Hunted By The Others by Jess Haines

They are the Others-the vampires, mages, and werewolves once thought to exist only in our imaginations. Now they're stepping out of the shadows, and nothing in our world will ever be the same again...

IN A TOWN LIKE THIS, BEING A P.I. CAN BE MURDER

Shiarra Waynest's detective work was dangerous enough when her client base was strictly mortal. But ailing finances have forced her to accept a lucrative case that could save her firm- if it doesn't kill her first. Shiarra has signed on to work for a high-level mage to recover an ancient artifact owned by one of New York's most powerful vampires.

As soon as Shiarra meets sexy, mesmerizing vamp Alec Royce, she knows her assignment is even more complicated than she thought. With a clandestine anti-Other group trying to recruit her, and magi being eliminated, Shiarra needs back-up and enlists her ex-boyfriend-a werewolf whose non-furry form is disalarmingly appealing=and a nerdy mage with surprising talents. But it may not be enough. In a city where the undead roam, magic rules, and even the Other's aren't always what they seem, Shiarra has just become the weapon in a battle between good and evil-whether she likes it or not...

This was an ARC that I specifically requested from the author, whom sent me the final and autographed copy. The story is written in a non-sensical style that doesn't cater to "cheesy paranormal romance novels" other authors have written in the past. More authors in this genre need to strive for the effort Jess Haines has done. I admit I am not anywhere close to a fan of the novel's artwork. I am definitely one to judge a book by its cover. Had I seen this in the stores based on the artwork, I would have never even bothered touching the book.

An interesting piece of information is that I was actually reviewing a novel for Alison Sinclair at the same time I read this one. Both of these novels spoke about their characters eating bagels with lox and cream cheese. This must be some foreign thing because I am still unware of exactly what this is. LOL!

I thought it was interesting as well that she incorporated a new twist on vampire/slayer protection items/weapons. The story is full of female catty humor. I usually include my favorite quotes from reviews, but this book is so full of them from the beginning until the end. It just would save me time to say my favorite quote is the entire book itself.

As I read the story I hoped for Royce and Shia's character to become my new "Buffy & Angel" couple. Arnold's character was getting so annoying. Everytime it mentioned him I felt as if he was attempting to hook up with every female character in the novel. I think he needs to lower his viagra dosage. But as the story came to a close this issue was happily resolved. I believe the story ended with a great turn of events.

Overall this story was beautifully written with a graceful flow of words that of course is counter-acted by the intensity of vampires, mages and werewolves. I definitely hope this story prolongs into a lengthy series of novels. It certainly has a high potential to do so.

The Mage In Black by Jaye Wells

Sabina Kane doesn't have the best track record when it comes to family. After all, her own grandmother, leader of the vampire race, wants her dead. But when Sabina meets her mage relatives in New York, at least they put the fun in dysfunctional. Though, bizarrely, everyone seems to think she's some kind of Chosen who'll unite the dark races. Sabina doesn't care who chose her, she's not into destiny.

But the mages aren't Sabina's only problem. In New York's Black Light District, she has run-ins with fighting demons, hostile werewolves and an opportunistic flame. Sabina thought she'd take a bite out of the Big Apple, but it looks like it wants to bite back.

This is the second book in the Sabina Kane series that Jaye had sent me upon request. Immediately I could tell that Jaye's sense of humor still dominated the story. I was frustrated that there was no talk of Lavinia's predicament from the ending of book one to her locality in book two. There was also talk of Lavinia...but she never appeared. I expected some conflict or even a resolution with her and Sabina in some way or another.

The layout of chapters in this book were a bit longer than book one's, but still filled with excitement, yet not overly lengthy to a feel boredom. (Basically still a sense of easy reading and flowing.)It did feel like at one part the story became a mix of Fight Club meets Pokemon of Demons. I did think eventually this Demon Fight Club took away from Sabina's actual story. I also felt that Damara's character was predictable from her entrance in the story.

Again, I did find a handful or more of errors as I did in book one. I don't blame the author. I just think that the publishing department needs to seriously consider their employees who do these things. If I were an author, which eventually I hope will happen one day, I would be embarrassed to be told about many mistakes in a final copy of my work.

Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

In a world where being of mixed blood is a major liability, Sabina doesn't really fit in. And being an assassin-the only profession fit for an outcast-doesn't help matters. But she's never brought her work home. Until now.

