Description Revealed: Wrayth

We have a description for Wrayth, the third book in Book of Order series by Philippa Ballantine.  Yes!  I'm excited to get to this one after reading the first two books.

If you are curious about my thoughts on the first two books:
     Geist
     Spectyr

But now to the synopsis!

Wrayth

#3 of Book of Order

By:  Philippa Ballantine

Due Out:  August 28, 2012

Description:

In the Empire of Arkaym, the Order of Deacons protects and shelters the citizens from the attacks of the unliving. All are sworn to fight the evil forces of the geists—and to keep the world safe from the power of the Otherside… 

Although she is one of the most powerful Deacons in the Order, Sorcha Faris is still unable to move or speak after her last battle. Even her partner, Merrick Chambers, cannot reach her through their shared Bond. Yet there are those who still fear Sorcha and the mystery of her hidden past. 

Meanwhile, Merrick has been asked to investigate a new member of the Emperor’s Court. But when Sorcha is abducted by men seeking Raed Rossin, the shapeshifting rival to the throne, Merrick must choose where his loyalties lie.

What do you think?  I think I want to freshen up on Spectyr so I'm ready to dive in with Sorcha, Merrick, and Raed again.  Sounds like a lots going to happen and the Rossin is going to get involved again...I do enjoy seeing him.  And Merrick is going to have to make a choice.

Book Review: The Relic

The Relic

By:  Colleen Helme

Publisher:  Mundania Press

Publish Date:  August 2011

Format:  Paperback 209pgs, 5" x 8"

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  2nd, and conclusion, in Flame of Destiny series; 1st Book ~ Flame of Destiny

Recommendation:  Oh yes.  Magic and shadowbeasts are all back! And we learn more about the relic.

Book Synopsis:
In the aftermath of a recent battle, Callista has become the sole guardian of the relic, a powerful crystal full of darkness.  She hopes to use it to turn the shadowbeasts back into the men they once were, but so far, has not been successful.  Unless she can change them, she will have to kill them, and that is not an option she is willing to face.

Left on her own in the Ruins of Belton, she realizes the relic is growing more powerful.  For each day that passes, it becomes more difficult to keep that power under control.  Desperate to find the answer that will ultimately destroy it, she seeks the origins of the relic in the Eastern Province.

As Justin battles a deadly enemy, Callista is caught in a personal fight between the forces of good and evil.  The relic is the key to unleashing an even darker power that will ruin everything, and Callista's determination to destroy it is the only thing that will save them all.

The epic conclusion to Flame of Destiny.

First Sentence:
The deep veil began to lift, leaving a thin trail of awareness that shimmered through the obscurity of his shelter.

My Thoughts and Summary:
It's been two months Callista has been living at the Ruins of Belton with the relic trying to change the Shadowbeasts, Patel created with dark magic, back to their proper being.  Callista has felt the power of the relic pulling at her, more so recently.  With the pull of the dark powers and lack of human contact, as Justin is detained with royal business then sent away to tend to the needs of a Northern Province under attack by thieves and mysterious missing men, Callista is being affected and feeling lonely.  There might be another reason for this pull, one Callista never expects.  Others have awaken from the use of the relic, who once had and will have control of the relic again.  Their intended use is to release the long, dark and forgotten history of the relic locked away with the hidden twisted magic.  Patel is gone, but something else is now stirring with the relic being used.  Can Callista find the answers to help return the relic to what is needs to be, return the Shadowbeasts to their former forms, and save herself before she has to kill her friends and be over taken with the darkness or killed by a new powerful enemy looking to gain control?

Callista's weight is starting to wear thin.  She has not been around people since Patel's defeat, and fears people would fear her, and feeling lonely.  But she has made a promise to the Shadowbeasts; to free them or kill them, which she doesn't want to do.  She has come to realize the dark power and pull of the relic has burrowed to deep into her.  Her flame is suffering, and her love for Justin is put on hold until she can control herself and not harm him.  She knows she needs to find Patel's books that were to share his knowledge of the jewel.  The darkness is to strong and with being attacked by a new group of people, Callista leaves even though her "guardian," as Justin believes he is, has not returned from the trip to the city in need.  She can't stand it any longer and has to go on her journey.

The relic is much more than we had suspected when in the hands of Patel, and even with Callista.  This story gives an ancient history of it.  We have a history here we learn, with the wizards and magics, and even how they got turned to be healers and such now.

Callista and Justin have admitted feelings for each other and are a couple...in a way.  Callista has realized the relic can affect Justin through her and their bond when her feelings and desires are strong near him.  Which causes Callista worries for Justin's safety.

