Review: Blade Song by J.C. Daniels

Book: Blade Song by J.C. Daniels
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Buy A Copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Available Formats: Ebook

Publication Date: August 1st, 2012

Where Did I Get This Book: For Review, From Netgalley
First Sentence: "My sword arm is mighty. I will not falter. I will not fail. My aim is true. My heart is strong."
Description: Kit Colbana—half breed, assassin, thief, jack of all trades—has a new job: track down the missing ward of one of the local alpha shapeshifters. It should be a piece of cake.

So why is she so nervous? It probably has something to do with the insanity that happens when you deal with shifters—especially sexy ones who come bearing promises of easy jobs and easier money.

Or maybe it’s all the other missing kids that Kit discovers while working the case, or the way her gut keeps screaming she’s gotten in over her head. Or maybe it’s because if she fails—she’s dead.

If she can stay just one step ahead, she should be okay. Maybe she’ll even live long to collect her fee…

So, Blade Song. I honestly don't even know where to begin. I have so many thoughts flying around in my head that I am struggling with putting it into words. But for you, I will do my best. First of all let me say, that  I literally could not put this down. I declined an invitation to go to my favorite Chinese restaurant to finish Blade Song. If that doesn't tell you how awesome it was, then I don't know what will.

It has a lot of elements that Urban Fantasy readers are familiar with; werewolves, witches, vampires and a strong heroine who welds a sword. Sure, it's been done before. I'll bet you can name 10 books right now that contain these elements. But for some reason, this did not bother me. Guys, Blade Song was just that good.

Let's begin with Kit. Kit is our resident badass. She is half-aneira, which is an ancient race of assassins. Kit has had a extremely difficult life and it has made her into beautifully flawed character... which makes her easy to rally behind. You care about her and want to see her succeed. She's a determined little thing that simply refuses to fail. I love that quality in a heroine. But what I really love about our dearest Kit is that she is smart. She is well aware of her shortcomings and thinks before she acts. She knows that she isn't as strong as some of the creatures she goes up against and she keeps her head.

With that being said, I felt like Kit's personality faltered at times; she would sort of go in and out of character. The main occurrence that stood out in my mind is when she was considering a future with Damon. Daniels built Kit up as this woman who needed to be independent. She had been badly damaged in the past and she drew strength from being on her own. That's why it really surprised me when she was fully willing to dive headfirst into a commitment. It just did not seem to fit with her character. I'm not saying that I did not want her to, it just felt off to me.

Speaking of Damon, lord have mercy, do I ever have a fangirl crush on this werecat. I'll be honest, when he was first introduced, I was not a fan. He comes of as, well let's face it, an asshole. He's pushy, demanding and even gets a bit physical with Kit. However, as his story unfolds and things progress, his character does a complete 180. You begin to understand Damon and he becomes much more appealing. 

But, there was one thing that really rubbed me the wrong way. It may seem silly and I certainly didn't hold it against his character, but his pet name for Kit irritated me immensely. Every time called Kit "baby girl" I felt like rolling my eyes. Why on earth did he call her that? Nothing about her is babyish. "Kitten" I get - he's a cat shifter, her name is Kit... I can roll with that. But baby girl? No.

Okay, moving on. The story centers around the job that the werecats have hired Kit to do - find the Alpha's missing nephew. I do not want to divulge too much information regarding the mystery, but I will let you this - it was AWESOME. It's a story full of adventure, magic, mystery and of course.. violence. What is an Urban Fantasy without a little ass-kicking, right? The pacing is perfect - it's not rushed, but it doesn't drag either. All things considered, I adored Blade Song. It's dark, gritty and all out exciting. I has a few minor hiccups with the story, but nothing serious. I will be eagerly anticipating a sequel!

It was a seductive thing, full of promise. Full of warmth and wonder and lies.

I'll be damned if I act like a mouse, you overgrown tomcat.

"I'm part of the package, kitten. Your bodyguard, babysitter and tattle-tale, all rolled into one." Flashing his teeth at me, he added, "Aren't you pleased?"

In the back of my mind, some part of me thought: Pretty... And I immediately wanted to punch myself.

