Book Review: "Bloodlust Shadows" by Luanne Bennett

 I’m Charley Underwood—welcome to the Stag. Keep your fangs to yourself and don’t forget to tip your bartender.

In Crimson, vampires, wolves, and humans live side by side. And I try to keep them from tearing each other apart.

After taking down a bloodsucking mobster and a rogue witch, I thought I’d catch a break. Maybe even a few days to fix up my bar and spend some quality time with Samuel, my vampire boyfriend.

But I should have known better—after all, this is Crimson.

An old enemy is out for blood, stalking us and leaving terrifying warnings. And this vampire likes to play with his victims, always staying one step ahead. Soon the whole town is caught in his games.

Customers start showing up beaten and bruised, unable to explain what happened. There are rumors of addictions and poisoned blood…

When Samuel disappears, it’s clear this opponent is smarter and more twisted than any I’ve faced before.

And he won’t stop until he’s taken everything from me. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

This is the fourth book in the Charley Underwood series, and takes place right after the third book. Since Samuel killed his Maker, a 'sibling' has shown up in Crimson to exact revenge, and he plans on hurting others to get it done.

It was nice getting some history on Samuel, as it does some flashbacks to his past, and dealing with Shane, the 'sibling'. We also get some small back history on Dog, and some connections with the Pack and the Northern Pack. Charley and Samuel still seem to never get time alone, and just smolders the romance part of the story. Looking for a few more books in this story line from Bennett.

Book Review" Badlands" by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

 

The #1 New York Times bestselling authors Preston & Child return with a thrilling tale in which archaeologist Nora Kelly and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson, while investigating bizarre deaths in the desert, awaken an ancient evil more terrifying than anything they’ve faced before.

In the New Mexico badlands, the skeleton of a woman is found—and the case is assigned to FBI Agent Corrie Swanson. The victim walked into the desert, shedding clothes as she went, and died in agony of heatstroke and thirst. Two rare artifacts are found clutched in her bony hands—lightning stones used by the ancient Chaco people to summon the gods. 

Is it suicide or… sacrifice? 

Agent Swanson brings in archaeologist Nora Kelly to investigate. When a second body is found—exactly like the other—the two realize the case runs deeper than they imagined. As Corrie and Nora pursue their investigation into remote canyons, haunted ruins, and long-lost rituals, they find themselves confronting a dark power that, disturbed from its long slumber, threatens to exact an unspeakable price. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

We return again to the world of Nora Kelly and SA Corrie Swanson, as they "partner up" again to solve a crime. This time it is in the badlands of New Mexico. Obviously it involves ancient Indian rites/customs, but for the non-informed you do learn a little bit about ancient Indian cultures, and even a bit about the Navajos. 

This is the fifth book in the Nora Kelly series, and I am not sure how much further the authors will go with it. I'm guessing it may increase since the Pendergast series seems to be faltering. Overall it was still a good read.

Book Review: :Bloodlust Curse" by Luanne Bennett

 

I’m Charley Underwood. I run the best bar in Crimson, Georgia… when I’m not kicking demons and vampire thugs out of town.

A local witch has been murdered. Even worse, it looks like the killer stole her magic, draining it away in a bloody ritual.

Who would play with the darkest kind of magic like this? And what are they planning to do with the power they took?

When the killer targets my mentor Candy, and the dangerous trove of enchanted objects in her shop, it’s time to gather Crimson’s witches and prepare for war.

But as we plan our response, I can’t shake the feeling that the others are hiding something from me. Could these attacks be connected to my mother’s magic? And her mysterious death two years ago?

Nothing will stop me from digging up the truth. Because this isn’t just personal. It’s family. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I giving an unbiased review.

This is the third book in the Charley Underwood series by Bennett, and it still has not lost any of it's charm. Once again Charley is in the mix to stop magic users with bad intent, from doing damage to her town and friends. This time though, it seems there may be more linked to her past and the secrets of her mother that she doesn't know about - and no one seems to want to share.

