Book Review: "Small Magic" by Terry Brooks

 

Escape to worlds full of adventure and magic in the first-ever Terry Brooks short-story collection, featuring both new and fan-favorite stories from all three of his major literary worlds: Shannara, Magic Kingdom, and The Word and the Void.

Here are heroes fighting new battles and struggling to conquer the ghosts of the past. Here are quests both small and far reaching; heroism both intimate and vast. Here we learn of Garet Jax’s childhood, see how Allanon first located Shea Ohmsford, and follow an old wing-rider at the end of his life. Here we see Knights of the Word fighting demons within and without, and witness Ben Holiday and his daughter each trying to overcome the unique challenges that Landover offers.

This collection of eleven tales is a must-have addition to the Terry Brooks canon, and a wonderful reminder of what makes a Brooks story such a timeless classic. - from Netgalley.com

I received a free ebook ARC through Netgalley.com for exchange of a review.

I have been an avid fan of Brooks' Shannara and The Word and the Void series for many years, so having this become available through Netgalley.com was a very happy moment for me! Unfortunately, those series have come to an end (per the author) and Brooks has moved on to another story to share with readers. But that will be talked about another time...

Small Magic is a collection of short stories written 'through the years' by the author, and as the description says, encompasses the worlds of his popular series. As I read through these snippets of time in-between the books themselves, I had realized there were at least a couple I knew I had read before, but it was still a pleasure to return to that time and place as well. Brooks has placed a short introduction to each story, giving the reader a chance to understand where in the series time-line it would fall, and sometimes includes snippets of what he was thinking when writing them. Most did not interfere with any of the storyline in the books, but would help add some background character development, or interaction, and some more world-building. 

I found it to be very entertaining, as well as in the same writing style Brooks has shared with his tales. Some I found to be a tad long, but I believe mostly because it related to a story, or series, that I was not familiar with, such as the The Magic Kingdom series, and I believe the first story, written early in his years, based off of a Poul Anderson story. A tad disappointed I read through them so quickly, but am excited to have had a chance to enjoy the stories!

Book Review: "Ink & Sigil" by Kevin Hearne

 

Al MacBharrais is both blessed and cursed. He is blessed with an extraordinary white moustache, an appreciation for craft cocktails – and a most unique magical talent. He can cast spells with magically enchanted ink and he uses his gifts to protect our world from rogue minions of various pantheons, especially the Fae.

But he is also cursed. Anyone who hears his voice will begin to feel an inexplicable hatred for Al, so he can only communicate through the written word or speech apps. And his apprentices keep dying in peculiar freak accidents. As his personal life crumbles around him, he devotes his life to his work, all the while trying to crack the secret of his curse.

But when his latest apprentice, Gordie, turns up dead in his Glasgow flat, Al discovers evidence that Gordie was living a secret life of crime. Now Al is forced to play detective – while avoiding actual detectives who are wondering why death seems to always follow Al. Investigating his apprentice’s death will take him through Scotland’s magical underworld, and he’ll need the help of a mischievous hobgoblin if he’s to survive. - from Goodreads.com

I am at a loss as to where to start with this book, so bear with me through this....

This is a novel from the 'Iron Druid' world that author Hearne created ( and that I just LOVED). I have read that series and part of his other works, so of course grabbed this one up when it became available.

I honestly do not want to say much about this book, except that I really enjoyed visiting the Iron Druid world again, and loved the small reference to the main character of that series. Hearne use of characters from the Iron Druid world, in what ever capacity, makes this story link into those very well. Definitely would recommend to any that enjoy urban fantasy.

Book Review: "The Bar at the End of the World" by Tom Abrahams

 

A starving city. A renegade bootlegger. A battle for the future of mankind.

Zeke is a bad guy. He didn’t choose to be. It’s just who he is. It’s who has to be to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where trust is as scarce as water.

He's got nobody. No family. No friends. And a woman he left behind for her own good.

But it's time to change. After a brush with death far out in the wasteland, he decides he's done risking his life to help his greedy bosses control who gets to drink water and when.

Now, he's stranded in a bar in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the perfect kind of ruffians who can help him go back and make things right. Armed with renewed purpose and a one-of-a-kind muscle car, Zeke hunts for redemption, seeks retribution and, maybe, just maybe, he can get his girl back while he’s at it.

