Freebies and Deals, on Nook too (26)

As every week I enjoy sharing with you the Freebie on Barnes and Nobles for the day, and do scroll through the comments as many different finds are always shared and there's always something for everyone's tastes.

Free:
This week I don't have much.  It was brought to my attention by a great friend a few freebies in a series on Kindle ~ Amazon.  Sorry to say, I didn't see them on Barnes & Nobles.

Last week the novella #0.5 was free (and still is) But now more in the series is free!

Death's Hand (The Descent series #1) by SM Reine   Amazon ~ Kindle
Goodreads Synopsis:
Policing relations between Heaven, Hell, and Earth is messy and violent, but Elise Kavanagh and James Faulkner excelled at it-- until coming across a job so brutal that even they couldn't stand to see one more dead body.

Now they've been pretending to be normal for five years, leaving their horrific history a dark secret. Elise works in an office. James owns a business. None of their friends realize they used to be one of the world's best killing teams.

After years of hiding, something stirs. Bodies are vanishing. Demons scurry in the shadows of the night. A child has been possessed.

Some enemies aren't willing to let the secrets of the past stay dead...

The Darkest Gate (The Descent series #2) by SM Reine    Amazon ~ Kindle
Goodreads Synopsis:
When Elise Kavanagh retired from demon hunting, she swore it would be permanent. But an attack from a powerful necromancer forced her back into the business, and now she's trying to balance her normal boyfriend and normal job with everything supernatural.

Mr. Black is a demon hunter gone rogue. He's enslaving angels and stealing ethereal artifacts in pursuit of forbidden immortality. An old grudge drives him to make his final stand in Elise's territory. Destroying her life and killing her friends isn't the goal, but it's a definite perk.

A demonic overlord offers to join against Mr. Black and protect Elise's loved ones. All she needs to do is ally with the demons she's sworn to kill, at the cost of her morals--and maybe her immortal soul. But once she crosses that line, there's no turning back.

Nothing is sacred when Heaven and Hell collide on Earth...

Dark Union (The Descent series #2.5) by SM Reine    Amazon ~ Kindle
Goodreads Synopsis:
Every fifty years, the most powerful ethereal and infernal beings convene on Earth to resolve conflicts with mediation by kopides--humans born to police relations between Heaven and Hell. They're meeting in Elise Kavanagh's territory this year, and she used to be the greatest kopis in the world. But she's not invited.

An old friend, Lucas McIntyre, asks her to attend the summit in his place. But when she arrives, she discovers that a human faction called The Union has taken charge of the summit, and they're not playing nice. Worse yet, someone has killed a prominent Union member, and now they're demanding blood.

Elise has to bring justice to the summit in DARK UNION, a 33,000-word (120 page) urban fantasy novella featuring a decrepit ghost town, angry men with guns, and even angrier angels.

Do you know of any to share with us?  Always on the look for a great book, and being free or on sale always makes the deal sweeter. :)

Movie Review: Clash of the Titans

Clash of the Titans

Release:  2010

Rated:  PG-13

Genre:  Fantasy, Action, Adventure

Length:  106mins = 1hr 46mins

Recommendation:  Yes, even for just the action and to see how the old story has been updated.

Synopsis:
Princess Andromeda is the daughter of King Cepheus, who has gained a victory against the gods.  The vengeful god of the underworld, Hades, demands that Andromeda is offered as a sacrifice or he will unleash the Kraken against Argos.  A desperate King Cepheus asks demi-god Perseus to find a way to defeat the Kraken.  Perseus accepts the challenge because Hades was responsible for his family's death.  He discovers that the way to kill the Kraken lies with getting the head of the gorgon Medusa.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Perseus and his fishing family are on their way to Argos, when the people who have decided to forsake the gods break down a statue in defiance  rousing the gods.  Zeus is upset that his people are no longer worshiping them, and Hades talks him into letting him take care of it, to convince the people Zeus had created.  Hades takes on the humans, turn over the 'godly-beautiful' daughter of the king they wish to now serve or have the Kraken unleashed upon them.  While Hades is making his point, it's learned that Perseus, the man who despises the gods for killing his family, is a demi-god and is asked to find a way to kill the Kraken.

I should have known years ago I was a fantasy fan.  I was reminded in the ads before hand about Clash of the Titans from ages ago.  Yes, it's corny effects but I loved it then and remember it in detail.  This is the current Clash of the Titans and I enjoyed it as well.  A little different, but same basic story line.

But as much as I missed the metal owl, I did enjoy this story as well.  But the metal bird does make a brief moment mention.  The story shows Perseus from the beginning, and journeys through what I remember; a man not willing to succumb to the gods influences and stand as a man.  The journey with Io, the woman who has watched over Perseus is whole life.  She was an interesting woman to have around.  And when they visited Medusa, I do think I enjoyed those fights.  Oh the creatures we see along the way!  Well done.  And yes, Pegasus is here!  I do love Pegasus, and enjoy seeing the appearance.  Yes, I was a Pegasus fan when I was young, and still am.