Like the first two novels, this one was pretty quick read. The story flows wells enough, though our MC Charley just seems to be angry all the time, and really angry when she finds out her friends know more information than they share about the past, mainly in regards to her mother and her death. I've been enjoying the series, and would hazard a guess that there could be a few more books into this series before it get stedious.

Book Review: "Mirror Reader" by Karen Duvall

 

When a god abducts her daughter, she’ll risk everything, including love, to get her child back.

Long ago, the real Alice in Wonderland used a spell to imprison Hawaii’s gods. Over a hundred years later, the gods are free and vowing revenge on her descendant and namesake, Alice Dodgson. One of them kidnaps Alice’s little girl.

Alice’s mirror magic is no match for the angry gods. She must ask for help from Keoki, the man who broke her heart… the man who unknowingly fathered her child.

Keoki is mirror-world royalty and is entitled by law to have sole custody of his little girl. As much as Alice still loves him, she can’t fathom a life without her daughter.

Alice and Keoki team up to search for the child, and face danger at every turn. They’ll encounter a lethal demigod, doppelgangers, ghostly night marchers, the Hawaiian pantheon, and maybe Alice in Wonderland herself.

But even if they survive the obstacles in their path, will their love prevail? Or will their secrets be too much to overcome? - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

This was an interesting re-telling of the classic Alice in Wonderland story. It is set in a current time and of the regular world in the location of Hawaii. The main character, Alice, is a descendant of the original one, and is a mirror traveler - able to step into a mirror world of our time, which happens to be a Hawaii set back closer to the late 1800s. 

Without getting into too much detail, Alice is thrust into a 160 year old issue of the Hawaiian gods being entrapped by her great-removed ancestor, and their recent escape. One god in particular kidnaps her daughter, whose father is of the mirror-world, and our adventure takes off. There is a bit of lost-love being reunited, discovery of parentage, and family history throughout the storyline.

Overall the story was well thought out, though at times I felt the details of what was around them needed more description. This was a good tale, and is able to be read as a stand-alone.

Book Review: "Midnight Black" by Mark Greaney

 

With his lover imprisoned in a Russian gulag, the Gray Man will stop at nothing to free her in this latest entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

A winter sunrise over the great plains of Russia is no cause for celebration. The temperature barely rises above zero, and the guards at Penal Colony IK22 are determined to take their misery out on the prisoners--chief among them, one Zoya Zakharova. Once a master spy for Russian foreign intelligence, then the partner and lover of the Gray Man, she has information the Kremlin wants, and they don't care what they have to do to get it.

But if they think a thousand miles of frozen wasteland and the combined power of the Russian police state is enough to protect them, they don't know the Gray Man. He's coming, and no one's safe. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by NEtgalley.com and I giving an unbiased review.

This is the fourteenth novel in the 'Gray Man' series by this author, and continues the story a short time after the last novel. Zoya has been "traded" off to the Russians, and is in a  prison facility, and Court wants to get her out, but has no idea where in Russia she is. Original reports were that she was killed, but he holds out with hope. Not knowing where she might be (if she lives) Court is trying anyway he can to get into the country, often making some messes while doing so. Finally, proof is found by the US Gov't, that Zoya is alive, and where she is being held, which happens to be near yet another prison facility that is holding a Russian that can help overthrow the current regime. With the help of the US, and the renegades that stand for a free Russia, Court is able to get in-country.

During all this, Matt Hanley, our lowly CIA guy that was delegated from his lofty position, now in Brazil, gets involved, and brings in Hightower. With a large favor owed to his higher-up replacement, Matt and Hightower end up in the Ukraine, who is launching an attack to cover, and rescue the Russian delegate in the prison. The trick is to get him out, but Court, Zoya, and the delegates wife have to escape the women's prison 17 kilos away, and get to their location before they, too, are able to leave.

Written in the classic 'Gray Man' style, there is plenty of killing going on, and espionage-type things happening at every corner. Greaney brings back into play three of the main characters that have lasted these several novels, and makes it sound convincing. Not sure how much further this series will go, but Greaney does have another series starting that looks pretty good as well.

Book Review: "Shadows of Olympus" by Deric Wagner

 

Modern renditions of epic legends.

