s company, Death, Inc.

I was gradually learning how to be a businesswoman. Had the power suits and shoes down, though the day to day was slow going. Then I was blindsided by Enemies Unknown and sent off to I-don’t-know-where. Not a good thing.

Now not only must my friends and family be frantic, but without a CEO, Death, Inc., can’t function. With the newly deceased left free to roam the Earth, it’s the zombie apocalypse come true.

I’ve got to get back—for my sake and the sake of, oh, all humanity…

The Golden Age of Death by Amber Benson finds Calliope Reaper-Jones, Death’s Daughter still acting as the head of her father’s company, Death, Inc. Not something that most people go to business school to do, but nonetheless, Callie is learning on the job. Then, just when she thinks things are starting to settle down, she’s attacked by unknown enemies and ends up someplace unfamiliar. The real issue is that without somebody acting as the head of Death, Inc. nobody can die properly. That means that they’re left to wander the earth as zombies. And that never goes well for anybody. Now Callie has to figure out how to get home again and prevent the zombie apocalypse, or at least reverse it a little bit, otherwise humanity’s chances are nil.

Benson has a firm grasp on Callie and her friends, but the rotating points of view are a little tiresome.

At times the writing is a bit too ‘tell’ instead of ‘show,’ and characters’ actions are described in too much detail. Giving readers insight into the characters via body language and other subtle clues would be better than telling us that somebody is trying to figure out how to react to something, and so on.

But, once the plot comes together, things start to move more smoothly. That isn’t to say that there aren’t rough patches. With so many plotlines and issues from the previous books to deal with, Benson has to bring them all together, and is mostly successful in getting everything to a good stopping point.

To nobody’s surprise, there is a powerful villain on the loose, but in addition to that, Callie’s exploits are catching up with her, and not only is she in danger, but anyone close to her has also been targeted. The way to deal with the first half of the story is to keep track of all the characters, even if they aren’t particularly interesting or likeable, although readers’ mileage will vary, and hang on for what is a somewhat rough ride until Callie gets a handle on her plan, and puts it into action.

As far as the series goes, Callie’s journey comes to an end in a way that will make most loyal readers happy.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:

Other Reviews:

Previous Books:

Death's Daughter
Cat's Claw
Serpent's Storm
How to be Death

Bargain Books & Kindle Deals (38)

, by KT

I've decided to make my Bargain Book and Kindle Deal finds a weekly feature here at A Book Obsession.. If you guys are anything like me, your book addiction can easily get out of hand, so any sales/deals are a huge help. If you like any of the deals below, I would appreciate if you use the affiliate links below. All earning support the giveaways here on the blog. :)

(Prices accurate as of 3/20)

If you find one of these kindle deals that has expired, please let me know in the comments. Thanks!

Bargain New Paperbacks/Hardcovers:

Kindle Deals:

$0.99

$1.99

$2.24-$2.99 $3.49-$3.99 $4.00-$5.99

Waiting on Wednesday (139)

, 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:

Hot Blooded - Jessica McClain #2

by Amanda Carlson

Publication Date: April 23rd, 2013

Pre-Order:

It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.

Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps.

Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers.

Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.

All in a day's work for a girl.

The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties...

Review: Immortally Embraced by Angie Fox

, by KT

Immortally Embraced by Angie Fox
Monster M*A*S*H #2

Even during a truce, Dr. Petra Robichaud has her hands full as the M*A*S*H surgeon to an army of warring gods—especially when Medusa herself turns up pregnant. Petra has no idea what to expect when a gorgon’s expecting, but she won’t let it turn her to stone. As the healer-hero of an ancient prophesy, it’s Petra’s job to keep the peace. But as the lover to a warrior demi-god, she knows how impossible some jobs can be…

Commander Galen is sexy, strong, and sworn to lead his team to hell and back. But when he announces to Petra that he can no longer risk her life for his love, the doctor is on her own…Until a mysterious new entity—in the form of a hot-blooded male—enters the picture. Can he be trusted? Can he be resisted? Meanwhile, an oracle delivers another prophesy that places Petra back on the frontlines with the man she may be bound to for eternity—in love, or in war…

Despite the ceasefire the gods have called, Dr. Petra Robichaud is busier than ever in her MASH Unit. But hey, the life experience is worth it right? I mean who else can say that they are the doctor to the pregnant Medusa? Still, life has been pretty good the past several weeks as she's had her lover, Galen by her side due to a tricky paperwork issue keeping him off the front lines. But they say all good things must come to an end, and Galen is recalled to his post on a secret mission. He's determined to make a clean break so she can move on. It was a blow she didn't seem coming, and she's not sure if her heart will survive. But then another shocking blow comes and another man enters her life, one she never would have expected. He's impossible to resist, but he couldn't be more wrong for her. With a new prophecy looming over her head, Petra is place in an impossible situation, one where the costs are higher than she ever could have imagined.

The world behind this series is incredibly rich between the insanely fun MASH setting, to the craziness that is the war between the old and new gods. I mean in what other book than this can you have so many different creatures and mythologies pulled off together at once so seamlessly? I love that even though the opposing sides are supposed to be in a ceasefire, they are still every bit as hostle towards one another. In fact, it would seem that their determination to see the other side fail has ratcheted up yet another notch. I really think it's just a powder keg waiting to explode, and those prophecies only make me more nervous with each reveal. Poor Petra, she's so stuck in the middle, and I really feel for her having to always be the focus of those nasty things. But at least despite her grumblings, she's probably the most capable one of handling what's been handed down to her.

I am a romance junkie. There's just something to be said about characters in love and all the tension leading up to those declarations. So it probably doesn't come as a surprise that I do not handle heartbreak well. In fact I try to avoid it if at all possible. When I first read the description for IMMORTALLY EMBRACED, I have to admit that I wasn't really thrilled. I just didn't want to see Petra's pain at losing Galen. That being said, I think it is a true testament to Angie Fox's writing skills that she was able to bring someone else in that didn't immediately ruffle my feathers. I'm a very loyal person, so I don't easily switch "teams" in my romances. However, I think the man in this story not only filled the holes Galen left, but repaired them as if they were never there. But, I do want to express that this man was anything but perfect, in fact he was rather closed off, stubborn, and downright obstinate at times. So much so that I was rather frustrated with him at times, and wished he would just open himself up to her. So, you are probably asking how did this man "fix" Petra, but I won't spoil the surprise. You'll just have to read IMMORTALLY EMBRACED to find out for yourself.

What made IMMORTALLY EMBRACED so impressive to me is that even while the intense plot was going on, the romance still held just as much limelight, making for my favorite kind of book. I mean, steamy moments, hilarious interludes, and a killer plot, what's not to love? An excellent second installment the Monster M*A*S*H series, IMMORTALLY EMBRACED is perfect for fans of the grittier side of Paranormal Romance.

(Received a copy from the author)

Rating: