Thursday, January 29, 2015

Book Review: Mystery Night

Mystery Night

By:  Krista D. Ball

Publish Date:  December 10, 2014

Format:  ebook

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  4th in Spirit Caller series; 1st Book ~ Spirit Caller, 2nd Book ~ Dark Whispers, 3rd Book Knight Shift

Recommendation:  Oh yes! Life changing choices are made here, and a deep history learned.

Synopsis:
Rachel finds herself investigating a ghost's murder and his accusations cause her to dig into the pasts of the dead and the living to uncover the truth. Only, all roads lead back to the same horrible place: her elderly neighbour's doorstep.

First Sentence:
I was on a treadmill and there wasn't a gun in my face.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

My Thoughts and Summary:
Amanda LeBlanc is engaged and wants to have a murder mystery party. Mrs. Saunders is leaving on a trip and agrees to let them do the party in her home. Before she leaves, Rachel is going through old pictures with Mrs. Saunders. Mrs. Saunders is fuming mad at a man in a picture with her sister-in-law. A man that Rachel has seen walking the beach, as a ghost. No one want's to speak to Rachel about that man, or what happened to him.

Rachel seems content in her domesticated life with her friends around. Everything seems to have found a place and routine for her, even though she feels she still needs to fix everyone and thing after the last showdown.

Oh Mrs. Saunders. We get a glimpse into her past. She was more feisty then. Haha! I know, hard to believe. I love that old woman. Oooooh! Then there's Dema! The ancient spirit of a founder who watches over Mrs. Sanders will not speak of the man as well. She has a hatred for him as well. What we learn of Dema! Wow. Her story is shared here. Great character here. She's strong and has a purpose in life, or in death.

Through walking the path of others, Rachel realizes an importance in what she can do. She makes a decision on her abilities - to embrace them or try to live a normal life. We watch as Jeremy slowly heals, and makes a life decision of his own.

Rachel had like two mysteries going and I liked the twining of the two stories. Brings her to next step. Really work together. And I wanted to know answers to both. It was a cozy read...with a dash of murder! lol. So fun! And LARP-ing too!

Rachel's curiosity is peeked and she needs to know the secret Mrs. Sanders and Dema share about this wondering spirit of a man both despise. After one meeting and quick talk with Raymond, Rachel must know as she didn't like the feel from him. Then we have the mystery of the fun game to figure out too.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Book Review: Selk Skin Deep

Selk Skin Deep

By:  Kelly A. Harmon

Publish Date:  September 15, 2013

Format:  Print, 20pgs

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  Stand-alone short story

Recommendation:  A quick evening as a Navy SEAL, who is more seal than others know, when things go terribly wrong.

Synopsis:
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.

**I requested to read this for an honest review from the author.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

My Thoughts and Summary:
Cade is a SEAL, in more ways than one, looking for adventure and more to life as it's become boring with the numerous years he lives. The threat of war among humans is looming around them all, and it's drawn his attention. Cade over hears an argument over the artillery being put on the ship. The bombs are of a state and age to cause great alarm. From what Cade can see, he understands that.

Cade is on deck, while his friend took his shift at port steering, when everything goes wrong. He needs to decide if he simply takes on his true form with his skin around his neck and leave this burning mess behind, or honor his commitment to the Navy along with trying to save his friend. How far would you go for a fellow soldier and friend?

The burning, fuel, and bombs are a terrible combination on the ship. Dangerous! And we see that full tilt.

This is a quick read, one you could finish in no time flat. I enjoyed the small ocean references and comparisons the author made. And the courage in the characters here. They are strong and amazing people. The military all are.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Sunday Post #71

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.

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I missed last week in Sunday Posts. I'm starting to get back at a regular posting and visiting routine, but life still happens and changes daily. But I'm trying to keep up with everything. So this week I'll share what I have.

It's going slow but I'm getting back into the grove of things. Lots going on and lots to read. But I'm starting to think that is normal.

Something I liked that Kimba had on her Sunday Post along with a few others was sharing about exercising. I think I'm going to do that too.

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The Fit Booker:

I am hoping this will keep me focused and determined to keep on track if I'm sharing about it... Yes, that sounds good. ;)

What do I do? Please, don't laugh. I workout on the Wii. Yes, sounds like it shouldn't work. I use the Wii Fit to do a little bit of everything.