As the lines between myth and reality blur, the ultimate test of heroism awaits those who challenge fate. In this modern retelling of the Hercules myth, New Illion becomes a battleground where ancient legends and contemporary life collide. Roland, a former ruler turned shapeshifting were-lion detective, prowls the dark streets of the city, burdened by the murder of his family and the loss of his throne. His quest for justice is driven by profound grief, and he is determined to uncover the truth behind his family's killer. His partner, Damaldi, a gunslinger cursed with divine luck, provides an unpredictable edge as they navigate a city where the supernatural is ever-present.

Their investigation into a series of gruesome murders at Yamamoto Industries reveals troubling connections. Executives are being killed in increasingly horrifying ways, each death hinting at a deeper, more sinister threat. As Roland and Damaldi dig deeper, they discover that gods and demons are manipulating mortal affairs, their ancient powers threatening chaos.

Facing both human and supernatural adversaries, Roland and Damaldi must prevent a catastrophe of mythic proportions. With the fate of New Illion—and potentially the world—at stake, they must confront the ultimate challenge and stop the impending disaster. - from Booksirens.com

This eArc was provided by Booksirens.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

When I started reading this requested book, I had quite a few mixed feelings. A ruler of a large city of mixed population (shifter, human, etc) is arrested for murder (of his own family), claims it was magic-induced control of his mind, avoids a sentencing - other than you have to serve as a Warden (special police) in the same city he ruled, for an undetermined length of time. Conflict of interest much? Well, let's add in that as the story flows, we find out gods are involved, and doing their own manipulations, as well as the daemons. So everything is flipping nuts, and this guy is feeling guilt and remorse, as he was trapped in his body when he killed his family, yet has not gotten a chance to try to find the one who manipulated him. Oh, and let's hook him up in this Warden department, as more ofa detective, than a street patrol, because, hey - who needs training? His partner, oh, this guy is all Wyatt Earp with his two six-shooter handguns on the hips, and ensemble like Bat Masterson with an Earp mustache. 

But, once I got into the story, it was easy to overlook all this (it is fiction we are reading, right). There are always parts of hero stories that we know will happen: heroes almost never die, always win in the end, etc. This tale is not much different. His partner is a, for better terms, a "Luck" creature, and there are so many others that just happen to have a particular 'skill' or magic when the hero needs it. Overall, the tale was a good read, and since it is labeled as a chronicle, I am sure to be watching for the next one.

Book Review: "The Cartographer's Return" by Lisa Maria Koenig

 

Years have passed since the cartographer Soread from Greenwood has left Snowcreek. Now he returns, driven by trust towards the Lord and the Lady of Eridris and accompanied with secrets he wishes to keep. - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I giving an unbiased review.

This is the second novella in 'The Cartographer's Travels" series, and is also a fairly quick read. The tale takes place approximately 17 years after the first tale, and starts with our traveling map-making elf returning to the neighboring lands of his home after all this time. Again, he is wounded physically, though not as bad as the first time. Makes one wonder how clumsy this elf must be.

Either way, this one was a bit slower to read than the first one, as it delves more into the elf's inner turmoil and feelings (ewww, feelings). Obviously there is loads of guilt, anger, resentment, pride... the list just goes on, and flips around each paragraph. I tried to step back from the directness of it all, and saw that this seemed more of a tale of reuniting friends, one full of angst, etc, and one that is just open and loving, that share their burdens with each other.

Not sharing the ending, but from what I read, I don't see any future novellas about Soread coming in the future, though I admit, I always could be wrong.

Book Review: "The Cartographer from Greenwood" by Lisa Maria Koenig

 

In a stormy night, a strange elf stumbles through the doors of Lord Aeglas' manor in Snowcreek. He is injured and it is not his love for drawing maps that has driven him out of his home for many years. Will he learn that he has to fight for what is dear to him or will he continue his travels and avoid the arguments awaiting him at home? - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

I actually came across the second novella of this small series (two books) prior to this one, but saw this one was available to be read and reviewed so requested it as well. Thankfully, both came, so I did not have to read out of order. Though each could be a stand-alone (I believe enough information is given in the second one to cover any possible missing plot).