Overall for me I really enjoyed it, and so far this series of movies.  The kid watched it with us and enjoyed it as well.  My husband has to agree with me as he is taken with these movies as well.  I think the graphics and constant action helps with that.  But I'm drawn to the mythology mixed with it all.  I do plan on continuing with these movies.

Looking Forward To...(113)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

Fathom

By:  Merrie Destefano

Due Out:  October 1, 2012

Great news!  This one is ALREADY AVAILABLE on Kindle! ~ Fathom ~ Kindle $2.99

This is a YA read, but once I read the first chapter on Merrie's site, I was hooked.  I wanted to learn more and visit this world with this young lady.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Everything is changing . . .

Turning sixteen can be hell, especially if everyone in town thinks your mother killed herself and your sister. All Kira Callahan wants to do is swim, hang out with her best friend, Sean, and ignore the kids who torment her at school. That is, until one day when she gets invited to a party. For three minutes her life is wonderful—she even kisses Sean in the driveway. Then somebody spikes her drink at the party and some girls from out of town lure her into the ocean and hold her underwater.

Kira soon discovers that the group of wild teenagers who have come to visit Crescent Moon Bay are not as innocent as they seem. In fact, nothing is as it seems—not the mysterious deaths of her sister and mother, not her heritage, not even her best friend. And everything seems to hinge on the ancient Celtic legends that her mother used to tell her as a child.

Have you Heard?

The amazing Michael J. Sullivan is continuing with stories in the world we've fallen in love with.  Sweet, right!

I'm excited, but I don't know if I can wait until August 2013.  Wow, that's one looooong wait.  But I'm relieved and thrilled he's back in this world.

If you would like to read what Michael is sharing about this, you can at his blog.  This is where our duo first meet.  Exciting tale, I do think. :)

The Crown Tower

Volume One of the Riyria Chronicles

By:  Michael J. Sullivan

Due Out:  August 2013

The Teaser:

Two men who hate each other.
One impossible mission.
A legend in the making.

A warrior with nothing to fight for is paired with a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Together they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built and home to the realm’s most valuable possessions. But it isn’t gold or jewels the old wizard is after, and this prize can only be obtained by the combined talents of two remarkable men. Now if Arcadias can just keep Hadrian and Royce from killing each other, they just might succeed.

Then you know you find an authors writing you enjoy, so you start digging for more work, well I did that with Michael.  Michael has also added anthologies to his list.  I found there are a few Anthologies to come with stories by him in.  No, they are not Riyria Revelation world stories, but that's okay they are fantasy and I love my fantasy.  And there are additional amazing authors in these as well...

The first is already available:

Twists and Turns

A Red Adept Reviews Collection

Edited by:  Lynn O'Dell

Released:  April 10, 2011

Description of what you'll find in it:

A collection of nine short stories resulting from the "Red Adept Reviews Twists Contest."

The contest rules were simple: Submit a short story with a twist similar to those found in stories by O'Henry.

"Building God" by Jessica Billings: A machine predicts the future of mankind.

"Should Have Seen It Coming" by Brendan Carroll: A man's wife leaves him unexpectedly.

"Granny Theft Auto" by T.L. Haddix: A klepto-grandma steals a police car.

"The Unbroken Mirror" by C.S. Marks: A prelude to the Alterra series

"Fired" by Lynn O'Dell: Getting fired has its repercussions.

"42jorie" by John Philpin: A man meets a special woman online.

"Leo's Wife" by Patrica Sierra: A bigamist's wife is confronted after his death.

"Traditions" by Michael J. Sullivan: A young girl embarks on a journey to fight a dragon.

"A Long, Lonely Time" by J.R. Tomlin: A woman finds a very special door in her attic.


The next is yet to be released, there is quite the cast of authors in this one and also benefits a cancer fighter:

Unfettered

Edited By:  Shawn Speakman

Due Out:  2013

Description of benefit and what you'll find:

You define life or it defines you.

In Shawn Speakman’s case, it was both.

Lacking health insurance and diagnosed with Hogdkin’s lymphoma in 2011, Shawn quickly accrued a massive medical debt that he did not have the ability to pay. That’s when New York Times best-selling author Terry Brooks offered to donate a short story Shawn could sell toward alleviating those bills—and suggested Shawn ask the same of his other friends.

Unfettered is the result, an anthology built to relieve that debt, featuring short stories by some of the best fantasy writers in the genre.

Every story in this volume is new and, like the title suggests, the writers were free to write whatever they wished. Authors contributing are Terry Brooks, Patrick Rothfuss, Brandon Sanderson, Jacqueline Carey, Tad Williams, Geno & R.A. Salvatore, Naomi Novik, Peter V. Brett, Daniel Abraham, Lev Grossman, David Anthony Durham, Peter Orullian, Blake Charlton, Eldon Thompson, Michael J. Sullivan, Robert V.S. Redick, Carrie Vaughn, Mark Lawrence, Kevin Hearne, Jennifer Bosworth, and artist Todd Lockwood, who donated artwork as well as a story.

With the help of stalwart friends and these wonderful short stories, Shawn has taken the gravest of life hardships and created something magical. Unfettered is not only a fantastic anthology in its own right but it’s a testament to the generosity found in the science fiction and fantasy community—proof that humanity can give beyond itself when the need arises.

After all, isn’t that the driving narrative in fantasy literature?

Anything else I find I'll share.

Throwback Thursday (84)

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:

Aaahh, this one is a graphic novel.  (hope I didn't lose you at that.)  I purchased it...three years ago now (? I think) at New York Comic Con.  It is published through Random House, and my son wanted it in the worst way.  So you can't possibly leave a con empty handed (even though I wasn't, he couldn't either) so I told him I'd get him one book.  This was it.

Now fast forward three years.  I read Battle of Blood and Ink, another graphic novel, and enjoyed the story and images.  I remembered the artists name from somewhere, and did what we all do...searched it.  I found Steve Walker is also the artist for this graphic novel.  I was determined to go purchase it (forgetting I got it and kid has kept it hidden in his room), the kid stopped me and said he had it.  Low and behold!  The kid comes walking out of his room with it!  Dang!  So, needless to say, I look forward to reading this one.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Forget everything you thought you knew about America's early days-history packs a punch in this full-color, two-fisted, edge-of-your-seat adventure!

Graphic novels are a revolution in literature, and The Sons of Liberty is a graphic novel like no other. Visual and visceral, fusing historical fiction and superhero action, this is a tale with broad appeal-for younger readers who enjoy an exciting war story, for teenagers asking hard questions about American history, for adult fans of comic books, for anyone seeking stories of African American interest, and for reluctant readers young and old.

In Colonial America, Graham and Brody are slaves on the run-until they gain extraordinary powers. At first they keep a low profile. But their mentor has another idea-one that involves the African martial art dambe . . . and masks.

With its vile villains, electrifying action, and riveting suspense, The Sons of Liberty casts new light on the faces and events of pre-Revolution America, including Ben Franklin and the French and Indian War. American history has rarely been this compelling-and it's never looked this good.

For more information and exclusive content, visitwww.thesonsoflibertybook.com

I've heard back from a few bloggers that they would like to join in this meme post, so I'm adding a Linky for you to join in.  Grab the picture above, and join in.  All I ask, is if you can acknowledge my blog in the post so others know where to come back to and join as well.  Thank you.

UF Book Chat (31) Stop 1

We have come to our first stop in the last Sirantha Jax book, Endgame by Ann Aguirre.  Wow.  This is so comfortable and heart-filling/breaking.  Love this series.

I don't know how long I can hold out before finishing the second half.  So, lets get to chatting!

**WARNING:  There will BE SPOILERS, in comments and questions.  If you've not read the series, and plan to, or afraid of spoiling the book for you, don't read any further.


To get us started we have a few thoughts to get chatting.  Anything else you might think of, just mention in the comments and we'll join in.


Robyn's Questions:
1.)  I'm missing Dina.  Do you think we'll see any of the old gang by the end of the book or is their story over:
2.)  Speaking of being over.  Do you think March and Jax are safe?  Will they get a true happy ending?
3.)  What do you think of Sasha?
4.)  If March and Jax don't end up together, what about Vel?  Would you be okay with them being together?

Melissa's Questions:
1.)  How much longer do you think March will hold back from completely joining the war?  What about Sasha and joining the cause?
2.)  What do you think of the new characters?  Farrah kinda reminds me of the old Jax when she was fighting under March.  What do you think?
3.)  Do you completely trust Tarn and Leviter?

Book Review: Shades of War

Shades of War

By:  Sarah-Jane Lehoux

Publisher:  Mundania Press

Publish Date:  November 30, 2010

Format:  Paperback 247 pgs, 6" x 9"

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  2nd in Sevy series; 1st Book ~ Thief

Recommendation:  Yes, a fantasy read continuing with Sevy into a warring jungle, where the ghosts of past surface, in more ways than one.

Book Synopsis:
Sometimes the past can't be forgotten.  Sometimes the truth refuses to be buried.  And sometimes the dead won't stay dead.

It began as a simple request: Journey to the Northern Jungles and bring a wayward son back to the safety of his farm and family before the racial tension that is building between humans and dark elves erupts into civil war.  But life is never simple for Sevy, and she soon finds herself entangled in a bloody battle of good versus evil, love versus hate.