This second, and final, book picks up exactly where Flame of Destiny ends.  There are brief refreshers, but no retelling of the story, no wasting words on what we already know.  Wonderful as I'm excited to get back into the action with Callista and Justin.  I love the fast pick up and action along with troubles present and coming to Callista.  We see familiar characters from Flame of Destiny along with meeting new.  I really like how we were reminded of each individual Shadowbeast in Callista's care.  It's done through a meaning to current story.  The new characters fall in both categories of ally and enemy.  There is constant movement in the story leaving me wondering on the characters, the next attack and from where, suspense of what will happen, and who to trust and not to trust.

Definitely strongly suggest reading these two books in order as you need to understand the first book to go with this storyline.

If you would like to purchase The Relic:

In Print:

In ebook on Kindle:

Or if you would like to start the series, Flame of Destiny:

In Print:

In ebook on Kindle:

I read this book for my own enjoyment.

Teaser Tuesday (128)

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

This Week:

Before she could speak, there was a commotion to the side.  Two more officers walked toward the circle of light, staggering slightly as they dragged in a man in a T-shirt and jeans, unconscious, head slumped over.

Thirteen
By:  Kelley Armstrong
159pg

Cover and Synopsis Reveal: Dark Whispers

Today I have the cover and synopsis of this contemporary fantasy novella series for the second story for you.  Now, I have the first story here to read, and can't wait to get to it.

Dark Whispers

Book 2 of: The Spirit Callers series

By:  Krista D. Ball

Due Out:  November 2012

Description:

A rash of teen suicides shakes the remote Newfoundland village that Rachel Mills calls home. As Rachel helps the school investigate, painful memories from her past – events she’d worked very hard to forget – continue to resurface. 

As if she didn't have enough problems. Her beloved 93-year-old neighbor develops heart problems. The man Rachel's in love with, moves into her house--along with his girlfriend, the most perfect woman in creation. And a strung-out wreck of a woman claiming to be Rachel's biological mother shows up on her doorstep. But it isn’t until a local boy with a talent for spellwork, is attacked by a mysterious stranger that Rachel asks the question she’s avoided her whole life: how powerful can a Spirit Caller like herself become? 

What do you think?  Sounds like a lot going on in Rachel's life there, and I'm curious to learn about being a Spirit Caller.  That cover is spooky, with the shades of purple and the ghost girl.  Looking good.

I do look forward to reading the first story, Spirits Rising.  Curious about this series?  The series is a set of novella length stories.  The first book, of 80pgs, is Spirits Rising:

Synopsis:
Rachel Mills has one wish in life: for the spirit world to shut up and leave her alone. She thought her move to a remote fishing village in Northern Newfoundland would help.

Population: Twenty. What could go wrong?

Instead of peace, however, she relocates to a land of superstitution, the air alive with the presence of others.

When a local teenager accidentally summons the spirits of the area, including those from a thousand-year-old Viking settlement, all supernatural breaks loose. As the spirits stalk her and each other, Rachel finds herself in over her head. With the help of Mrs. Saunders, her 93-year-old neighbour, Rachel has to put aside her own prejudices long enough to send the spirits back to rest, or risk being caught in the midst of a spirit war.

You can find these novellas in eformat.

If you are curious and want to learn more about when Dark Whispers is released, you can sign up for Krista's news letter at: http://kristadball.com/contact/new-release-sign-up/

You can purchase the first book on Amazon for Kindle:  Spirits Rising (Spirit Caller Series)

But, if you don't have a Kindle, Krista has agreed to send epub or pdf copies of the book to those who purchase on Kindle and forward the receipt to her and she will respond back with the format you need.

Monday's Beginnings (153)

It's Monday...*sigh*

So it's been a crazy week for me.  I didn't get as many reviews up with all the festivities.  I've had lots going on here and not feeling all that great with a head cold or sinuses or something.  It's been building for over a week now.  But I'm still kicking and did a good bit of reading, which surprised me!  As it was a crazy weekend too.

As you know there is a big celebration going on here. :D 3 years of blogging, and still going. lol.  All the links to the giveaways and Top 5 lists are on the left side bar, but I'll add them below as well.

On to the bookish stuff...

Current Read:
Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong

Finished Last Week:
The Janus Affair by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris
The Ripple Effect by J.A. Saare

Reviews To Come:
Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells
Discount Miracles by Brand Gamblin
The Relic by Colleen Helme
The Janus Affair by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris
The Ripple Effect by J.A. Saare
Tethered by Meljean Brook
You Will Thank Me Later by Jonathan Carter
9 Crimes by Skyla Dawn Cameron

Book Reviews Posted:
Maiden Flight of the Avenger by Alex White

Movie Review Posted:
Sorry, no movie review went up last week.