Her latest mission is uncomfortably complex and threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races. As Sabina scrambles to figure out which side she's on, she uncovers a tangled political web, some nasty facts about her family, and some unexpected new talents. Any of these things could be worryingly life changing, but together they could be fatal...

Sabina Kane:
She's down, but she's not out.

This is an ARC that I had requested from the author awhile ago. Jaye actually sent me book one and two with an autographed note. Ok so moving on to this much overdue review....

Red-Headed Stepchild has such an intense introduction that you are able to see immediately that Sabina has some psychological issues that she needs to overcome. The entire story is very descriptive. I am typically a non-political person. However the political situations, even though fictional, did capture my attention and had an opening with a great mystery.

I think that Sabina Kane comes in a close tie with Gin Blanco, (Jennifer Estep's fictional Elemental assassin, who are two main characters as the top paranormal heroines of 2010 that I immersed myself with. I loved the way that Jaye incorporated her sarcasism and humor and even ironical references such as Adam Lazarious in this novel.

I also sometimes run into novels that have a great storyline but still are unclear or confusing. This book simply spells everything out and doesn't leave the reader sitting on the curb contemplating. In Chapter 21 I was confused with a contradictory statement when Sabina states about being embarassed in front of her friends, but then in the end of the chapter she talks of not being/having friends? Either I was having a blonde moment, or maybe Sabina is simply bi-polar. LOL!

This was a final printed edition and not an ARC. I did find a few grammatical errors. I would suggest the editorial department should do a few extra editing runs before a final submission.

Favorite quotes:
"Never had a loss cut so deep. I worried I might bleed from the pain."

"Pain was my friend. It meant I was still alive."

Renee Rearden Interview

In what seems like forever ago Renee somehow found me and inquired that I review her upcoming novel, Moonlight Bleu (which is now in stores). Due to unforeseen events it took me longer than expected to finish it. As you can see the review has been posted and now I am posting the interview. I really do like the book and the author is just as great!

How did you come up with the eccentric character names in your novel?
That’s a loaded question! I’m an official court reporter by day. So during jury trials (and other kinds of hearings) I often hear interesting names through testimony offered in court. I also love finding new ways to spell the names I hear. It’s kind of a game I play when building a character’s personality.

The subtle use of homo-erotica was appealing for me, even though it was lesbian based. What involved your decision to include that as a part of your story?
Well, honestly, it wasn’t a scene I’d consciously planned. As a writer, I’m kind of a pantser. So even though I have a general story direction, the characters always surprise me when I sit down at the keyboard and write. For conflict or interest, I often take situations and turn them on their head. That may explain why this part of the storyline developed as it did.

The title is called Moonlight Bleu, not Moonlight Blue. What's the significance instead of using one than the other?
I’m chuckling. Sorry, can’t help it. Look at each title above. Which one looks more interesting? Different? Moonlight Bleu, of course. And there’s your answer. =D

The Tueri are a new paranormal life form I haven't heard of. Well that sounded a bit redundant! Anyways, were the Tueri something you-yourself made up? Or have they already been established before?
The Tueri are a paranormal form of human evolution I created. The word tueri is Latin for defend. I thought the definition appropriate for this new world. With preternatural creatures roaming the planet, somebody needs to defend the human race, right?

With such intensity between the Trigonal Pair, was it hard to not incorporate sex into the story? Or was the underlying sexuality enough?
No, it wasn’t hard to not incorporate sex in the story per se. I’m just an old-fashioned girl. I love the idea of meeting someone, getting to know them, and discovering the fire that burns toward love. That kind of lasting bond didn’t happen overnight for me, but all kinds of intense magnetism was there. That’s what I wanted for my characters. Now in book two, be ready for some serious smexin’!

Maurika is an interesting character. What quality does she possess that you find in yourself? What quality does she have that you would like to have?
Maurika possesses a strong sense of loyalty. Her leadership abilities, combined with an absolute devotion to protecting her pack, makes her a formidable woman. I think we’re most alike in that sense. My family means everything to me, and I would do whatever it takes to keep them safe. As for a quality she has that I would like to have…gotta be the enhanced senses from her lunate side. Can you imagine being able to see, hear, and smell on such an amazing level? Wow.

Would you ever consider a novel featuring Maurika?
Well, the main characters in my Tueri books will always be my Trigonal protagonists and an antagonist. However, just for you, I’ll tell you a secret. I’ve started book three in this series, and Maurika plays a large part of this storyline. So, she’ll definitely be back!