Old friends and enemies reunite, familial bonds are broken, and loyalty is tested.  And in the midst of the steamy, sultry jungles, the ghosts of a serial killer's victims come out to play.  Sevy, as petulant and irascible as ever, must overcome her personal demons in order to expose a madman and bring peace back to the kingdom.  But just how much of her sanity must she sacrifice to help her friends?  And how can she save anyone when she can't even save her own soul?

First Sentence:
Sally's pub, a dismal little dive located in the south-eastern quarter of Eloria, was as it had ever been: dank, run down, and saturated with the body odor of the city workers who made up the bulk of its clientele.

To Purchase:

Amazon Ordering   /   Barnes & Nobles   /   Mundania Press (all eformats & print)

My Thoughts and Summary:
Sevy, not having a soft spot for anyone, let alone kids and from Devenbourn, finds herself making the trip to Devenbourn with these desperate children, as that's where her love was from.  While visiting her lovers grave she is approached by his mother, requesting she stay, visit, and get to know Sevy more since she was a big part of her son's life for so long.  After finding out why their son never came home Didrianna asks Sevy to make the journey to bring home their youngest son Lon, who's in the Kings Army on his way to the heated war with the dark elves in the jungle.  They can't bare the loss of another son.  Sevy finds and faces many ghosts there.

Revik has finally convinced his wife, Yy'voury, to go on her first wander, through the jungle to visit Trel's relatives.  They find the village empty and being ransacked by humans.  What is going on?  Revik finds himself taken prisoner by humans blaming him for the mass human-slaughtering murder spree lately.  One they believe a dark elf has been seen doing.

Both Sevy and Revik will find themselves in the middle of a war between differences and unknowings.  Will these two be able to bring the two races together, to be friends like they are?  Or will this be where one of them will not return from?  Finding themselves the center of a war that should not be fought.

In this story we learn a great deal more of Sevy's past.  What happened to her family and how she became to be so hard-hearted in life.  Sevy is a chosen one by the ancestors in seeing them.  Even through so terrible the visions, and almost driving Sevy mad, this might be what's needed to help in the end.

Sarah-Jane goes dark with the happenings here.  There are many dark pasts and present happenings in the story.  A war that is created upon thoughts of a different race.  I did cringe at a few of the happenings, and felt for the characters with their history.  We see how damaged Sevy is, along with others.

We get to spend some time in Yy'voury's mind.  Which gives us a chance to see more of the Dark Elf ways and how her home is different from the group in the jungles.  We have old 'friends' that make reappearances here, which is a nice surprise.  And we make new friends while here as well.  Glor is an interesting character.  You have to meet this one to understand.  Really insightful, powerful, yet keeps the secrets.  Lon is new and nothing like his brother.  General Kye kind of reminded me tad of Glokta from Joe Abercrombie's First Law series, but he is more than that here as well with his own seedy mind.  Similar yet so different and a great character to hate.

This book has the fantasy feel to it.  One to lay back and enjoy for the journey Sevy makes, and learns about herself.  All the characters come to realizations about themselves and others by the end of this story.


**I read this book for my own enjoyment.
***This is a share of my personal thoughts of the book as I read it.

Who? What? Where? (84)

Who are you with? Where are you at? What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now.

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

(This is a new meme I'm going to try and will tweak as I go. And please don't laugh at my lame attempt at drawing. ;D )

This Week:

I'm with Jax as she leaves Constance in the empty hall of base and heads towards March's quarters.  There is a discussion they need to have, and I'm not sure how this one will go over.  Though, March and Jax could very well surprise me, but we have to have this chat as Jax is shipping out in the morning.

Endgame
By:  Ann Aguirre


Others have shown interest in joining in this post, and linking up.  So I've created a linky for that.
My only requests; copy the picture to use, and link back to My World...in words and pages.
Please visit any joining in.
Thank you!

Thoughts on: Avalon Revisited ~ Chapters 8-10

Avalon Revisited

By:  O.M. Grey

Genre:  Victorian Vampire Steampunk Romance

Chapter:  8 & 9

Format:  Podcast, 28:18 minutes

Book Synopsis:
Arthur has made his existence as a vampire bearable for over three hundred years by immersing himself in blood and debauchery.  Aboard an airship gala, he meets Avalon, an aspiring vampire slayer who sparks fire into Arthur's shriveled heart.  Together they try to solve the mystery of several horrendous murders on the dark streets of London.  Cultures clash and pressures rise in this sexy Steampunk Romance.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Chapter 8:
Arthur returns home by way of cutting through the park, thinking of Avalon all the while.  Arthur feels alive with life for the love he feels for Avalon, even climbing a tree.

Arthur is full of thoughts of Avalon, and has felt his life take a new turn after all these hundreds of years thinking of this one woman.  But now that he knows she's a vampire hunter, he decides to study up on the human believe in regards to vampires.