Keeping my voice level, I shook my  head. Mustn't enrage the antisocial monster standing five feet away.

But of course, instead of saying something honest like Yes, bitch, it hurts, Damon just shrugged.

I wasn't human enough to die easily.

I didn't move for probably ten more minutes. I wasn't sure if I could. If I moved, I just might shatter.

"Child, you suffer from an excess of great stupidity or great bravery. I'm not sure which."

"I just sliced and diced a Burmese python while you were busy growling at the universe, fuzz bucket."

 

Review: The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos

This EBOOK is currently FREE on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Book: The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos
Series: Talisman #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Young Adult 
Buy A Copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Available Formats: Ebook / Paperback
Publication Date: March 24th, 2010
First Sentence:  "What kind of secret superpower would you want Julia?"
How Did I Get This Book:  Purchased
Description: To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

I enjoyed the character of Julia. She is a heroine that is interesting and actually uses her brain. She tries to think her way through things, which I really appreciate. I’m not saying things always work out for her, but she’s tries. She doesn’t just rush into situations without worrying about what it means. Plus,  she can read people’s emotions.  Which, is just awesome.

Early on in the story Julia means two new boys – Nicholas and Phil. She meets Nicholas after she is attacked by something in the woods. He comes to her rescue and helps her home. He is also smoking hot. So obviously, Julia falls for him. But, he starts pulling that hot/cold act and Julia is left feeling rather cold.

But, then things start looking up when she meets a new boy at school, Phil. Now, I liked Phil I did. But, I just happened to like Nicholas better. I’m not going to explain the plot lines from here, because this is about when all hell breaks loose. Let’s just say that things (and people) get crazy and excitement and adventure ensue.

Pandos does a wonderful job keeping the story entertaining. Sure, some plot elements are predictable, but there are enough twists and turns that you still will be surprised. 

There were however, two major elements that put me off a bit. The first of which was some of the writing; mainly the descriptions.  Look, the majority of the writing was superb, but at times I would read something that just sounded off.  When I was looking back through my notes,  I saw that all of the passages I marked were descriptions.  So it’s not that the writing is wrong, it’s just that some of the descriptions are strange.  Like this one, “his comfort infused me like I'd just crawled under a pile of warm laundry fresh from the dryer.” What? What is that. Do any of you crawl under piles of freshly laundered clothes? I mean, I get where the author is going with this, but it just doesn’t work for me. 

The second issue I had with the book was Julia’s instant and overwhelming attachment to Nicholas. Like I said before, I liked Nicholas, it is just that their “connection” was so forced. After he saves her, she falls into a sort of hero worship. Honestly, her crazy, earth tilting reaction to him isn’t justified. This seems to happen a lot in YA vampire books, but I still can’t let it slide. I prefer for the characters to work up to their obsessive love and to have it justified.

That being said, I did enjoy the Emerald Talisman. Sure, I found a few things to nitpick, but that’s my job. Overall, the story was exciting and the characters were entertaining and likable. It was a good read and I will be continuing on with the series.

Favorite Quotes

I screamed as I fell, knowing I was about to die.

That last thing I expected was to have someone catch me.

I didn't make friends with liars, especially compulsive ones.

Where was my better judgement?

Why did he have to be sensible? This maddened me. It was my body. I should be able to decide when and if I needed medical attention. I let out a determined huff. They could try to make me go, but I wouldn't be forced.

We felt no shame as we stuffed our faces in silence.

The last thing I expected to happen was for him to jump over the cliff, carrying me with him in the process.

I am woman, hear me roar.

Review: The Scarlet Dagger by Krystle Jones

Book: The Scarlet Dagger by Krystle Jones
Series: The Red Sector Chronicles #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Young Adult / Dystopian
Buy A Copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Available Formats: Ebook
Publication Date: October 23rd, 2011
First Sentence:  "The bus driver eyed me up and down, confusion sweeping across his weathered face. "You lost or somethin', doll?"
How Did I Get This Book:  From Author, For Review

Description: The strength of Sloane’s heart is about to be put to the ultimate test.

