Book Review: "Springs Arcana" by Lilith Saintcrow

 

American Gods vs. Baba Yaga in this Russian-inspired contemporary fantasy Spring's Arcana, by New York Times bestseller Lilith Saintcrow.

Nat Drozdova is desperate to save a life. Doctors can do little for her cancer-ridden mother, who insists there is only one cure—and that Nat must visit a skyscraper in Manhattan to get it.

Amid a snow-locked city, inside a sleek glass-walled office, Nat makes her plea and is whisked into a terrifying new world. For the skyscraper holds a hungry winter goddess who has the power to cure her mother…if Nat finds a stolen object of great power.

Now Nat must travel with a razor-wielding assassin across an American continent brimming with terror, wonder, and hungry divinities with every reason to consume a young woman. For her ailing mother is indeed suffering no ordinary illness, and Nat Drozdova is no ordinary girl. Blood calls to blood, magic to magic, and a daughter may indeed save what she loves...

…if it doesn’t consume her first.

This is the way to the Dead God’s Heart. - from Netgalley.com

This ARC was given at no cost from Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased opinion.

I have read Saintcrow's work before (Dante Valentine series) and have enjoyed her writing style. I was happy to see her coming out with a new series. As it states above, this does feel like American Gods vs Baba Yaga, who is in fact a major character in the story. But it mostly centers around Nat, who appears to be the offspring of the 'Spring' persona of the Baba Yaga myth/lore. Of course, she has no ideas of what power she has, or will have, or how things go in the "magic realm" that she has never been exposed to until now. Add in the death-sick mother (whom the MC loves) that sends her on a mission to recover something stolen.... Yeah. Gets pretty interesting.

Definitely a good start for a new series, with a different accounting of the Baba Yaga legend in a modern day setting. I don't foresee any romance happening in the series, but who really knows aside from the author. I have a few ideas of what may happen in the next book, and will anxiously await the next in this series.

Book Review: "Red Cloaked Huntress" by Erika Harken

 

A wolf, a destiny, and no turning back…

A mysterious black wolf haunts the forest of Crimlas, stripping the woodland of its beauty and preventing the people of Rothum from harvesting the Mirimae flower—a rare and powerful medicinal plant they have relied on for centuries.

Despite all efforts to kill or rid of the Black Wolf, its decade-long reign persists, as those who set out to hunt it never return home…

Eighteen-year-old Loraline has lived in the devastation of the wolf’s presence since childhood, watching the sick and wounded die needlessly without the Mirimae flower. A month before her wedding, her own grandmother falls gravely ill, and Loraline knows she cannot withstand the plague of the Black Wolf any longer.

Donning her blood-red cloak, the brave young woman sets out in the heart of winter to discover the Black Wolf’s origin, as well as the weakness that will bring its destruction once and for all. - from Booksirens.com

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

This is a novella from this author, that caught my eye due to the cover art. Add to it the plot description and that it is a fairytale re-telling piqued my interest. It is rather shorter than I would have liked, but is well-written. Obvuiously, there is a 'red riding hood' and a big, black wolf, but from there, this re-telling just has the right kind of twists in the story that surprised me. I was a bit disappointed that there was not more "filling" of the story, but it is a novella. I would very much like to see similar retellings of other tales by this author.

Book Review: "Pearl Sky" by Elizabeth Hunter

 

It was a friendly visit until a priceless artifact was stolen. Now Ben and Tenzin are up to their necks in secrets that can kill.

It’s not just any holiday season in the immortal world. Elder Zhang’s oldest servant is reaching the century mark and Ben and Tenzin are ready to celebrate, but no sooner do they land on Penglai Island than a mystery falls in their path. A valuable seal has gone missing, and the artifact was a gift from an ancient vampire who just happens to be heading to Penglai for a long-overdue formal visit.

The Elders of Penglai may have asked Ben and Tenzin’s assistance to find the lost treasure, but that doesn’t mean that eight ancient vampires, their immortal children, and all the humans who serve them will suddenly become open books. Penglai Island is secret for a reason, and the heart of that reason may just reveal the motive behind the theft.

PEARL SKY is a brand new Elemental Legacy story by Elizabeth Hunter, ten-time USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, and other works of fiction. - from Netgalley.com 

This ARC was provided to me by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the eighth book in the Elemental Legacy series by this author, who also has other series that are related to the same world as set in this novel. In this particular part of the series, it find Ben and Tenzin returning to their 'creator' 's island for a celebration, only to be asked to help solve the theft of a valuable (and possibly political) seal. As recoverers of lost/stolen artifacts, this is, of course, right in the skill set of these two characters.