He's got a new list of things to do:
   1) Prove he's not a vampire to the vampire hunter
   2) Find the real murderer
   3) Woo the lady, who happens to be a vampire hunter

Chapter 9:
Arthur awakes to the headlines of another high profile vampire killing, Lord Walter.  Arthur studies up, receives his invite to tea with Avalon, which he responds requesting dinner, and Emily Bainsbridge approves tea with Arthur.

We learn more of vampires and the myths of humans in this chapter.  Nice to see the lines are drawn and where our vampire rules are.  Arthur really has a wonderful way of reading mannerisms of these he comes across.  I guess after three hundred plus years, one would get great at reading people.  We do learn more about Avalon from Emily in her visit for...tea.  Wow!  Emily is rather forward.  lol.  We learn of her marrage to a man twenty years her senior, and she does surprise Arthur in her...forwardness.  That seems hard to do, but she does well in distracting him.

I really like when the author speaks the dialect of the characters she possesses the words in the personality of each characters way and attitude.

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

Chapter:  10

Format:  Podcast, 35:52

My Thoughts and Summary:
Arthur meets Avalon for their formal dinner.  We get to know Avalon and Arthur a little more then walk her home after a few drinks.  Just to meet Victor as well.

We seem to have our potential couple on a first name bases now.

Arthur explains his interest in vampires and that he's an orphan thanks to them and witnessed it.  We learn of Avalon being an 'orphan' as well.  Arthur starts to cover his tracks here and explains of a rare condition to explain his pale skin and why he wears gloves all ways.  An allergy.

We also learn a bit about Victor, Avalon's tenant.  He's a tinker in a sense and Arthur leads Avalon right to showing him the very device he was trying to avoid.  It's a rather neat little contraption, but is broken.  Arthur walks Avalon home, and is invited in, and meets Victor.  Here we get to see more steampunk-ish items which Victor has created.

Arthur is approved as a human, and is allowed to join Avalon and Victor on their hunt tonight.

We learn the latest victim Arthur just heard about, Lord Walter, is the husband of his very own kill at the beginning.  I'm very curious as to why the husband was killed.  And the attacks are happening in the same vicinity  around Arthur's home!  I'm wondering why so close to Arthur's home.  Does it happen to be related to Arthur some how?  Make him look guilty or revenge?



If you would like to listen, or read, this story you can find it in many places:
   Free Listening:
On O.M. Grey's blog Caught in the Cogs, she has chapter by chapter coming up on her blog weekly as it's a new listen.
iTunes the story is up weekly for free listening.
   Reading:
You can purchase the Print or Nook book at Barnes & Nobles.
You can purchase a Print or Kindle version at Amazon.
Or if you need in a different ebook format, you can find on Smashwords as well.


I'm listening to this story for my own enjoyment.

Teaser Tuesday (136)

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:

A chill ripples over me.  In ten villages around the world, just like this one, cell leaders are speaking these exact same words.

Endgame

By:  Ann Aguirre

86pg

Book Review: Shadows Before the Sun

Shadows Before the Sun

By:  Kelly Gay

Publisher:  Pocket Books

Publish Date:  July 31, 2012

Format:  Paperback, 334pgs, Pocket book size

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  4th book in Charlie Madigan series; 1st Book ~ The Better Part of Darkness, 2nd Book ~ The Darkest Edge of Dawn, 3rd Book ~ The Hour of Dust and Ashes

Recommendation:  Oh Yes!  Charlie wrecks destruction and fights through a hell like a champ in a world that looks like heaven.  And you HAVE to know what happens to Hank!

Book Synopsis:
Elysia may be heavenly off-world destination, but beyond it, in the siren city of Fiallan, the Circe have punished Charlie Madigan's partner, Hank, into a torturous state between life and death.  With all the proper legal channels cleared, Charlie heads to Elysia, not knowing what she'll find, or if she'll ever see the siren again...while at home, jinn crime boss Grigori Tennin has begun an all-out hunt for the divine being Ahkneri.  Tennin's tactics set off a chain reaction that puts Charlie in the cross hairs of the shadowy creature known as Death, and stirs Ahkneri from her long sleep -- and if Vengeance awakes, Atlanta will never be the same.

First Sentence:
"Again."  
His muscles tensed, going rock hard as the whip sliced through the air with a long, brutal sigh.

Available for Order:

Order on Amazon    /    Barnes and Nobles

My Thoughts and Summary:
We start with a Prologue where Hank is being whipped with a special barbed whip for escaping the Circe witches years ago, and learns he is the last of his family line.

Rex and Charlie are on their way to look at a dead body in the Nymph territory.  Rex, being of a special decent, will help identify if a jinn was present at the scene as the Druid King says he saw.  The First One, Ahkneri, may not be as safe as Charlie had thought.  This case that could cause a deadly war between two enemies, all the day before she heads to Fiallan in Elysia to rescue Hank, her siren partner.  Charlie finds The Federation Representatives sent to find and start Hanks release have returned when she comes back to the office, and not with pleasant news.  Hanks not in any of the towers and the Circe claim to have executed him as the traitor they saw him as.  Charlie doesn't believe it and is still given the time off with approved passes, to go to Fiallan to see for herself and get closure.  Along the way Charlie finds Sandra, the Oracle, waiting for her and her fate is to join Charlie, to help her.  Charlie and Sandra enter the heaven of Elysia knowing what torment lays hidden in the beauty of which is only skin deep.