After the Eclipse – the night vampires began openly slaughtering human victims – everything changed. Out of fear, the government salvaged what remained of the human population and enclosed them in massive, security-laden cities called White Sectors, while marking the vampire infested territory as Red Sectors.

When seventeen-year-old Sloane McAllister’s twin brother disappears, she seems to be the only one who thinks he isn’t dead, and vows to stop at nothing to find him. Gathering her courage, she braves the Red Sector to search for clues to his whereabouts. By chance, she encounters Aden, a handsome, charismatic vampire with a hidden agenda. He turns Sloane against her will, and whisks her away to his underground city. Enemies quickly become friends as Sloane struggles against her attraction to Aden, and resists her growing loyalties to the creatures that ruined her life. But the vampires themselves are the least of her problems. The city is harboring a devastating secret, one that could change the tide of the war and threaten to destroy everything Sloane has come to believe in.

Heart-stopping action and scorching romance collide in this dystopian, urban fantasy thriller.

 

I’m kind of on the fence about The Scarlet Dagger; there were elements are the story that I enjoyed, but there were also elements that I didn’t. The book starts out strong and amazing. Jones does a remarkable job drawing you into Sloane’s world – she is quite good at world building.

With Sloane, Jones has created a strong, likeable heroine that readers are sure to enjoy. Sloane is quite unique in the fact that while she is strong willed and independent, she realizes that she isn’t invincible. Sure, she makes some questionable decisions, but she is also willing to admit when she needs help. Plus, she is cheeky as all get out. 

I am still on the fence about her main love interest, Aden. We are really given any firsthand knowledge on Aden. We just have to go on what Sloane thinks and feels about him - which is a problem because she is constantly changing her mind about him and it taints the reader’s view of him. 

I must admit that the first half of the book was immensely better than the second half. The first half is filled with just the right balance of action and excitement as well as description and plot. As the story progresses, so does the pacing. Unfortunately, the pacing becomes too fast and leaves the reader with a bit of whiplash. There are a number of tight squeezes that Sloane gets out of rather quickly and the ending itself is incredibly rushed. I felt like we weren’t really given a lot of answers for the final plot twist, so it felt rather forced.

 I enjoyed The Scarlet Dagger, but I certainly wasn’t in love with it. There were plot elements that didn’t make sense to me, the pacing at the end of the book was off and Aden did not really make an impression on me. But, at the same time, I liked Sloane and the world building was incredible. So, now for the million dollar question - am I going to continue the series? I hate to disappoint, but I honestly don't know. I'll probably read some reviews before I dive into it.

Favorite Quotes 

I tried to move as quickly as I could away from him, praying he couldn't hear the jangling of all the guns and knives hidden beneath my clothing.

That comment stabbed straight into my heart, which should have been completely calloused over from the emotional beating it had endured these past three years.

Subconsciously, my lips twisted into a carnivorous smile.

I stared at it, part in awe, part in grim satisfaction, as its muscles and bones glowed orange-red like embers before what was left of the vampire disintegrated into a pile of ash.

I immediately decided I didn't like her. She seemed awfully hostile for a doctor.

Well, if he thought this girl was going to play the part of love struck damsel-in-distress, he obviously didn't know who he was dealing with.

He beamed at me, and for a few precious minutes, it felt like it did before, when we were younger and the world hadn't fallen apart.

Blog Tour // Review of Indulge by Megan Duncan

Today I've got yet another marvelous blog tour stopping by! Today is my stop for Megan Duncan's Indulge.

Contact Megan:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

 

Book: Indulge (Warm Delicacy #2) - Megan Duncan
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Young Adult / Urban Fantasy
Previous Books in Series: Savor (#1)

Buy A Copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
Available Formats: Ebook
Publication Date: December 16th, 2011

How Did I Get This Book: Book Tour
First Sentence: "It wasn't the sound of Arrick's feet treading heavily against the brittle forest ground, but the sound of his heart thumping madly in his chest that woke me."
Description: Claire's heart is torn between her first vampire love, Dmitry, and the Blood Mate, Arrick, that she is eternally bonded to with a powerfully deep and emotional connection. A vengeful vampire is haunting her steps, after Claire killed their mate. An ancient evil threatens to rip her world apart. With the danger of war looming on the darkening horizon, will Claire find the strength to fight back and protect those she loves? Even if it means embracing the darkness inside her? Is it worth it to become the evil she fears, in order to destroy it?

