Audio Book Review: The Secret World Chronicles: The Hunt

The Secret World Chronicles: The Hunt (World Divided)
(season 2)
By:  Mercedes Lackey & Steve Libbey

Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Publish Date:  2010

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  2nd season in The Secret World Chronicles series; 1st Season ~ Invasion

***NOTE: I've learned that the podcasted books are divisions of the printed books as follows:
Printed book 1 is Invasion is podcasted seasons 1 & 2.
Printed book 2, World Divided, is podcasted seasons 3 & 4.
Season 5 podcast, Waiting On, is a bonus season - it's stories of characters between books 2 and 3.
Printed book 3, Revolutions, is podcasted seasons 6 & 7.
Printed book 4, Collision, is podcasted books 8 & 9 (season 8 in progress, season 9 yet to come).

(Podcast season titles:
Season 1: Invasion, Season 2: The Hunt, Season 3: World Well Lost, Season 4: World Divided, Season 5: Waiting On, Tales of the Secret World War, Season 6: Revolutions, Season 7: Run Silent, Run Deep, Season 8: Collision)

Recommendation:  Superheroes!

Synopsis:
The Hunt portrays the frenzied aftermath of the devastating Thule Society attacks. Famed fantasy and sci-fi author Mercedes Lackey and newcomer Steve Libbey have joined forces to create a superhero-themed braided novel podcast series called The Secret World Chronicle. The series depicts an ensemble cast of metahuman characters coping with worldwide attacks by a mysterious, technologically advanced Nazi secret society, and the ensuing chaos. The Secret World is a meeting ground for pulpy adventure and thoughtful science fiction speculation, where ordinary people are elevated above their fellow humans and must grapple with the consequences of their newfound abilities.

(Synopsis from Amazon):
After an Earth-scarring apocalyptic battle, the meta-humans have turned back a massive invasion of super-science powered Nazi war machines. Now meta-hero organization Echo and sometime Russian ally CCCP must battle back. Task one: to hunt down the secret puppetmasters behind the Nazi robot invasion, the Thule Society. It's ''go time'' once again for the meta-heroes, including fire-bender John Murdock, hacker-witch Vikki Nagy, healer Belladona Blue, super-quick Mercurye—and most of all for their ghostly ally, Seraphym, the spirit of the world who uses her secret influence to direct the fight against a Thulian-based tyranny of evil and slavery that is fast descending upon the entire universe!

First Sentence:
Victoria Victrix paused for a moment, checked her watch, double-checked her watch against the time on her laptop.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

*I'm linking the full novel for your purchasing.

Listen For Free:
iTunes  /  Official Site

*I listened to this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
We see the aftermath of the world from the Nazi-strange-Metas attack. Now the remaining Meta's have to clean up, keep things safe from loiters and any threats, and solve the mystery of the Strange-Nazi-Meta's. There were so many losses in the super world. The Meta's are on limited numbers now. Russians have come to America after a false letter, but can they world together after thrown together?

Aaah, this book felt better to me. Not that the first was bad, but this one felt as it slowed down and more balanced. The characters meet and clash or work out troubles that ail them. It feels as the story is not as rushed to the happenings, that they took a step back and calmly put together the characters and story lines. Setting roots and settling everyone in, explaining who they are to us. Yes, this is a braided story and there are many here. But they all feed off each other as well. There is a common ground here with the characters even though they are in different areas. They all relate to each other, what is happening is world wide.

We have new authors co-writing with Mercedes. Nice to see new ideas, Meta's, and twists brought to the land.

We are introduced to new troubles - Black Snake. We learn about them and how they try to "help" with the chaos aftermath of the Nazi attack in book one. Or, is there more behind their motives? They are recruiting for their numbers. But, ECHO is looking to recruit Meta's for help as well. With the losses, and short handed, they need all the help they can get no matter what level Meta you are. We also see a new man in a distant land that could easily be more trouble than anyone knows. And the Nazi's aren't gone!

