Demons of Oblivion Blog Tour: Character Interview with Ryann

Welcome to one of today's stop on the Demons of Oblivion Blog Tour.

Keep in mind the Books are on special this week at Amazon. If you need a different format, Purchase from Amazon and send a copy of your receipt to myself or Skyla along with the format of the ebook you need, and we'll make sure you get it.

What's the special?

BLOODLINES

Demons of Oblivion #1

is FREE, ending November 1st.

HUNTER

Demons of Oblivion #2

1/2 price - $2.99 on sale, ending November 1st

LINEAGE

Demons of Oblivion #3

1/2 price - $2.99 on sale, ending November 1st

EXHUMED

Demons of Oblivion #4

1/2 price - $2.99 on sale, ending November 1st

Now, to what you stopped by for. An interview by yours truly with Ryann.

(Bold & Black - Melissa & Interviewer, Blue - Ryann, Red - Zara)


Recently a vampire was interviewed by our journalist Dina James. I wanted to bring you the view from a different perspective. A special interview with Ryann David. You’ll learn in just a few moments why this woman is so special.

Ah! Here she comes now, finished at work for G J & R Psychic Detective Agency…

*steps in, glances around taking in the exits and potential weapons, and takes a seat facing both Melissa and the door*

Hello, Ryann! It is an honored to have you by to talk with me. A few of your colleagues have been interviewed and I thought we should hear the sensible side of things. 

Absolutely, thank you so much for having me.

I’ve heard rumors through the club Alchemy Red that you are a demon hunting/fighting nun. Correct?

Yes, though no longer a nun. *absently clasps cross at her throat* I’ve kept my vows to fight demons if they’re causing problems and endangering human lives, however I...live a little more secular now.

That’s a big change, sounds like there might have been a tough moment in your life.
My faith in the divine has never wavered. My faith in institutions, however...is lacking. I strongly feel I’m on the right path, however.

I’m curious. A place like Alchemy Red has no hard feelings with letting you in?

Provided I don’t attempt to kill any of their clients, they allow me into the club. It’s not somewhere I prefer to go but I usually get...“encouraged” to come along with my friends.

And problems of a supernatural variety quite commonly pop up at a club geared towards a supernatural clientele, so my particular skillset tends to be useful there.

Hmm, I’ll have to keep my eye on Alchemy Red then.

It would help to also have a katana.

You seem to have amazing senses for detecting and fighting demons. Did you go through a lot of extensive training?

Yes, ten years. Both physical and psychological training as well as some strategy.

I personally think the ability to sense demons is a combination of factors. The first and most prominent is that we’re trained to identify predators. Predators have a particular way of moving, of looking at the world. Because we’re taught to hunt the hunters, we’re good at identifying demons and vampires.

The second part, I truly believe comes from divine blessing. We wouldn’t survive if not for the grace of God.

You are currently working with a very special group here. Or a talented man, Ellie. I hear he can…talk to the dead? That’s the Psychic part of the Detective Agency. Is that so?

Yes, he’s a medium. His specific talent is that he can commune with the spirits of those who have died violently as well as see through the eyes of killers.

It seems you worry greatly for Ellie. Is there a lasting effect on Ellie when he performs his work?

*Ryann leans forward, lowers her voice* Honestly, the depth of which it influences him...I don’t know. I do know that he tends to drink when using his gifts or else he risks violent, debilitating seizures. He also maintains a connection with those he speaks to. To what degree, I can’t say, but it’s...difficult. Hard on him.

Now, I’m curious. How did a well adjusted person as yourself, and a demon hunter, become friends with a vampire? Or two! But one in particular, Zara Lain. Oh. Zara Lain...

*Ryann stiffens, looks at the door* Oh...dear. *raises her voice* Do you have some sort of sixth sense about when someone’s talking about you?

*door creaks open, heavy heels thump on the floor* *Zara walks in wearing four-inch heels, skinny jeans, and a corset; she drapes herself on the arm of the couch, tossing back her black hair* It’s my super power of innate narcissism.

*sigh*

Go on. Just pretend I’m not here.

As I was saying, not all vampires are evil. They have the potential to kill, but so do all humans.

I’m a little bit evil.

You are very evil, and if you attempt to kill an innocent, I’ll stop you.

Aww, you’re like a snarly little kitten who thinks she’s badass.

Zara Lain has joined us folks! Zara, you always bring a bit of color and flavor to a room. It’s a pleasure to see you again.

My human BF! Hey, Melissa. Don’t mind me, I’m just going to steal Ry when she’s done. Got a half demon pestering orphans and puppies to take care of.