Seeing the relationship between Ben and Tenzin grow in the stories has been satisfying. It isn't like instant and true love at first sight. With Ben being a new creature of the night, and matched to Tenzin's hundreds (thousands?) of years as one, makes this relationship very interesting. Add in the mental quirks and old habits, it helps provide a good side distraction to the actual story line - though I guess this would be part of that as well. I have enjoyed this series from book one, and have been trying to get up to date on the side stories of the other series, many of which have interesting information on the side characters of this series line.

Hunter is a wonderful writer, and the ease of reading her novels are one of the many things I enjoy. The 'sexual' sections of stories are not written in the style of a letter to a porn magazine, and I feel the story is realistic (as far as vampires anyways). I would recommend to any adult reader.

Book Review: "The Dead Dragon Job" by Anne Lyle

 

Twenty years ago a dragon stole their loot - now they're stealing it back!

When Lord Jesper Winterglass rides into town with a dead dragon in tow, he instantly becomes the hero of the hour. The fact that no dragon has been seen near the city in centuries, or that the gold and jewels in the creature’s hoard must presumably have belonged to someone else once upon a time, doesn’t seem to bother Ravensby’s citizens. Most of them, anyway.

Detective Inspector Freya Gitasdottir has built her career on finding missing persons and lost valuables, and her investigations into the hoard’s original owners soon lead her to alleged jewel thief Lucian Thorne. But is he really a hardened criminal, or simply another victim of the arrogant, decadent Gentry who rule the kingdom of Alfheim?

Freya’s loyalties—and her magical talents—are stretched to the limit as she tries to find a middle way between the letter of the law and the dictates of her conscience. Because if she fails, the dragon isn’t the only one who’ll end up dead. - from Booksirens.com

This ARC was provided to me through Booksirens.com and I am leaving an unbiased review.

This is book one of a new series titled 'Winterglass & Thorne' and I admit, the only reason I looked at this one, was because the cover are attracted my eye. Once I read the plot synopsis, it intrigued me enough to request a copy for review. Sadly I was a bit let down.

In all truth, I did not finish this book. I made it around halfway through when I just could not stay in attention mode to complete anymore, though I did try again after several days. I liked the world design, with the intermixing of mythologies, even the ones I didn't understand, but was increasingly frustrated with the mount of racism between racial classes, and only the long-lived (elf-type) were the rich ones (though that makes perfect sense). There was just too much of it. Add in the prejudicial thoughts/sayings of many against the main character, a female law officer, and even her colleagues... It all was just too much. I am sure that it is part of the story to help make her breaks in the case appear as bigger events. 

I do enjoy a good story with a strong female lead, and this has the workings for it. I just felt that the attitudes of the masses against the character was way overboard. Some of the side characters did not seem to act/think as someone in their position would, or with the intelligence they should have. I think if those could be "banked down" this could be a good story.

Book Review: "The Cabinet of Dr Leng" by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

 The tremendous new thriller in Preston & Child’s #1 bestselling series features FBI Special Agent Pendergast and Constance Greene in their most extraordinary circumstances yet.

AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

Astoundingly, Constance has found a way back to the place of her origins, New York City in the late 1800s, leaping at the chance, although it means leaving the present forever.

A DESPERATE OPPORTUNITY

Constance sets off on a quest to prevent the events that lead to the deaths of her sister and brother. But along the road to redemption, Manhattan’s most infamous serial killer, Dr. Enoch Leng, lies in wait, ready to strike at the slightest provocation.

UNIMAGINABLE ODDS

Meanwhile, in contemporary New York, Pendergast feverishly searches for a way to reunite with Constance—but will he discover a way back to her before it’s too late? - from Netgalley.com

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

From my sources, this is the 21st book in the Agent Pendergast series, and if you have not read any of them before, you should start them. I believe it is best to read them in chronological order, but to each their own. I am not going on to describe briefly the plot of this particular story, because it is a bit of a continuation from the last book. I will mention (again) you may want to start this series with book one, "The Relic" (which was made into a movie years ago). You won't regret it.

That being said, it was great to return to the Pendergast world, plus the return of some new and old characters. As I stated above, this story continues from the previous book, and answers some, yet not all, of the questions I had at the end of the last book. You may not like me admitting this, but this part of the story raises yet even more questions for me. I am expecting another follow-up story, and that wait will have to be burdened (at least a year, if not more).

Preston & Childs' writing style has always been a good read for me. I have not only read all of the Pendergast series, but some of their individual spin-offs and other stand-alone novels. The Pendergast stories just flow well, considering there are two different people writing them. Once again I give them the applause they deserve.

This where some spoilers may come in...