I really liked the synopsis of the storyline: a wondering elf into neighboring lands, harboring inner feelings that prevent him from returning home to family. Here in this land he finds compassion and friendship, which erodes at his inner feelings, but in the end, we find it is not enough. Let's add in that this elf draws maps, very exquisite maps, and regardless of his wounds received, thus bringing him here, takes little time to recover. It is a novella, and some parts (to me) dragged on a bit longer than needed. I did find myself occasionally wishing this could be fleshed out into a longer tale, maybe including some of his traveling background. Overall well-written, easy to read, and looking forward to the second novella.

Book Review: "The Staircase in the Woods" by Chuck Wendig

 

A group of friends investigates the mystery of a strange staircase in the woods in this mesmerizing horror novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Accidents.

Five high school friends are bonded by an oath to protect one another no matter what.

Then, on a camping trip in the middle of the forest, they find something extraordinary: a mysterious staircase to nowhere.

One friend walks up—and never comes back down. Then the staircase disappears.

Twenty years later, the staircase has reappeared. Now the group returns to find the lost boy—and what lies beyond the staircase in the woods.  - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

Wendig has done a wonderful job of creating yet another thriller story! This stand-alone novel takes us on a guilt-trip for a group of friends that lasts for years. As adults, they are tricked into climbing a random staircase found int he woods that takes to a place none would have suspected, for a goal that int heir hearts, they believe they want.

What is it about random staircases showing up in weird places, yet not in cities, etc? I did not take the time to 'Google' it, but either way, Wendig has taken an unexpected element and made it a focal point of a story. The novel is a nice read, and though not quite a horror story, does bring in elements that could make it considered as such. Overall, was a good read for the day, and look forward to future stories from this author.

Book Review: "The Others" by Evette Davis

 

Beneath the fog of San Francisco lurks a hidden world that controls our fate.

Much as she wishes otherwise, superstar political consultant Olivia Shepherd was born a powerful empath. It’s a legacy she walked away from long ago—but when she wakes up one morning to find Elsa, a tenacious time-walker, standing in her kitchen, she realizes she can no longer ignore her gifts. She is quickly plunged into the hidden world of powerful “Others” and drafted to work for the Council, a shadowy organization that summons the fog to San Francisco to obscure their involvement in human affairs.

Complicating matters further is Olivia’s new love interest, William. A centuries-old vampire, William is far too jaded to take an interest in human affairs—but Olivia no longer has the luxury of remaining impartial. As shocking details from Olivia’s own past emerge and her role in the Council begins to take shape, will she rise to the challenge of her destiny? - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com at no cost and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is listed as the first book in 'The Council Trilogy' by Davis, and I feel it may turn out to be a nice series. The story synopsis interested me enough to test out the book, which I found to be entertaining. As with many books, I felt there was some fast movement regarding character acceptance of magical entities, and that they have a special power. I think it was mostly to keep the story moving along at a fairly decent pace so as to not lose the reader.

Worldbuilding was pretty plain, as it takes place in what seems to be a present-day type San Francisco. There wasn't much as to magical theory, of how it appears to work in this story, but most seems to be based on mythical creatures we know of and their basic powers (i.e. vampires with mesmerism, werewolves changing shape). The MC seems to accept abnormal situations, people, and just information about her self, without questioning anything, and seems to quickly "move ahead" in this magical world. Overall, I did find the book entertaining, and I would love to see where this series tends to go in the next part.

Book Review: "Bloodlust Bites" by Luanne Bennett

 

Welcome to Crimson, Georgia. I’m Charley Underwood—witch, bar owner, and accidental demon hunter.

Crimson isn’t a regular town. With vampires, shifters, and humans living side by side, tensions always run high. I try to keep the peace, and most of the time nobody gets hurt. Most of the time.

Right now, Crimson is one bite away from all-out chaos.

A dangerous new wolf is stirring up trouble. A sexy vampire is on the hunt, with a gun full of sunlight bullets. And thugs from Atlanta are threatening my friends.

