Audio Book Review: The Rules of Supervillainy

The Rules of Supervillainy

By:  C.T. Phipps

Publish Date:  June 8, 2015, Audiobook October 23, 2015

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 42 mins
Narrated By:  Jeffrey Kafer

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  1st in The Supervillainy Saga series

Impression:  Fun story to enjoy for a weekend set in a superhero, VILLAIN, world. ;)

Synopsis:
Gary Karkofsky is an ordinary guy with an ordinary life living in an extraordinary world. Supervillains, heroes, and monsters are a common part of the world he inhabits. Yet, after the death of his hometown's resident superhero, he gains the amazing gift of the late champion's magical cloak. Deciding he prefers to be rich rather than good, Gary embarks on a career as Merciless: The Supervillain Without Mercy.

But is he evil enough to be a villain in America's most crime-ridden city?

Gary soon finds himself surrounded by a host of the worst of Falconcrest City's toughest criminals. Supported by his long-suffering wife, his ex-girlfriend turned professional henchwoman, and a has-been evil mastermind, Gary may end up being not the hero they want but the villain they need.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

Gary Karkofsky has been the supervillain Merciless for less than 24 hours. The things he has done, surpassed in battle, and seen are more than he ever imagined in his lifetime. Somehow a box was dropped off at his door with files and a magical cloak, all having belonged to the superhero of Falconcrest City who died less than a week ago, Nightwalker. Gary's not a superhero, he's poor, and plans to take advantage of his gift to start his reign of terror on the city... and take some easy cash. On his first day, he learns his powers, limits, and down sides to being a super villain. Gets under the skin of The Malt Shop gang who call for revenge for the death of Ice Cream Man in a robbery Merciless intervened in. And gets a call from the Chief of Police to help with a kidnapping of a rich daughter. Gary sees dollar signs and takes the money, however things seem to shift on him drawing the attention of the superheroes.

I enjoyed listening to Jeffrey as his reading voice is one I love to listen to, but he also does the voice differences for the additional villains that Merciless comes across, and there are a more than a few. They seem to fit the characters in mind and voice. I think this is the most voice variation I've heard from Jeffrey in the few books I've listened to from him. Sounds like he had fun with these characters. I know I did! The dry humor in Jeffrey's voice fits Gary to the T and made the book all the more fun listening to the humor and jokes than just reading them.

LOL! Oh this was a fun listen. Just what I wanted, and was hoping for. The names of the villains alone made me giggle as I'm listening to this story, but Gary on his first test drive with the powerful cloak is a hoot. He didn't even test out his powers before diving in.

Gary is our main super villain, if that's the category he wants to classify himself as. It's amusing to listen to him bicker with Cloak. Yes, Cloak. Cloak IS Gary's cloak and the reason for his super powers. They are so different in thought and Gary's thinking process is entertaining. Gary is wonderful at turning situations to capitalize on them personally. Just a few things that stick out in my head, among many, are: I had to laugh and shake my head at his thought on what to do with the rich daughter, to make money and a villain team to make more money. I had to nod and chuckle at Gary's thoughts of the police. When a kidnapping happens, he feels they are lazy and doing a poor job as they called the Nighwalker, who's dead, for help instead of doing the work themselves. He's a supervillain who supports the tough on crime policies the president is passing. He wants to eliminate other supervillains because they cut into his pay check.

Gary lives in a 'super' world. There are super heroes and super villains everywhere. His family has a long line of supervillains, along with many of those he knows. He graduated from South Falconcrest High were most have gone off to do some supervillainous events, and his deceased brother is who inspires him to be a villain now.

Family... I love how Gary goes about things with his wife, Mandy. This is a wonderful bonus for me as he's not a *whistle*. Gary loves his wife. He wants things to work out for them and for their dreams. I love this!

Corny names, costumes, and characters. I loved it! I was smiling at the names and costumes that corresponded to them. lol. And I enjoyed Gary's (Merciless's) view on things. The fun comic corks that go with the way Superheroes and Supervillains are and react. Wow. Gary, Merciless's, first day as a supervillain has gone further than he ever imagined, bringing him to experience and see so much of the 'super' world.

I am looking forward to future stories with these characters and world, as there are more coming.

Sunday Post #108

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.

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

With all that's going on along with working on editing job and NaNoWriMo, I figured I'd do the Sunday Post ever two weeks.

So what's been happening? Well, for someone who's not blogging, it seems I've been posting a good bit this month. lol. But, I'm sorry, I haven't been visiting. I'll get back to it here in December, but at a limited amount of time with the holiday preparation and all going on.

For those curious about kiddo and his recoup. He's doing well. He needs to do more of his exercises, but that's me as mom talking as well. It's a slooooow process getting movement back in the leg. A week ago this past Friday he finally was able to move his knee a little bit. One exercise is he should push his knee down to get it straight. Just two days ago, Friday, he was finally able to lift his leg from the bed/floor at a seated position. Yes, that's three weeks after surgery to finally lift the leg. O.O Sounds crazy! He'll be starting Physical Therapy this week coming and we are hoping it's all down hill from here.

As for NaNoWriMo... Well, I've completed the story I started. It ended at just over 43k words. I knew it wasn't going to be a full 50k, it's a shorter novel that will grow when I go back through it. And toward the end I realized that I missed a huge story idea that popped up at the end. So I have a lot to add into and adjust. But I've started my newest Christmas Business book, this is the second book through the eyes of another character as well. I might work through this one December, like I did last year with the first book.

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

The Fit Booker:

Goal:  Workout in any form of exercise (or on Wii Fit) 2x's a week. (to feel better and hope to drop a few pants sizes)

How did I do last week... ....

I GIVE UP! THIS IS TERRIBLE TIMING WITH ALL GOING ON AND THE HOLIDAYS.

Episode ?:
I need time to walk again. I have been downloading the episodes each week so I have them, but haven't had the opportunity to walk and listen.

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

What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:

Nothing.
AND
Work reads as well.

Current Audiobook:
Nothing

Current Podcast Book Listen:
Nothing

Finished Last Week: 

Of Flame and Promise by Cecy Robson

Audiobooks from Audible:

Burning Bright by E.J. Stevens
Dissension by K.A. Salidas
The Rules of Supervillainy by C.T. Phipps
Prophecy's Queen by Timothy Bond

Finished Podcast Book Listen:

Nothing

~~~~~~~~~~

Last Week on the Blog:

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

Nemesis by K.A. Finn

Posts:

NaNoWriMo Time!

Around the Internet...


Reviews:

Dissension by K.A. Salidas

Burning Bright by E.J. Stevens

Oracle by David Wood & Sean Ellis

Podcast Review:

Mama Bitchstress Reviews:

GIVEAWAYS:

~~~~~~~~~~

This Week to Come on the Blog:

I have two reviews scheduled for next week.

~~~~~~~~~~

Received Last Weeks:

Review & Review Consideration:

Audio Books Requested for Review:

The Instruments of Control by Craig Schaefer
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Livia Serafini must die. 

To the Church she is a heretic, tried in absentia and sentenced to burn. To her brother Carlo, she stands as a threat to his corrupt rule and a symbol of resistance. To her new "allies" in the east, she is a pawn to be played and sacrificed as they see fit. They don't hear the whispers that follow her in the streets: whispers of hope, and the name of a long-dead saint. 

When Livia rises up to fight, she will not rise alone. 

Across the ocean, Felix struggles for control of his family's fate against the crime lord Basilio Grimaldi. Basilio is wealthy, ruthless, and the master of a hundred killers. All Felix has are his wits and his courage. It won't be enough. To break free, and to save the lives of everyone he loves, he'll have to face the darkness that followed him home from Winter's Reach. 

And as the Owl's horrific vengeance unfolds, her coven teeters on the brink of civil war. All the dominoes are in place now, lined up from the frozen north to the swamps and ruins of a dead empire, and set to tumble at one man's command. When they do, a world will fall with them.

Prophecy's Queen by Timothy Bond
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
In this prequel novella to the epic fantasy series The Triadine Saga, we follow the Elven Princess Rozlynn as she struggles with her role in The Prophecy and what she must do to keep the world from falling into darkness.

This is a story of love and conflicts, personal growth, and freedom to choose your own destiny. The world of Elves, Dwarves and humans, is inexorably tied to magic, wizards and dragons, as the battle of good versus evil, light versus darkness, wages on.

Will Rozlynn make the sacrifices and the choices necessary to ensure that The Prophecy stays on the right path? Will her sister, the Elven Queen, prevent her from making her own choice? Will Rozlynn's love for an Elven Hunter betray her and lead her astray? Will fate intervene with Prophecy's Queen?

Join Rozlynn and many of your favorite characters from The Watcher's Keep and The Dragon Rises to find out how it all started.

Nightblade by Ryan Kirk
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Ryuu is a boy orphaned by violence at a young age. Found by a wandering warrior, he learns he may have more strength than he ever imagined possible. 

A quiet child, Moriko is forced into a monastic system she despises. Torn from her family and the forest she grew up in, she must fight to learn the skills she’ll need to survive her tutelage under the realm’s most dangerous assassin. 

Young, beautiful, and broke, Takako is sold to pay for her father’s debts. Thrust into a world she doesn’t understand and battles she didn’t ask for, she must decide where her loyalties lie. 

When their lives crash together in a Kingdom on the brink of war, the decisions they make will change both their lives and their Kingdom forever. 

If they can stay alive. 

The Watchers: Knight of Light by Deirdra Eden
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
“The Watchers” are supernatural beings in human form, charged with protecting mankind from the armies of darkness. Unfortunately, some of these Watchers go bad. 

Deirdra Eden’s The Watcher’s Series is written in a traditional fairytale style with a young girl’s discovery of incredible, but dangerous powers within herself, a cast of humorous side-kicks, a quest for greater self-discovery and purpose, and villains of epic proportions. 

Watch the amazing Knight of Light book trailer http://youtu.be/m-RxVN_FKL8 

In England, 1270 A.D., Auriella (pronounced yurr-ee-ella) flees her village after being accused of witchcraft. Pursued by nightmarish creatures, she struggles to accept the truth about her humanity. 

Filled with fairies, dwarves, pixies, dragons, and monsters, Knight of Light is an enthralling tale that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old.


Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:

Book:

Audio:

Free Ebooks:

(On my Kindle App) Links to books under title. They may or may not be free at this time.

Wings of Arian by Devri Walls
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Kiora thought she had never heard a lie until she was sixteen. But she was wrong. Her entire existence was based on nothing but. She thought that evil did not exist. Lie. That magic was not real. Lie. And that the land of Meros was all there was. One more lie.

With Aleric telling her that evil is knocking on the door and that she is the only one who can stop them she has a choice to make. Refuse, or start the wildest most painful ride of her life. 
She reluctantly dips her toe into her new existence of magic and threads, dragons and shapeshifters, and the person who wants to take control of it all: the evil Dralazar. 

However, this journey was never meant to be hers alone. She will be accompanied by a Protector. To her disbelief, and utter irritation they name the hotheaded, stubborn, non -magical, (albeit gorgeous) Prince Emane. They will have to trust each other with their lives, but right now Kiora would settle for a non hostile conversation. 

And now it comes down to this, If you had never heard a lie, would you know when you heard one? Is knowing good from evil innate? Kiora finds herself having to decide who lives and who dies on those very questions.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
"I am the Ghost of Christmas Present," said the Spirit. "Look upon me!"

The holiday season brings the chance to give, and what better gift is there than one of the most beloved stories in the English language? This year, we at Atria Books are offering a free ebook edition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the perfect companion for a cozy night by the fire.

Since its publication in 1843, A Christmas Carol and the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge have become literary classics. Illuminated with practical scholarship and questions for discussion, this edition makes a charming package that includes the facts behind the fiction, as well as the pure joy and magic of this timeless tale about the true meaning of Christmas. 

Gods and Mortals: Fourteen Free Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Novels
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Fourteen full-length novels with modern humans facing off against heroes, Norse and Greek gods, and monsters of old ... over one million words of divinely (and diabolically) inspired fantasy, adventure, and romance.

Join the freshest voices in urban fantasy and paranormal, New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling authors, on unique journeys to heaven, hell, and worlds beyond.

Download this heavenly collection of paranormal romance and urban fantasy ... before it's too late!

His to Keep by Katee Robert
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...

He’s always wanted her. Now’s his chance to claim what’s his.

School teacher Marceline Bellini gave up everything—men, sex, anything resembling a social life—to raise her young daughter. To be the perfect parent. But when she attends an engagement party in her standard stick-in-the-mud mode, her friends begin plying Marcy with shots. Just enough to convince her that a little fun doesn't sound like a bad idea... and having some naughty fun is an even better one.

Like finding herself deliciously pressed against a dark alley wall by the very familiar and very hot body of her best friend's older brother.

After years of waiting in painful silence, police officer Aaron Robinson finally has Marcy’s attention. And man, does he have it. But nothing could have prepared either of them for the rush of fiery lust between them. So he’ll just have to convince Marcy he’s for real. And that a rainy, lust-fuelled romp is the first step to a lifetime of completely imperfect happiness…

The Last Survivors by T.W. Piperbrook & Bobby Adair
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Survival in Man’s Second Dark Age 

Three hundred years after the fall of society, the last fragments of civilization are clinging to life, living in the ruins of the ancient cities in nearly-medieval conditions. Technology has been reduced to legend, monsters roam the forests, and fear reigns supreme. But that is just the beginning... 

The wind-borne spores are spreading, disfiguring men and twisting their minds, turning them into creatures that threaten to destroy the townships. Among the townsfolk, political and the religious, dissension is spreading. 

Through it all, a mother must protect her son...

Saving the CEO by Jenny Holiday
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Real estate mogul Jack Winter has rules. Lots of rules. After all, a man doesn’t build an empire without a little discipline. And on page one of the rulebook? Don’t sleep with your employees. Especially when there’s a multimillion dollar real estate deal at stake...
 
Luckily for Jack, Cassie James isn’t really his employee. She’s a hot bartender who just happens to be the math genius he needs, and if they share a wicked chemistry? Well, that's just a sexy little perk. So they strike a deal: Cassie helps Jack with the merger. And until the deal goes through at Christmas, they can indulge every sexy little impulse they desire. But the more rules Jack makes, the more he seems to break...

The Last of the Sages by Julius St. Clair
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
In the kingdom of Allay, Sages are born. 

Powerful warriors with supernatural abilities that would rival the strength of whole armies. And there is an academy that trains such warriors, forging them out of young, ordinary students. Few survive, but if there is any hope for this now desolate kingdom, the tests must be given to all that enter its walls.

One such student is James, a self-proclaimed slacker that has just been forced into the academy by his father. And if he plans to see another day, he will have to weather through four lessons in life: determination, maturity, trust, and love…

Alien Invasion, 1954 by Melisse Aires
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Highly Advanced Aliens invade Earth and Earthlings have no defense. Somehow Debbie Sue and her one year old nephew survive the invasion. Later, forced to forage for food, she is captured by an alien, Akarak of the Vinshal. Akarak wants to help humans. He also says sex will keep him healthy. 
Debbie Sue wonders if that is a line. 

Warning: This sci-fi romance novella contains sexy times with an alien, a non-human alien hero, small dogs, children, and a heroine who wears skirts, bakes bread and mimeographs. 


(On my Nook)

Free Audio Books/Stories:

~~~~~~~~~~

Reviews to Come:

Soulless by Skyla Dawn Cameron

The Sentinel by Chris Lester

The Muse by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Making the Cut by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Whispers in the Wood by Chris Lester

Danube Waves by Katharina Bordet

Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan

Lex Talionis by Starla Huchton

Spark by Starla Huchton
House of Grey 6 by Collin Earl

The Secret World Chronicle: World Divided by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, Veronica Giguere
The Secret World Chronicle: Waiting On by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, Veronica Giguere
The Secret World Chronicle: Revolutions by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, Veronica Giguere
Heir to Kale by K.L. Bone

Tales from the Archives Vol 4 #5 - Old Sinner's Bones

The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan
Of Flame and Promise by Cecy Robson

The Rules of Supervillainy by C.T. Phipps

Prophecy's Queen by Timothy Bond

Audio Book Review: Dissension

Dissension

By:  K.A. Salidas

Publish Date:  February 11, 2014, Audiobook January 13, 2015

Format:  Audiobook - 4 hrs 17 mins
Narrated By:  Meghan Kelly

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  1st in Chronicles of the Uprising series

Impression:  Forced to fight or die, one vampire is determined to survive, and escape.

Synopsis:
The great cataclysm wiped almost all life from the face of planet Earth, but tiny pockets of survivors crawled from the ashes, with only one thought: survival, at any cost.

But not all survivors were human.

In the dark, militant society that has risen in the aftermath, vampires, once thought to be mythical, have been assimilated and enslaved. Used for blood sport their lives are allowed to continue only for the entertainment of the masses. Reviled as savages, they are destined to serve out their immortal lives in the arena, as gladiators.

And there is no greater gladiator than Mira: undefeated, uncompromising...and seemingly unbreakable. When an escape attempt leads Mira into the path of Lucian Stavros, the city’s Regent, her destiny is changed forever.

Lucian, raised in a culture which both reviles and celebrates the savagery and inhumanity of vampires, finds Mira as intriguing as she is brash. An impulsive decision - to become Mira’s patron – changes more than just Lucian’s perception about vampire kind. The course of his life is altered in ways he could never have predicted – a life that is suddenly as expendable as hers.

Can Mira prove to Lucian that all is not as it seems? Can Lucian escape centuries of lies, bloodshed, and propaganda to see the truth? Or will the supreme power of the human overlords destroy them both?

First Sentence:
Everyone joked about the end of the world, but when it finally happened, no one was laughing.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

Vampires are now slaves to humans, even after all the help they extended to humans a hundred years ago when the world ended. Now, Mira lives the life of fighting or die for the amusement of humans like other vampires. All she wants is to see the outside again, after thirty years of living in a cell or fighting for her life. When she tries another attempt to escape, she runs into a human male who talks to her and treats her as an equal. She wonders why the Regent of the city is being so kind to her.