Are you sure it’s orphans and puppies and not someone who owes you money?

Maybe.

Ry, you were trained at a church. Do you think you will return there one day? After all you’ve seen and learned, could you return to the hunting team you once were on?

If—

*Zara interrupts* Ohhhh that would be so much fun.

This is not your interview.

I’m just saying. You’ve got a training room, right? We could make it Thunderdome. I take on a bunch of Hunters. Impale them on their own stakes. In the shape of a cross. It would wonderfully blasphemous.

*Ryann clears throat* If they needed me, yes, I’d return on a temporary basis. Never permanently, however—not with all I know now.

I dunno, I think they might end up having some answers for you, Buffy.

Please stop calling me—wait, what are you talking about?

*Zara yawns* My trigger finger’s kinda itchy. Let’s beat up some demons.

Thank you for speaking with me, Ry. I don’t want to take up any more of your valuable time.

Thank you very much for having me, Melissa. *Ryann rises*

*Zara hops off the arm of the couch* See ya, Mel!

See ya Zara. Call and we'll do drinks. And there you have it folks. Ryann David….

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

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

Author Bio:
Award-winning author Skyla Dawn Cameron has been writing approximately forever.

Her early storytelling days were spent acting out strange horror/fairy tales with the help of her many dolls, and little has changed except that she now keeps those stories on paper. She signed her first book contract at age twenty-one for River, a unique werewolf tale, which was released to critical and reader praise alike and won her the 2007 EPPIE Award for Best Fantasy. She now has multiple series on the go to keep her busy, which is great for her attention deficit disorder.

Skyla is a fifth generation crazy cat lady who lives in southern Ontario, where she dabbles in art, is an avid gamer, and watches Buffy reruns. If she ever becomes a grownup, she wants to run her own pub, as well as become world dictator.

You can visit her on the web at www.skyladawncameron.com. When she’s not writing or being glared at by cats, she’s probably on Twitter. You should ping @skyladawn and tell her to get back to work.



Find Skyla Dawn Cameron:
Website:  www.skyladawncameron.com
Blog:  www.skyladawncameron.com/blog
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/skyladawn
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/SkylaDawnCameron
GoodReads:  www.goodreads.com/skyladawncameron
Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/skyladawnc/

Throwback Thursday (133)

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;

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 loved reading the first Billibub Baddings mystery story. I love the mob feel with the fantasy twist of Billi dropped into the world. All the magical items that he's looking for. Yep. I really need to get back to this world!

Goodreads Synopsis:

Chicago, 1930, and following the financial calamity of Black Thursday, Billi is doing everything he can to keep his business afloat. The change in seasons, though, brings him a case that appears to be a true blessing from The Fates. Chicago Cubs Manager Joe McCarthy suspects something fishy with the Baltimore Mariners, a new team in the league, and he's hiring Billi to look into it. 
What appears to be the dream job - being paid to research and attend baseball games - turns out to be a nightmare as he discovers one of the Nine Talismans of Acryonis somewhere in play at Wrigley. 
And wouldn't you know it - with two outs and bases loaded, the heavy hitter of the Underworld "Big Al" gets early parole from The Big Dugout and is swinging two in the Batter's Circle. 

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 

Book Review: Heartwood

Heartwood

By:  Freya Robertson

Publish Date: October 29, 2013

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  1st in Elemental Wars series

Recommendation:  You like your fantasy, with adventure and death. This is for you. And with a twist to environment as well!

Synopsis:
A dying tree, a desperate quest, a love story, a last stand.

Chonrad, Lord of Barle, comes to the fortified temple of Heartwood for the Congressus peace talks, which Heartwood’s holy knights have called in an attempt to stave off war in Anguis. But the Arbor, Heartwood’s holy tree, is failing, and because the land and its people are one, it is imperative the nations try to make peace.

After the Veriditas, or annual Greening Ceremony, the Congressus takes place. The talks do not go well and tempers are rising when an army of warriors emerges from the river. After a fierce battle, the Heartwood knights discover that the water warriors have stolen the Arbor’s heart. For the first time in history, its leaves begin to fall...

The knights divide into seven groups and begin an epic quest to retrieve the Arbor, and save the land.

First Sentence:
The belt hung from a hook in the doorway of a tent, weighed down by a bulging leather pouch.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

*I asked to review this book as it caught my attention and sounded like something I'd enjoy.