As if that wasn’t enough, my magic is running wild. One second it’s throwing bad guys through windows, the next it fizzles out to nothing. There’s only one way to get it under control—by taking lessons from Crimson’s terrifying old-school coven of witches.

I need to get a handle on it fast. Way out in the woods, someone is attacking young women, leaving them bitten and bloody. Is it a stranger or one of our own?

When police pin the attacks on one of my bartenders, it’s clear that none of this is random. Someone is coming after me and the people I love.

I’ll do anything to protect my crew. Even strike a deal with a vicious old enemy.

Because when I see what I’m fighting against, it’s clear I need all the help I can get. - from Netgalley.com 

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

This is the second novel in the Charley Underwood series, and continues the adventures of our newest up and coming witch in Crimson. More trouble has arrived for our MC, and as she deals with the multiple problems that arise, trying to keep everyone (mortal, shifter, vampire) from ending up hurt or dead, and stopping the bad guys.

Overall, this is my basic kind of urban fantasy I prefer to read. It is fairly quick and easy to read, and doesn't necessarily dive into vivid detail if there is some 'romance' going on. We have action, magic, fighting both magical and physical. Small plots twists (to a degree) and multiple things going on that just throw the MC into a tizzy trying to figure out which to face and take care of first. Let's throw in that personal love interest part again, and just mix it all up!

I have enjoyed several other stories from this author, and this one does well keeping my interest in the story. Definitely would recommend for any that like urban fantasy.

Book Review: "Schemes & Scandals" by Kelley Armstrong

 

It’s Mallory Atkinson’s first Christmas in Scotland. Victorian Scotland, that is. Also, as the twenty-first-century detective learns, Christmas really isn’t a thing in Victorian Scotland. It’s all about Hogmanay. But her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, treats her to an early gift of tickets to the event of the season: a Charles Dickens reading. There, they bump into Lady Inglis—the lovely widow who has sent Gray sexy letters trying to entice him back to her bed.

Lady Inglis introduces Mallory to Dickens—the meeting of a lifetime—but in return she wants their help. She’s being blackmailed. Someone stole letters she wrote to another lover and is threatening to publish them.

Mallory isn’t sure what to make of Lady Inglis, but no woman deserves that, so she insists on taking the case with or without Gray’s help. Growing tension between them soon tells Mallory that Gray is hiding a secret of his own. She has until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer…and, hopefully, to put things right with Gray so they can enjoy the holiday together.  - from Netgalley.com 

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

So, historical fiction stories are not my favorite reads, but the first book in this series had intrigued me with the plot synopsis, and so I started in on it. Of course, this being a smaller novella between possible longer tales, it was a much shorter read, and I did finish it rather quickly once started. Our MC is still stuck back Victorian Era Scotland, with still no idea, or much hope, at returning to modern day. However, her relationship with Gray is developed more, and still, due to the period, not able to be openly displayed, or even talked about amongst their own privacy. Here there is a nice touch that the MC gets to meet Charles Dickens, who just happens to be one of her favorite authors (coincidental...hmmm).

Overall for the shortness of this story, it flowed well. Sticking to the characters, and events from previous installments, I detected no deviance from what has happened before. How accurate the part of Dickens being in Scotland that possible Yuletide... who is to say. There probably is some record of him making a circuit during the era, but I am not that interested to verify. It sounded well and true to me.

Enjoyed the short work, and because I've got some vested reading into the series, I would definitely recommend and read additional stories if the author presents more. 

Book Review: "The Spore Queen" by Debra Castaneda

 

Forest. Fungi. Family secrets.

Reporter Maria Hart ventures into the depths of Nils Forest chasing a news story about a violent storm, but she never returns. Within months, four other people will also disappear in the woods.

Tech mogul David Eager lives at the forest’s edge. He is haunted by Maria’s disappearance, and something more. Fungus is common in the foggy woodland, but now it’s behaving in unnatural ways, creeping onto his property and into his dreams.

Maria’s friend, Amy Matthews, hears strange rumors about Nils Forest and, motivated by a dark secret, decides to investigate for herself. It’s no easy task. The terrain is notoriously rugged. But Amy is cunning and determined to find her former roommate, dead or alive.