About 2 years ago, maybe 3 now, I started working out on the Wii Fit. It took me about a year but I lost 20 pounds. The best thing, I felt good! That was my goal. (and losing wait was a bonus!) But since then life has been a bumpy road with all the events going on in the family and good things with kiddo and his training and I had my thyroid removed (that's a haul getting back to a right level with meds that I feel good at). And...well, I've gained that weight back and those pounds brought friends.

I've found myself in a size pants I don't want to be in. I know I can lose weight this way AND feel better at the same time. So, I'm going to do it. I was regularly doing 3 days a week when I lost the weight. Three days seems like a stretch with life and kiddo's stuff. So I'm aiming for two days a week on the Wii. Any more is a bonus.
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What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Danube Waves by Katharina Bordet
Rhune by Michael J. Sullivan


Current Podcast Book Listen:
The Horde by Patrick Scaffido


Finished Last Week: (in last month)
Tales of a Tesla Ranger: Tribute to P.G. Holyfield by (anthology)
Exorcising Aaron Nguyen by Lauren Harris (audiobook)

Finished Podcast Book Listen:
None finished yet.

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Last Week on the Blog:



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

Posts:


Around the Internet...



Reviews:
GIVEAWAYS:




Weekly Posts:

Mythical Monday
Throwback Thursday


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This Week to Come on the Blog:

What's to come.... erm, I'm not to sure. I am still working on my schedule. But there will be two more reviews to come.


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Received Last Weeks:


Review & Review Consideration:
The Dagger's Path by Glenda Larke
Goodreads Synopsis:
The second in a new fantasy series from acclaimed Australian author Glenda Larke.

It should have been easy -- return the stolen feather and restore Ardhi back to his rightful place. But when Saker, Ardhi, Sorrel, and Piper arrive to find the island in chaos, returning just the one feather will not help -- not when the other three have mysteriously disappeared as well.

As Saker and Ardhi work to mend the distrust caused by Ardhi's betrayal and attempt to retrieve the other feathers, they slowly find a sort of peace with the islanders. That is, until Saker realizes they unintentionally led the Spice traders straight to the sacred island they were hoping to protect. Now Saker must fight with both the Va witchery and Chenderawasi magic to defend everything that Ardhi holds dear. But Saker's powers are very new, and their enemies have them surrounded.

The Autumn Republic by Brian McClellan
Goodreads Synopsis:
The capital has fallen...
Field Marshal Tamas returns to his beloved country to find that for the first time in history, the capital city of Adro lies in the hands of a foreign invader. His son is missing, his allies are indistinguishable from his foes, and reinforcements are several weeks away.

An army divided...
With the Kez still bearing down upon them and without clear leadership, the Adran army has turned against itself. Inspector Adamat is drawn into the very heart of this new mutiny with promises of finding his kidnapped son.

All hope rests with one...
And Taniel Two-shot, hunted by men he once thought his friends, must safeguard the only chance Adro has of getting through this war without being destroyed...

THE AUTUMN REPUBLIC is the epic conclusion that began with Promise of Blood and The Crimson Campaign.

Prudence by Gail Carriger
Goodreads Synopsis:
From New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger comes a new novel in the world of the Parasol Protectorate starring Prudence, the daughter of Alexia Tarabotti.

When Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is given an unexpected dirigible, she does what any sensible female would under similar circumstances - names it the Spotted Custard and floats to India in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea. But India has more than just tea on offer. Rue stumbles upon a plot involving local dissidents, a kidnapped brigadier's wife, and some awfully familiar Scottish werewolves. Faced with a dire crisis and an embarrassing lack of bloomers, what else is a young lady of good breeding to do but turn metanatural and find out everyone's secrets, even thousand-year-old fuzzy ones?

Low Midnight by Carrie Vaughn
Goodreads Synopsis:
Low Midnight spins out of the series on the wave of popularity surrounding Kitty's most popular supporting character, Cormac Bennett, a two-minded assassin of the paranormal who specializes in killing lycanthropes. 

In his first solo adventure, Cormac, struggling with a foreign consciousness trapped inside him, investigates a century-old crime in a Colorado mining town which could be the key to translating a mysterious coded diary… a tome with secrets that could shatter Kitty's world and all who inhabit it. 