Podcast Reviews Posted:
Fables of the Flying City Ep 24-27

Books and Covers Shared:
Sealed with a Curse by Cecy Robson - synopsis and cover!

Special Posts:
Top 5 Urban Fantasy
Top 5 Young Adult
Top 5 Fantasy
Top 5 Podcasts
Top 5 Novellas

Giveaways:
Urban Fantasy
Young Adult
Fantasy
First 3 books of Demons of Oblivion series.

I did do a Flash Fiction Friday last week.  There is more to go to lead up to this flash, but I have to sit down and write it.  But this is what goes with the picture. :) Hope you enjoy.

My WANT List...Hmm, I've only added 3 books this past week.  You all hit me up the week before! lol.

Received Last Week:
Gift:
This is an early Birthday gift from the wonderful and kind Melliane from Between Dreams and Reality.  Thank you dear!! I really look forward to starting this series. :)

Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire
Goodreads Synopsis:
October "Toby" Daye, a changeling who is half human and half fae, has been an outsider from birth. After getting burned by both sides of her heritage, Toby has denied the Faerie world, retreating to a "normal" life. Unfortunately for her, the Faerie world has other ideas... 

The murder of Countess Evening Winterrose pulls Toby back into the fae world. Unable to resist Evening's dying curse, which binds her to investigate, Toby must resume her former position as knight errant and renew old alliances. As she steps back into fae society, dealing with a cast of characters not entirely good or evil, she realizes that more than her own life will be forfeited if she cannot find Evening's killer.

For Review:
Some how I missed adding this one to the list last week.  I haven't a clue how that happened.

The Ripple Effect by J.A. Saare
Goodreads Synopsis:
There is always a price to pay…

Rhiannon Murphy visited the future, witnessed hell on earth and made choices to change things for the greater good. Unfortunately there are consequences for her actions, the penalties for her interference possibly more than she can bear. Determined to sever her debt with a fallen angel, she pushes everything aside, focusing on locating Marigold Vesta’s resting place.

Until death comes knocking at her door.

When Disco’s maker arrives in New York, he resents Rhiannon on a level she can’t begin to comprehend. Yet Marius isn’t her most dangerous adversary, not by a long shot. Marius’s sire -- a half-demon -- is determined to see the necromancer who stunned the vampire world on her knees. If she won’t bend, he’ll do everything in his power to make her break. No price is too high, meaning no one is safe -- including Disco and Paine.

Dealt a blow from which she can never recover, Rhiannon turns to the only person who can help her: the fallen angel who is relying on Rhiannon to save her soul. Bartering with a creature from Heaven is probably just as dangerous as starting a war with a demon from Hell, but with nothing to lose it’s no longer about life or death.

It’s about getting even.

Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong
Goodreads Synopsis:
It’s been more than ten years, a dozen installments, and hundreds of thousands of copies since Kelley Armstrong introduced readers to the all-too-real denizens of the Otherworld: witches, werewolves, necromancers, vampires, and half-demons, among others. And it’s all been leading to Thirteen, the final installment, the novel that brings all of these stories to a stunning conclusion.

A war is brewing—the first battle has been waged and Savannah Levine is left standing, albeit battered and bruised. She has rescued her half brother from supernatural medical testing, but he’s fighting to stay alive. The Supernatural Liberation Movement took him hostage, and they have a maniacal plan to expose the supernatural world to the unknowing.

Savannah has called upon her inner energy to summon spells with frightening strength, a strength she never knew she had, as she fights to keep her world from shattering. But it’s more than a matter of supernaturals against one another—both heaven and hell have entered the war; hellhounds, genetically modified werewolves, and all forces of good and evil have joined the fray.

Uniting Savannah with Adam, Paige, Lucas, Jaime, Hope, and other lost-but-notforgotten characters in one epic battle, Thirteen is a grand, crowd-pleasing closer for Armstrong’s legions of fans.

Hunter of the Dead by Katee Robert
Goodreads Synopsis:
Eighteen-year-old Eden Rosenberg knows how to kill and she’s damn good at it. Until recently, her life was pretty easy – get a call from her team’s mysterious employer, jet off to a new location, kill some zombies.


But the most recent call is different from the others. Instead of being an isolated incident in the middle of nowhere, it’s an entire village at risk. By the time the team shows up, the village is empty, leaving only a handful of infected wandering the streets. Or so it seems until they’re ambushed by far too many zombies for their five-person team to deal with.