Amy’s not alone. Maria’s mother, desperate for answers about her daughter, joins the search.

Together, they journey into the heart of Nils Forest where they make a chilling discovery—there’s a new fungus in these woods, and it has transformative powers. As they push deeper into the trees, they uncover a terrifying, mind-bending force. Her name is The Spore Queen. - from Booksirens.com 

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I giving an unbiased review.

This is another installment into the 'Dark Earth Rising' books from this author. Admittedly, after having read the others, I was a bit disappointed in this particular novel. Though the story follows the general idea of the Earth retaliating in a strange fashion against humans, this one didn't feel the same. The ending was different, as to events that happened that leads one to believe a mysterious disappearance (or possible destruction) of the malignant force of nature, whereas this time, it was not only supported by followers, but assisted in flourishing. Does this mean a possible follow-up novel, that expands on this particular storyline? Not sure, but would be interesting to find out.

Book Review: "The Mountain Mystic" by Russell W. Johnson

 

Since succeeding her dearly departed husband, Bill, to become Jasper County’s first female sheriff, Mary Beth Cain has closed more cases than any three of her male predecessors combined. But nobody bats a thousand in the cop game. Nobody. And, ovaries aside, Mary Beth knows she’s no different. There’d been a handful of unsolveds during her tenure, victims and families denied their justice, and each and every one of them gnaws at her soul. She thinks about them late at night as she sips her whiskey, counting regrets like sheep.

But the case that haunts Mary Beth most is one that went cold before she was even on the force: the long-ago disappearance of a family friend, named Maria Ruiz. So when a country psychic’s vision leads to the discovery of Maria’s body, Mary Beth isn’t willing to chalk it up as genuine clairvoyance and goes all in on an investigation that cuts close to home. - from Netgalley.com 

This eARC was received from Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is a second book following the story of Sheriff Mary Beth Cain of Jasper County, Kentucky. This could be read as a stand-alone, but I always feel better recommending reading in order, though it is not really listed as a series.

I enjoyed the perspective of writing about a female sheriff in a crime-ridden area of 'backwoods Kentucky'. Our MC having family ties to the alleged KY Mafia, and just her own mother being a 'crime boss' says a lot about integrity when it comes to law enforcement work. Granted Mary Beth's way isn't always straight legal either. Storyline is easy to follow, even as it references events that happened years before the current story. Reads as a possible realistic story and comes to a nice conclusion. Would like to see more books like this one.

Book Review: "Buzz Kill" by Alison Gaylin

 Boston PI Sunny Randall is back to investigate the disappearance of a hard-partying energy drink mogul, in the latest thriller in Robert B. Parker’s bestselling series.

After a near-death experience, Sunny Randall is ready to lighten her load as a PI, that is until she is called upon by billionaire media magnate Bill Welch to investigate the disappearance of his son, Dylan, the cofounder of the Gonzo Energy Drink company. Lazy, unscrupulous and a notorious partier, Dylan isn’t exactly reliable. But Dylan’s mother, Lydia, insists this time is different. She knows him. He’s her son. And she believes he’s in serious danger.

Unable to turn down the Welches’ life-changing offer, Sunny takes on the case, starting off by befriending Dylan's smart young business partner, Sky, who seems like his polar opposite. Sky is bright, innovative, ambitious and empathetic -- yet surprisingly, she adores Dylan, and desperately wants Sunny to find him.

As Sunny traces the marks left behind by Dylan’s past, she must unearth all the skeletons in his closet. She discovers not only his bad behavior with women, but also his reckless moves within the business world, producing an energy drink that, despite its marketing, has proven dangerous and even deadly. Still, Sky insists he’s a good man. Who is Dylan, really? And why has he vanished? When bodies start to pile up, Sunny must find answers quick, before she—and those she cares about—get caught in the crossfire. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was received from NEtgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the 12th book in the established Sunny Randall series started by Robert Parker. From the book description it is the typical PI story written in Parker's previous style by Gaylin, and reads fairly fast and factual. Having read the inter-related 'Spenser for Hire' and 'Jesse Stone' series, I also have come to really like this series, as I am a fan of Parker's writing and story-telling.