Oh. I really liked how Meghan read the prologue. I like the sound of Meghan's story telling voice, how she draws and pauses draws me to the story. And she acts out the dialog with yelling, attitude, and slight voice differences. Meghan inflicts emotion of fear, anger, and much more into the voices she creates. The shaking of fear, the rumble of anger, and yells when a character calls for it. I must say, I thought the personality, emotions, and attitude were well portrayed for the characters by Meghan. There is, however, one sentence that is repeated later in the book.

Taking the slave of gladiators, twisting it with vampires kept penned up to fight, and you have the world we are in. The darkness of the abuse and usage of the vampires is evident. But so well done keeping me listening and wanting to see what would happen, what Mira would do next.

There is a lot of history reviewed in the prologue, quickly setting the stage for us. Well picked and placed words to bring a heavy meaning to the world. Humanity has a flaw - they are harsh in striving to be the top of the living chain. But, as much as Mira hates what she sees around her in the humans and how they treat others, she might find there are ones that are different from this.

We don't have a lot of characters, which works for me. The ones that are present are valuable. Mira is a vampire forced into the life of a gladiator, kill or be killed, for the amusement of humans. She is determined to survive and escape. She knows she will one day, even after failed attempts already. We have the Regent who only knows the false stories and tales of vampires. He's curious and wants to know the truth of her kind, and about her. He's an interesting character to balance Mira. I do like him. I did enjoy Mira's friend, and cell neighbor, George. He plays the game with the human patrons and human handlers. He doesn't bite when the handlers are taunting him. He also does as needed to keep patrons calling on him, so he's out and supplied with fresh blood. But he's straight forward with Mira as well. He tries to flirt with Mira, to raise her spirits when she's mad or needing help.

A story of survival, interesting setting, fighting, and thinking characters makes for a wonderful new series here. There is a blend of Urban Fantasy, the vampires, with the setting of a post-apocalypse world. This is the series that K.A. Salidas should hit it big with. I'm impressed with the world and characters she's created here. Salidas's use of senses in writing drew me in, and I believed the events happening.

The book ends with completing the story on Mira wanting to escape, one of her main drives through the book. Yet the ending leaves me wanting the next book, desiring it. There are things to do yet, we know that, but the writing has me wanting to listen/read on and on. I couldn't get enough of it! And not in a bad way, I just loved the voice of the story.

I'm hooked!

(There are 5 books out and a Prequel novella.)

Audio Book Review: Burning Bright

Burning Bright

By:  E.J. Stevens

Publish Date:  June 17, 2014, Audiobook Release October 20, 2015

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 32 mins
Narrated By:  Melanie A. Mason & David Wilson Brown

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  3rd book in Ivy Granger series; 1st Book ~ Shadow Sight, 1.5 Novella ~ Blood and Mistletoe, 2nd Book ~ Ghost Light, 2.5 Novella ~ Club Nexus

First Impression:  A UF adventure through Harborsmouth where debts are paid and friendships tested.

Synopsis:
Burning down the house...

Things are not going well at the offices of Private Eye. Jinx is having demon problems, the city is overrun with pyromaniacal imps, and Ivy's wisp powers are burning out of control, attracting the attention of both the Seelie and Unseelie courts.

Along came a faerie queen... It's the worst possible time for the Green Lady to call in a favor, but Ivy's bound by her deal with the glaistig. Too bad there's no wiggle room in faerie bargains.

Ivy must rid the city of imps, keep Jinx from murdering her one solid link to Hell, and fulfill her bargain with the Green Lady—with sidhe assassins hot on her tail.

Just another day's work for Ivy Granger, psychic detective.

First Sentence:
Ever play wack-a-mole with a jincan?

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I requested to review a copy of this audiobook for an honest review from the author.

Ivy's debts have to pile up, and suck her friends into the dangerous webs with her. Jinx is... spelled. She woke with glowing kisses on her and growing more and more tired as the minutes pass. Ivy wants to find and stop who's draining her dearest friend's energy. But her debts to the Green Lady and the Vampire leader are called upon and she is compelled to take care of those first. One is harder than the other, and she is going to lose a friend today. One way or another. But maybe, just maybe, these debts can be used to get what Ivy wants. There is always a twist to the fey way, and with her friends, Ivy starts to see a path of how to take care of everything, while she works with Ceff to stop the fire imps starting fires throughout her home town.

I liked this story better than the previous books for a few reasons. The story was a little bit more complex with more than two things happening, tying it all together. And this duo of voices fits for me much better.