I felt I got a better look at the Meta's here, whether they lived or died. I got to know them a bit better than the rush of meet and fight of the first book. This book takes the actions and includes some history and personality with the characters. Where my favorite character was Handsome Devil in the first book, as he was the one that seemed to have more personality, I enjoyed all the characters in this one. The characters are starting to pop with their personalities and quirks. Enough so you feel you know the characters, yet not over done. Makes me curious and want to know more.

We even see a new character set in 1930's. It was cool to get the feel of the old superhero creations. Felt like the old superhero comics and movies. Pulp Fiction.

We saw potential of it happening with the mentions of magic in the first book, and we see it now. Magic collides with the Meta humans! Ooo yes. This is something I love. Vicky brings a touch of magic to the world. She is the link to magic as magic is considered unstable and not looked upon very highly. We get a touch of Voodoo and Shamans this time around.

I listened to this book and I must mention the narrator. Veronica is the soul voice reading the story now. She does an amazing job of different persona's, accents, tones, voices all on her own. Veronica, the woman of many different voices. Outstanding job! Especially in a story that could easily become confusing with so many characters. Thank you Veronica!

I've got a feel there is information that's being kept secret though. There is more than meets the eye (or ear) here. In the end, I'm curious of the connections between the aliens, Nazi's, and Red Savior Senior. Even the secrets ECHO leader Testla and others are holding.

To Wordpress or Not?

Image found at: Focus.

I've been a blogger for... Wow! going on 6 years now. (Where does the time go?) I've been on Blogger as it was free and easy to access. However I do go through phases where I think about moving to Wordpress.

And right now, I'm seriously considering it.

Why make the jump? Well, I've had minor issues with Blogger over the years but recently I'm having troubles with my comments. I've tried to change it and the html won't save. I'm also finding I want more out of the blog that Blogger doesn't do.

From what I hear of everyone that make the jump to Wordpress, they are NOT sorry in the least. There's some new things that they have to get use to, but love it.

I have questions though. I know it'll be work to get it set up, but I want to get my ducks in a row and ready to make the leap. And I have to decide if it's worth the money as a hobby.

~ .org or .com? I've heard to use Wordpress.org rather than Wordpress.com. I know the one is free and the one I was told to use you have to pay for a host. But I've heard .org has more to offer. (I'm thinking .org)

~ Hosting? Okay, if I go with .org, I'll need this. But I'm broke and cheap. lol. Who do you use? Are they reasonably priced and wonderful customer service? (I've heard of a few from my comments on Sunday Post.)

~ What about old posts? Okay, this is the big question. Can I transfer all my old posts on Blogger over with ease? Will it take all pictures and links along with fonts?

~~ What Tripped You Up? If you've made the leap to Wordpress, I'm curious what stones you might have stumbled over on the move. I would like to hear about any of those so I'm ready for them too.

I'm sure there are things I forgot to ask as I've only started really digging into the idea. If you know of anything please let me know. When I sit down to make this change, I want to do it and move on. But I want to be prepared for what might make me trip up and get lost.

Please feel free to share as much as you'd like, and links if you have or know of pages that will help me along the way. This post is going to be a reference site for me if/when the day comes.

Thank you for all your help!! And I might post with more questions later. ;)

Sunday Post #76

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'm a bit late in getting today's Sunday Post up. I tried to sleep in, which I did a little bit. But last night was also the night to set clocks ahead one hour. Grrr. I hate that jump. So I'm reaaaaaally behind in time today.

Not much has been going on. I've been working on a content editing job this last week and will be for another week or so. (Which I am enjoying immensely!) And reading a book on my lunch hour at the office job. So a well balanced week.

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The Fit Booker:

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

How did I do last week... I did two days! Woot woot! Wed & Thur I was on the treadmill for about 25 and 21 mins. I walk then jog (on 2 mins of jogging though, I'm not much of a runner). So I'm glad to get some time in exercising and plan on doing the same, or adding a day if I can, this week.