Thoughts on this story? I don't recall Pendergast ever being so ... distraught? in distress? ... as he was at the start of this novel. What truly are his concerns/feelings for Constance? It was good to see a newer character, Coldmoon, have to return to his 'normal' FBI career, yet cross paths in NY with D'Augustino our earlier FBI agent of several novels.  Their connection to Pendergast will become clearer I think in future writing. And the final question, now the Dr Leng knows what he knows, what will happen? I have my thoughts, but it will be a long wait to find out....

Book Review: "Devastation Road" by Joanna Baker

 

The clues were in front of them the whole time. Matt and Chess should have been able to see who killed Debbie.

A road near Yackandandah, Victoria. It used to be called Station Road, but eight years ago things started catching fire. Then a girl was killed, and someone got smart with the name.

Now it’s happening again. There’s a fire, and Matt Tingle and Chess Febey find another girl, drowned in a pond. Chess isn’t Matt’s friend. She’s one of those people you get stuck with – well meaning, total virus. But she knows how to answer questions, and there are plenty of those: Why are Tara and Wando afraid? What is the meaning of that lump of amber? How can a car be blue and white at the same time?To find out who killed their friend, Matt and Chess have to put themselves in danger, they have to look deep into themselves, and they have to reveal things about the past… other people’s secrets…

And the truth about what happened on Devastation Road. - from Booksirens.com

I was provided an ARC through Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.

When I came across this book whilst browsing, the cover caught my eye enough that I had to read the blurb. Interesting ... mystery .... hmmmm. And so I requested (and received) a copy. Once I started reading it though, my interest waned fairly rapidly. The story itself is well-thought out, and written in a style that was easy to understand, even not having lived in the country where it takes place. 

I started to lose interest from close to the start. The main character just seemed too dopey for me to feel involved. His 'partner' is the smart one, and I felt like the MC was only around to ask the dumb questions so the partner could ask the smart ones. It just didn't sit well with me. I admit I did skip some pages here and there around the middle of the book so may have missed some details of the story, but either way I did make it to the finsh, and the ending turned out decent.

Book Review: "Burner" by Mark Greaney

 

Court Gentry is caught between the Russian mafia and the CIA in this latest electrifying thriller in the #1 New York Times bestselling Gray Man series.

When you kick over a rock, you never know what's going to crawl out. 
 
Alex Velesky is about to discover that the hard way. He's stolen records from the Swiss bank that employs him, thinking that he'll uncover a criminal conspiracy. But he soon finds that he's tapped into the mother lode of corruption. Before he knows it, he's being hunted by everyone from the Russian mafia to the CIA. 
 
Court Gentry and his erstwhile lover, Zoya Zakharova, find themselves on opposites poles when it comes to Velesky. They both want him but for different reasons. 
 
That's a problem for tomorrow. Today they need to keep him and themselves alive. Right now, it's not looking good. - from Netgalley.com

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

This is about book twelve in the series about 'The Gray Man' by this author. In fact, I beleive there is a movie out called that, based on the main character. Anyways, I was happy to delve back into this action series and see what Court has been up to. It wasn't much. Our action-oriented main character was basically sinking some expensive yachts/cruisers of money-hungry Russians, until he is asked to help on a case from his old handler, Brewer. Needless to say, when one of the groups from governmental ABC organizations get involved, things get messed up. They send him after a target to bring in alive, with the information he allegedly possesses. Little known at the time, his previous lover, Zoya, has been hired by a different foreign orginization to do the same thing.

There has been a time difference since the previous novel, and the two lovers have been apart for some time. The splitting wasn't easy, and each has handled it their own way: Court doing stoic, Zoya drowning in the bottle. The author has brought the story more into modern times, as the Ukrainian War with Russia has been going on, and Zoya feels guilt about it - as she is Russian, even though she has played no part in the war. 

So there isn't a lot of time to get all mushy when they run into each other, and Zoya has the target. They decide to work together, and find out that no government agency should have this info, and work to get it released to the world. Well, yes, there is quite a bit of action in the midst of them doing this, and even a nice ending. I don't know if we will see Gray Man come around again or not. It may be time he retired and settled down.

Book Review: "Wayward" by Chuck Wendig

 

Five years ago, ordinary Americans fell under the grip of a strange new malady that caused them to sleepwalk across the country to a destination only they knew. They were followed on their quest by the shepherds: friends and family who gave up everything to protect them.

Their secret destination: Ouray, a small town in Colorado that would become one of the last outposts of civilization. Because the sleepwalking epidemic was only the first in a chain of events that led to the end of the world—and the birth of a new one.

The survivors, sleepwalkers and shepherds alike, have a dream of rebuilding human society. Among them are Benji, the scientist struggling through grief to lead the town; Marcy, the former police officer who wants only to look after the people she loves; and Shana, the teenage girl who became the first shepherd—and an unlikely hero whose courage will be needed again.