I've been listening to this series, and I continue to do so. This novel is narrated by the duo that also voiced a novella. They are Melanie and David. And I do enjoy having both of them for female and male characters. Melanie has the emotions to go with the words as she speaks, and she's not overly bubbly for Ivy. Melanie sounds down to Earth and more real to me for Ivy. Melanie also does an accent from the old world for the Green Lady, a lilt to her words. David is a lovely addition to Melanie's female readings, giving us all the male voices to complement her characters. David's voice for Forneus reminds me of Jack Nicholson. There is one sentence that is repeated, missed in editing. But overall I enjoyed their interpretations of the characters. I do like the slight enhancements such as the sounds of a character on the phone and the echo of a ghost talking!

There is a refresher of what happened previously up front and at the very beginning of the story. As it's nice to be reminded of past events and where everyone stands in at the start, I don't think it's as needed. E.J. does a wonderful job of blending these tidbits in as the story goes. It fills in gaps and continues the three dimensional feel of the world and characters.

The story feels well put together. We have a few troubles happening at one time, and can piece it all together as we go through. I really enjoyed the story here and the avenues it took. I did feel there were a few weak moments in the book, like Torn always bargaining for a deal in his favor and he misses a prime opportunity for one. I can't see him doing that. And with Ivy's power, when she touches someone she sees visions, and once releases that touch to later touch again she's to see visions again... That's forgotten about as when she touches someone again, it's not mentioned of seeing visions again. These are tiny items in a whole novel as a whole. I do enjoy the story and adventure Ivy goes on here.

The characters are fun in the mix too. Ivy is growing as a character. I don't seem to remember Ivy swearing as much, as she does in this book, in previous books. Mind you, it's not as heavy in swearing as other UF books I've read, but more for Ivy. Ivy still has a habit of 'saying' she's not soft of heart, stubborn, or a smart mouth. This always seems to rub me wrong when I hear/read it. She says it, but I don't think I see it as much in her actions. Now when others say it or she does do something, it's okay, it's just when Ivy thinks she's being stubborn after she's being stubborn that feels repetitive for me. E.J. has a way of writing in puns, little jokes, and thought from Ivy that are play on words. They are fun at times, and also a few that have you roll your eyes because it's corny. lol.

Oh! Sparky! He sounds like a cutie. Really. Adorable little thing (that could grow to be so big!). And Forneus. I knew Ivy couldn't keep him away forever. lol. Torn is a fun rival for Forneus and loves dangerous adventure, so he fits so well.

There are many great friend moments in this book. Moments that show how important those you keep near are and how you can help them. Ivy gives some great advice in this book, and learns a few things about those she judged harshly. I liked the advice she gave to Arachne and having to face what she did. We don't get to search for Ivy's dad just yet, even though she's trying and wants to. There's a reason for it. Ceff points out that Ivy's search for her father could be used against her, and him, with the war brewing in the supernatural world. All could want him as their secret weapon against all others. Also, the fey courts have caught wind of Ivy and her inability to control her powers around humans. Not a good thing. This is something that leaves a little curiosity in our minds. War brewing. Her father. Hmm. What's to come next?

This is a light Paranormal/Urban Fantasy read. It's easy to follow and quick reading.

Cover Reveal: Nemesis

I fell in love with the first book. It was one that blew me away with the characters full of history, the science fiction world, the love and torment that they go through, and the action fighting that happens. It had everything I wanted in one place.

What book was it, you ask. It was Ares by K.A. Finn. If you are curious you can check out my review.

But I'm anxiously awaiting Nemesis to come out as well. The ebook will be out soon and the audio version (which I'm waiting for) will be out shortly afterward.

Today, I get to share with you the release of the cover for Nemesis. And! Ares got a face life too! :D

TWO COVERS AT ONCE! Sweet!

Nemesis

Nomad series #2

By:  K.A. Finn

Due Out:  January 2016

(Pre-order December 4, 2015)

Description:

A part of her died when she lost him…

Commander Terra Rush has spent the last eight months mourning Gryffin, believing he died when his ship crashed. When he returns to her, broken and scarred from months of torture at the hands of the Foundation, it feels like a miracle. At first.

His unpredictable mechanical side, reawakened by the brutality he endured as a prisoner, threatens to destroy him. He’s lost the trust of the colonists. Has he lost part of himself as well?

Her need to protect her ravaged heart puts distance between them when they need to depend on each other the most. If the colonists are to survive, they need Gryffin to reunite the Nomad and stand with them…and he needs Terra’s help to do so. But time and tragedy have changed them both so much. Can they find their way back to each other before everything they know is destroyed?

I can not wait to get back to the world with Gryffin and Terra. He really doesn't look happy in that cover, with his eye glowing purple and all.


Now, the face lift for Ares. Ready?!