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What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
The Diamond Conspiracy by Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine


Current Podcast Book Listen:
The Horde by Patrick Scaffido


Finished Last Week: (in last month)
Nothing this week.

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)

Click the link to learn more about the books and their series:

Posts:
Mythical Monday - The Nain What? By Seleste DeLaney

Around the Internet...



Reviews:

Interlude by Krista D. Ball

Kiss of Life by Seleste DeLaney

Podcast Review:

Mama Bitchstress Reviews:

GIVEAWAYS:




Weekly Posts:

Mythical Monday
Throwback Thursday

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This Week to Come on the Blog:

I ... erm... I'm not sure what I'll have up this week. I need to look at that.

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Received Last Weeks:

Review & Review Consideration:

Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:

Prey by Skyla Dawn Cameron
(This is currently available for Patreon sponsors)
Goodreads Synopsis:
A pair of assassins descend on Alchemy Red with a contract and a target.

This is not their best decision.

Rebellion by Skyla Dawn Cameron
(This is free for Patreon sponsors at this time, before it goes on sale.)
Goodreads Synopsis:
Rebellion follows werewolf Daryl Marsden as he rediscovers River, the wolf he changed into a human girl three years ago.

Haunted by past mistakes and the need to right them now, Daryl struggles hide the truth behind the night he changed the white wolf and to pass along the rules and history given to him by his father: assimilate with humans, hide what you truly are. But River defies his plans, instead awakening the wolf in him, leaving Daryl with the choice of following the path he's been forced on or giving in to his true nature.


Won:

Free Ebooks:
(On my Kindle App)

Pine Man by Resa Nelson
Goodreads Synopsis:
Everyone assumes Ben to be what he appears to be: a man with a job, a wife, and a young son. But they don’t know his spirit. 

The trees talk to Ben because he’s one of them. More than 100 years ago, a fairy promised to turn him from a wooden puppet into a real boy, and Ben’s tree spirit has kept him alive and young since then. But he’s tired of the cruelty he sees committed by humankind every day and longs for the simpler life he had when his spirit lived inside a tree. 

So he calls upon the fairy, who promises to grant his wish although she won’t tell him when that wish will be granted. Taking that time to set his affairs in order, Ben begins to realize that his absence will leave his son without his father’s protection in a challenging world. Torn, Ben struggles between his desperate longing to return to his past life and the family that needs him.

After: The Shock by Scott Nicholson
Goodreads Synopsis:
A massive solar storm erases the world's technological infrastructure and kills billions. While the remaining humans are struggling to adapt and survive, they notice that some among them are...changed.

After: First Light by Scott Nicholson
Goodreads Synopsis:
This Prequel to the "After" series by Scott Nicholson sets up background information leading up to events in the first novel, "After: The Shock" and the second novel, "After: The Echo". It is a complete short story, able to stand on its own, but it will pique your interest in reading the entire series.

Kiss of the Betrayer by Boone Brux
Goodreads Synopsis:
For fifteen years Luc Le Daun has blamed himself for the death of the woman he loved. His secret guilt has led him into a life of danger, risking all and committing to none.

Killing Luc Le Daun has been all Jade Kendell has thought about for years. But when her plan goes awry and she’s brought into the Bringers’ fold, her own dark secret threatens to be revealed. Desire for a better life wars with a promise made long before she understood the ramifications.

In a deadly mission, Jade and Luc embark on a journey into the Shadow World. As they attempt the impossible, ignoring the attraction growing between them becomes harder to deny. The slightest misstep could mean the loss of their souls and give the Demon King exactly what he needs to open the Abyss of Souls and annihilate the Bringers.