Because the people of Ouray are not the only survivors, and the world they are building is fragile. The forces of cruelty and brutality are amassing under the leadership of self-proclaimed president Ed Creel. And in the very heart of Ouray, the most powerful survivor of all is plotting its own vision for the new world: Black Swan, the A.I. who imagined the apocalypse.

Against these threats, Benji, Marcy, Shana, and the rest have only one hope: one another. Because the only way to survive the end of the world is together. - from Netgalley.com

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

** Spoilers Ahead Alert **

This is the second book in this series, that picks up on the storyline around five years after the first book. The 'Sleepers' and their caretakers (Shepherds) have all 'woken' and are surviving in a remote town of Ouray. There is some dissention starting between the Sleepers and the Shepherds, revolving around the birth of a baby - a special baby. And that was about as far as I got into the book.

I really enjoyed the first book, and was excited to hear that a second was going to be out, considering the author had said something about the possibility of there not being a follow-up book. But I just could not get into the story once I got so far in. I set it aside for several days and tried to get back to it, but again could not. I am not sure if it is just my head doesn't want this kind of story right now, or what. Either way I am giving it three stars because I do think the plot line is good, and I have enjoyed many of Wendig's books, that I think it is just me that cannot read this at the present, but would try again later on.

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

 

Three ordinary people risk everything for a chance at redemption in this audacious, utterly gripping novel of catastrophe and survival at the end of the world, from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man.

Hannah awakens to carnage, all mangled metal and shattered glass. Evacuated from a secluded boarding school during a snowstorm, her coach careered off the road, trapping her with a handful of survivors. They’ll need to work together to escape—with their sanity and secrets intact.

Meg awakens to a gentle rocking. She’s in a cable car stranded high above snowy mountains, with five strangers and no memory of how they got on board. They are heading to a place known only as “The Retreat,” but as the temperature drops and tensions mount, Meg realizes they may not all make it there alive.

Carter is gazing out the window of an isolated ski chalet that he and his companions call home. As their generator begins to waver in the storm, something hiding in the chalet’s depths threatens to escape, and their fragile bonds will be tested when the power finally fails—for good.

The imminent dangers faced by Hannah, Meg, and Carter are each one part of the puzzle. Lurking in their shadows is an even greater danger—one with the power to consume all of humanity. - from Netgalley.com

This ARC was received from Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.

There isn't much I can say about the story without dropping spoilers. I was drawn into the story easily and actually finished in within a day. I really enjoyed the plot development, and the characters - how they handled their situations, and self-realizations. 

*** Spoiler Alert ***

The plot twist in the final parts of the story are what threw me. It was surprising to me to find out how all three characters stories all came together, and the timeline twist was executed very well. I truly did not see it coming! Well-written in my opinion, gripping my attention throughout the tale. I defintiely would recommend to others, and will be watching for future works from this author.

Book Review: "The Ferryman" by Justin Cronin

 

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Passage comes a riveting standalone novel about a group of survivors on a hidden island utopia—where the truth isn't what it seems.

Founded by the mysterious genius known as the Designer, the archipelago of Prospera lies hidden from the horrors of a deteriorating outside world. In this island paradise, Prospera’s lucky citizens enjoy long, fulfilling lives until the monitors embedded in their forearms, meant to measure their physical health and psychological well-being, fall below 10 percent. Then they retire themselves, embarking on a ferry ride to the island known as the Nursery, where their failing bodies are renewed, their memories are wiped clean, and they are readied to restart life afresh. 

Proctor Bennett, of the Department of Social Contracts, has a satisfying career as a ferryman, gently shepherding people through the retirement process—and, when necessary, enforcing it. But all is not well with Proctor. For one thing, he’s been dreaming—which is supposed to be impossible in Prospera. For another, his monitor percentage has begun to drop alarmingly fast. And then comes the day he is summoned to retire his own father, who gives him a disturbing and cryptic message before being wrestled onto the ferry.

Meanwhile, something is stirring. The Support Staff, ordinary men and women who provide the labor to keep Prospera running, have begun to question their place in the social order. Unrest is building, and there are rumors spreading of a resistance group—known as “Arrivalists”—who may be fomenting revolution. 

Soon Proctor finds himself questioning everything he once believed, entangled with a much bigger cause than he realized—and on a desperate mission to uncover the truth. - from Netgalley.com

This ARC was received from Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.

I became a fan of Justin Cronin after reading his series "The Passage" and after reading the description here, thought this novel might end up being a series as well. Thankfully, it is not and is a complete story in itself.