 

While I enjoyed Savor, I have to say, I loved Indulge. In Indulge, we are introduced to a new cast of characters, the most memorable being Claire’s real parents. I mean, honestly, it’s about time the poor girl gets to meet dear old mom and dad. I never really formed a connection with Claire’s first set of vampire parents; whose names elude me. Well, obviously they didn’t make a huge impression on me. But, the point I am trying to make is that Claire’s real parents are about a million times better. The reunion scene between the three of them is just amazing. 

And let’s talk about Arrick for a second. Shall we? Yes, we shall. Let me just start off by saying when I finished Savor, I was on the fence about both of Claire’s love interests (Dmitry and Arrick). But now, I am a full fledge, card-carrying member of team Arrick. Dmitry who? 

I also loved seeing Claire stand on her own two feet.  She does a lot of growing up in Indulge and begins to develop more of a spine. After everything that happened to her in Savor, it’s understandable that she wants to become more self-reliant. 

But, would you like to know my favorite part of the book? Oh course you do, that’s why you’re reading this. It was easily Naos. Duncan does such an incredible job creating Claire and Arrick’s home city. The vivid imagery is just amazing; I’ve got such a beautiful image in my head. I can only hope that we spend lots of time there in future books. 

There were moments of the story that read a bit slow for me. I did find myself skimming bits and pieces, but overall, I really loved the story. I don't want to give any plot points away, but the parts I struggled with were about 3/4's of the way through.

In what I have come to learn is true Megan Duncan fashion, Indulge ends with one heck of a plot-twist. I’ve read three of her books now and with every single ending I was left wanting to know more. Indulge is certainly no exception. You’ll definitely be ready for book three ASAP.

Favorite Quotes:

I may be a vampire, but I'm still a girl and creepy crawlers will never be less scary.

Yes, my situation was very dark I decided, so I stopping sipping the wine and drank greedily.

We had enough problems and causing a car accident didn't need to be one of them.

We would be going to war and it was all because of me.

I probably ripped apart my bedroom door but I didn't care, nor did I care; that I was running through the Chateau in my underwear.

No more relaxing around the Chateau or on the beach, no more balls or fancy dresses. Okay, well maybe balls; I did love to dance, but that would have to wait for later. After I kicked some serious evil vampire butt.

I wasn't above bragging. Besides, I was damn proud of myself.

Blog Tour // Review & Giveaway: Blood of Anteros by Georgia Cates

Today I have another great book tour for you guys! I am  happy to be a part of the tour for Blood of Anteros by Georgia Cates. This tour was put together and is hosted by Bewitching Book Tours. 

Book: Blood of Anteros (The Vampire Agape #1) - Georgia Cates
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Buy A Copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords
Available Formats: Paperback / Ebook
Publication Date: September 21st, 2011

Preview Book: Read the first 6 Chapters

How Did I Get This Book: Book Tour
First Sentence: "Humans chased eclipses so they could say they were witnesses to them, but we chased the darkness of the moon covered sun because it coincided with spectacular supernatural events for our kind."
Description: I was tantalized by the mystery of her. The leech inside me came out to find prey, but found none in this enigmatic girl. The close proximity of her essence didn’t entice the monster within, so what did that make her? I had more questions than answers, but one thing was unmistakable; although she released me from her embrace, her hold on me remained.

Cruel circumstances turned Curry Brennan into the wretched monster he hates and refuses to accept, but when an expected turn of events releases him from the bond of his obsessive maker, he returns to the home he knew 161 years earlier and finds the return of happiness and joy in something he didn’t know existed. Puzzled by his growing attraction to Chansey Leclaire, a human, he is unable to resist the captivating relationship that threatens to reveal his existence as a vampire. He eventually discovers the reason he was destined to find what he didn’t know he searched for and is faced with the cruel realization that the living and the immortal undead will always be separated by one thing. Eternity. 

the overall tone of the book changes after the first few pages. The very beginning of the book is written as almost a diary entry and it.