Overall this is a story about the regular length as the rest int he series, and has the MC solving a case whilst mentally struggling with the issues of loving her ex-husband, spending time with said ex, and past love interests, plus life choices in general. This is a good extension of the series, and could be read-alone, but as I always prefer to read from the start of a series just so some of the backstory will be more aware for the reader.

Book Review: "An Instruction in Shadow" by Benedict Jacka

 

The ultra-rich control magic—the same way they control everything else—but Stephen Oakwood may just beat them at their own game in this exhilarating contemporary fantasy from the author of the Alex Verus novels.

Stephen Oakwood has emerged victorious against the schemes of his aristocratic family. Now he finally has the opportunity to do what he’s been wanting to do for a long time: track down his father.  

But doing so won’t be easy. Stephen’s not so isolated any more, but the contacts he’s making in the magical world—everyone from the corporation he works for to the mother he’s just beginning to reconnect with—all have agendas of their own. And now a new group is emerging from the shadows, calling themselves the Winged. Their leader, the mysterious Byron, promises that he can show Stephen how to find his father...but he wants something in return.

Following that trail will throw Stephen into greater danger than he’s ever faced before. To survive, he’ll need to use all of his tricks and sigls, and pick up some new ones. Only then will he be able to prevail against his enemies...and find out who’s really pulling the strings. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the second book in the this series by Jacka, and continues pretty much following the events int he first book. Stephen is still trying to find his father, and figure why his newly-found family is .. well, dysfunctional. While doing all of this he has to handle work, sigl-making, attacks/raids from other people, and groups coming out of the woodwork - all with their wants, needs and for some reason, him.

I felt this part of the series slowed down a bit, and helped explain a bit more of the magic system, than was explained before. It also shows the development of the MC as he has to "find himself" in order to decide how to react to all the chaos going on around him. I am not sure I liked how all these entities are all going after him, considering I did not ever catch what is special about the MC - except he has a rare skill of finding wells (sight?) and maybe of making his own sigls. So that gets a bit boring, but otherwise the story is a pretty good read.

Book Review: "The Chronicles of Earth" by C L Jarvis

 

Edinburgh, 1785. A kidnapped geologist. A bombshell new theory.

George Stephens is weeks away from receiving his medical degree, but he doubts he'll make it as a physician in a crowded, competitive marketplace. Instead, he hopes Professor Joseph Black's friend, James Hutton, might get him a job in his chemical manufacturing works.

But before he has a chance to suggest this, Hutton is kidnapped. The eccentric geologist was about to deliver his bombshell treatise on the true age of the Earth, threatening to upend conventional beliefs about the universe and man's place in it.

Getting Hutton back pits George, Black and friends against a fanatical opponent who will stop at nothing until Hutton's dangerous theories are buried. If George wants to survive long enough to graduate, he'll need every ounce of his courage and skill. - from Booksirens.com 

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the third novel in the Edinburgh Doctrines series, and hopefully not the last. Again the story revolves around a couple of professors and a student of theirs that is learning Phologiston (an early word for what many of us would call magic). This particular adventure includes a fellow professor that is kidnapped, a geologist. Jarvis has again created a story placed in an earlier version of Scotland, complete with what I would consider appropriate dress, speech, and lifestyles. Looking forward to what I believe was hinted at, a fourth book in this series.

Book Review: "Bloodlust Blues" by Luanne Bennett

 

Welcome to Crimson, Georgia. I’m Charley—reluctant witch, and owner of the best bar in town.

Everyone’s welcome at the Stag—vampire, wolf or human. As long as they don’t make trouble. Or ask too many questions about what we’re selling out of the back room.

I keep the beers coming, and in return the town keeps my secret. But when a gang of deadly vampires shows up at the bar, it’s clear they’re not looking for a drink. They want to take my business. Or my blood.

But this is more than just a shake down. All over town, people are dropping like flies. Disappearing or attacking their neighbors. It’s like they’re possessed. And someone—or something—is pulling the strings.