On the run and trapped within the valley, Eden is separated from her team when she tries to save a little girl from the inevitable fate of the bitten. To make matters worse, she’s forced to rely on Alejandro, the one man she swore never to trust again, to watch her back. She hasn’t seen him since he walked away from the team – from her – a year ago and she’s not even sure what he’s doing in the valley in the first place

As Eden races to reunite with her team, she’ll have to deal with a homicidal priest who’s more than what he seems and a group of survivors she’s pretty sure are too stupid to live. But things are more complicated than she realized and soon Eden’s forced to confront the truth about the infection; it isn’t an accident and those responsible will do anything to ensure no one gets out of the valley alive.

Podcast Downloads:

Fables of the Flying City by Jared Axelrod - Episodes 31 - 33 which brings me to the end of book 1, then I also downloaded the beginnings of book 2 Episodes 34 - 38.


So that was my week.  Crazy in a nutshell.  Hope your week went well.

How does the new week look for you?  I'm hoping to get some reading in and back on schedule.

Here's wishing you all the best in words and pages.

Giveaway #4 - 3 Yr Blog Celebration

*****GIVEAWAY CLOSED*****

You've been through all my favorite reads/listens for the last year of blogging.  It's given you a look at what I read...well, a little bit of everything.

Now for the Big Giveaway.

Last year I gave away the first 3 books in a series I'd been loving.  I was lucky enough to have extras here to share, and it worked out wonderfully.  So this year I've decided to do it again.  But I'll purchase the books from Amazon or Book Depository to be delivered to you.

This year is another series I've been loving.  Loving Hard!!  I love the killer characters (pun intended) and the depth of the world ~~ Demons of Oblivion.  With each book the underlining plot of Demons of Oblivion becomes obvious, and leaves me to worry about the characters, so engrossed that I don't know what the author is going to put them through next.  And drawing me into their minds, that I'm lost to what's happening around me.

The first 3 books of this series could be yours!  Now we have two sets of images for this series as the ebooks have new covers. (and so you aren't surprised when you receive and see a different cover than I'm sharing)  YOU GET TO PICK if you want the Print books or in eBooks.  Either way.  One winner.

Ebooks:

Print Books:

As you may have seen, Zara Lain (the main POV in Bloodlines, and appears in both Hunter and Lineage) is back to the mic in Exhumed that just released July 10th.  So the 4th book is available for your purchase now.  I'm only giving away the first three.

And once again as I'm grateful to all my followers close and a far, this giveaway will be open INTERNATIONAL.  As long as Amazon or Book Depository delivers to you.  I trust you know if they deliver to you, then you can enter.

Giveaway Ends:  August 5, 2012 11:59pm EST.  Winner will be announced shortly after, once I get through all the tallying of all giveaways (could take a couple days.)

Must be at least 18 to enter.  These are Adult books.

What do you need to do?

+2 ~ Leave a comment here saying you want to enter.

Extra Entries?

+4 ~ Share the giveaway.  MUST LEAVE A LINK to verify.

Anywhere;  Blog, Post, Sidebar, Tweet

     International Giveaway ~ 1st 3 bks of series! 3 Yrs Blogging, Celebrating with giveaways @MelLHay blog! http://melissa-melsworld.blogspot.com/

+4 ~ Comment on the Top Five Urban Fantasy Post.

+3 ~ Follow My World...in words and pages with Google Friend Connect. (PLEASE leave your Follower Name) You are not required to follow to enter, but I would love the company.

Top 5 Novella's for July 2011 thru June 2012

Top 5 List of Novellas

...I've reviewed for July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

I started this last year with my blogging celebration and really enjoyed doing it, and it's easier to do it at this time of year rather than end of year with all going on.

And I always ask a fellow blogger to join in on the post as well, so we get a variety of books, or double whammed on amazing books too. lol. (that's happened, Really!)

I've really started to get into the Novellas this year.  Although it seems more and more authors are enjoying sharing these short side stories to enhance their series, worlds, and characters.  And maybe having a Nook now has help so I can read them too. ;)

My list for the last year:
There is something here for everyone.  And the price for novellas is so cheap, you have to try one of them out.  (click the titles to check out the novella price at Amazon.)

In no particular order, as I've loved each of these in different ways, and are amazing novellas!

Blooded: A Jessica McClain Novella by Amanda Carlson - This was an amazing Urban Fantasy novella that introduced us into a dangerous werewolf world of Jessica McClain series, full of action and one tough chick that shouldn't exist.