The story feels a little slow at the start, as Cronin builds in the character and world settings, but action kicks in shortly, and just continues. World building was interesting, as the concepts of a perfect utopian environment that renews itself, made me cringe a bit as I am not a fan of science induced stories. Add in that everyone has a personal arm-mounted monitor that makes me feel like a bit of '1984', and I started becoming leary of where the story was leading.

Our main character does become more self-aware, and learns he must place his faith in something he never thought existed. While on the route of personal change, actions come into play that he loses pretty much everything, and becomes a fugitive of those that keep order in this world. While being pursued, he escapes the utopia, and discovers something that really thorws the story into a new light. 

Though a bit more 'science-y' than I like in my stories, this was still a very fine read. Technical aspects were easy to understand. The reasons for many of the world events happening whilst the story is unraveling were nice surprises once you reach the near-end to 'wrap it all together'. Truly another good work from Cronin I would happily invite friends to read.

Book Review: "Pack of Secrets" by Amara Mae

 

As the daughter of the Seattle alpha, Grace is expected to carve out her place in a shifter pack still reeling from the horrors of war. Only Grace has two major problems with fulfilling her father’s expectations: she’s an omega—meant to support, not lead—and she was born with her inner wolf caged, unable to shift. Determined to become the asset her pack needs, she’s spent her life training to steal a magical artifact rumored to have the power necessary to release her wolf.

Unfortunately, things never go as planned.

The theft triggers an enraged guardian, one that her inner wolf can’t seem to resist, and Grace realizes she’s in way over her head. She’ll need the help of a small but capable team to journey to a foreign land and track down a mythical tree.

Easy peasy for an outcast burglar with a fractured psyche, right?

To complicate matters further, her father is acting weird, her best friend just made out with her, and she’s pretty sure a dragon is on their tail.

Across the world from the only home she’s ever known, Grace must face the questions she never dared to ask. Deadly secrets begin to unfold, and Grace will have to decide: Is unleashing her wolf worth risking everything? - from Netgalley.com

I received this ARC from Netgalley at no cost and am providing an unbiased review.

Well, I am a bit surprised at myself, when it comes to writing down what I think about this book. It was pretty dang good! I like a good shifter/romancey read every now and then, and the plot desription lured me in as this girl COULDN'T shift, and she wasn't allegedly a 'high and powerful' in the pack hierarchy, but the LOWEST order... the Omega. Yeah, this is going to be interesting! Then there is a dragon, too? And secrets? Yeah, I had to read this one.

Needless to say, the pacing goes a little wonky at times. A little slow at the beginning, as the author is building the world and characters, and as it gets into the story, has to let up off the gas to fill in some background for events or other characters, but is cruising along well to the end. Though, I felt the end was a bit rushed, and felt like the author had to be at a certain spot within so much of a word count, that things just felt cut-off. Obviously can tell that there will be at least one more to this series, if not more. Would be considered a cliffhanger, but I feel I have a pretty good idea how this is all going to end out. I defintely would recommend, and I am actually looking forward to the next book(s) in this series.

Book Review: "Outback" by Patricia Wolf

 Two missing backpackers. One vast outback.

DS Lucas Walker is on leave in his hometown of Caloodie, taking care of his dying grandmother. When two young German backpackers, Berndt and Rita, vanish from the area on their way to a ranch, he finds himself unofficially on the case. But why all the interest from the Federal Police when they have probably just ditched the heat and dust of the outback for the coast?

As the number of days since the couple’s disappearance climbs, DS Walker is joined by Rita’s older sister. A detective herself with Berlin CID, she has flown to Australia – desperate to find her sister before it’s too late.

Walker remains convinced there is more at play. Working in the organised crime unit has opened his eyes to the growing drug trade in Australia's remote interior. Could this be connected to that dark and violent world?

As temperatures soar, the search for Berndt and Rita becomes ever more urgent. If Walker does find the young couple, will it be too late?

This deeply atmospheric thriller is the gripping opening of a new crime series for fans of The Dry by Jane Harper, Cara Hunter and Chris Whitaker. - from Netgalley.com

I received this ARC at no cost from NEtgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This appears to be the first novel from this author, as I could not find any other books by her. I beleive this is a good start to a possibly great series, or even stand-alone novels, based on our main character here. The setting is in Austrailia, so some phrases are new to me, though if I recall, some were explained in an easy way. Obviously it takes place in what they call the outback, which at the time of the year in the story, is drought-ridden and especially hot that summer, as two international hikers go missing enroute to a job they needed to work to extend their visas. Our main character is on leave near where the events happened, and I'm not saying much more about that.