With a framing sequence that features Kitty Norville herself, Low Midnight not only pushes the Kitty saga forward, but also illuminates Cormac's past and lays the groundwork for Kitty's future.

Interlude by Krista D. Ball
Goodreads Synopsis:
Love Note is a fun story about the early days of Arrago and Bethany's office-sharing experiences.

Knight's Day Off is Bethany's sad attempt at taking a vacation.

First Day on the Job is set about one week before the events of Fury and introduces Myra, a young apprentice from Ellentop who thinks she's been assigned a simple task - get Bethany and the gang to attend a dinner - but soon discovers there is a lot more going on than just a party.

The collection will be 20,000 words long, or about 75 pages or so.

Rhune by Micheal J. Sullivan
Goodreads Synopsis:
What does it mean if the gods can be killed?
In the land of the Rhune, trees can tell the future. Roaw can’t sleep before adding more human bones to their bed. Crimbels steal children through secret doors in the forest, and the gods are beyond reproach. But when Raithe’s father is slain, he does the unthinkable—he kills a god. From this act, rises the legend of the God Killer, the seeds of a rebellion, and the question of whether the gods are really immortal after all.

Before the Dark Ages, there was the age of Myth and Legend. Before kings and castles, there were mystics and heroes. Before two thieves, there was an empire. And before there was an empire, there was Nyphron.

Everything you think you know is a myth. Learn the truth behind the legend. Discover a new world by the author of The Riyria Revelations and The Riyria Chronicles.

Danube Waves by Katharina Bordet
Synopsis:
The portals between worlds have been shut down, leaving king-to-be Maximilian Schindler-Krug trapped in our world in the form of a goat. An impending revolution, a murderer on the loose, recurring nightmares and a mad scientist stand between him and the throne. It’s going to take more than a talking swan, a fainting goat and copious amounts of coffee and cake to save the day.

Ten years since the murder of his mother, Maximilian Schindler-Krug is having increasingly vivid dreams about the night that changed his life forever, but that is the least of his problems. His coronation as King of Neu Meidling is approaching fast, but revolution across the kingdom threatens his family, while the closing of portals between the worlds has split up others.

Karin’s peaceful life at the Alt Wien is turned upside-down when her daughter brings home a wounded swan, which leads her to discover a lost family secret that will change her life forever. Her own husband’s place in events could rip their relationship apart.
Lily, a trainee Beschützer finds herself trapped in another world, torn between her duty to protect the royal Wächter line and coffee trade and her love for her future king. When she meets a man and his goat who provide unexpected solutions, she has to make a choice that could topple the monarchy, assuming she can get the young king back home alive.

“Danube Waves” takes us back to the linked worlds of the Wiener Blut universe first introduced in “The Coffee Legacy”, revisiting beloved characters and introducing new ones, not to mention tickling the tastebuds with a range of traditional Austrian cakes.


Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:
Fantasy-faction Anthology edited by Marc Aplin & Jennie Ivins
Goodreads Synopsis:
From award winning website, Fantasy-Faction, comes an anthology of short stories and articles celebrating the fantasy genre’s diversity.

Dragons, magic, clones, portals and swords are just some of what awaits you on the quests and investigations within.

Written by a combination of genre giants and previously unpublished authors, this is Fantasy-Faction in a book.

Sing for the Dead by PJ Schnyder
Goodreads Synopsis:
Book Two of London Undead

Kayden, a lone were-leopard allied with the London werewolf pack to keep the zombie infestation in check, is used to working solo—until he discovers a beautiful fae woman surrounded by the aftermath of battle. He’s immediately drawn to Sorcha, but quickly discovers she’s much more than a pretty face.

Half Bean Sidhe and half berserker, Sorcha trained over centuries to become the perfect warrior. She agrees to work with local weres to investigate a new type of zombie capable of coordinated attacks—and is partnered with Kayden. He’s strong, darkly handsome and completely unafraid of her. And his kiss fills her with insatiable desire instead of bloodlust.

As Kayden and Sorcha work together, their attraction grows and their deepest scars are bared to each other. But with the force behind the deadly new zombies poised to overwhelm the city, Sorcha can only pray that the next time her bloodlust strikes, Kayden isn’t among the fallen…

Fool's Gold: A Sabina Kane novella by Jaye Wells
Goodreads Synopsis:
In the 1970s, Sabina Kane was a rookie assassin looking for her first big kill. But when the day finally comes to prove her skills to the Dominae, she finds herself shadowing Slade Corbin, a more experienced assassin with a huge chip on his shoulder. Together, they must track down a blackmailer who's threatening to expose the existence of vampires to the world. Will Sabina and Slade be able to find the blackmailer in time, and, more important, will they be able to get through the mission without killing each other?