Dark comes to mind first.  Kelley has taken us on a dark path through the beautiful world.  I LOVE it!  The treatment in this one is pure torturous to the characters.  I love seeing Elysia and the Sirens.  Elysia looks like heaven on the outside, but to charlie, the inside is anything but.

The beginning takes us right into the current story, the murder case of a nymph with Jinn involved (and maybe Sidhe warriors too) and the issues with Hank.  But there are brief mentions of important pieces to help refresh what sparks my memories.  I know this all will tie together, but left curious about the nymph murder.

The family element is still present.  Although not as much, as Charlie is in Elysia hunting for Hank, but when she is home, it is there and strong.  Charlies daughter with Brim the hellhound and Rex make me smile with the fun craziness between them.  Such family love.

I feel I get more of different races here, once again with visiting another world this expands easily for us the cultures.  Slowly we learn more about the Djinn and Sirens, and even of those in Elysia more so with being there.  Their weaknesses and in depth with djinn as well as with Rex now.  I really like this in the books.  Kelley has thoroughly thought out her worlds.

With each book I enjoy this series more and more.  Kelley has left a few things open in the end that makes me curious to see what she will bring to us next.  There is something else to come, and I want to know who or what it is.  What fight will Charlie fight with her friends at her side?  What is Leander and what does he know of what's to come?  Who is the mysterious being after the First One?

Yes, this is a series I truly will keep an eye on.


I read this book for my own enjoyment.

Monday's Beginnings (161)

Where did the weekend go?  Seriously!  Why is it those two days fly by faster than any day of work?  Very depressing.

I don't know what I did all weekend.  Friday, husband decided it was family night at the high school football game.  I love football, but it was Skyla's birthday, and she was celebrating on Twitter.  So seriously!  But I did tweet from the game, and drank shots in her honor when I got home.  Okay, shots and a few drinks too. :)  Hope you had a great time dear. :)  Then Saturday was shot in the ass for what I wanted to do.  I ended up running around and napping.  Pretty much nothing got done.  Sunday, I visited with my brother for three hours!  I never thought we'd chat that long, but when we get going on books and ideas, well the time flies by.  Then ran kid around and did running again.  Again, nothing done!  Not much reading.

Current Read:
Harmonics: Rise of the Magician by Collin Earl & Chris Snelgrove
Endgame by Ann Aguirre (will start today for chat on Thursday)

Finished Last Week:
Soul Trade by Caitlin Kittredge

Reviews to Come:
Shadows Before the Sun by Kelly Gay
Shades of War by Sarah-Jane Lehoux
Stitch by Samantha Durante
Badlands by Seleste deLaney
Soul Trade by Caitlin Kittredge
Protector of the Light by S.A. Archer & S. Ravenheart

Book Reviews Posted:
Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson
Tethered by Meljean Brook

Podcast Reviews Posted:
Avalon Revisited by O.M. Grey ~ Chapters 5, 6, & 7
Tales from the Archives Vol 2 #6

Movie Review Posted:
I have two movies to share with you about.  I'll get there...some day. ;)

Books and Covers Shared:
Dark Days by Caitlin Kittredge

Special Posts:
UF Book Chat, Final stop on Soul Trade
Freebies and Deals, on Nook too (25)
UF Book Chat, schedule for Endgame
GIVEAWAY!! Interview and Giveaway with Amanda Carlson on Full Blooded

I did do a Flash Fiction Friday, but in a new way.  I randomly picked 3 words from the dictionary and worked with one I already started.

My WANT List...Hmmm, I've only added 3 books.  But once again I've added books to the TBR pile that were never on the Want list. lol.  Oh well, one place or the other, right. :D

Received Last Week:
Purchased:
This novella has been stuck in my head since it released.  Don't know why.  So when I ordered a book for the kid, I had to get this novella for me, and I'll find out one of these weekends what it's about.

The High Priestess by Katee Robert
Goodreads Synopsis:
Marianna Zain is in trouble. The handsome stranger she just kissed? He’s a member of the most terrifying hate-group in the universe. Even after he takes her captive, Marianna can’t shake her initial instincts that he’s a man of worth…and her only chance at escaping death.

One of Sanctify’s most decorated lieutenants, Gerard Leoni thought he had everything figured out. But then he crosses paths with a Diviner, the most despised of the alien races, and is honor-bound to bring her in. One night with Marianna makes him question everything he knows.