Is Dhelis' career a reflection of your own?
Hmm, that’s a yes and no answer. As I mentioned before, I’m an official court reporter, and I work in the legal field. I do, however, have a lot of contact with law enforcement through my career.

Will there be a continuation to Saari's story? (You already answered this but I think it will be a good question for my readers to see. My original question you already answered i.e. Josie, Trigonal Pair, etc.)
Saari’s story will absolutely continue. The second book has already been written and is in editing stages right now. Saari, Dhelis, and Brogan are working on their Trigonal match, and Josie has definite plans to interfere with their burgeoning relationship.


Thanks again to Renee for the opportunity to review and interview her. Most importantly I want to thank her for her patience and graciousness. We're looking forward to book two, three, four........
xoxo

Shadow of the Moon by Rachel Hawthorne

I can feel every Shifter's emotions except Daniel's- the only one whose heart I long to know.

HAYDEN was born a werewolf, a Dark Guardian. But her ability to sense the feelings of fellow werewolves has made her life unbearable. She runs away, only to be tracked by charming, mysterious Daniel, a newcomer to the pack and the one Shifter immune to her powers. As she reluctantly follows him home, Hayden finds herself falling dangerously in love...

But even as her feelings for Daniel deepen, Hayden begins to wonder if he is who he claims to be. Where did he come from and why has no one ever seen him transform? When they stumble upon the body of a Shifter still in wolf form, her worries grow. Someone is killing her kind. Is her handsome tracker really a hunter? And is Hayden his prey?

This is another ARC I had requested, unknowingly the fourth in a series. I have yet to read the first three. Upon completing them I realized if the others read like this one, you don't have to read them in order like other saga's.

I have never heard of "harvester's," but it was a welcome surprise in the story. Typically with most werewolves they're always battling the same old vampires. That generic fight I believe is getting to be played out a bit too much. I think, also, that Daniel & Hayden's beautifully, complicated relationship is similar to imprinting (Twilight) but with a different twist to it. In the Dark Guardian's saga the couples don't find their mates until their first "shifting." Even then, the couples have the option to accept or deny the mates request to be paired.

Chapter seventeen was unexpected but predicted it was a ruse for the plot of the story. One complaint I had reading this was of the Dark Guardians themselves. It was never explained what they were guardians of or for. Another problem for me was that I would have liked to have read more on the werewolves, considering it is a series revolving around them. I would honestly like to have read about the characters Rafe, Connor, Brittany, Lindsey & Kayla. Something tells me tho that the previous books were featuring them.  This was a quick and thrilling read. I would definitely read the prior and hopefully latter books in this series if it continues.

Favorite quotes:
"Shoulds don't mean anything."

"I thought if you came to know me, to see what we had in common, that what was different about us wouldn't matter."

Frostbite by David Wellington

Lost deep in the uninhabited forests of Canada's Northwest Territories, a young woman named Chey survives an encounter with a werewolf...but not without a scratch.
The instant those giant teeth sink into her flesh, Chey's old life ends, and she becomes the very monster that's haunted her nightmares for years. Even worse, if she's going to survive, she may have to rely on the very man-or wolf- who's doomed her to his fate.
When a team of hired killers descends on the forest, guns loaded with silver bullets, she is faced with an unimaginable decision: will she help these men sent to kill her enemy, or embrace the beast she has become?

I seen David's books somewhere on a website early this year. The cover art was so gothic, morbid and horror-ish that I knew I would love them. I emailed David for an interview/ARC request and he approved my request.

Wellington's story was written so descriptive and visual that is was not done in an over-whelming experience. He explains the details without having to use "page-filler," and still be true to the story. Every last detail included made this novel more compelling to read. Part two of the story was very much an edge of the seat page turner. Frankly his writing is unparalleled to any others I've seen. He wields his words into the most appropriate arrangement.

Part three was frustrating with Chey's circumstances that she finds herself in. I expected a little more climactic events, considering the previous acceleration of the story. Part four was as suspenseful as part two, if not more! The ending was a very agreeable one. It is hard to find an ending to a great book that I enjoy in this type of genre. David manages to do without disappointment or feeling like a part of the story just wasn't enough. I also liked how the author threw a curve ball at the ending. Either way his original ending or the one I had thought was coming, I am completely content with the way the story was finished.