Take a ride across the wasteland in Tom Abrahams' newest post-apocalyptic, dystopian series, but with a fantasy twist. It will leave you wondering just what it means to be human. 0 from Goodreads.com

I have read books by this author previously, and enjoyed them. So seeing a new series out kind of made me grab this one, though the story description was pretty "eh" in my opinion. The cover art did catch my eye though!

In a nutshell, the story isn't a bad one. Like the description, it is post-apocalyptic setting, where water is a scarcity. There are "districts", like cities, across the wastelands, and the particular setting for this story is just one of those. There are two factions fighting for control of the water, and the city. Zeke finds himself on the run, being chased across the desert. He happens across a single building in the middle of nowhere, just as his captors sort of catch up to him. He is wounded, and feels like he is dying as he falls on the doorstep of this building.

Waking up, Zeke finds himself in a bar full of odd-looking ruffians, and a barkeep that is elusive in his answers to questions. To not give out many spoilers, Zeke heads back to the city, with a handful of said ruffians, to save the girl he has fallen in love with from the clutches of either bad party of people. Along the way, he discovers more about those that are with him, and about himself.

Overall the action rode well, like most of Abrahams' books, and the character building was fine. The slight twist in the story I had guessed at pretty early on (won't say how) and kind of ruined the part were the character(s) discovered this fact. I did love the idea of the bar in the middle of nowhere, though some of the "magical" properties of things didn't quite match the background of the story (worldbuilding history) in my opinion. 

Overall the book was written well, and as expected from this author. I would recommend for any fantasy reader if they like post-apocalyptic stories. There are two more books in this series, but I'm not real big on the type of characters, and some of the other attributes of the world, so will not be reading them.

Book Review: "Gunmetal Gods" by Zamil Akhtar

 

They took his daughter, so Micah comes to take their kingdom. Fifty thousand gun-toting paladins march behind him, all baptized in angel blood, thirsty to burn unbelievers.

Only the janissaries can stand against them. Their living legend, Kevah, once beheaded a magus amid a hail of ice daggers. But ever since his wife disappeared, he spends his days in a haze of hashish and poetry. 

To save the kingdom, Kevah must conquer his grief and become the legend he once was. But Micah writes his own legend in blood, and his righteous conquest will stop at nothing. 

When the gods choose sides, a legend will be etched upon the stars. - from Netgalley.com

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review through Netgalley.com.

The story description drew me in for this one, even though I had mixed feelings about the length of the book. The story started off being told from the POV of two characters, and slowly their backgrounds and the worldbuilding picked up. About a third of the way through the story, I started to lose some interest. I stumbled through a section that seemed very slow, and I didn't see much in the way of why it was needed. At this point I admit I started skimming more that reading. Then I started skipping whole pages. Finally I did read the last 20 pages or so, and of course, by that time I had lost much of the details of who was where, and what was going on. I tried to go back a bit to recapture some of it, but I just couldn't.

I did enjoy the early part of the story, the character and world building. Definitely was the stereo-typical characters, each with their flaws and strengths. I would recommended this to anyone that does enjoy a longer, slow to build story line.

Book Review: "A Gilded Cage" by Auburn Tempest and Michael Anderle

 

This is the first book in 'An Urban Druid' story series.

I wasn't able to find a book description for this one... so will try to summarize. Fionna is girl around 18-25 that lives in Toronto, Canada with her father and several siblings, whom all of are officers. One night she is in an altercation and a tattoo starts appearing on her back. Wanting to know more about it, she ends up running to Ireland (their home country) to seek family to help explain what is going on. While there she learns she is a druid, and of an important line. She does some training, then runs home to Canada, to try to prove she can be an urban druid.

That pretty much sums it up. The book reads about that fast as well. Like many other books I have read from Anderle, there is no thick and heavy plot to tediously read through and decipher to figure out what is happening, or going to happen. There is not much of anything "deep" at all. Characters have very little of background, except when something has to be explained that was 'thought', or 'acted on' by a character. No descriptions really of characters or the world around them, unless it is a pertinent detail tot he story.

I picked this one up as I do like druid stories, urban or otherwise, and thought maybe it would have a little twist in the story. As stated before, I wasn't expecting a heavy story, and it does read nice and fast. I did like the basic storyline, of how she finds out about being a druid, and some of the other stuff. But at other times, I felt the story was being rushed, and they were trying to cram too many events into one book. I don't know if it was for word count purposes, or actual detail that is going to be important later. Some of the events were just..."What? Why'd that happen? Oh, for that...". Like many of Anderle's books, everything happens to the main character...good or bad... and they always win their way through it with minimal injury, or it miraculously (or magically) is healed.