As the day of her scheduled execution draws near, Marianna forms a plan. She’s going to seduce Gerard—a task that would be simpler if she weren’t being seduced as well. But Sanctify doesn’t take kindly to their people cavorting with aliens, and instead of finding a savior, Marianna may be dragging Gerald to his death alongside her…

Free:
This was a free novella on Nook and Kindle.  I'm curious to see, one day, what it's like.

Death's Avatar by SM Reine
Goodreads Synopsis:
Alternative cover for ASIN: B006R9J2OS 

For five years, Elise Kavanagh and James Faulkner have policed relations between Heaven, Hell, and Earth with blood and blade. They're notorious as heroes and killers--the greatest demon hunting team in history. But they're getting tired of fighting.

Now a Goddess of Death is driving the world toward destruction. When her doomsday clock reaches twelve, the barriers between Hell and Earth will be ripped away and bring humanity to extinction.

The clock just struck nine. The world is running out of time.

Won:
Thank you Aurian, at boeklogboek, for hosting the giveaway!
I look forward to getting into Gini's books, and this new series.

The Night Beat by Gini Koch
Goodreads Synopsis:
The majority of Prosaic City’s residents don’t know that their town exists on top of another place -- Necropolis, City of the Undead. For the most part, the two planes of existence manage to remain separate. And when they don’t, Necropolis Enforcement has beings in place to ensure the general human population remains blithely clueless.

Victoria Wolfe is more than just a policewoman. She’s an undercover werewolf assigned by Necropolis Enforcement to work Prosaic City Police’s Night Beat. Victoria’s comfortable working the shift where all the weird comes out to play, especially since her partner is also her perfect man. Or would be, if Victoria could ever work up the nerve to tell him she isn’t like other girls.

It’s hard enough being a werewolf in disguise, but when a creature from the Depths of Hell shows up in an alley preferred by junkies, bums, and hookers, it’s going to take more than just Victoria’s special gun and werewolf skills to subdue the ancient Sumerian demon. Especially when the demon is merely the start of what appears to be a major takeover attempt by the Prince of Darkness.

Soon all of Necropolis Enforcement’s Undead Brigade is involved in the fight to stop the Prince’s Major Minions from taking over Prosaic City and the rest of the human plane. But it’s Victoria who has to face the Adversary and figure out what intricate plan Lucifer has up his wings before everyone she cares about is destroyed.

In other words, it’s just another day on the Night Beat.

Ann Aguirre was giving away many books, if you were one of the first to enter.  And I made the cutoff, so I'm thrilled!! to get this book, and signed!

Midnight by Ellen Connor
Goodreads Synopsis:
Second in a stunning post-apocalyptic paranormal romance trilogy. 

Three years of wandering the postapocalyptic wasteland has stripped Dr. Chris Welsh of hope. A harrowing loss drove him from his home, and he hasn't stopped moving-until he encounters Valle de Bravo, a haven of civilization amid the chaos of the Change. Soldiers take their orders from Rosa Cortez-the iron hand within a velvet glove. The last thing Rosa needs is a feral loner upsetting the town's tentative balance. However, for the good of her people, she lets Chris stay, and as bloodthirsty raiders strike again and again, Chris and Rosa battle hellhounds and dust pirates while also fighting desperate attraction. To save them, love must overcome the pain of the past-and build a future in this brutal Dark Age...

Then I did receive a few signed bookmarks from Daniel Marks on Velveteen.  Lovely!  I do need to get this book, and I look forward to sharing these with any winners. :)



So, how did your week go last week?  Hope it was a good one.  How does the week coming look?  Hope you get lots of time to be lost in a new world. ;)

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

UF Book Chat 31 ~ Schedule

We have our next book scheduled to start chatting next week.  And this one is a bit bitter sweet for us.  We have been loving this series something hard, and this is the last book.  Yet, we are so excited to get to it!

So on to what the next book and schedule is

Endgame
Sirantha Jax #6
By:  Ann Aguirre
Regret nothing. 

Sirantha Jax has the J-gene, which permits her to “jump” faster-than-light ships through grimspace. She loves nothing more than that rush, but the star roads have to wait…

Her final mission takes her to La’heng, a planet subjugated during first contact. Since then, the La’hengrin homeworld has been occupied by foreign conquerors.

All that’s about to change.

Now, as part of a grassroots resistance, Jax means to liberate the La’hengrin. But political intrigue and guerrilla warfare are new to her, and this will be the most dangerous game she’s ever played—spies and conspiracies, a war of weapons and hearts, and not everyone is guaranteed to make it out alive...

Schedule:
This one we are doing in two weeks as well.  I don't know if I can contain myself for three weeks with this ending.
Stop 1 ~ September 27, 2012 ~ End of Chapter 29
Stop 2 ~ October 4, 2012 ~ End of book

Freebies and Deals, on Nook too (25)

And the Freebie Friday from Barnes & Nobles for you.  The thriller isn't one for me, but maybe you would like it.  And remember to check back for the comments with freebie links in them. :)

Free:
I'm not sure if it's any good, I've not read it yet.  But just found in and thought I'd share it with you.