The Face in the Window: A Powder Mage short story by
Goodreads Synopsis:
Taking place two years before the events in Promise of Blood, “The Face in the Window” relates the story of Taniel’s trip to Fatrasta and his first meeting with a mysterious girl named Ka-poel.







Won:

Damoren by Seth Skorkowsky
Goodreads Synopsis:
In the same vein as SUPERNATURAL, HELLBOY, and BLADE comes...DÄMOREN.

A secret society of monster hunters.
A holy revolver forged to eradicate demons.
A possessed man with a tragic past.
A rising evil bent on destroying them all.
 


MATT HOLLIS is the current wielder of the holy weapon, Dämoren. With it, he stalks and destroys demons. 

A secret society called the VALDUCANS has taken an interest in Matt’s activities. They see him as a reckless rogue—little more than a ‘cowboy’ corrupted by a monster—and a potential threat to their ancient order. 

As knights and their sentient weapons begin dying, Matt teams up with other hunters of his kind such as LUIZA, a woman with a conquistador blade; ALLAN, an Englishman with an Egyptian khopesh; MALCOLM, a voodoo priest with a sanctified machete; and TAKAIRA, a naginata-swinging Samurai.

As the hunters become the hunted, they must learn to trust one another before a powerful demonic entity thrusts the world into a terrible and ageless darkness.

Siren by Jennifer Melzer
Goodreads Synopsis:
Siren Talbot's life is plagued with storms. Her mother's insanity was the first, though not the last. Called to the ocean, not even the shores of Edisto Island can calm the tempest inside her. 

Though she's settled into a life with Patrick, his promises of a happily ever after can't still the foul weather of her past or the brewing squall on the horizon. She's haunted by the disappearance of her first love, Carver, and the lack of answers. 

A single clue unlocks mysteries she can't explain. A murder cements the impossible as possible. The more magic she uncovers, the darker her suspicions become and the more the hurricane inside her starts to rage. 

Patrick isn't the Prince Charming he claims to be. 

And he knows exactly what happened to Carver.


Heart and Home by Jennifer Melzer
Goodreads Synopsis:
When reporter Janice McCarty left the small town of Sonesville after graduating high school, she vowed never to return. A late-night phone call eight years later and she has no choice but to go back to lay her mother to rest. 

Feeling out of place in the town she once called home, and adamant about returning to the big city as soon as possible, Janice's life is further complicated by former football star, Troy Kepner, who seems to show up every time she needs a knight in shining armor. Like her, Troy knows what it's like to have big dreams. He sacrificed everything to run the family farm after his dad died. Now he's got his sights set on the girl who got away.

And just when she thought it couldn't get any more complicated, her mother's restless spirit leads Janice down a path she swore she'd never take, and Chandra McCarty's ghost has no intention of letting go until her daughter finally sees she's more than just a byline, and home is where the heart is.

Free Ebooks:
These are the remaining ebooks I've picked up for free since the beginning of December through now. The covers are all linked to Amazon, click to find out if it's still free!

O.O

Swiiiiimming in books...

(On my Kindle App)
       

(On my Nook)




Free Audio Books/Stories:


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Reviews to Come:

Ravenwood by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book
The Secret World Chronicle: The Hunt by Mercedes Lackey & Steve Libbey (in audiobook while at work)
The Secret World Chronicle: World Well Lost by Mercees Lackey,Steve Libby, Cody Martin, & Dennis Lee
Harlan's Wake by John Mierau
The List by John Mierau
Selk Skin Deep by Kelly A. Harmon
Tales from the Archive: 5 (part 1 & 2) - Those Dark Satanic Mills by Suna Dasi
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
Dirty Magick: Los Angeles edited by Charlie Brown
Edgelanders by Jennifer Melzer
The Stillness of the Sky by Starla Huchton
Master of Myth by Starla Huchton
Mystery Night by Krista D. Ball
Tales of a Tesla Ranger: Tribute to P.G. Holyfield by (anthology)