Aladdin and His Wonderfully Infernal Device by Tee Morris - This is a steampunk remix to the old Aladdin tale.  And well done!  If you enjoy steampunk, do read this quick read.  Steam takes the place of magic, yet exists in the wonder of magic in this time frame as well.

Whiskey Sour (Demons of Oblivion) by Skyla Dawn Cameron - This is a novella of 3 short stories where we get back into the Demons of Oblivion world.  We meet a new strong woman in this world; Juilette who's part fey and part werewolf (cool!), we see where Zara decides to become an assassin for hire, then when Zara meets Juliette (love that tough chick) in the graveyard and there might be zombies.

Devil's Luck by Carolyn Crane - I enjoyed getting to see Simon from the Disillusionists series get his own novella, and to see Fawna more as well.  She is a great complement to Simon's gambling personality.

The Viscount and the Witch, short story (The Riyria Chronicles) by Michael J. Sullivan - Oh this is a short of Royce and Hadrian before they come to the popularity of the Riyria.  The first in a short story series of The Riyria Chronicles.  They are still fun, and you get a taste of their humor and smarts even if you haven't read the novels yet.

Flash Fiction Friday (54)

Dottie over at Tink's Place have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate you post your story on Friday - 350 words, give or take.

I have to thank Blodeuedd at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell for introducing me to this fun meme. I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with every week, but I'll give it a try from time to time.

The Image This Week:

(Image was found by Dottie on Facebook, artist unknown)

Story by:  Melissa

Josephine slammed the door shut behind Kalid's crawling limp and stormed to her balcony for fresh air well needed to call her.

She stood on her limestone balcony, hands resting on the wide stone railing, taking deep cleansing breaths of the salty sea air.  She opened her eyes, looking down at the dark evening gown she wore.  Shacking her head she should have known right then and there when he insisted on buying it for her, clothing not her, he was planning.  She never wore gowns, let alone dresses or skirts.  She should have never given in.

Josephine turned her face to the moon peaking out from behind her home planet.  The moon illuminated her homes outlines of land and water along with the swirling atmosphere.  To see such details, it was so close, yet so far away.  It's torture to look upon it without being able to return.  Josephine took another long deep breath of fresh air as she wishes she could return, some day.  The melancholy hit her, she was free there and she abused it.  The ways of this world are backwards compared to the freedom of her memories there.  These men find it a game, hunting, to find a challenging wild woman and tame her to his ways.  Instead of a ring on their partners' hand, they use collars.  Collars!  Josephine shivered at the thought as anger started to bloom again.

Movement on the ground to her left caused Josephine to turn her attention from the planet and moon toward the parking area.  She felt a ping of guilt for the action she took, harsh but to the point.  The man took long enough to emerge from the apartment complex.  He must have paused a few times along the way to collect himself.  He was limping, but standing straighter now.

Josephine turned her eyes back to the rolling ocean crashing on the rocks, letting the sound calm her sparked anger then guilt.  She then chuckled at the thought that crept into her mind.  Hell, I may have just made myself more desirable in this world's manly mind, a prey worth dominating.  Oh, more troubles to come from the opposite sex...but have to make due and have fun while here.

Thoughts On: Fables of the Flying City Ep 24-27

Fables of the Flying City

By:  Jared Axelrod

Genre:  Steampunk

Episode:  24 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast; 8:48 minutes

Synopsis:
Owing Amperstam

In which a rogue reconsiders, alternatives are suggested, arguments are shot down, numbers are calculated, certainty is questioned, a baker ruminates, shutters are considered, and hope is measured out like grain.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Red Skull is the Captain on his vessel, and he's talking with his first mate (since the mutiny) on wanting to go to Amperstam as their cargo will get a better price, but the planes that are buzzing around it... Even if they made it in one piece to land, the profit wouldn't be enough to cover the repairs.  Carmeno Delt is a baker, with no grain.  He is waiting on his delivery from the faithful Red Skull...that never shows.

This episode is timed perfectly in the story as we have come into the war with Vrussians.  This shows the affects of the war, outside and inside the city.  The Vrussians have a blockade up and limiting food supplies reaching the flying city.

####################

Episode:  25 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast; 10:31 minutes

Synopsis:
The Proud Angels

In which Gatling's language of choice is revealed, a knowledge of Chelmois is found useful, a buzzer is bottled, Gatling's height proves a hindrance, a scout shop is scandalized, a dirigible is described, the origins of the siege are considered, and Gatling's knowledge about kicks and starving dogs is revealed.