My only complaints on the story was that part three could have had more to it. Also the character Lucie just seemed like she needed a more in-depth explanation. Thank you again to David for allowing me the opportunity to review his book and the ability to interview him. I truly did enjoy this experience.
xoxo

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Their eyes, human eyes in wolf skulls, remind me of water: the clear blue of water reflecting in the spring sky, the brown of a brook churning with rainfall, the green of the lake in summer as the algae begins to bloom, the gray of a snow-choked river. It used to be only Sam's yellow eyes that watched me from between the rain-soaked birches, but now I feel the weight of the entire pack's gaze. The weight of things unknown, things unsaid.

Again I want to express my gratitude towards both Maggie and her people from Scholastic Press for allowing me to do the reviews for both Shiver and now for Linger. The first thought on this stpry was the continuation of "The Wolves of Mercy Falls." I anticipated learning of the mysterious Cole. You had so much to ponder on with this ellusive character. Sexy. Mysterious. Rebellious. Another great thing I enjoyed was the fact one of my favorite characters from Shiver returns as a lead character in Linger, Isabel. She is quite bitchy, pretentious, and yet with all of the hardships dealt to her- she learns to grow up and become more of a mature and responsible person.

In Shiver, I was preturbed by the temperature settings at the beginning of each chapters. I was thankful in Linger that they weren't there. I was a little disheartened to find that Olivia was not featured almost at all in Linger. With such a strong ending with her character in Shiver, I expected more to her story in Linger. I also felt that there was a vagueness to a character's details of being a wolf or not being a wolf? Maybe that is due to the author's story plan for the third edition in this series? Some parts I also felt like they could have been left out, almost like they were a "filler." Such as the talk of one character clipping their toe-nails? ....

The last 100-ish pages for me was frustrating to read for fear at which way the story would turn. Overall I really did enjoy this story. This is going to be a new series that I feel Twilight fans such as myself can indulge in and not feel betrayed. Maggie creates such interesting characters, with a whole new purpose to werewolves. I am quite impatient for the third installment and see myself reading these books over again throughout the year.

There were quite a few quotes I loved from this book. However only one really popped out at me.

"But love isn't quantifiable on paper..."
xoxo

Author Carrie Vaughn Interview

 I contacted Carrie in hopes of doing a review for her newest novel "Voices of Dragon's" and an interview. Unfortunately she didn't have a copy of the book. However the publisher sent me a copy in her honor. This is Carrie's first YA book, but she is most known for her "Kitty" series. Thank you Carrie for your time and generosity in doing this interview with us!

"Voices of Dragons" is your first YA novel. Why the switch?

It's not really a switch -- I'm still going to be writing Kitty novels. But Voices of Dragons needed to be a young adult novel. I tried writing it as a straightforward fantasy and it didn't work. The main character is a teenager, it has themes of rebellion, growing up, and learning to stand up for what you believe in that really resonated with that teenage character, so it just seemed to suit the YA market much better.


You do your own laundry! Do you seperate and such?! :)
Probably not as well as I should.


I think you top previous author's in short story stats!....
I've been writing for a long time. . .


Where did your fascination for werewolves come from?
To be honest, I decided to write about werewolves because I was bored with vampires. I didn't think I had anything to add to the vampire mythos, but I had a lot to say about werewolves -- they've been sadly neglected.


Your site says "Dragons" is your first YA, but your blog says "Steel" is? Ok Carrie, which one is it the chicken or the egg?
I think there's a misunderstanding. . . Voices of Dragons is my first YA book. People have been asking about a sequel to that one, but on the blog I mentioned I had a different YA, Steel, I wanted to write first. So, Steel isn't first, it just came before the sequel to Voices of Dragons. But after Voices of Dragons. All clear now?


Do you have a graphic artist you can't wait to work with on doing one of your novels cover art?
Well, I don't really work with the cover artists for my books. They work with the publisher's art department. They usually have a really specific plan in mind, and I don't get much input. That said, I'm working on a superhero novel now and I think an Alex Ross cover would be just dandy.


Have you ever been to Comi-Con?
I've been to San Deigo Comic Con once and New York Comic Con once. I wouldn't mind going back to either.


What genre do you despise?
I don't despise any. Genres are tools that let you tell a wide range of stories. I've been able to use horror, thriller, mystery, a little science fiction, a little romance, and so on, in all my writing. Anything is fair game, and I can learn from all genres.


Do you find it's easier to complete a piece after you have done so many?
I don't know that the actual writing is easier. What's a little bit easier is the confidence. When I encounter a problem, I can usually take a step back and say, "Ah yes, this happened before, and I got through it the last time so I'll get through it this time."