The story kept me interested each time I picked up the story. It wasn't like a regular police thriller, and all the procedures where new and somewhat different to me (as I am in the US) it brought out some local flair. The actual storyline had me guessing as to what was going to happen next - would there be another abduction? Is the 'bad guy' going to show himself, and when? Or is it a 'bad girl' All in all I really enjoyed this read and look forward to more books with this character, or of a similar style. One of the best books I have read this year!

Book Review: "Callus & Crow" by D. B. Rook

 

A Western vampire's Dystopian odyssey across a monster filled sea.

Can a path of blood lead to redemption?

Is redemption enough to amend a wayward world?

Morality and reality have shifted from their natural axis. Technology and ideology derive from the remnants of a world long dead and segregated by the monsters that now rule the seas.

Crow, a young ranch hand, is swept into an odyssey of redemption and revenge as he strives to hold back the ravages of fate and the urges born of a curse shared with his new mentor.

Callus, an exile struggling to find redemption whilst keeping his vampiric curse from tainting his new ward, pursues his prey across the sea.

The new world they discover reveals a tyrannical society fixated on their council’s ascension to godhood. - from Booksirens.com

I received this ARC from Booksirens.com at no cost and am providing an unbiased review.

This book was a random pick based on how the plot description caught my eye. I freely admit I enjoy a good vamp novel, and this one being in an apocalyptic setting was somewhat interesting. It started off fairly moderate, and then it seemed to struggle to keep anything interesting happening to the characters. At first the writing was easy to follow, as the two named characters are traveling together, but in short time, the book is split into chapters telling the story of each one, and what is happening from their view points while they are apart.

I felt a bit lost for what was going on through the part I read. The plot description sounds like a young boy traveling with a vamp, has to learn to fight his own learnings/desires of a curse, yet, there is no mention of how/what this is from. Just that the vamp showed up near dead on the farm where he and his dad (dead mother) lived... then the next things is they are leaving - no dad alive - and just up and go. Maybe there was explainaion later in this story, or possibly in future of the series (as it looks like it will be one). I honestly did not read more than around halfway, as it just could not keep me interested, even though I kept questioning things as I read. I think I was just frustrated nothing was explained in such a way to at least keep one reading.

Book Review: "The Root Witch" by Debra Castaneda

 

A beautiful forest. A terrifying legend.

It’s 1986. Two strangers, hundreds of miles apart, grapple with disturbing incidents in a one-of-a-kind quaking aspen forest.

Knox is a new Forest Service ranger assigned to a vast, remote territory in Utah.

Sandy is a producer fighting for her place in a tough TV newsroom.

Both have heard about the shadowy figure believed to menace visitors to the forest. When a man disappears and reports of the Root Witch begin coming in, Knox and Sandy are plunged into a living nightmare.

Their lives converge on Halloween. Sandy sends a news crew to investigate the sightings. But when the team goes missing, and a shocking video surfaces revealing the ghastly truth, Knox and Sandy face the biggest decision of their lives.

---

This novel is based on a short story, "The Root Witch: An Urban Legend Caught on Tape." - from Booksirens.com

I received this ARC from Booksirens.com at no cost and am providing an unbiased review.

This is a well thought out story, based off  of a short story , about an urban legend. Castaneda had written another book I had read, also based on the similar idea (which I also enjoyed very much). I am not sure if the actual urban legend is set in the area of the US that the author put it, but it sounded/read like it was feasible there. The characters were interesting and fairly well developed. Much of the story I felt you could mach pretty good guesses as to what was going to happen, but the story still moved along at a good pace, and did not just "dump it into your lap" then run off.

Overall, I really enojyed the book, and look for future ones from this author, possibly relating to other urban legends...? After all, it does say 'A Dark Earth Rising novel'.

Book Review: "The Call of Jonas Creed" by Marius H. Visser

 Heroes may be forged in fire… but legends are born in blood.

Legends speak of a shadow realm that echoes our own, called the Void, where gods and demons roam the very paths we mortals tread, hidden from our sight and touch, judging us at our worst moments, laughing at our woes.

The Void is inaccessible to all still living save those blessed, or perhaps cursed, with the means to cross between realms. The lands of the gods are not to be trespassed lightly, but the rewards…

Deep in the heart of Yahrska, past the beautiful Brokar Valley, lies Barren Hollows: a small and peaceful village where all Jonas Creed wanted was to leave his past behind and become the loving husband and father he swore he always would be.

But fate leaves none unscathed. Someone is looking for the Voidwalker, and will stop at nothing to get what they want. - from Booksirens.com

I received this ARC from Booksirens.com at no cost and am providing an unbiased review.

There are several mixed feelings I have from reading this story, the worst of them being it was so short. I honestly felt like I was reading a novella, that would open up into this whole epic fantasy story, and perhaps it will, but for now I felt a little let-down. I'm going to kinda jump around with my thoughts....