I will admit that regardless how I feel about the writing technique, I did enjoy the story and will be watching for the next book in the series.

Book Review: "Nightshifted" by Cassie Alexander

 

Nursing school prepared Edie Spence for a lot of things. Burn victims? No problem. Severed limbs? Piece of cake. Vampires? No way in hell. But as the newest nurse on Y4, the secret ward hidden in the bowels of County Hospital, Edie has her hands full with every paranormal patient you can imagine—from vamps and were-things to zombies and beyond...

Edie’s just trying to learn the ropes so she can get through her latest shift unscathed.  But when a vampire servant turns to dust under her watch, all hell breaks loose. Now she’s haunted by the man’s dying words—Save Anna—and before she knows it, she’s on a mission to rescue some poor girl from the undead. Which involves crashing a vampire den, falling for a zombie, and fighting for her soul. Grey’s Anatomy was never like this ... - from Goodreads.com

This is the first book in the Edie Spence series.

This looks to be a decent series that I could get into reading. The MC is just been introduced to the "other" world out there, working the night shift at the county hospital. She hasn't been there long when a patient dies under her watch, and leads here to "Save Anna" but she has to figure out who that is and where she is. Once she does, there is a short fight where she kills a vampire. Now the 'council' is taking her to trial for that death, which will mean her death unless she can find Anna and save them both. Add in the beings called the Shadows that govern the hospital and other things that go wrong, and a mission they force on the MC as well.

Definitely had some nice twist and turns I wasn't expecting. World build was nice, and the introduction of those that we don't want to know about, and those that we just don't want to meet. Throw in some romance scenes - because we all need that - though not long and steamy, somewhat straight to the descriptive sex (in my opinion). The book could be read as a stand-alone, and I feel like each book in this series may be the same. Definitely will be reading the next one.

Book Review: "Next to Last Stand" by Craig Johnson

 

The new novel in the beloved New York Times bestselling Longmire series.

One of the most viewed paintings in American history, Custer's Last Fight, copied and distributed by Anheuser-Busch at a rate of over two million copies a year, was destroyed in a fire at the 7th Cavalry Headquarters in Fort Bliss, Texas, in 1946. Or was it? When Charley Lee Stillwater dies of an apparent heart attack at the Wyoming Home for Soldiers & Sailors, Walt Longmire is called in to try and make sense of a piece of a painting and a Florsheim shoebox containing a million dollars, sending the good sheriff on the trail of a dangerous art heist.  - from Goodreads.com

This is book #16 in the Walt Longmire series.

A famous painting was destroyed and now resurfaces in a very unlikely place. Walt doing the due diligence he feels the office of Sheriff is required, as well as his sense of moral obligation, goes in search of answers - is it truly the real deal? As answers are found out, he goes against not only some seedy characters, but even the Russians.

I started this series many moons ago, prior to the television show being released, and have truly enjoyed it. Though being set in a fictional place, Johnson brings out a very realistic feel about the beauty of Wyoming, and the 'cowboy-type' attitude of the main character. When I read of this story being released, I was a bit hesitant. Due to the ongoing story line, each of the last books have made me wonder how much further will this series continue, at least with the main character. His age, and thoughts of retirement, bring these to mind, as well.

Book Review: "Master of None" by Sonya Bateman

 

ONE UNLUCKY THIEF. ONE UNLIKELY GENIE. ONE VERY ODD COUPLE.

Gavyn Donatti is the world's unluckiest thief. Just ask all the partners he's lost over the years. And when he misplaces an irreplaceable item he was hired to steal for his ruthless employer, Trevor—well, his latest bungle just might be his last. But then his luck finally turns: right when Trevor's thugs have him cornered, a djinn, otherwise known as a genie, appears to save him.

Unfortunately, this genie—who goes by the very non-magical name of "Ian"—is more Hellboy than dream girl. An overgrown and extremely surly man who seems to hate Donatti on the spot, he may call Donatti master, but he isn't interested in granting three wishes. He informs Donatti that he is bound to help the thief fulfill his life's purpose, and then he will be free. The problem is that neither Donatti nor Ian has any idea what exactly that purpose is.