My Thoughts and Summary:
From Hanner Gatling, and the latest issue of The Hunter.  Gatling speaks only one language, but in different tongues -- the Truth.  She will do anything to speak the truth.  She's learning of Vrussian planes by talking to workers there and what their plans are.  All while on the Vrussian plane.

Gatling shares with us what she is learning while spending time with the Vrussians.  There are two different planes we learn about from her.  And what just might be the strength to Amperstam along with Vrussia's plan of trying to starve Amperstam.

####################

Episode: 26 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast, 16:59 minutes

Synopsis:
Twelve Planes

In which Ashe explains what their goals are, Mari expresses doubt, Tolban pleads to be serious, the important thing is discovered, gliding back is declined, an explosion occurs, followed by many more, and Ashe holds her tongue.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Ashe talks to her crew, as lieutenant, and they are taking the offensive and talk their goal, not to just kill Vrussians.  Ashe plans to weaken or, at hopes, drop the Maliken from the sky.  The powerful ship that drops the buzzers from the arms.  Mari is nervous after what happened to Jubrani and Ashe talks Mari up and that she is the best to be at point and Ashe needs her there.  Only twelve planes to go.  However, Tolban learns a secret Ashe has about the mission and you might be surprised at the number of planes that return.

The Aerial Guard is growing in it's ranks, but that is thanks to having oatmeal to keep the Flying city's army strong.  Ashe is the Squad Captain and lieutenant of her group.  Ashe has taken her directives a step further to try for a surprise attack on the Vrussians, in hops of weakening their carrier ship.

I got caught in the bombing and flight.  I had to hear what they did and what happens.  This was powerful with the characters I've gotten use to.  We have another that doesn't make it back and it's one with Mari, again.  The flight is successful, yet at what losses.

####################

Episode: 27 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast, 9:54 minutes

Synopsis:
The Pieces Left Behind

In which Ashe is found, the Officer's Mess is suggested, what it takes to be Captain is hypothesized, how to destroy the Vrussian Empire is described, an oath is reminded, motivations are revealed, pieces are left, a price is quoted, and one piece is chosen to remain.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Slanger finds Ashe in the Mess hall...drunk.  Ashe is upset over the deaths in her last mission, even though she earned a metal for taking down the ship.  Slanger gives Ashe something to think on and the what everyone agreed to and knew when they joined the Aerial Guard.

Ashe is rather upset with herself.  She is having a hard time with the losses at her command.  But Slanger makes Ashe feel better as Slanger is willing to die to stop what is going on, under Ashes command at that, if Ashe believes she can do it.

We learn the real reason Ashe joined the Aerial Guard here.  And poor Ashe wanted her wings so, but not at the cost she is seeing now.




If you would like to Listen to the stories about Ashe, you can find Fables of the Flying City free on the site for Fables of the Flying City: http://www.fablesoftheflyingcity.com/  There are links to iTunes and RSS feed.  You can also see the list of episodes in their order on Jared Axelrod's site.


If you are curious about the Graphic Novel, it is now available!  The Battle of Blood and Ink by Jared Axelrod and Steve Walker.  You can view a sample of the first 20 pages on Tor's site.

Top Podcast Picks for July 2011 through June 2012

In celebrating my 3 years blogging, each year brings something new (my blog is still so young).  One special thing this last year has brought me to is Podcasting.  I've mentioned it, but I'm going to officially lay blame on Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine for this new discovery.  No, Podcasting is not new, heck the ones I'm listening to have been out there for years, but well deserve a listen by everyone at any time.

I got hooked to Podcast stories when I got hooked on The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences first book, Phoenix Rising.  Tee and Pip have short stories they do, and other authors write, set in this world.  I look forward to the weeks when The Tales from the Archives will be posted to hear what new story I'll get, and a new author I will find.  I have a hard time with audio books.  My mind doesn't stay focused enough.  But!  Podcasts.  There is something different there.  They hold my attention with the voices, different sound affects, and music to help elevate the mood feeling.  Podcasts leave me starved for more.  It's becoming an addiction of mine these days.

I have fallen down the rabbit hole to a whole new wondrous world.  I've even found myself following the white rabbit, (Tee with his rabbit ears on.  No kidding, he has them!) all around to his favorite Podcast hang outs.  I sit in the corner listening, watching, and learning, picking up anything I can.  I've found a few that I've been able to listen to (darn that time thing!) and enjoyed.