Death's Avatar by SM Reine
Barnes & Nobles ~ Nook    /     Amazon ~ Kindle

Synopsis:
For five years, Elise Kavanagh and James Faulkner have policed relations between Heaven, Hell, and Earth with blood and blade. They're notorious as heroes and killers—the greatest demon hunting team to ever live. But they're getting tired of fighting.

Now a Goddess of Death is driving the world toward destruction. When her doomsday clock reaches twelve, the barriers between Hell and Earth will be ripped away and bring humanity to extinction.

The clock just struck nine.

The world is running out of time.

I think this might be it from me this week.  Have you found anything UF or Fantasy related free or on sale this week? Let me know in the comments.  Would love to take a look, and maybe other would like to see as well.

Flash Fiction Friday (56)

(Image found on Toto Photos)

Blodeuedd got me started with Dottie over at Tink's Place doing these Flash Fiction posts with images.  But with all the picture stuff going on, and life gets crazy it's hard to keep up.

I'm going to try doing the flash with three words randomly found in the dictionary.  I closed and opened the book three times and dropped my finger on the page.  Where it fell was the word.

The words this week:
~~ Medalist - n. 1) a person who designs or makes medals 2) a person who has been awarded a medal 3) in golf, the winner at medal play.
~~ Tender - v.t. 1) to offer in payment of an obligation 2) to present for acceptance; offer; as, he tendered his resignation - n. 1) an offer of money, services, etc. made to satisfy an obligation 2) a formal offer, as of marriage, a contract, etc. 3) something offered in payment, especially money; ef. legal tender
~~ Pacemaker - n. a runner, horse, automobile, etc. that sets the pace for others, as in a race.

I'm picking up with the flash fiction set in a fantasy steampunk world.

The starts of this story is Flash Fiction Friday 51 with Shaffron the steam-pixie.

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

By:  Melissa

Shaffron trudged through the sharp rain.  It felt as it could cut her skin like fresh cut metal as she flew the message to the giant's army.  Probably something about where they are to move to next, or attack, or something Shaffron didn't care about.  She wanted tender of gears and metal, maybe money and some food along the way, and find the Medalist.

The Medalist was an a man from long before the pixies wings where ripped from their backs, and this metal impostors had to be created.  If it wasn't for him they wouldn't have come up with another way to fly.  He was a simple man creating medals for awards and fun, when metal working was for fun, not for life.  His medals grew to hide secrets in the gears for revolutionary fights, sending messages from pixie to pixie and allies during games and battles.  Then his gear creations grew from his crafty mind and have helped bring them back to some semblance of life.

Shaffron had to watch her step with the giants.  They were demanding and would cheat her any payment if she was slow at getting her messages through.  She couldn't afford to be relaxed on receiving any metal, gears, or compatible needs.  The Medalist would need them all to finish his project when he was found and retrieved.  The last word received was that the Medalist was taken by the giants for his known works, and they had loads of metal to work and create any weapons against their enemy.  The Medalist had become a pacemaker in the metal yielding field, and crafting the steam machines to get through what flesh could not.

Shaffron sighed with relief when she spotted the first sign of camp.  She flashed her mirror in the rhythmic pattern to signal she was of no harm and had a message.  A giant stepped from behind the tree, causing Shaffron to start and almost drop her mirror in the mud below as he looked like a moving tree in his disguise.

As she followed the guard to the chief, Shaffron heard the unmistakable sound of gears clicking and metal being molded.  Shaffron shifted her head to listen and look, to find where the sounds were coming from.  This could be her clue to the Medalist.  Maybe he's here in this camp.

Looking Forward To... (112)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

Alchemystic
The Spellmason Chronicles #1

By:  Anton Strout

Due Out:  September 25, 2012

Anton has another series, which I do need to read as well, but I like the sounds of this one.  Spellmasons, people who work magic on stone and such.  Love the thought of gargoyles and such.  Sounds neat and cool.

Goodreads Synopsis:
AN OLD FRIEND OF THE FAMILY… 
Alexandra Belarus is a struggling artist living in New York City, even though her family is rich in real estate, including a towering Gothic Gramercy Park building built by her great-great-grandfather. But the truth of her bloodline is revealed when she is attacked on the street and saved by an inhumanly powerful winged figure. A figure who knows the Belarus name…

Lexi’s great-great-grandfather was a Spellmason—an artisan who could work magic on stone. But in his day, dark forces conspired against him and his, so he left a spell of protection on his family. Now that Lexi is in danger, the spell has awoken her ancestor’s most trusted and fearsome creation: a gargoyle named Stanis.

Lexi and Stanis are equally surprised to find themselves bound to each other. But as they learn to work together, they realize that only united can they save the city they both love…