At first Donatti's too concerned with his own survival to look a gift genie in the mouth, but when his ex-girlfriend Jazz and her young son get drawn into the crossfire, the stakes skyrocket. And when Ian reveals that he has an agenda of his own—with both Donatti and the murderous Trevor at the center of it—Donatti will have to become the man he never knew he could be, or the entire world could pay the price. - from Goodreads.com

This is book one in a three book series, with a short novella labeled as being between books one and two.

The description pulled me in, and I thought this could be good if the author can figure out how to get a Djinn story going versus the common shifters/magic wielders/fae stories all over the place. It just didn't happen. This is the first car that starts the train derailing from the tracks. There wasn't much character build=up, background (aside from him being a "lucky" thief at times, but unsuccessful at it (??). A Djinn shows up out of the blue with a story of why he there for the MC...kinda sketchy, but okay. All the additional characters? Nothing. There are just wallpaper for the MC to hang on, paint on, kill off when needed... pick something.

The story was a quick read, and does leave the traditional open-ending that there are additional tale(s) going to continue. The lack of substantial world-building just made me feel like "blech". The story description was the 2-minture long movie trailer, that contained every good part of the whole 3-hour movie. Needless to say, I won't be reading any of the other books in this series. The author does have some other series, and I may try one of them, hoping it was not like this one.

Book Review: "Ironskin" by Tina Connolly

 Jane Eliot wears an iron mask.

It’s the only way to contain the fey curse that scars her cheek. The Great War is five years gone, but its scattered victims remain—the ironskin.

When a carefully worded listing appears for a governess to assist with a "delicate situation"—a child born during the Great War—Jane is certain the child is fey-cursed, and that she can help.

Teaching the unruly Dorie to suppress her curse is hard enough; she certainly didn’t expect to fall for the girl’s father, the enigmatic artist Edward Rochart. But her blossoming crush is stifled by her own scars, and by his parade of women. Ugly women, who enter his closed studio...and come out as beautiful as the fey.

Jane knows Rochart cannot love her, just as she knows that she must wear iron for the rest of her life. But what if neither of these things is true? Step by step Jane unlocks the secrets of her new life—and discovers just how far she will go to become whole again. - from Goodreads.com

The book description above drew me into reading this book. The vague mention of Fey, a Great War (in capital letters no less), and a curses? Ohhhh, what have the Fey done now? Well, in short, the story really drew me in with what felt was a slow start. By the time I was about a third through, it felt like it was turning into a romance story, with not much action. I thought that was okay, since I do occasionally enjoy a good romance. The story line and characters developed in a decent amount of time, though some bits I feel were still kind of unclear - more of Rochart's past seemed muddied, but cleared somewhat towards the end.

Overall it was a good stand-alone story, and I see there are at least two additional books in this series. Unfortunately, though I enjoyed it, I just can't quite "get into" the series.

Book Review: "A Killing Frost" by Seanan McGuire

 

When October is informed that Simon Torquill—legally her father, due to Faerie's archaic marriage traditions—must be invited to her wedding or risk the ceremony throwing the Kingdom in the Mists into political turmoil, she finds herself setting out on a quest she was not yet prepared to undertake for the sake of her future.... and the man who represents her family's past. - from Goodreads.com

This is book 14 in the October Daye series, so if you are not familiar, there is a strong possibility of spoilers.

With most books, if there is a foreword, I usually skip to see who wrote it, and might go back and read it - depends on my mode. I saw this book had one, by the author, so I went back and skimmed it. About how hard it is to write keeping a series this long, yadda yadda yadda. I can understand that... I just want to get to the book and see what happens!

That being said, after finishing the book, I truly see what McGuire means about the story going somewhere. Truly, there is an event that is "on the horizon" and probably has been in some way shape or form, for several books. But short of writing that... then where does one go? Write about their children, do a spin-off of another character, etc etc. Yeah, there could be money in that.... but it wouldn't be October Daye.

McGuire has done a wonderful job in keeping up with the MC and the changes that have been wrought/brought into her life as the series has progressed. The whole world that has been built, and the many, many other characters that even I have to reference to remember what they are to whom... it is just an expansive amount of work. I am amazed, and honestly, quite love this series. 

Each book could be read as a stand-alone, as McGuire provides bits of background for the more complicated previous/past events, but I always felt a series is better read in order.... excluding the novellas in between. In fact, I was a bit surprised as the copy I read included a novella at the end, regarding some characters that were more in the forefront for this story. Either way, if this series were to end with this work, I would be let-down, but would understand. Here's to hoping there is one more story yet to finish for October!