The Ghost and The Graveyard by Genevieve Jack
Goodreads Synopsis:
**The Ghost and The Graveyard is a funny, exciting, and sexy read intended for adults. Due to sexual content, language, and violence this book is recommended for ages 18+** 

Grateful Knight isn't looking for love when she moves into a rent-free house on the edge of a graveyard. At twenty-two, all she wants is to recover financially so she can move back to the city where she belongs. 

But sparks fly when the gorgeous cemetery caretaker, Rick, introduces himself and mentions his suspicion that her new house might be haunted. Her attraction to him seems supernatural, and despite her resolve to not get involved, she literally can't keep her hands off him. 

When things in Grateful's house start moving on their own, another man enters her life, Logan, a sexy ghost with a dark secret. He says Rick isn't what he seems, and indulging her passion for him could cost her soul. 

One thing's for sure, magical forces are at work in the tiny town of Red Grove, and they're converging on Grateful. Life will never be the same once she's forced to choose between the ghost and the graveyard.


(On my Nook)

Free Audio Books/Stories:

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Reviews to Come:

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

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

Master of Myth by Starla Huchton

Tales of a Tesla Ranger: Tribute to P.G. Holyfield by (anthology)

Danube Waves by Katharina Bordet

A Curse Unbroken by Cecy Robson

Rhune by Michael J. Sullivan
Heartstealer by K.T. Bryski

Book Review: Interlude

Interlude

By:  Krista D. Ball

Publish Date:  February 28, 2015

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  In the world of Tranquility. Book 1 ~ Tranquility's Blaze, Book 2 ~ Tranquility's Grief 

Recommendation:  For the fun of all that is Bethany, yes, pick this up to remember what fun the crew is. (And meet a new character to be in Fury.)

Synopsis:
Love Notes is about Bethany and Arrago’s first month working together. I’ve never been happy with how I developed their relationship in BLAZE, so this was a great opportunity to explore those early days between two very different people.

Knight’s Day Off is a story my Facebook people will have seen before. This one also takes place during those early days between Arrago and Bethany. Only this time, poor Bethany tries to take a day off work. Things don’t go according to plan. At all.

First Day on the Job is set after the events of GRIEF and is set about a week before the events of FURY. Myra, a Knight apprentice, is assigned a simple task: get Arrago, Edmund, Bethany, and the rest of the senior staff to attend a party hosted by Queen Celeste. However, it’s soon obvious that there’s more than just a party in the works and none of the main players are following the rules. (Myra will appear in FURY, so this is her introduction, plus an outsider’s view of where we find Bethany, Arrago, Jovan, and the rest of the gang.)

Purchase At:
Amazon 

My Thoughts and Summary:
It's been a while since I've had the pleasure to read Bethany. This is a fun to see Bethany, Arrago, Jovan, and Kiner back at their ways. The banter between them all is a hoot. The first two stories happen during Tranquility's Blaze. The last story brings us back to where everyone is before Fury is released. And now I can't wait for it to come!

Love Notes
Bethany is an extremely busy knight. So most of their inter-office communication (and banter) is through notes.

Bethany and Arrago are so different that they complement each other and make me smile while bantering. Arrago really is good with Bethany and her rough exterior.

Oh this is fun to read and see how their work relationship and friendship grows through these letters. I just love seeing these two together and as their banter turns to flirting, and they realize it. So much fun!

Knight's Day Off
Bethany, Jovan, and Kiner have three days off! At the same time.

The Tranquility Trio. Allric was to represent the Knights at the arrival of Relas as the three are off. The Relas arrives early and Allric isn't anywhere to be found. And a Knight is needed. Mother Aneese knows of the new order - a ledger to tell of who's off.

Bethany only wants to take a bath and rest before leaving for two days. Three men invade her room while she's trying to do just that. LOL! Oh the results. And what Jovan and Kiner kidnap Arrago... Oh my! LOL!

Then theirs the history that Relas has with the trio. Hahaha. This crew are a rowdy bunch, and such friends. It appears Arrago is part of the crew now too.