My Thoughts and Summary:
The peace talks are called by the Heartwood Militis to help save the land. The land is slowly dying, foods not as plentiful as it once was. The weather is turning ill. Animal sicknesses. The worshiped powerful oak tree of the lands is shrinking. The Arbor is dying and they hope bringing the people together, instead of constant battle, they can help save it and all who live on the land. When they gather to talk, they start to bicker. While the bickering is happening, a surprise attack of Dark Water Lords hit. The heart of the tree is stolen and many are killed. The rains set in and a dangerous journey into unknown areas has to succeed to save them all from what's to come. In a world as this, much can happen to stop them from their tasks. Others won't even get to accomplish their tasks.

The world is vast. We start with a believe that may not be as all have thought. That there are pieces of their believe that is wrong with the finding of a lost room. The system of the Arbor is vast, magical, and powerful. The history of the elements caught my attention right away. I am taken with the elemental influence in this world. The influence in the care of the world and even in the beings and characters. An ancient history is buried here.

We have different regions in the world and slightly differing life styles that cause disagreements among the land. There is Laxonian, Wulfian, and Komis. Then you have the Heartwood Knights of the Militis that try to police the lands and keep things calm. Heartwood is neutral ground as all areas send people to join their ranks at young age of seven. Although, there are late bloomers that have made their way into the ranks.

We meet many characters here. It's a large cast to play with. It's an epic fantasy. Large casts are a good thing in a world as vast as this. We learn more, see more, and know more, by having more venues to see the world through. It brings the diversity to our attention. But, the larger the cast in a deadly world...there are more to lose along the way. More potential of death. More happening. And this book keeps it all moving along in that way.

We get a point of view from multiple characters. Each as they lead their own quest party across the land and encounter something different in the world. Each character has their own section so it's clearly marked out who you are reading and what is happening. Of all the characters it's hard to pick a favorite. I loved Chonrad, Lord of Barle, the moment I met him. And overall in the book, I think he's the main character. We aren't with him at all times but he fits the part of the key character to me. But I really enjoyed Teagon as well. Teagon holds a very special magic and that's what draws me to him. Everyone holds something close they don't or won't share with others. It eats at them and everyone needs someone to help them - as a friend or something more.

The story walks these characters through their trials, baring the crosses they hide deep, and drawing friendships where ones would not have been before. A journey, as a group to save the world and individually to help themselves through, through a dangerous world - a world growing more dangerous daily - to save it from itself. Water and Air fight an internal battle over the land.

This story comes to a close with the characters and the troubles of the land. But there are more books to come. And I'll be looking for them. I'm curious to see what comes in the next books in this intriguing world.

Cover Reveal: Grim Consequences & Giveaway: by Kate SeRine

Oooooh am I loving this romance series. I love the setting and the characters all around. And to see this delicious cover. Hmmmm, I think I'm in Heaven!

This is a Novella companion story that is sequel to Red (the first book in the series). This is more of Tess and the handsome Nate. You remember him, right? Death. You know, the Grimm Reaper. Yep. That's the lovely man.

Okay, enough of me chatting away. Time to share all the details with you. And do enter Kate's giveaway after you are done drooling over Nate on this cover...

Grimm Consequences

Transplanted Tales #1.5

By:  Kate SeRine

Due Out:  April 17, 2014

Description:
You reap what you sow…

Saying Nate Grimm has a dark past is an understatement. Fortunately, no one’s bothered to look too closely at the Fairytale Management Authority’s lead detective and part-time Reaper. And that’s the way Nate wants to keep it. For after centuries of torment and loneliness, he’s finally found happiness with the hot and hard-charging love of his life, Tess “Red” Little.

Of course, his love for Tess is the reason there’s a posse of Reaper judges after him, led by a sadistic bastard acquainted with Nate from once upon a time. Now, Tess will pay the price for Nate’s transgressions unless Nate severs his ties to the transplanted Tales—and Tess—forever. His enemy has the advantage in speed, malice and brutality. But the Reapers have underestimated the depth of Nate’s love and devotion. And the fury of his wrath…

Giveaway!

Kate is running a giveaway that is International, through November 8th.

2 winners will receive an e-book copy of one of her Transplanted Tales novels

1 winner will receive a signed print copy of Red and a $10 gift card to Amazon, B&N or BAM (winners choice)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Hungry Like the Wendigo

Hungry Like the Wendigo

By:  Skyla Dawn Cameron

Publish Date:  October 28, 2013

Format:  eBook, 9k words

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  part of Tales From Alchemy Red stories; A Vampire Walked Into A Bar

Recommendation:  Ooooh yes! You don't have to read the series to enjoy these short stories.

Synopsis:
Someone’s been haunting Alchemy Red...

It’s Halloween and a costume party is in full swing at the club city supernaturals like to visit. But not all is well: a particularly powerful spirit is haunting the joint, and despite the club’s clientele of vampires, witches, and half-demons, random fires and levitating tables are bad for business not to mention horrific attacks on staff members.

Getting rid of the spirit seems like a simple enough job for a Demon Hunter, her psychic detective boyfriend, and their vampire friend... But this is no ordinary spirit. It’s old. It’s hungry. And it’ll tear through anyone standing in its way.

(This is a Ryann David short story set between Hunter and Lineage.)

First Sentence:
"Don't you find this...just a little meta?"

Purchase At:
Amazon

*I read this story for my love of the world it's in and beta reading.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Ryann, Ellie, and Nic are called to Alchemy Red for some more-than-normal strange events. The clientele of the supernatural club aren't aware of the haunting happening. And the owners aren't able to stop it so they called Nic for help. What they come across in the basement could be more than these three can handle. The club is full on one of the busiest days of the year but what stirs to life in the basement will empty it quickly.

It is kind of meta. To walk into Alchemy Red, the home of all different monsters to see they are dressed up for Halloween. But I love it. The vision in my head, yea that's fun.

I love seeing these characters, again. Ellie is as fun as I remember him. Ry is as shy and naive, in one area, as well. And Nic...she is on the ball with computers. A physic who communicates with the dead, a demon hunter, and a vampire. Ellie and Ry might even come to a different phase of their relationship here.

Skyla has once again blended action, fight, and destruction into one short read. Even a bit of personal life with the characters as well.

You can read this short story WITHOUT reading any of the books in the Demons of Oblivion series. These stories are set with the characters at the Alchemy Red bar with different happenings. The stories do give you the bits of information you need to know what is happening and who the characters are. It might even make you curious enough to read the series. ;)

Quick read with all the elements I thoroughly enjoy.

Cover Reveal: The Dream Wars

Urban fantasy author Kerry Schafer (Between, 2013; Wakeworld 2014) has a new series of novellas out called The Dream Wars. Take a peek!

The Dream Runner (The Dream Wars #1)

By:  Kerry Schafer

Due Out: Available Now!

What if you could order a custom dream? Any kind. Dark and twisted, sweet, sensual, or redemptive. For the right price, a dream runner will deliver one to your doorstep.

Jesse Davison skipped town the week she turned sixteen, with nothing but the clothes on her back and her father's vintage Indian Scout motorbike. She swore never to return to the town where in one night of tragedy she lost everything she ever loved.

When news of her estranged mother's death calls her home, she hopes for some time to sort out ten years of tangled emotions. But Jesse’s job doesn’t exactly allow personal days. She’s been forced into service as a runner by the Dream Merchant to pay back a debt for her own dream of revenge, and there are always orders to fill.

Struggling to figure out her mysterious inheritance is more than enough to get a girl down, and things get even worse when the man Jesse loathes—ex-boyfriend Will Alderson—shows up. But she soon discovers the person she’s been running from might just be the one she should be running towards. Too bad she’s been dreaming of killing him for the past ten years.

Amazon - Nook

The Dream Thief (The Dream Wars #2)

By:  Kerry Schafer

Due Out: Available Now!

The underground dream trade is growing hotter by the second, and the Dream Merchant’s top delivery girl Jesse Davison wants out. She knows the ugly truth—that playing around with dreams can drive you crazy, or worse.

But it turns out freeing herself from the Dream Merchant isn’t Jesse’s biggest worry, and neither is the fact that her feelings for ex-boyfriend Will are resurfacing with a vengeance. Strange things begin happening as she investigates the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death in the sleepy mill town of Williamsville. Will's father remembers her in an instant, despite his severe dementia. Her realtor Tom disappears into thin air, and his assistant claims to have killed him. It’s up to Jesse to get to the bottom of it all. And, unfortunately, working with Will seems to be the only way.

As the crimes begin to mount, Jesse realizes that Will's memories, too, have been stolen, and it’s only a matter of time before the thief comes for her.

Amazon - Nook

The Dream Wars (The Dream Wars #3)

By:  Kerry Schafer

Due Out: Available Now!

Ever since Jesse Davison returned to her hometown, life has progressively gotten worse. The more she delves into her mother's death, the deeper the mystery gets. Her lover, Will, the only person she can trust, has been pressed into service by the Dream Merchant as a Collector—a soul sucking job Jesse didn't even know existed. And it turns out the dream bootleggers who have been operating out of her barn aren't just manufacturing dreams and stealing memories – they’ve found a way to control people’s minds. Marsh, a childhood bully-turned realtor, is convinced he killed his boss. And now he's consumed by the desire to make Jesse his next victim.