Book Review: "Peace Talks" by Jim Butcher

 

HARRY DRESDEN IS BACK AND READY FOR ACTION, in the new entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files.

When the Supernatural nations of the world meet up to negotiate an end to ongoing hostilities, Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, joins the White Council's security team to make sure the talks stay civil. But can he succeed, when dark political manipulations threaten the very existence of Chicago--and all he holds dear? - from Goodreads.com

This is book sixteen in the Dresden Files series. I'm not sure if I have previously written a review for any of the other books, so this is going to be a little different.

The book can be read as a stand-alone story, but obviously there has been so much going on through the previous books, it is best read in order. There isn't a lot of bringing facts and 'how that came to be's written in, which I'm happy about. I hate the waste of space and story when authors do that sort of thing in every book after the first one. I'm not going to say much about the story, because come on, if you are in this at book sixteen, you are pretty much a die hard fan of the series anyways.

As usual, Butcher's writing style is just what I like - pretty fast and somewhat of the cuff. Basic on his character and world building, the usual elements of sarcasm, irony, and bull-headedness run pretty rampant. Our MC follows the modeling that was written, including the changes made due to events in previous installments. I enjoy the way Butcher has been able to build a world and characters from multiple backgrounds (ie. all the different types of paranormals, etc) and make them fit together to make the story. Definitely waiting for the next book to be released!

Book Review: "Knights Magica" by B.R. Kingsolver

 

If the Knights Magica want a war, I'm willing to give them one.

I damned my soul long ago. What I do from this point forward is about redemption. If I burn in Hell because of fighting for others, for shouldering their sins, so be it.

The Knights are powerful, and they have taken control of the Universal Church. All across the world, the Knights find themselves in conflict with other paranormals and supernaturals. Human governments scramble to cope with the new reality of magic. Cities become battlegrounds.

And in Westport, Rosie O'Grady's Bar and Grill becomes a center for organizing the Resistance.

Then the Fae decide it’s time to act.  - from Goodreads.com

This is book give of the Rosie O'Grady paranormal bar and grill series.

No spoilers here. In fact, I'll admit right here I did not even finish the book. On earlier reviews you will see that I started off enjoying this series up through pretty much book three. From there things just went downhill. By the time I got about halfway through this one, I had to put it down. I just felt like the story was not going anywhere except in circles. I was really disappointed, hoping for a nice conclusion to this series, but it was not to be.

Book Review: "Well of Magic" by B.R. Kingsolver

 

I never expected to see a mage battle on national TV.

When the ley lines—the orderly rivers of magical energy that circle the globe—went wild, chaos ensued.

Magic hid in the shadows for hundreds of years, but then a secret order took control of one of the world's largest religions. Their goal is to rule the world, and the first step is to control the ley lines and magic users.

I didn’t escape the Illuminati just to become a slave to the Knights Magica. If they want me, they’re going to have a fight on their hands. - from Goodreads.com

May contain spoilers. This is the fourth book in the Rosie O'Grady paranormal bar and grill series.

First off, having pretty much enjoyed the first three books in this series, where it seemed the third book finished up the ongoing story line, to find there is another book, I was happy. Before I even read the basic description I was thinking about where the author was going to go, what new/existing situation would occur, and maybe there would be more background on everyone. I was a tad bit disappointed.

Erin and friends have seemingly ended the majority of remaining Hunters, as well as seemingly, leaders of the Illuminati. This book starts off with her buying a car (she never had one before) and basically starting a relationship with the half-fae she buys it from. Of course the car is magically modified/engineered, though there is not much about in what ways. Of course when a large power group is decimated, another steps in to take its place, and here is where the Knights Magica enter the world.

The KM side with the Universalist Church around the world, and began knocking off major politicians and papal leaders to gain control. They have the means of disrupting ley lines, which makes anyone magical feel sick and dizzy for extended amounts of time. They have control of an item that created the ley lines called the Heart of the World, and with small pieces of it, or made from it, carried on their persons, they are excepted from the disorientation of the ley line disturbances, allowing them to attack mages, etc, while they are incapacitated.