Ares

Nomad series #1

By:  K.A. Finn

Available NOW

Description:

He wasn't expected to survive — no one else did — and for twenty years, he has managed to stay off their radar. Until now. Until her…

Gryffin was the sole survivor of The Foundation’s experimental project to transform human children into hybrid cyborgs – half human, half machine. The program failed and he was sent on a one way trip into The Outer Sector where he was left for dead. He has survived for twenty years by suppressing his human emotions and embracing his machine side.

Officer Terra Rush believes in her duty to the Foundation. The Sector needs to be prepared for colonization, and nothing can stop her from doing her job…except him. When Gryffin saves her from an attack, Terra uncovers a terrible secret. The Foundation has been lying to her…and maybe they still are.

They have labelled Gryffin a killing machine, yet he acts more human than many of The Foundation’s leaders. He has awakened intense feelings in Terra that throw her loyalties into question, and even though he pushes her away, she is determined to find out the truth about the cyborg program.

Gryffin refuses to be a mindless soldier, yet escaping The Foundation’s control and stopping the colonization of his home will require Terra’s help. Can Gryffin overcome the machine inside and trust her? Or will getting in touch with his human emotions destroy him once and for all?

What do you think of Gryffin? Looking good! That's him, with his... work done on his chest and to his eye. But that's all we can see here. ;) This cover feels like it fits much better. Handsome and rugged.

Now these are covers I'd love to have on my shelves!

Audiobook Release of Burning Bright, with GIVEAWAY!

Today we are celebrating the audiobook release of BURNING BRIGHT, the third full-length novel in the award-winning Ivy Granger urban fantasy series by E.J. Stevens.  Let’s party!

We have two very special book excerpts to share with you and, of course, A GIVEAWAY!  Keep reading for a chance to win.

Burning Bright Audibooks Now Available

Amazon . iTunes . Audible

Burning Bright (Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective #3) by E.J. Stevens, Narrated by Melanie Mason and David Wilson-Brown

Burning down the house...

Things are not going well at the offices of Private Eye. Jinx is having demon problems, the city is overrun with pyromaniacal imps, and Ivy's wisp powers are burning out of control, attracting the attention of both the Seelie and Unseelie courts.

Along came a faerie queen... It's the worst possible time for the Green Lady to call in a favor, but Ivy's bound by her deal with the glaistig. Too bad there's no wiggle room in faerie bargains.

Ivy must rid the city of imps, keep Jinx from murdering her one solid link to Hell, and fulfill her bargain with the Green Lady—with sidhe assassins hot on her tail.

Just another day's work for Ivy Granger, psychic detective.


Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Add to Goodreads.

Book Excerpt #1

(Ivy gets wet.)

My first impression of Emain Ablach was that it was wet.  Very, very wet.  But I didn’t have much time to think about that fact.  I was too busy drowning.

I struggled to swim to the surface—wherever the hell that was—the weight of my clothes, leather jacket, and weapons weighing me down.  My lungs burned and my brain screamed at me to find a way out of this wet torment.  I needed air, badly.

I forced my eyes open, salt and whatever else was in the water burning like acid, but being able to see my surroundings didn’t help matters. It did, however, make me glad for quick reflexes and muscle memory.

At the first sign of my assassin stalkers, back in a Harborsmouth alley, I’d grabbed one of my throwing knives.  I may not be able to throw it now, not in this water, but the pressure of the blade in my gloved hand made it easier to face the grinning corpses smiling back at me.

There were hundreds of them.

Bloated bodies in every state of decomposition drifted at the ends of seaweed infested chains that rose up from the ocean floor.  I would have assumed that the people on the ends of those chains were dead, a warning to anyone foolish enough to trespass here, except for the hands reaching outward and the curve of their rotting lips.

Grins like frightened, blue worms curled up toward vacant eyes.  The eyes, or what was left of them, were coated in a white film and looked as though they’d been nibbled on by grazing fish.  The chained corpses may not be able to see, but I had no doubt that they could sense my presence.  Their hands clawed at the water and their faces were all turned in my direction.  Perhaps they could scent me, like sharks on a blood trail.

Now that was a cheery thought.

I kicked away, trying to put more distance between myself and the grasping dead.  I recoiled as my boot hit something squishy.  Mab’s bones, I didn’t realize there was a chained corpse that close to where I swam.  I did not want to touch these things or the chains that bound them.  Those were visions I’d never survive.

The delay alone would kill me.

Heart pounding, I propelled myself upward, but I had a nagging suspicion that I wasn’t going to make it.  I’d sunk too deep into this watery hell.  Already my lungs burned and dizziness sent my head spinning like a ride on an otherworldly merry go round.  My limbs were cold and heavy and I could barely feel the knife in my hand.