Somehow, Jesse must find a way to free Will and put a halt to the bootleggers' scheme. Because the way things are going? This dream business is about to explode into a full scale war…

Amazon

Mythical Monday (30)

It seems there are many books based on or influenced by Myths and Mythological Beings.

There are so many different Mythology and Mythological Beings recorded. Some are very popular and well known, others not so much. There are many similar beings, yet different depending on the culture it’s based in.  The definition of Myth covers about anything in the Urban Fantasy/Fantasy realm to me.

I’ve invited authors to share briefly the Mythological being or Myth that influenced their character(s) or story, or what their character(s) are based on influencing their books.  Hosting here, one author and being or myth per week.

This week we have:

Urban Fantasy &Fantasy author
Kelly A. Harmon

Talking of Selkies.

Selkies are fairies of the sea. Their true form is that of the seal, but they can shed that skin, take on a human appearance, and come ashore: often seducing or marrying humans, before returning to their ocean homes. They’re long-lived, easy going, and love the sea more than life.

Although selkie stories are “fairy tales,” they’re more often romantic tragedies rather than the happily-ever-after sort.

The most common tale is that of the poor fisherman who sees a beautiful woman emerge from a seal skin and dance on the beach. Enraptured, he steals the skin, thus having power over her. She can’t return to the sea as long as he holds the pelt, so she marries him and bears his children. Years later, she finds her skin and returns to the sea, abandoning her land-bound family.

Tales of selkie men are less common. The males are generally portrayed as erotic, seducers of women: the love ‘em and leave ‘em types.

Selkie stories are unusual that their roots can be traced back to the Orkey or Shetland Islands of Northern Scotland, although they occasionally show up in an Irish tale. Traditionally, you don’t see them anywhere else, although they’ve enjoyed some recent popularity. It was this “exclusivity,” if you will, that drew me to write Selk Skin Deep, a story of a Navy SEAL, Cade Owen, who’s also a selkie.

I liked the idea of an attractive, selkie male, but I wanted his attractiveness to be based on something more than his beauty. I chose strength: both physical strength and that of his convictions.

Cade is bored with his nearly-immortal life, so he turns to humans to make things more interesting. He joins the Navy SEALS – a newly-minted group of soldiers under the direction of President Kennedy – and finds himself on an aircraft carrier on its way to Vietnam. Living among them, Cade finds that humans live life intensely, compared to the selkies, and he doesn’t understand this passion.

And now those humans are embroiled in a war. How can there be anything worth fighting over—dying over—when all things circle back in the ebb and flow of life?

Author Bio:

Kelly A. Harmon used to be a newspaper reporter.

She found reporting to be by turns exciting (covering a murder trial) and excruciatingly boring (covering itty-bitty town council meetings). Most other stories managed to fall in between those extremes on a sliding scale of interesting.

Eventually, she moved away from full-time reporting. Stories were still interesting, but the rote mechanics of the job became anathema.

Nonetheless, she still writes non-fiction…because she can’t seem to leave it alone.

When not crazed with the need to freelance, Ms. Harmon writes fantasy and dark fantasy with the occasional science fiction piece. Her short story "Lies" short-listed for the Aeon Award and her novella, "Blood Soup," won the Fantasy Gazetteers Novella Contest.

Find Kelly A. Harmon:
Website:  http://kellyaharmon.com
Twitter: @kellyaharmon
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-A-Harmon/181895972644?ref=hl


Book Description:
Kennedy never envisioned a Navy SEAL like him.

1967. Vietnam. Fat-boys and comp-B bombs explode aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Livingstone killing thousands. Everyone dies if the carrier sinks, unless one SEAL – one selkie – puts the lives of humans ahead of his need to keep his secret.

Inspired by the true story of the U.S.S. Forrestal fire of 1967, award-winning author Kelly A. Harmon weaves alternate-history and fairytale into this action-packed and emotionally charged story.