Another Hunter relocates to Westport looking for Erin, saying he wanted to leave the Illuminati, becomes an ally. The magical community unites under the new council, and fights back against the KM. There are several battles in Westport, as well as around the world from other councils. At one point Erin and the dhampir Michaela are kidnapped by the KM, helpd and tortured for around a month, before the dhampir escapes, and mounts a rescue party for Erin that was successful. Some Fae are helping the group in Westport (including her new beau) and at the end of the book, it is decided they must find and retrieve the Heart to keep it from not only those in the world, but the Unseelie Fae, who have intentions to basically enslave the human race.

Whew. Instead of being a book four, it could be the start of a new trilogy, continuing from the first one. New enemy, no new background information, some MC building as she learns to be assertive and how to start having a relationship. A bad experience to toughen her resolve and train harder to face the new threat. Friends always there backing her up, and the MC always impressing everyone new she meets with her skills and insight from her Illuminati training. It's starting to get a bit repetitive, but I still want to see where the story goes.

I wasn't as impressed with this new threat to the MC, and the typical solution is her in the forefront using her skills to defeat the biggest, baddest bad guy, as well as many others in the smaller skirmishes. I did forget to mention MC does find out she is supposedly part Fae, and explains more about her having a relationship with a half-Fae. I don't know. I just didn't feel there was more development of characters and world background. Hoping book five will be better, but not holding my breath.

Book Review: "Dark Dancer" by B.R. Kingsolver

 

One Master survived the inferno that destroyed the Order of the Illuminati. He may know that I survived, but does he suspect that I betrayed the Order?

Rudolf Heine has sent Hunters flooding into Westport, wreaking carnage on vampires, shifters, and mages. Normal humans are taking notice, and the shadow world teeters on the verge of being revealed.

The Hunters also may be hunting me. Do I stay and fight for my new life and my friends, or run again? - from Goodreads.com

This is book three from the Rosie O'Grady Paranormal Bar and Grill series. This review may have spoilers.

Here we are for the third installment in this series, and we find our favorite bartender, Erin, again having to deal with issues from the Illuminati group she ran from (after believing them destroyed). In theory, this is the last of the Masters, and supposedly the one that hated her the most, as wells as the most dangerous. As mentioned above, he has sent some Hunters to the small town of Westport, but it is unclear if it is because they have heard she is alive, or if it is because the city lays on the crossing of some major ley lines. Either way, Erin has to decide to stay or run, and as expected (it is somewhat predictable) stays to fight. A few Hunters are rounded up, and they believe the worst of it is over, and the big, bad Master won't be coming.

Small surprise (that is sarcasm folks) but the Master does show up, though somewhat unexpectedly. The fight, if you can call it that, is short, and of course our heroine wins, with help from her friends. Then let's round out the "feel-good" part of the story by the supernaturals/paranormals decide to create a council, and feel they owe it all to Erin. In "compensation" they pay for her to go to college at a higher learning institution than community college.

Again, knowing that I picked this series because it had multiple books in it, and the description sounded fairly interesting for each book, I was a bit let down with this third one. The book really felt like it was meant to be a finish to a trilogy, than just being a book in a series. The story revolving around the Illuminati and its Hunters feels like it has come to an end. Main character gets something she really wanted but couldn't have/afford. New council to govern the paranormals and help prevent the normal world from knowing about them. How would you continue from there? I guess we will find out in book four.....

There was little character development in this installment. not much I felt was learned about the back story on our MC. A couple new characters were introduced, one of which was a lesbian vampire that tongue-kissed the MC, leaving the MC somewhat confused. Considering the other books dealt with the MC having hetero relationships, this was a surprise, and I wonder if the author did it for "shock and awe" or if this is some ploy to make future books more "sellable" to certain groups. Personally, it is no big deal, just found it odd it took three books and all of a sudden there is this that happens - and that's it.

Book Review: "Night Stalker" by B.R. Kingsolver

 All I want is to pay the rent and find a boyfriend. But an insane vampire thinks I hold the key to his takeover of the city, and I have a new stalker.

At least for now, I’ve dodged the Illuminati’s Hunters, but life is still a little too challenging. Rival vampire lords want to use me against each other, and the mysterious members of the Columbia Club are offering bounties for vampires and werewolves.

I'm lucky that the gang at Rosie's has my back, because I'm going to need them. - from Goodreads.com

This is the second novel in the Rosie O'Grady's Paranormal Bar and Grill series.