Brief Excerpt-

I was tantalized by mystery of her. The leech inside me came out to find prey, but found none in this enigmatic girl. The close proximity of her essence didn’t entice the monster within, so what did that make her? I had more questions than answers, but one thing was unmistakable; although she released me from her embrace, her hold on me remained.

 

Blood of Anteros has a creative storyline that manages to make the worn out vampire paranormal romance interesting. What makes this story interesting and exciting is that the main focus is on Curry and Chansey. Sure it’s a supernatural story with vampires, but that all takes a back seat to the relationship between the two characters. 

The relationship between Curry and Chansey is a dynamic one and I enjoyed seeing it develop over the course of the book. Although at times, I must admit, Curry got on my last nerve and I found him difficult to pin down. Cates describes him as an old fashioned gent who never really learned how to talk to women. Which is understandable; he comes from a time when men and women really didn’t interact before marriage. Then, he was enslaved by his psychotic maker for a hundred and twenty something years, so he obviously isn’t up on the dating scene. What really threw me about Curry was his internal dialogue and narration. He is supposed to be this extremely old fashioned man, but his narration sounds like a contemporary man. Sure, he fumbles a lot with Chansey and how to woo her, but he sounds like a modern man. Although Curry got under my skin at times, I absolutely adored Chansey. She's a little firecracker who refuses to sit by idly and watch things pass her by. She is the kind of girl to take action and I love her for it.

My only other complaint is that we didn’t get to see much of Marsala. Marsala is Curry’s maker and she is completely off her rocker. She’s evil and insane to the core and completely obsessed with him.  We are introduced to her right away, yet she really doesn’t end up playing much of a role in the story. I was really disappointed with that. I can only hope that we will see more of her in the upcoming books, because if there is one thing I love, it’s a crazy vampire. Plus, we all know there is nothing like a woman scorned. I am fully prepared for Cates to bring on the crazy.

Blood of Anteros was definitely enjoyable. If you are looking for a vampire romance that is heavier on the romance than the steaminess, I would give it a try. It’s got an interesting storyline that has a sweet romance at the core.

Favorite Quotes:

 "Boy, you look like you don't know how to talk to a female."

"Apologize, but keep it simple. Let her know it was all your fault and she is not to blame. Again, I strongly suggest you tell her it was all your fault."

We both knew we had just shared a significant moment, although neither of us voiced it.

"You can't imagine how impossible this is for me because I can't bear to see myself as a monster in your eyes."

I prepared to say the words that would forever connect and condemn us.

"I'm not afraid of you, so don't be afraid of me."

"He is yours and you are his."

 

About the Author:

In addition to being an author Georgia is a wife, mother of two daughters and a labor and delivery nurse.

She recently added Paranormal Romance Writer to her list of things that keep her busy, but she is ecstatic to release her debut novel, Blood of Anteros, the first book in The Vampire Agápe Series.

Like others that enjoy a great story of paranormal romance, she is easily bored by the tale of an obtainable, ordinary romance and was inspired to create The Vampire Agápe Series. When not tied up with family or delivering babies, she is working feverishly on the second book in The Vampire Agápe Series.

Contact Georgia:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Now for the giveaway! Georgia has been kind enough to offer one lucky reader an ebook copy of Blood of Anteros! The winner will receive the ebook from Smashwords, so you will be able to download whatever format you like. Please just fill out the form below to enter!

Review: Dark Seeker by Taryn Browning

Book: Dark Seeker by Taryn Browning
Genre: Urban Fantasy  / Young Adult
Buy A Copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Available Formats: Ebook / Paperback
Publication Date: October 4th, 2011
First Sentence: "Lesson three of Seeker Training - always be prepared."
How Did I Get This Book: From Author, For Review
Description: For 17-year-old Seeker, Janie Grey, ridding the Baltimore streets of the undead is an inherited duty passed down from her Cherokee ancestors. Seeker Training Lesson #1: Never trust the undead. After her father’s tragic death, Janie creates her own life lesson: Love isn’t worth the risk. Both lessons are easy to follow until she encounters the flawed Kai Sterdam. At first, she believes he is the hybrid she is trained to hunt. But, when he has human traits, she determines she doesn’t know what he is. As Janie’s intrigue over who Kai is pushes her deeper into his mysterious past, she discovers a shocking truth that is even more harrowing than the evil they are up against. It’s a secret Kai wants to keep hidden, especially from Janie.