As if I didn’t have enough trouble, a fancy new restaurant just opened right across the street. And a sexy vampire from out of town seems to think I need protection. I have plenty of dangerous friends already… so why can’t I stop thinking about him?

The whole town is going to hell. Perhaps literally. And it looks like it’s up to me to stop it. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

Luanne Bennett came across my reading radar a couple of years ago, and since that time, I think I have read most, if not all, of her books. This new start to a series was no different. An easy entertaining read that actually has a story line and not just pages of mindless sex fluff. Bennett had proven again that she is an author to contend with.

Book Review: "The Gathering" by C. J. Tudor

 

A detective investigating a grisly crime in rural Alaska finds herself caught up in the dark secrets and superstitions of a small town in this riveting novel from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man.

In a small Alaska town, a boy is found with his throat ripped out and all the blood drained from his body. The inhabitants of Deadhart haven’t seen a killing like this in twenty-five years. But they know who’s responsible: a member of the Colony, an ostracized community of vampyrs living in an old mine settlement deep in the woods.

Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialist in vampyr killings, is called in to officially determine if this is a Colony killing—and authorize a cull. Old suspicions die hard in a town like Deadhart, but Barbara isn’t so sure. Determined to find the truth, she enlists the help of a former Deadhart sheriff, Jenson Tucker, whose investigation into the previous murder almost cost him his life. Since then, Tucker has become a recluse. But he knows the Colony better than almost anyone.

As the pair delve into the town’s history, they uncover secrets darker than they could have imagined. And then another body is found. While the snow thickens and the nights grow longer, a killer stalks Deadhart, and two disparate communities circle each other for blood. Time is running out for Atkins and Tucker to find the truth: Are they hunting a bloodthirsty monster . . . or a twisted psychopath? And which is more dangerous? - from Netgalley.com

This ARC was received through Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

Imagine a world where Vampires existed alongside humans, but were in colonies, and seemingly hated by the human race. Through in a murder every 25 years or so, and you get this tale of mystery. I found the story to be mildly entertaining, and the plot twists kept my attention that I was able to read the book in a  couple days. Tudor has a way of making a mystery feel real, even in a fictional setting.

Book Review: "Angel's Fire" by Paul Sating

 

Heaven's monster hunter has a new, dangerous job, and it's his biggest yet.

After slaying the behemoth, I earned myself the title of “God’s Sword” and some much-needed time off. I filled the quality 'me time' by reconnecting with my ex—and didn't screw it up! Great, right? Wrong! My time away simply gave those plotting against peace a chance to change their plan of attack.

The last six Bowls of Wrath are missing. Incompetent authorities, enigmatic truths about Yahweh, and the toxic deluge of the Second Bowl left the world in turmoil. Tens of thousands are dead as an otherworldly force drives the curse on.

The world is teetering on the brink of chaos and someone has to grab the apocalyptic problem by the horns. Who better than the Upperworld's grim Reaper, angel assassin, demon hunter, and all-around Mr. Fix It?

As the world disintegrates, Rev Carver must hold together a shattered reality. Will his newfound reason to fight keep him alive through the monumental task of restoring balance to a world on the brink of annihilation? -from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

Rev Carver is back for book three, and he is not a happy camper! Being one of the oldest (and best) Reapers, plus the assassin of the Angels, is not an easy job. Especially when you are trying to get back with the love of your life, and enjoy some time off. But Rev has a tendency to always help others, plus it *is* his job. So again he faces a huge behemoth-type monster that is ravaging the coastlines of the world, trying to stop what the second bowl of wrath has started. Add in trying to figure out who is actually the thief and causing all this ruckus - it's a long work day.

Sating again makes reading an enjoyable pastime for me. His novels are easy to read and understand as he has created the character world that explains easily, including the angel-magic, and unfortunately, the politics that we see in life. Rev Carver is nothing but a big teddy bear that doesn't want to be acknowledged as such, and makes for somewhat predictable reactions throughout the story, but ends well each time. I expect to see a few more books in this series.