Erin is the main character, main bartender, "retired" Hunter from the Illuminati, and all-around bad-ass. Again she finds herself being the Police of the paranormal problems in and around Westport, where she is learning to call home after running from the Illuminati. Most of that is covered in the first book, though there is a little more background revealed in snippets in this one. Either way, there is a new Vampire in town that is forcing Erin to bring the current vampires in to him, so he can become the Master Vampire. Needless to say, the blackmail he uses against her seems viable.

This second book came across as being written better. I felt the character depth improved, including providing some better background story, and a little more insight as to their emotional/thought process. There is still some vagueries that may be cleared up in future installments, as if the author wants the reader to feel "empty" like the main character is naive about general things in life. Story line progresses well with the main character adding in more depth to friendships/relationships. Not much world building, as most of it still takes place in the seemingly small town.

Some of the expectations of story details are skewed. Westport is described as small, but I guess that is relative to where one was raised. It reads more like a large town, though not a metropolis. So when the story reads about distances traveled, and how quick it is to get to the forests, I get irritated. It is not the first story I have read that combines multiple races of paranormal all living in comfort (seemingly) with each other as neighbors. Considering most of the first two books are delaing with a vampire/werewolf problem, I expect the Fae to have major issues in one of the upcoming to read books. Also a reveal about what our main character really is, as she supposedly has some powers that "surprise" others.

Book Review: "Shadow Hunter" by B.R. Kingsolver

 

When my magic manifested at puberty, my parents sold me to the Illuminati. They trained me as an assassin, spy, and thief. But when they sent me to steal a magical artifact that reveals Truth in all things, I discovered that I was working for the Dark and not the Light. The Illuminati trained me well, and paid the ultimate price for their deception.

Thousands of miles away, I landed a job in a quirky little bar. But the scattered remnants of the Order still strive for world domination, and no one leaves the Illuminati alive. - from Goodreads.com

This is the first book in the Rosie O'Grady's Paranormal Bar and Grill series.

Erin is the main character in this tale, and like the brief story description above, the book was about that much illuminating. Basic story is she "leaves" the Illuminati, runs across the country, lands a job in a paranormal bar as a bartender. Then all the problems of the paranormal world drop in her lap and she is the hero at the end of the story. Well, it reads that way, and pans out that way, but the read to get there is pretty mediocre.

I actually started this series, knowing that there are at least five books to the story. I happened to come across it looking for some small series to read, and read descriptions on 2-3 of the books, to try to see a story line length. It sounded good enough to start, and though this first book is lacking a bit on depth of character background (which does pick up) it conveys an interesting story, with an origination line that is fantastical, but believable in a paranormal story.

Book Two does help expand a little more on character depth, and brings in more secondary characters.

Book Review: "Darkness Haunts" by Susan Ilene

Melena Sanders faced her fair share of danger with insurgents and terrorists when she served in the U.S. Army, but now she is about to go up against a new threat. Her best friend, Aniya, has disappeared while on a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska—a supernatural haven. Most humans have no idea darker races lurk amongst them. Mel knows better. If she wants to get her friend back, she’s going to have to go in alone—but not unarmed.

Melena has a few special skills the Army didn’t provide, but the odds are still against her. She’s got to come up with a plan fast that doesn’t involve her, or her friend, dying. But danger likes to play it rough. A war for power is about to rise in Fairbanks and if she wants to get Aniya back, she’s going to have to step right into the middle of it. - taken from Goodreads.com

Genre: Fantasy (Urban)
Author: Susan ILLene
Book: Darkness Haunts (The Sensor #1)
My Star Rating: 4 
Will I read I read it again? No

The story description does quite a bit to draw my attention. I'm thinking a soldier-type female main character, that evidently knows something about the supernatural (Supes) race(s) living among humans. She gets drawn into a search for a friend who has "gone missing" in Alaska - a supposed haven for these Supes. And supposedly she has some 'special skills'......

This is the kind of story I like in a good urban fantasy. I admit, it sounds like the same basic plot that so many of them have, but it is the story-telling of the plot with the details that draw me in. I was so looking forward to getting to this one, that I let it skip a few others I had in my pile before it. honestly, I was a little let down.

Our main character, Melena, is an orphan, raised by a foster family, which were killed/died/whatever, and she ended up with a "distant family member" to raise her. Around HS graduation age, she joined the Army, and supposedly served in Airborne, though it was as an interrogator. So, not to spoil it, she does have some "supernatural" power, but I'm not saying as it will spoil it for you. The rest of the book description pretty much covers it.