First Day on the Job
Myra has just walked off the boat at the castle. She wants to be a part of Lord Kiner's team and help with the war. Kiner assigns her to Queen Celeste's personal administration, to relay messages from queen to senior members.

Myra's first job will interact with all the main players in Tranquility. Oh boy, the interaction! This story brings them all into focus and where they are now. Bethany and Arrago get to banter by way of messenger.

Myra sees obstacles of her age (she's so young) and parentage, but she's determined to life beyond those and be the best she can. Myra is half Rygent and can read peoples feelings along with their body language, and things are mixed up along with her own fears and feelings mixed in.

This is a great read while waiting for book three! The jokes are fun yet truths and secrets are discovered.

Book Review: Kiss of Life

Kiss of Life

By:  Seleste DeLaney

Publish Date:  March 2, 2015

Format:  ebook

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Series:  2nd in Blood Kissed series; Prequel #1 ~ Of Course I Try, Prequel #2 ~ The Ghost of Vampire Present, Short Stories ~ 0.1 ~ Christmas in Chains, 0.2 ~ Devil's Bargain, Short Story 0.3 ~ What Have I Done, 0.4 ~ The Cost of Love, 1st Book ~ Kiss of Death

First Glance Feel:  Paranormal Romance of one woman learning of what she is, growing stronger, and choices to make to try and save her followers.

Synopsis:
The vampire’s curse has been awakened, and Jocelyn has no choice but to accept her destiny as the Blood Kissed—the one destined to destroy the vampires…or rule them. While Max and Chad want to help her reach her full potential, not all of the supernaturals share their plan.

The Council of Elders, a crazed sorcerer assassin, and a vampire hunter out for revenge have driven Jocelyn into hiding. She and her ragtag army have holed up in the forests of Michigan’s upper peninsula to get ready for the fight. If training is any indication, they should be ready for war by the time she turns fifty.

But no one is going to let her wait that long. War is nigh, the death toll is rising, and when Michigan’s most famous harbinger of doom shows up on the scene, the army of the Blood Kissed is hoping for a miracle, praying to be graced with a little kiss of life…

First Sentence:
Into every life a little rain must fall - though at this time of the year, snow was more likely.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

My Thoughts and Summary:
Jocelyn has been training for 7 months, and raising an army of separate groups of supernaturals. She's also been avoiding Chad and Max, and they have been behaving and working hard as her generals. A supernatural war is on the horizon along with so much more in the works. The newest member of their cause, the Nain Rouge. But is it good or bad to have him on their side? Remy, a rock star elder vampire, has his own plans which stirs things up faster. The sorcerer Jocelyn, Chad, and Max tangled with before wants his revenge. Someone is attacking those close to Jocelyn to draw her out in the open.

The first third or so of the book is from different point of views. I didn't feel invested in anyone fully until about 35% into the book. Another thing I felt was the author seemed to be pushing to tell us there were characters up to no good and direction others like puppets. A few comments would have been good, then let it shack out for the reader, which it did do after the beginning.

Then something clicked for me and it took off. All ironed out and flowed smoother for me. The characters started to come together, in good and bad ways, and I started to want to read the characters more and what was to come from the attacks and the pending war. I wanted to see each side as to if they would live, find love, and what would happen next to drive them over the edge.

The different point of views we get are from Remy, Jocelyn, Chad, Max, Dominick (a Vampire Elder), Pierre Maisson (an assassin among the supernatural), Logan (a werewolf on Jocelyn's team), and Vianco Nago (A Hunter of vampires). All these characters show all the works and strings that each player in the story is pulling to drive the world and characters. So many events in the works.

Don't let this discourage you. This is a great way to see it all as it's happening. And you'll want to know. The small quirks that I felt early on in the story will NOT stop me from continuing with this series. I love the world and the romance here in Jocelyn's story.