How ironic would it be to die here, within spitting distance of a tree that grew magical apples capable of reviving the dead?

Air bubbles sprung from my nose and I fought not to breathe.  Inhaling water would mean my death.  I made one more sluggish stroke through the water and felt strong hands grip my waist and haul me upward.  I was sailing through the water, away from greedy hands and the hundreds of faces that grinned hungrily after me.

My rescuer was a strong swimmer and I doubted Torn would have gone to so much trouble to save me.  I felt a tingle of energy zing through my system, helping me to hold onto the slippery tendrils of consciousness. Ceff, it had to be Ceff.

I gasped as my head broke the surface of the water, gulping air and choking on a mouthful of water.  I coughed up phlegm and who knows what else—with those corpses steeping down below, I didn’t want to think about it—and pushed wet, bedraggled hair from my face.  I was alive, but it wasn’t pretty.

I grimaced and pushed the floating evidence of my humiliating coughing fit away.  Ceff had a grip on my jacket, still helping to keep my head above the water’s surface.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

With his wet hair slicked back from large, dark green eyes and his chiseled jaw, he looked gorgeous.  He was completely in his element here, unlike his half-drowned girlfriend.

“I just swallowed a gallon of salty corpse tea and sea monkeys,” I said, a rueful grin on my face. “I’ve been better.”

Book Excerpt #2

(Spiders, why does it have to be spiders?)

“Have you both lost your minds?” Torn asked.

“What would you have us do, leave them here to become spider food?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said.  “Yes, exactly.  It’s the cycle of life, a beautiful thing best left alone.”

I shook my head.

“That could have been any one of us,” I said.  “Hold still, we’re here to help!”

The last I yelled at the cocoon.  I didn’t know if the person inside could hear me, or how far gone they were if they could, but I had to try to comfort them.  Plus, I really didn’t want to risk maiming the person I was trying to save.

“You have no idea what kind of monster is inside that thing,” Torn said.

I scowled at Torn.  No one deserved to be hung out like prosciutto and gobbled up by some huge spider.

“This is a hero’s path,” Ceff said.  “It is highly probable that they are honorable.  If not, at least we tried.”

Torn sighed and shook his head.

“Fine, it’s your funeral,” he said.

“Ready?” Ceff asked, holding the bundle as still as he could.

“I was born ready,” I said, doing my best tough guy impersonation.

I carefully cut away at the tough fibers of the cocoon.  Almost there…

Thousands of baby spider fae poured out of the cocoon, skittering in every direction.  Except it wasn’t a cocoon.  It was an egg.  I screamed—though I’d deny it if I lived long enough for Torn to tell anyone—and stumbled away from the horde of spiders.  So much for my tough guy act.

I stomped on the spiders as I backed away, halting their progress.  A brave one ambled forward and sank it’s dripping mandibles into its nearest kin.  The other spiders followed suit, joining in the feeding frenzy.

“Oh, look, aren’t they cute?” Torn asked, pointing to where baby spiders were busy cannibalizing each other.

“Freaking adorable,” I growled.

I inched further up the trail, relieved to see that most of the spiders were too busy attacking each other to notice my retreat.

“Perhaps we should have listened to the cat sidhe, just this once,” Ceff said, whacking the more determined stragglers with his trident.

“I told you so, Princess,” Torn said.

I flexed my fingers, hands itching to wring the cat sidhe’s neck and wipe that smug look off his face.  Instead, I stormed past him and around the corner.  I’d had it with this place and its creepy inhabitants.  We needed to find Ailinn’s grave, grab a magic apple, and get the hell out of Dodge.

Burning Bright Prize Pack Giveaway

We are giving away a signed BURNING BRIGHT postcard, BURNING BRIGHT audiobook download from Audible.com, and custom E.J. Stevens earbuds!

To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is open to mailing addresses in the US/CA/UK. Giveaway ends November 24, 2015.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

E.J. Stevens is the author of fourteen works of speculative fiction, including the Spirit Guide young adult paranormal romance series, the Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series, and the award-winning Ivy Granger urban fantasy series. She is known for filling pages with quirky characters, bloodsucking vampires, psychotic faeries, and snarky, kick-butt heroines.

When E.J. isn't at her writing desk, she enjoys teaching writing workshops, dancing along seaside cliffs, singing in graveyards, and sleeping in faerie circles. E.J. currently resides in a magical forest on the coast of Maine where she finds daily inspiration for her writing.

 Connect with E.J. on Twitter, Goodreads,
Amazon, Facebook,
Pinterest,
and on her Blog.