That all being said, there was no depth to the story, or its characters. Everyone is sexy/hunky for the most part. Every male loves/lusts/wants to be with the main character (and no one else it seems). Thankfully the most "sex scenes" were internal monologues that were very short (thank goodness) made by the main character about musculature features of said males. The story had a few small goodies I liked, and overall completed itself enough to be a stand alone story. 

Cons:
- MC tried to be a "big girl" and was saved by a hunky male way too many times, and way too obviously coming in the story
- no depth of character, or story world - this being mostly in Alaska - Fairbanks area - we are kind of left to our imagination 

Pros:
- Story idea was good, and I liked how it overall came together
- No cliff-hanger - even knowing there are like six books in the series
- MC superpower is one (or similar to) I have read about from other authors, and yet has it's own unique 'extra' to it

Middle of the Road: 
- The lack of description for the story world. I have no clue what the area around the location truly looks like, though I am sure it varies greatly from what I've seen on documentaries of polar bears. But I like that we could sort of form our own impressions of the "layout" from city to cabin to forests, etc. I thought it weird they could be in "downtown" Fairbanks, then five minutes later be at a cabin 200 yards off the main road, that has working plumbing. 

Book Review: "Deadly Vows" by Keri Arthur

Evil comes in all forms … and sometimes it wears a human mask.

When the body of a newlywed is discovered on the reservation, Lizzie Grace throws herself into the investigation, needing a distraction from what she fears is coming not only for her but also Belle—her best friend and witch familiar.

But as the body count grows and a desperate race begins to track down a supernatural entity capable of powerful magic, it becomes evident another deadly game has begun—one they may not win.

Because the past—and the man—they ran from thirteen years ago has finally caught up with them. - from Goodreads.com

This is Book 6 of the Lizzy Grace series by Keri Arthur.

'Deadly Vows' takes place in a fictional reservation in Australia, and continues the story of Lizzy Grace and her human familiar Belle. I won't expand on their background as it is covered more in earlier books. In this latest release, Lizzy and Belle have to confront a person from their past as well as deal with the murder of newlyweds from a supernatural source. Lizzy learns more about the Wild Magic, and expands her relationship with the local Ranger, and werewolf Aiden.

I don't remember when I first came across this series, as I had not read anything by Keri Arthur before book one in this series ('Blood Kissed'). After reading the beginning of the series, I felt hooked in. Arthur has am easy to read style of writing without over-detailing a scene. Main character is written with depth decently, but when it comes to side characters, the depth of character is lacking a bit. Would like to see more of what makes Aiden and Belle tick, let alone some of the others. I'm not big on romance bits of stories, and found the level of romantic interaction/description to be acceptable. Overall I enjoyed this book, and look forward to at least a couple more stories.

Book Review: "The Fall of Shannara: The Last Druid" by Terry Brooks

Hope blooms anew for the Four Lands in this riveting conclusion, not only to the Fall of Shannara series but to the entire Shannara saga—a truly landmark event over forty years in the making!

Since he first began the Shannara saga in 1977, Terry Brooks has had a clear idea of how the series should end, and now that moment is at hand.

As the Four Lands reels under the Skaar invasion—spearheaded by a warlike people determined to make this land their own—our heroes must decide what they will risk to save the integrity of their home. Even as one group remains to defend the Four Lands, another is undertaking a perilous journey across the sea to the Skaar homeland, carrying with them a new piece of technology that could change the face of the world forever. And yet a third is trapped in a deadly realm from which there may be no escape.

Filled with twists and turns and epic feats of derring-do—not untouched by tragedy—this is vintage Terry Brooks, and a fitting end to a saga that has gathered generations of readers into its fold.- from NetGalley.com


I was a bit hesitant to request this book. Having grown up in the world of Shannara, I was saddened to hear that this would be the last book set in that realm. Terry Brooks has done a marvelous job with all the books in this series, and this final one was no different.

Loved how the story moved along at a good pace, while even closing up all the "loose ends" that many writers tend to close off too early, or not at all. The writing style was easy to read, which is Mr. Brooks' style, and is great for young adult readers. Descriptive writing was good, and I felt the imagination fill my head with what scenes I was reading.

All in all, this was a great finish to a series. Thanks for an ARC in exchange for a review through NetGalley.