A Book Obsession..

Early Review: Darkness Raging by Yasmine Galenorn

, by KT

Darkness Raging by Yasmine Galenorn

Otherworld #18

The New York Times bestselling author of Panther Prowlingreturns to the Otherworld where one of the D’Artigo sisters faces a terrifying challenge that’s more personal than she ever could have imagined.

We're the D'Artigo sisters: savvy half-human, half-Fae ex-operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. My sister Camille is a wicked-good witch. Delilah is a two-faced werecat and a Death Maiden. And me? I'm Menolly, a vampire married to a gorgeous werepuma. As the war in Otherworld arrives, Blood Wyne, Queen of the Vampires, summons me. Apparently, my position as Roman's consort entails more than I imagined...

As the Demon Lord Shadow Wing creates his own sinister version of the Keraastar Knights—the guardians of the spirit seals—to destroy the portals and free himself from the Sub Realms, his ally, the necromancer Telazhar, leads an assault from Otherworld into the streets of Seattle. And my sisters and I are caught dead center.

Then, on the eve of war, my wife, Nerissa, is captured. The enemy demands we surrender the rest of the spirit seals, or they are going to kill her. I will do anything to save her. Even if it means leading an army of vampires into the very depths of the Subterranean Realms...

This series has been very long running, and in my review of the last book I had mentioned that I felt it has been going on almost too long. There was a lot of rinse and repeat it felt, and I have to admit I was a bit leery to read this one as a result. That being said, DARKNESS RAGING felt a lot fresher than recent installments, and I found myself enjoying it a good bit more. It reads almost like a series ending book which I appreciated. From what I understand, Yasmine will be publishing further installments on her own, but she ended this last book with her publisher in a place that will leave readers satisfied if they choose to stop. Again this is something I appreciate as the series wasn't really working for me anymore. But who knows, I still may give future books a try, but if not, I'm largely happy with how things turned out. So fans of the series should be pleased with DARKNESS RAGING and the progression/resolution of many of the long running threads.

One complaint I did have with the book despite the resolution was the romance, which frankly led me to skim parts of the book. As much as I enjoy romance in my urban fantasies, I have to admit this one drives me a bit batty. Sure, Menolly and Nerissa have a really strong love for one another, but I feel like that fact is constantly pounded into my head due to the complication with Roland. There was a glimmer of hope for a better balance in the mid part of this book, but even so, it seemed every interaction between the three of them had to mention/reinforce that while Menolly and Roland have a bond, it will never be anything compared to her and Nerissa. It was just too much of the same point over and over again, leaving me a bit frustrated.

But back to the good, there's plenty of action this time around, and things with Shadow Wing finally come to a head. I won't spoil things, but suffice it to say that overall DARKNESS RAGING kept me entertained and satisfied by the end with both the book and the series. Fans of this long running series should be pleased as well.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Previous Books:

1. Witchling

2. Changeling

3. Darkling

4. Dragon Wytch

5. Night Huntress

6. Demon Mistress

7. Bone Magic

8. Harvest Hunting

9. Blood Wyne

10. Courting Darkness

11. Shaded Vision

12. Shadow Rising

13. Haunted Moon

14. Autumn Whispers

15. Crimson Veil

15.5. Flight from Hell

16. Priestess Dreaming

17. Panther Prowling

Release Day Review: The Brimstone Deception by Lisa Shearin

, by KT

The Brimstone Deception by Lisa Shearin

SPI Files #3

Men in Black meets Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum in the new urban fantasy novel starring seer Makenna Fraser and her fellow agents at Supernatural Protection & Investigation.

The agents of Supernatural Protection & Investigations (SPI) know that fighting evil is a full-time job, especially when a new designer drug—with mind-blowing side effects—hits the streets...

It’s called Brimstone. And after the first few hits, you’ll see every supernatural beast sharing the sidewalk, train, or office with you. After that, you’ll start seeing the really scary stuff.

I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for the SPI. And the collateral damage caused by Brimstone is something I’d like to unsee: dead drug dealers missing their hearts—and souls. Because your local pusher doesn’t stand a chance against the new cartel muscling its way into New York. And since the drug can only be produced with magic and molten brimstone fresh from Hell, that means a rift to the underworld is open somewhere in the city.

And when—not if—the cartel loses control of it, well...

It’s going to be Hell on earth.

Makenna and crew are back at it again, and boy is this one a doozy. Considering these events start just two days after the last book's crazy events, it made things even more intense. Sure, crime never takes a holiday, but geeze, at some point a girl needs a break. Well more of a break than forced infirmary visits that is. In fact, it's rather impressive how much character growth and development the author is able to pack into these books considering how frenetic the pacing is and how short the timeline is. I fell in love with Mac even more in THE BRIMSTONE DEFECTION. She's snarky and fun, fierce and yet so vulnerable all at the same time. The dance she and Rake are doing around one another is nothing short of fully amusing. Sure I'd have liked a bit more progression there with the romance part of that, but again given that seriously short timeline, it makes sense to have the bit of a slower burn. Now I just have to wait until next year to see what happens next.

It's a shame this series has only released one book a year as they are incredible reads that as soon as I finish I only want more. They are truly urban fantasy at its finest. There's the incredible world, fantastic characters full of depth, heart pounding action, and so much more. Trust me if you haven't started this series yet, you'll want to move it to the very top of your list. THE BRIMSTONE DEFECTION only serves to further prove that The SPI Files is one heck of a series that is not to be missed. I can't wait for more!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Vampire Book Club

Previous Books:
1. The Grendel Affair
2. The Dragon Conspiracy

Review: Driven by Kelley Armstrong

, by KT

Driven by Kelley Armstrong

Otherworld Stories #13.6

Cains are known for being big, brutish and not-too-bright. The mutt clan embodies all the supernatural world’s worst stereotypes about werewolves. But not even the Cains deserve to be hunted down and skinned like animals.

When young Davis Cain comes to the Pack for help, Alpha Elena Michaels can’t refuse him. It isn't about morality or justice. It’s about not letting anyone think they can do this to werewolves and get away with it.

But Elena is also dealing with the Pack’s homegrown monster—Malcolm Danvers, onetime enforcer, full-time psycho. Malcolm is now under Elena’s control, as part of the most difficult decision she’s had to make as leader. But if she has to let Malcolm in, she’s going to make full use of him…and the best person to catch monsters is one who knows exactly how they think.

I'm always amazed at the quality of these longer novellas Kelley puts out through Subterranean Press. Everything part about them is perfect, not only the stories themselves but the imagery as well, and DRIVEN is no exception. Despite the series technically ending at book Thirteen, there has been so much going on afterward, and I love seeing things continue. This time around really felt almost like it's own full novel with the main plot and dangers therein, not to mention the Malcolm issues taking full stage as well. Add in the dynamics between the growing pack and seeing the twins mature even more, and this was one heck of a treat to read. Sure it's a bit short compared to the full lengths, but it's got so much packed in that shorter length, the only thing you're missing is the longer drawn out stuff you'd find in a full length book. Trust me, this read is well worth the price.

All in all, Driven is an absolute must read for fans of the series.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
One Book Two
Paperback Wonderland
The Armchair Librarian

Previous Books:
1. Bitten
2. Stolen
3. Dime Store Magic
4. Industrial Magic
5. Haunted
6. Broken
7. No Humans Involved
8. Personal Demon
9. Living With the Dead
10. Frostbitten
11. Waking the Witch
12. Spell Bound
13. Thirteen
13.1. Brazen
13.2. Bounty Hunt
13.3. Forsaken

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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Other Reviews:
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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Other Reviews:
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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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!