The story drew me in, as I wanted to find out what the main character, Jonas, was going to do, and possibly lead more into telling why events happened as they did. I understand he was leading a quiet life, small family, when they were taken from him (wife killed, son abducted) all to lure him out with his special power, called Voidwalking. And that was the story. I was hoping for more of the back-story about Jonas - maybe how he came to have this ability, and the life he lived because of it. Maybe in future tales?

Obviously, I felt that character building was lacking, as was world-building. There just wasn't time in the shortness of the story to really delve into those small details. Otherwise, I did enjoy the tale, and would love to hear more about themain character. Anyone that likes short stories, woudl enjoy this one. Would be great in an anthology.

Book Review: "Devouring Darkness" by Chloe Neill

 In the newest installment of the USA Today bestselling Heirs of Chicagoland series, vampire Elisa Sullivan unearths an ancient grudge, with potentially devastating consequences.

As the only vampire ever born, and the daughter of two very powerful Chicago vampires, Elisa Sullivan knew her life was going to be…unusual. But she wanted to make her own way in the world, preferably away from her famous family. Then supernatural politics—and perhaps a bit of destiny—intervened, and Elisa had to steady her nerves and sharpen her steel to fight for the city of Chicago. Luckily, Connor Keene, son of the North American Central Pack’s Apex wolf, is right by her side.
 
When Elisa and her Ombudsman colleagues agree to escort a vulnerable supernatural to Chicago, they inadvertently set in motion a scheme of long-awaited magical vengeance. The city may pay an arcane price it can’t afford unless Elisa and her allies rise to the challenge. - from NetGalley.com

I received this ARC at no cost from NetGalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the fourth book in this spin-off sereis of Heirs to Chicagoland, and takes off pretty much from where the last book ended. I have enjoyed Chloe Neill's writing style and story-telling ability from the start with the 'Chicagoland Vampires' series, and she is able to keep a story going through the children of the main characters from that series is nice. It will be nice to see possible future installments as some issues still have not been resolved (I won't spoil by listing).

Overall was a pretty fast read for me, and kept my attention. There is some love interests, mild flirtation, and some action scenes that were written well. I would defintely recommend this series to anyone that is interested in Urban Fantasy.

Book Review: "Unbound II" Ed. by Shawn Speakman

 A magical collection of seventeen original stories by an amazing list of contributors—including a Dune story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson!

Like Unbound and Unfettered before it, Unbound II boasts a collection of SF&F writers allowed to submit the tales they've been wanting to write for a long time—without the constraints of theme. The result? A new anthology as powerful as the first. The stories gathered here are only bound by how enchanting and enthralling they are.

Enter an underworld of history and dark creatures with Kristen Britain. Return to the aftermath of Dune's Butlerian Jihad with Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson. Revisit the Broken Empire trilogy with Jorg Ancrath and Mark Lawrence. Go on the most enchanting and dangerous of knight quests with Anna Smith Spark. Discover how Gladys got her name in a new Ink & Sigil story by Kevin Hearne. Uncover the magical truths of the Frasier family with Tamora Pierce. These tales and the others that comprise Unbound II will leave you reading long into the night and early morning hours.

Featuring all-new stories by:

• Dyrk Ashton
• Kristen Britain
• Saara El-Arifi
• Kevin Hearne
• Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
• Mark Lawrence
• Peter Orullian
  
• Tamora Pierce
• Jordan Ross
  
• Ken Scholes
• Anna Smith Spark
• Shawn Speakman
• Jon Sprunk
• Anna Stephens
• Patrick Swenson
  
• Adrian Tchaikovsky
• Django Wexler

And an introduction by Shawn Speakman!

Following the award-winning success of the Unfettered anthology series, Unbound II offers the best manner to discover great new writers while reading authors you've followed for years—all of them master storytellers of the highest caliber.

Praise for Unfettered III:

"This powerhouse addition to the Unfettered series... boasts an incredible lineup of stories by pillars of the fantasy genre, many of whom contributed works set in the fictional worlds for which they are best known." - Publishers Weekly

-from NetGalley.com

I received this ARC from NetGalley.com at no cost and am providing an unbiased review.

Thisis the second book of short stories contributed by several authors in this series, following the success of the Unfettered series Shawn Speakman put out previously. I have been able to read each one Speakman has put out, as the collection of authors are usually some of my favorite writers, versus just some random anthology put out there.

I won't waste a lot of time by writing about each short story, just know that most were entertaining for me. As usual there is one or two that I just couldn't 'get into' but most were well written. I did enjoy Kevin Hearne's 'Ink & Sigil' short, and Django Wexler's addition as well. Overall content is pretty safe - not much in the way of bad language, or other adult situations.