Each character has their own personal baggage along with the supernatural baggage of the world where different beings don't easily blend and work together. Things are moving forward and Jocelyn is trying to pull as many elements into her army as possible to fight the powerful Elders of the Vampires. This draws a bigger world of supernatural and beliefs by bringing these beings together and seeing how they react.

There is romance here, a blooming one along with the heat of those familiar. Jocelyn is still battling herself in need to make a choice. Events bring her closer to her men, then also pull her away. It's hard in a time of war and conniving others work against her for their own benefits.

At the end... oh my! Where the characters end... Gah! I am curious and want to see what is next with all of them. ALL of them. lol.

Mythical Monday: The Nain What?

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:

Author Seleste DeLaney

Talking of the Nain Rouge.

I've read the first book of this series, Blood Kissed series, and enjoyed the romance and story here. Now Seleste has the second book coming our way. Kiss of Life is now available! And to share about the book, Seleste has a Mythical post for us to day.

The Nain What?

If you didn’t grow up around Detroit, you’ve probably never heard of the creature known as the Nain Rouge. Honestly, I’ve lived here most of my life, and until I started researching local legends for Kiss of Life, I’d never heard of him either. Once I did, however, I knew I needed him.

Nain Rouge translates literally to “red dwarf” or “red gnome.” Variations on the legend consider him either a protector of the city or…a harbinger of doom. And really, just because something bad happens doesn’t mean it wasn’t ultimately for protection. So, I try not to judge the guy.

Some examples of things the Nain Rouge has been blamed for:

• The loss of Cadillac’s fortune (Cadillac was the founder of Detroit)
• Battle of Bloody Run
• 1805 fire that destroyed much of the city
• The 12th Street Riot in 1967
• Great storm in March 1976

Basically, the stories say that if he shows himself, bad things are coming.

Now, Michigan has its share of weird legends including the Michigan Dogman, the Ridgeway Monster, the Leelanau Lake Monster, the Paulding Light, and even supposed sightings of Bigfoot. (There are probably more, but that’s just a brief example. The Dogman is probably the most famous of the list.) But you see, the thing is, I wanted something different. A dogman is really just kind of a werewolf. And Leelanau is a whole lot like Nessie from what I can tell (also…water kind of limits its use). But the Nain Rouge…when you’re talking about ancient supernatural beings and war, a harbinger of doom is just too good an opportunity to pass up.

So, if you happen to see what looks like a little person dressed in red and black fur (possibly with horns), be careful not to offend him. The Nain Rouge tolerates much, but a single offense will change the course of your life.

Plus, fans of the series will be more than a little excited to find out exactly who he’s in cahoots with ;-)

About Kiss of Life:

The vampire’s curse has been awakened, and Jocelyn has no choice but to accept her destiny as the Blood Kissed—the one destined to destroy the vampires…or rule them. While Max and Chad want to help her reach her full potential, not all of the supernaturals share their plan.

The Council of Elders, a crazed sorcerer assassin, and a vampire hunter out for revenge have driven Jocelyn into hiding. She and her ragtag army have holed up in the forests of Michigan’s upper peninsula to get ready for the fight. If training is any indication, they should be ready for war by the time she turns fifty.

But no one is going to let her wait that long. War is nigh, the death toll is rising, and when Michigan’s most famous harbinger of doom shows up on the scene, the army of the Blood Kissed is hoping for a miracle, praying to be graced with a little kiss of life…



About Seleste:
At a young age, Seleste deLaney discovered the trick to not being afraid of the monsters under the bed was to turn them into heroes. Since that time, she’s seen enough of human monsters that she prefers to escape to fictional worlds where even the worst demons have to play by the rules and the good guys might end up battered and bruised (or dead), but they always win. And really, isn’t that the way it should be?

She resides in the Detroit area with all her favorite monsters (nice ones—some are furry and the others call her Mom) and is hard at work on her next book. In those rare moments when she isn’t battling terrorists, vampires, or rogue clockworks, she can be found all over the Internet, where she loves to interact with readers.