My list of Podcasts to listen to is short, but WELL loved.  I hope you check them all out.  And the best part, all of the Podcasts I have listed (you know, the ones I love) are FREE listens!!  You can follow the links to jump over and check them out.  You can read my thoughts of each episode: follow the links in my tab called Podcasts.

My List of Top Podcasts: (yes, it's short as I've just started.) In NO particular order...

1.)  Tales from the Archives by Philippa Ballantine and Tee Morris - This one has to come first as it's the one that pulled me down the rabbit hole.  A steampunk world with mystery, magical items, action, and great humor.

2.)  The Gearheart: Artifice by Alex White - This is a whole magical story I fell for from the first episode.  Shocked me!  Amazing Urban Fantasy story line, and great sound affects and voices by Alex White and his wife Renee.  Amazing!

3.)  Fables of the Flying City by Jared Axelrod - This one I'm still working on as there are several episodes and I've just started a few months ago.  This steampunk, action story by Jared Axelrod is great to listen to, and makes me chuckle at Ashe as I'm walking on the treadmill.


Now, I've named the culprits of my new addiction.  In doing so, I've asked if they would be willing to share 5 Top Podcast stories for us to check out.  I know 5 is not fair to Pip or Tee in selecting from the amazing list they have, but Pip has done it!

Please welcome the talented and kind Philippa Ballantine and her amazing list (that will be on my list to get to now)

Pip Ballantines Top 5 Podcasts: (in NO particular order)

1.)  Chris Lester's Metamor City - it's on a bit of a hiatus right now, but if you haven't caught up with this wonderful mix of science fiction and fantasy you should.

2.)  Dan Sawyer's Down From Ten - a really different story...a cozy mystery replete with fascinating characters.

3.)  Quarter Share by Nathan Lowell - His series of 'Horatio Hornblower in space' is a perennial favorite.

4.)  PG Holyfield's Murder at Avedon Hill - is a huge fantasy murder mystery with magic thrown in.

5.)  Mur Lafferty's Playing for Keeps - Super heroes with not so super powers.









Um, I am definitely adding these to the reader list!  Thank you Pip, and Tee, for introducing me into a whole new mystical world.

Throwback Thursday (75)

I found this picture of Trinity College Library, and thought it would work for this meme with a little play with lighting and adding the words.

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Unk

Looking Forward To...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

Oh I'm terrible.  This was to be a summer read for me.  Darn if time doesn't work against me.  I REALLY need to get to this series!

Goodreads Synopsis:

Truth burns.Unemployment, despair, anger—visible and invisible unrest feed the undercurrent of Detroit’s unease. A city increasingly invaded by phantoms now faces a malevolent force that further stokes fear and chaos throughout the city.Anya Kalinczyk spends her days as an arson investigator with the Detroit Fire Department, and her nights pursuing malicious spirits with a team of eccentric ghost hunters. Anya—who is the rarest type of psychic medium, a Lantern—suspects a supernatural arsonist is setting blazes to summon a fiery ancient entity that will leave the city in cinders. By Devil’s Night, the spell will be complete, unless Anya—with the help of her salamander familiar and the paranormal investigating team—can stop it.Anya’s accustomed to danger and believes herself inured to loneliness and loss. But this time she’s risking everything: her city, her soul, and a man who sees and accepts her for everything she is. Keeping all three safe will be the biggest challenge she’s ever faced.EmbersA sizzling debut from a red-hot new author . . .

Synopsis Revealed: Sealed with a Curse

So, I didn't realize the synopsis was available on Amazon when I posted the cover the other day.  So I'm excited to bring you all the information again, with a synopsis!

Sealed with a Curse

By:  Cecy Robson

Due Out:  December 31, 2012

Description:
Celia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls—with one tiny exception: they're products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, weird…

The Wird sisters are content to avoid the local vampires, werebeasts, and witches of the Lake Tahoe region—until one of them blows up a vampire in self-defense. Everyone knows vampires aren't aggressive, and killing one is punishable by death. But soon more bloodlust-fueled attacks occur, and the community wonders: are the vampires of Tahoe cursed with a plague? 


Celia reluctantly agrees to help Misha, the handsome leader of an infected vampire family. But Aric, the head of the werewolf pack determined to destroy Misha's family to keep the region safe, warns Celia to stay out of the fight. Caught between two hot alphas, Celia must find a way to please everyone, save everyone, and oh yeah, not lose her heart to the wrong guy—or die a miserable death. Because now that the evil behind the plague knows who Celia is, he’s coming for her and her sisters. This Wird girl has never had it so tough.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To find more about Cecy Robson...