Pick up Selk Skin Deep by Kelly A. Harmon at:
Amazon.com

Barnes & Noble Nook  OR Smashwords in any eformat you need

Sunday Post #33

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share new about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

~~~~~~~~~~

So it's Sunday. Once again.

This is the last week of blogging for me before NaNoWriMo starts. I'm excited and nervous all wrapped into one bundle. I get this way each year. I'm *trying* to plan the story a bit better this year, but...well, I know what's to happen it's just getting there. One step at a time.

I'm currently working on reading and re-writes in the first book. Lots of adding happening. I was wanting to be done with the first story by today. Yea, well, life keeps eating time on me. So, I'm hoping to get through it here this week and be at the beginning of the next story for Friday, November 1st.

What I'm hoping is to get caught up on my ever growing inbox of emails and get reviews posted on Amazon and other book sites through out November when I need a break from writing. I do hope to visit some, but probably won't get around to seeing everyone that much.

What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Heartwood by Freya Robertson

Heaven by Mur Lafferty (in audiobook while at work)
The Shambling Guide to New York City by Mur Lafferty (in audiobook while at work)


Finished Last Week:
Heartwood by Freya Robertson

Marco and The Red Granny by Mur Lafferty (in audiobook while at work)
Into Destiny by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Finished Podcast Book Listen:
I haven't got to the Podcasts yet.  I will, they are lining up on me.

~~~~~~~~~~

Last Week on the Blog:

I was interviewed on the Kate Daniels series. Some fun questions and answers.

Cover Reveals: (click titles to go to post & learn more)

Posts:
Did you know? Are you a superhero fan? Tee Morris has a few novella's of heroes, and there is one by Delilah S. Dawson too!

Reviews:
Book Review:
Into Chaos by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Book Review by Mama Bitchstress:
The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

GIVEAWAYS:

None at this time.

Weekly Posts:

***NEW*** Mythical Monday
Teaser Tuesday
Who? What? Where? Wend.
Throwback Thursday
Looking Forward To...
Freebies and Deals, on Nook too

~~~~~~~~~~

This Week to Come on the Blog:

I have two reviews that will come up this week, for new releases.
 - Heartwood by Freya Robertson
 - Hungry Like The Wendigo by Skyla Dawn Cameron

And the big tour for Skyla Dawn Cameron for re-release of Demons of Oblivion series. I'll have an interview with Ryann, one of her characters, at the end of this week.

~~~~~~~~~~

Received Last Week:

Review:

Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:

Free Ebooks:

~~~~~~~~~~

Reviews in the Works:

Quarter Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews

Half Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Full Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book
Double Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Captain's Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Owners Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Ravenwood by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

The Coffee Legacy by Katharine Bordet - a podcast reading of the book

Working for the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow
Shadow Sight by E.J. Stevens (in audiobook while at work)

Heartwood by Freya Robertson

Marco and The Red Granny by Mur Lafferty (in audiobook while at work)

Into Destiny by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Hungry Like The Wendigo by Skyla Dawn Cameron

Book Review: The Madness Underneath

First...I am sorry Mama Bitchstress disappeared for a bit. There was Stuff and Things in August and September, rather serious stuff I can't talk about, but Melissa knows. Rest assured, I felt terrible about neglecting my Bitchstressy Duties, and here I am again.

Without further adieu...

 The Madness Underneath

By Maureen Johnson

Format: eBook, 304 pgs

Genre: YA paranormal

Series: Shades of London #2

Recommendation: %*$@ yes. The ending killed me ded. Please read so you can flail with me.

Synopsis: After her near-fatal run-in with the Jack the Ripper copycat, Rory Devereaux has been living in Bristol under the close watch of her parents. So when her therapist suddenly suggests she return to Wexford, Rory jumps at the chance to get back to her friends. But Rory's brush with the Ripper touched her more than she thought possible: she's become a human terminus, with the power to eliminate ghosts on contact. She soon finds out that the Shades--the city's secret ghost-fighting police--are responsible for her return. The Ripper may be gone, but now there is a string of new inexplicable deaths threatening London. Rory has evidence that the deaths are no coincidence. Something much more sinister is going on, and now she must convince the squad to listen to her before it's too late. 

First Sentence:  Charlie Strong liked his customers—you don’t run a pub for twenty-one years if you don’t like your customers—but there was something about the quiet in the morning that pleased him to no end.

Purchase at:  B&N, Amazon, Book Depository, Indiebound, Powells

My Thoughts and Summary: This will be spoiler-free for The Madness Underneath, with just a few basic spoilers for The Name of the Star—all stuff you’d gather just from reading the blurb.

The main plot of The Name of the Star concluded in the last book, however there were many threads still left open to explore in this one. We begin with Rory living in the country, away from Wexford after...The Big Stuff That Happened at the end of the first book. (Was that vague enough for you? Oh, whatever, just read the synopsis above and you’ll know what I’m talking about.)

But Rory is different now, in more ways than one. And she can still see spirits as she did in the last book. Her life and friends are back in London, and that’s where she’s determined to return to.

The Madness Underneath does a fantastic job of building on what came before, picking up threads from the previous book and weaving into this one. You’ll recall from my review of the previous book, I did see plot twists coming but greatly enjoyed the ride. This one is similar in that regard: even as I knew what was happening to Rory (ugh, I hate being vague), it was handled masterfully by Johnson, maintaining suspense and tension, and keeping Rory in the dark believably even as the reader knows what’s going on. This is no easy feat in a book that’s written in first person.

Once again, despite the trauma Rory has suffered and the gravity of the situations she’s in, her humor is ever present:

 (Also, for the record, if someone is called a Romantic, it should mean some sexy times, I think. Instead, what it really means is people in puffy shirts who probably had a lot of real-life sexy times, but produced almost exclusively pictures of hillsides or people in dramatic poses, like pretending to be Ophelia dead in a swamp. I definitely call shenanigans on this.)

Or:

My first class was further maths. Further maths had gone further into some incomprehensible zone of mathyness.

This is another book that I think is great to hand young female readers for the reasons I stated last time: boyfriends are not the end-all be-all of everything, friendships between girls are typically positive and non-competitive, and I think it manages to present a great example without being unrealistic in these areas.  (It also makes me sad that I have to highlight these things as unusual but that’s A Rant for Another Day.)

Now...we have to talk about the ending.

I will not give away the ending but Oh. My. Gods. I knew what was happening, I picked up on everything, and I was still frantically hoping it wasn’t true and I was just being paranoid. But then it happened. To my favourite character. And I screamed aloud (not an easy feat with me, again, so I tip my hat to Johnson). Because the book ended there and oh my god.

I’m sorry I have to be so vague. What you need to know is that the main plot is not wrapped up as it did in the first book, and The Madness Underneath feels much more like the first part of a larger story. I know that bothers some readers but I absolutely urge you to pick it up anyway. Y’all need to read these two books and then freak out with me. I literally flailed and I am very unhappy about the wait for the next book.

But you can be damn sure I’ll be there to read it on release day.

Bitchstress Bechdel Bonus: Does it pass the Bechdel Test? Yep!

Disclaimer: I purchased and read this book for my own enjoyment. 

Throwback Thursday (132)

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;

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:

Mmm, oh yes. I was ecstatic when I won this whole trilogy from the author (still am!). And Soooo want to get to it. I've heard amazing things about this YA series and author.

Goodreads Synopsis:

17 year-old Kelley Winslow doesn’t believe in Faeries. Not unless they’re the kind that you find in a theatre, spouting Shakespeare—the kind that Kelley so desperately wishes she could be: onstage, under lights, with a pair of sparkly wings strapped to her shoulders. But as the understudy in a two-bit, hopelessly off-off-Broadway production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, wishing is probably the closest she’s going to get to becoming a Faerie Queen. At least, that’s what she thinks... In this fun, urban fantasy, Kelley's off-stage life suddenly becomes as complicated as one of Shakespeare’s plot twists when a nighttime trip to Central Park holds more than meets the mortal eye.