Find Seleste:
Her Website:  http://selestedelaney.com/
Twitter:  @SelesteDelaney
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/seleste.delaney


Purchase the book (& the first) at Amazon:

Sunday Post #75

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 didn't post last week. I've been feeling a bit on the down side. I think I've been coming down with a head cold or sinus infection for over a week now. I think it was a head cold as I think I might have fought it off, and won. lol.

It's snowing here, again. And lots to get done around the house along with editing work.

I do have a question. For those that are using Wordpress. I'm thinking of making the switch. Blogger has been troublesome lately and I think I am about to the point of making the jump. I'll do a post later to check in with everyone on the whole thing and ask lots of questions but for now... What host do you use? Are you happy with them?

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The Fit Booker:

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

How did I do last week... Well, the previous week (which I didn't post about last week) I only did one day if you count the hour it took me to shovel and scrap a portion of the drive way. Other than that I've been to run down to do anything.

This past week, I didn't get one day in. I've relaxed each night as I wanted to get rid of that head cold. And I'm feeling much better so I think it worked. I think I might be able to breath well enough to start back to my two days this week.

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What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
The Diamond Conspiracy by Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine


Current Podcast Book Listen:
The Horde by Patrick Scaffido


Finished Last Week: (in last month)
Heartstealer by K.T. Bryski
Kiss of Life by Seleste DeLaney

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)

Click the link to learn more about the books and their series:

Hunter by Skyla Dawn Cameron

Posts:
Diversity in Covers and why change a cover by Author and Cover Artist Skyla Dawn Cameron

Around the Internet...



Reviews:

Tales of a Tesla Ranger edited by Tee Morris & Valerie Ford-Griswold

Oh you get sooo much wonderful for your buck here.

Edgelanders by Jennifer Melzer

Dirty Magick: Los Angeles edited by Charlie Brown

Podcast Review:

Mama Bitchstress Reviews:

GIVEAWAYS:

One Copy of SERAPHINA by Rachel Hartman!


Weekly Posts:

Mythical Monday
Throwback Thursday

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This Week to Come on the Blog:

I have a few posts scheduled! Yes I do!

Mon.:  The Nain What? - guest post by Seleste DeLaney
Tues.:  Review of Kiss of Life by Seleste DeLaney
Wed.:  Review of Interlude by Krista D. Ball
Thurs.:  Guest post by K.T. Bryski

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Received Last Weeks:

Review & Review Consideration:

The Exile by C.T. Adams
Goodreads Synopsis:
Brianna Hai runs an occult shop that sells useless trinkets to tourists—and real magic supplies to witches and warlocks. The magical painting that hangs in Brianna's apartment is the last portal between the fae and human worlds.

A shocking magical assault on her home reveals to Brianna that her father, High King Liu of the Fae, is under attack. With the help of her gargoyle, Pug, her friend David, and Angelo, a police detective who doesn't believe in magic, Brianna recovers what was stolen from her and becomes an unwilling potential heir to the throne.

The Diamond Conspiracy by Tee Morris & Philippa Ballantine
Goodreads Synopsis:
For years, the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences has enjoyed the favor of Her Majesty the Queen. But even the oldest loyalties can turn in a moment…

Having narrowly escaped the electrifying machinations of Thomas Edison, Books and Braun are looking forward to a relaxing and possibly romantic voyage home. But when Braun’s emergency signal goes off, all thoughts of recreation vanish. Braun’s street-wise team of child informants, the Ministry Seven, is in grave peril, and Books and Braun must return to England immediately.

But when the intrepid agents finally arrive in London, the situation is even more dire than they imagined. The Ministry has been disavowed, and the Department of Imperial Inconveniences has been called in to decommission its agents in a most deadly fashion. The plan reeks of the Maestro’s dastardly scheming. Only, this time, he has a dangerous new ally—a duplicitous doctor whose pernicious poisons have infected the highest levels of society, reaching even the Queen herself... 


Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:



Won:

Free Ebooks:
(On my Kindle App)

Tainted by Julie Kenner
Goodreads Synopsis:
Lily Carlyle has lied, cheated, and stolen her way through life.

But in death, she'll really get to be bad...

When her little sister is brutalized, a vengeful Lily determines to exact her own justice. She succeeds at the cost of her own life, but as she lies dying, she is given a second chance. Lily can earn her way into Paradise by becoming an assassin for the forces of good.

It's the job Lily believes she can really get into--but she doesn't realize that she may not be able to get out.

Aphrodite's Kiss by Julie Kenner
Goodreads Synopsis:
Zoe Smith might look like your average, ordinary elementary school librarian, but she’s about as far from normal as a girl can get. Because Zoe is descended from a line of superheroes … and as her twenty-fifth birthday approaches, she has to decide if she’s going to embrace her heritage (including all the wackiness that comes with X-ray vision and her extraordinary senses) or submit herself for mortalization and be that average, ordinary girl. Considering how lousy she’s done so far on all the Council-imposed tests, chucking the whole superhero thing might be very best thing … especially when she realizes that sexy, private investigator George Bailey Taylor is more than a little interested in her—and he’s more than a little convinced that Zoe is one-hundred percent “the girl next-door”.

An ex-cop turned PI, George Bailey Taylor’s had one hell of a life being bounced around from foster home to foster home. All he wants now is a normal life with a normal wife in a normal neighborhood. The typical American dream—and when he meets Zoe Smith, he’s certain she’s the typical American girl. Except she does have an overprotective brother who seems able to appear and disappear at will. And a creepy cousin who’s always lurking about. And why does everyone in her family pretend to actually talk to the pet ferret?

With her super powers, Zoe can do just about anything … except make Taylor fall in love with her.

For that, they’re both going to need a different kind of magic … 

Discordia Ascentant: An illustrated Demon Squad story by Tim Marquitz
Goodreads Synopsis:
An Illustrated short story featuring Rahim.

Determined to rid El Paseo of a supernatural menace, Rahim finds himself face to face with his past.



(On my Nook)

Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Goodreads Synopsis:
If you’d asked me a week ago, I would have told you that the best cupcakes were dark chocolate with chocolate cream cheese icing, that dancing in a crowd of magic wielders — the Adept — was better than sex, and that my life was peaceful and uneventful. Just the way I liked it.

That’s what twenty-three years in the magical backwater of Vancouver will get you — a completely skewed sense of reality. Because when the dead werewolves started showing up, it all unraveled … except for the cupcake part. That’s a universal truth.

Free Downloads From Newsletters:

Darkest Before the Darkwater by Tee Morris & Philippa Ballantine
Goodreads Synopsis:
A group of survivors from the airship Guy Fawkes find themselves washed ashore on an uncharted island. In their search for survival they uncover one mystery after another.

Karma Kommandos by Paul Cook
Goodreads Synopsis:

Chuckle has just hit the streets of 21st century L.A. with devastating results. A member of L.A.P.D's Protean Set--special detectives who can change their appearances--Rory Koestler sets out after Bob Thermopylae, L.A.'s main dealer in Chuckle. Problem is, someone else is after him as well--assassins who step out of walls or just appear out of nowhere. Soon, they turn their sights on Koestler and several other citizens. Who are they? Where do they come from?

They are the Karma Kommandos . . .

Free Audio Books/Stories:

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Reviews to Come:

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

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

Master of Myth by Starla Huchton

Tales of a Tesla Ranger: Tribute to P.G. Holyfield by (anthology)

Danube Waves by Katharina Bordet

Interlude by Krista D. Ball

A Curse Unbroken by Cecy Robson

Rhune by Michael J. Sullivan
Heartstealer by K.T. Bryski
Kiss of Life by Seleste DeLaney