There are four Weird girls in this Urban Fantasy Romance series of books, sisters.  If you are curious to learn more about them, you can at the Weird Girls at Cecy's page site up for just them.  Or if you are curious what will be found in this Weird World, you can on her Weird World page as well.


Or if you are just curious about Cecy Robson and her books, her site shares all these details.

Giveaway #3 Fantasy for 3 Yr Blog Celebration

*****GIVEAWAY CLOSED*****

I've decided to do a Giveaway where I share what I've loved, yet you get to pick what fits you.  So I've created a collage of my Top Five Fantasy Books I've loved in the last year (since last Blog Birthday), for you to pick from.

*Note:  If you have not yet read the first book (as it may not be on here) I am willing to let you pick the first book of a series listed here in place of the book listed here so you can start the fabulous series.  BUT it has to be the book of the series listed here, not something completely different.

And once again as I'm grateful to all my followers close and a far, this giveaway will be open INTERNATIONAL.  As long as Amazon or Book Depository delivers to you.  I trust you know if they deliver to you, then you can enter.

Giveaway Ends:  August 5, 2012 11:59pm EST.  Winner will be announced shortly after, once I get through all the tallying of all giveaways (could take a couple days.)

Must be at least 18 to enter.  These are Adult books.

What do you need to do?

+2 ~ Leave a comment here saying which book has caught your eye.

Extra Entries?

+4 ~ Share the giveaway.  MUST LEAVE A LINK to verify.

Anywhere;  Blog, Post, Sidebar, Tweet

     3 Yrs Blogging, Celebrating with International giveaways @MelLHay blog! Awestruck Fantasy selection http://melissa-melsworld.blogspot.com/

+4 ~ Comment on the Top Five Fantasy Post.

+3 ~ Follow My World...in words and pages with Google Friend Connect. (PLEASE leave your Follower Name) You are not required to follow to enter, but I would love the company.

Top 5 Fantasy Books for July 2011 thru June 2012

Top 5 List of Fantasy books

...I've reviewed for July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

I started this last year with my blogging celebration and really enjoyed doing it, and it's easier to do it at this time of year rather than end of year with all going on.

And I always ask a fellow blogger to join in on the post as well, so we get a variety of books, or double whammed on amazing books too. lol. (that's happened, Really!)

My list for the last year:
I have blended a mix of fantasy and fey in this years list.  In no particular order my top picks for this last year are:
~~ The Rebel Prince by Celine Kiernan - #3 in Moorehawke Trilogy - the conclusion I couldn't stop reading.  I had to see where the characters went and about the dreaded machine!

~~ Percepliquis by Michael J. Sullivan (this one many might recognize as book you buy now: the third book in the novel Heir of Novron.) - Aaah, this was the finally as well.  What an ending with all tied up in the end.  Great conclusion!

~~ The Fly In Paradise by Frances Pauli - #2 of The Changeling Race - this is where the whole story took on a new idea, and a major turn for me.  And I LOVED it!

~~ Tranquility's Blaze by Krista D. Ball - #1 of Tranquility series - This is where I meet Bethany first, and loved learning about her secrets and what came to pass with the God heritage she holds.

~~ Flame of Destiny by Colleen Helme - #1 of Flame dualogy - I thoroughly enjoyed Callista's connection with the flame within her.  The magical mystery behind the shadowbeasts and the ending we come to.  This book stuck in my mind throughout the whole year, until I picked up the second.  I had to get back to this world. (second books review will be coming this year.)

And because I stink at following the rules I set, I have one additional book to add to make six books this year...
~~ Hunter and Fox by Philippa Ballantine - #1 of A Shifted World Novel - This one made the list for it's amazing and outstanding world building.  This fantasy novel is one to go in with a fresh clean mind, as what you know of fantasy will be changed from the first word of this novel.  The characters are grown from this chaos world, and become more.

My Guest this year is:
Mirjam from A Bookworm's Treasure Trove.
I enjoy stopping by Mirjam's blog as she reviews old and new books in both fantasy and urban fantasy genre.  I learn about many great books I've missed over time, or coming out.  She is a rather kind person to chat with, so please visit Mirjam and find the great books and friend I've found.

Now, time for Mirjam's Top Five Fantasy List:
Mirjam found she gave all these books 5 stars, which she doesn't do all that often.  So these all look like winners!

1.)  Cast in Ruin  by Michelle Sagara West

2.)  Spider's Revenge  by Jennifer Estep

3.)  The Dread  by Gail Z. Martin

4.)  Shadow City  by Diana Pharaoh Francis

5.)  All Spell Breaks Loose  by Lisa Shearin