Dark Seeker by Taryn Browning is an exciting, suspenseful and utterly addicting story. Folks, I simply could not put this one down.

I was just discussing with my friend how much I adore strong females. And Janie is practically the poster girl for the term. She’s determined, intelligent, feisty and all-around fierce. Janie doesn’t take crap from anyone and she doesn’t let people push her around; she makes up her own mind and follows her own heart.

Browning had me completely on edge in regards to Kai.  His storyline is full of mystery and I constantly found myself wondering about his heritage. I’ll tell you this – it certainly isn’t an answer you would suspect. I kept throwing around ideas in my head, but I never even got close. I just simply never suspected the true answer. She also keeps you guessing about the skeletons in his closet. I don’t want to spoil anything for you guys, but I will tell you this – I LOVED Kai. I have found myself a new book boyfriend. He’s endearing and sweet, yet tough at the same time. He’s got a backbone, but he has a conscience too. And Janie and Kai together? Magic, my dears. Pure magic.  The two are easily one of my favorite new young adult duos. 

I thought the plotline was absolutely inspired. I love when authors show some creativity in the paranormal/urban fantasy storylines; especially ones that involve vampires. Sometimes I feel like the vampire horse has been beaten to death. Browning is somehow able to inject excitement, mystery and intrigue into YA’s favorite species. Not only are the vampires in Dark Seeker unique, but the heroine, Janie is as well.

You see Janie is a seeker. She is sort of a Buffy type – it is her responsibility to kill the undead for good. What really caught my interest about Janie is her particular brand of morality. You see, she is technically mortal, but while she is acting as a seeker, she cannot age past 17. When her 18^th birthday roles around she reverts back to 14; the age in which she began her duties as a seeker. 

This presents a boat load of questions and storylines that I cannot wait to see Browning tackle. I have never run across something like this before. When we meet Janie, she has already gone through the cycle once and she is now 17 for the second time.  Isn’t that an interesting concept? It certainly adds an interesting dynamic to her character.

So, long story short, I adored Dark Seeker. Great storyline? check. Awesome heroine? Check. Swoon worthy love interest? Double check. Add a dose of excitement and intrigue and you’ve got yourself Dark Seeker. I cannot wait to get my mitts on the next book. There is going to be a next book right? Oh  goodness. There had better be or Taryn Browning might be getting some persuasive emails. 

Favorite Quotes

It kind of sucked when she had to take a break from fighting evil to use her inhaler.

You were like a tiny Bruce Lee.

She didn't get along with people, and she definitely did not get along with the undead.

Can we kick some vampire ass already?

He hoped Janie's mother would be more focused on helping Janie than killing him.

It wasn't like being face to face with a human. He didn't need air to breathe. She noticed sometimes he did, an instinct left over from his human years. Janie paused to feel his heartbeat under her chest. It sped quickly, in equal rhythm with hers. She counted the beats to make certain his heart really beat. It did.

There was something different about the way he regarded her. She wasn't the most intuitive when it came to the opposite sex, let alone the opposite species, but something had changed.

Janie - with you, life is always interesting.

He smiled, immediately making Janie forgive him for lurking like a stalker in her bedroom.

She wondered how long it had been since someone had really cared about him, and showed it.

His green eyes blazed with an impassioned craving to want and to be wanted.

It couldn't be true. She'd finally put her guard down, tried to trust in someone other than her mother and Abram. She'd finally found someone to love. It couldn't be. God couldn't be so cruel.

She radiated pure hatred; a hatred that could only develop when you love someone - the fine line between love and hate had been crossed.

Unfortunately for her, he was her weakness.

Going from love to loneliness was worse than not knowing love at all.