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 

Book Review: Into Chaos

Into Chaos

By:  S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Publish Date:  September , 2013

Publisher:  Ravynheart Publishing

Format:  ebook, 90pgs

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  2st of Into Magic series; 1st Book ~ Into Darkness
continuation of Rise of the Unseelie, Champion of the Sidhe, and Touch series.

Synopsis:
When the Mounds Collapsed, Donovan sacrificed his life and his magic to save the fey realm.  It wasn't enough.  Now the growing magic of the artifacts, the enchantment that promises to restore the realm of fey, is calling out to him, pushing at his mind and his magic, distracting him from the plots of the Seelie king slithering into their midst.

One of the most intense and action packed episodes of The Sidhe series so far, Into Chaos picks up where Into Darkness left off, propelling the action toward the climax of Season Two of The Sidhe that is coming with Into Destiny.  Now with longer episodes, the three story lines of the Sidhe continue to sizzle in this latest installment.

First Sentence:
Even with the gauzy curtains enclosing the four post bed, the light within the room roused Lugh from the exhaustion hangover following hours of carnal exertion.

Purchase At:
Amazon

***I read for my honest thoughts on the story, from the author.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Lugh has found the one he longed to be with, yet something is off with her.  Her magic distorted.  London notices when Lugh goes to talk to the man in charge, something happens to him.  Lugh is now different, although more the sunny self but different.  Lugh is magically forced to 'see the way'.  Donovan is mesmerized at the creation Malcolm has before him.  The magic artifacts Malcolm's put together have ran out of room at the Glamour Club, and now are calling to Donovan.  The magic from the first Realm of Fey has ideas, and talk to Donovan.  A new island is formed as London's past catches up and jeopardizes the lives of hers and the fey.

This is interesting.  We get some pieces of the story here and yet we are wondering as well.  We meet 'the man in charge' that Lugh now is the Champion for.  And what Donovan does for the First Realm of Fey magic. WOW!  And that is where the cover comes from too.

Malcolm is still completely obsessed with magic and the puzzle of the artifacts.  He seems to be struggling with a new creation here too.  That the magic might be too powerful is a question.  What will it do to him?  To Donovan with the connection?  What troubles will it attract?

I will say, I don't like 'the man in charge'.  But, in his defense, I don't think we are suppose too.  He is up to something and I don't like it.  I have to take London's side on this one.  He is up to no good to the fey.  None.

We have a collision of the fey and supernatural realm here.  Whether controlled or attacking, it's not good and will lead to troubles.

Did you know? Are you a Superhero fan?

I need to get on the ball. An amazing author I love has put up two (Yes TWO! Not just one. TWO!) superhero novella stories. This is a program through Amazon called Kindle Worlds Novella. Tee Morris has written two novellas set in this world. I'm also, quickly, becoming a superhero fan lately.

So the two novellas?

Harbinger: What's in a Code Name? (Kindle Worlds Novella)

By: Tee Morris

Amazon Description:

“He could still see her face, her eyes. And her hair. The way it flowed around her when she pulled up a storm around her. Daniel kept trying to refer to this husk in front of him as ‘Saturn’ but she never liked her code name…‘Ion,’ he said, ‘now is not the time to mourn our fallen. That time will come, but not tonight.’”

Harbinger Institute senior student, Daniel Hessler (age nineteen, code name “Ion”), watches fellow Anoisaibushi, Susan Adams (age nineteen, code name “Saturn”), die at the hand of Toyo Harada in order for the founder and leader of the Harbinger Institute to save himself following a savage attack from Bloodshot. Standing over Susan’s still, lifeless body with his master calling out to him, Daniel finds himself questioning everything Harbinger and Harada has been teaching him.

Tee Morris’s What’s in a Code Name?, a stand-alone sequel to Harbinger Wars # 2, is another thrilling instalment in the Harbinger series.

Bloodshot: Thanks for the Memories (Kindle Worlds Novella)

By: Tee Morris

Amazon Description:

“‘We hook you up to the IV and then I administer the solution carrying the nanite queens in hibernation mode. We will have them preset for your body temperature. They will activate once the temperature change is detected.’ Gary nodded…And just like that, he was in.”

One of America’s best, elite warrior Captain Gary Winneki has been recruited and cleared for a special op, a final covert assignment that has been issued without any hard data. His fateful last ride: at the Black Research Facility located in Atlee, Nevada, Captain Winneki is introduced to a revolutionary new development for the soldier of tomorrow.

Its name: Project Bloodshot.

Taking flight from episodes # 0, # 1-4 in the acclaimed Bloodshot series, Tee Morris’s Thanks for the Memories is a mind-bending, thrill-a-page ride that is sure to satisfy Valiant readers everywhere.

Now, I want to back up a moment. I remember seeing an amazing author (one I'm desperately needing to read) put up one on Amazon..... And I wanted it. Still WANT it. I have to get caught up here, but I will get all these.

Shadowman: Follow Me Boy (Kindle Worlds Novella)

By: Delilah S. Dawson

Amazon Description:

An old street woman gives Alyssa Myles, Jack Boniface’s friend (and Shadowman’s abettor!) a vial of perfume called Follow Me Boy. Alyssa brings the mysterious potion with her to the museum for dinner with Jack. Opening the vial she falls into a trance-like state and is drawn by an uncontrollable force to a plantation sunk in the steamy, fetid swamps outside New Orleans. Jack has no choice but to do as the perfume orders, following Alyssa into a nightmare world complete with powerful Voodoo curses and itchy-fingered Brethren gunmen. While chasing Alyssa down, Jack calls Dox, who warns him not to get into any trouble until night falls and he can become Shadowman. But it’s too late for that now and an entirely human and vulnerable Jack Boniface must face his darkest hour alone, before dragging Alyssa into the Deadside where Shadowman and his stricken friend are forced to confront and conquer their greatest fear – the dark, turbulent seas of their mysterious, unresolved past.

Delilah S. Dawson’s Follow Me Boy is another harrowing installment inspired by the acclaimed Shadowman series.

So, see? I need to get all caught up to get these. I neeeed these.