Book Review: "No Plan B" by Lee Child and Andrew Child

 

The gripping new Jack Reacher thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling authors Lee Child and Andrew Child

“No Plan B is not to be missed. A perfectly plotted, fast-paced thriller, with bigger twists than ever before. It’s no wonder Jack Reacher is everyone’s favorite rebel hero.”—Karin Slaughter

In Gerrardsville, Colorado, a woman dies under the wheels of a moving bus. The death is ruled a suicide. But Jack Reacher saw what really happened: A man in a gray hoodie and jeans, moving stealthily, pushed the victim to her demise—before swiftly grabbing the dead woman’s purse and strolling away.

When another homicide is ruled an accident, Reacher knows this is no coincidence. With a killer on the loose, Reacher has no time to waste to track down those responsible. 

But Reacher is unaware that these crimes are part of something much larger and more far-reaching: an arsonist out for revenge, a foster kid on the run, a cabal of powerful people involved in a secret conspiracy with many moving parts. There is no room for error, but they make a grave one. They don’t consider Reacher a threat. “There’s too much at stake to start running from shadows.” But Reacher isn’t a shadow. He is flesh and blood. And relentless when it comes to making things right.

For when the threat is Reacher, there is No Plan B. - from Netgalley.com

This ARC was given to me from Netgalley.com at no cost and I am providing an unbiased review.

Some spoilers may be present.

This is the 27th book in the Jack Reacher series and finds our main character in Colorado, where he witnesses a murder. Of course, being 'on the scene' he has to find out why. Thus our story starts. As usual, the story flows in the same fashion as most of the others in the series, though I don't recall offhand some splits in how the story is told from previous books. This one splits between Reacher and a younger boy, as they both travel and get closer to where the story comes to it's conclusion.

This is the third book that Andrew Child has assisted Lee Child in writing, and I felt like I was reading more of his writing than Lee's. Not a bad thing, just a bit  ... different. The story, of course, is centered more around Reacher, and how he handles things to satisfy his own curiosities. Of course, justice is served Reacher-style, and there is bits of violence throughout the novel. World building was fine, as they traveled Colorado to Mississippi, and I do not know much of the terrain, but felt it was described acurately. There isn't much character building for Reacher himself, but some of the other characters there had development, though we rarely see repeats of many characters from the stories. The main reason Reacher didn't have much for additional character building, well, hey, we are on book 27!

Definitely was a book I enjoyed (as I have the whole series) and look forward to more to come. Also, if you have it available, you should check out the television series, Reacher, on Amazon Prime. Look forward to any additional books to come out.

Book Review: "Bleeding Hearts" by Jennifer Allis Provost

Eli never wanted to be the Mistress of Seers, but she's sure as hell not going down without a fight.

Eli's doing her best to run Nine Lives Investigations, keep the local witch clans happy as the new Mistress of Seers, and navigate her newfound closeness with Dan. Although, she's not really leading anything, and truth be told she's fine with the supernatural community looking after itself. What's not fine is that she and Tessa have been tracking Nathaniel Beauclaire for months, only to hit one dead end after another.

When bleeding hearts start popping up all over town-out of season, mind you-Eli wonders what the universe is trying to tell her. Before she can figure out what the plants mean, someone threatens the clan elders, a group of (lame) ghost hunters begin dogging her every move, and she and Dan are attacked by a demon. Worst of all, each and every clue points toward Eli's ex, Amir, a power-mad seer she hasn't seen in years and never wants to see again, as the mastermind behind every piece of bad news.

When Amir's ultimate goal becomes known, Eli hatches a mad plan to stop him for good-then a family secret comes out which could derail everything, including her newfound leadership of the seers. Will she fight for the title she never wanted, or will Amir take everything from her yet again? - from Booksirens.com

This ARC was provided at no cost to me from BookSirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the second book in the 'Poisoned Gardens' series and takes off pretty much just a short time after the events of the first book. Our main character, Eli, has put some space between her and the human cop, Dan. Her and her co-employer, Tessa, are still trying to track down our enemy from the first book, with not much luck. From there things got a brake-check from me. I got maybe a third of the way into the story and I just felt ... lost. I don't necessarily blame the author, or the writing style. It could just be me. I did finish reading the story but my attachment to it was pretty much non-existent.

There were some things we get to find out about the main characters past, so more character building was done (bravo). World building felt fine. Wrinting style was still fluent, and though there are some minor events that I find hard to swallow (at least for now) the story was still good, I just didn't feel as pulled into it as I did on the first book. I would still conider buying this for a fellow reader.

 

Book Review: "Oleander" by Jennifer Allis Prost

 

Eli tried to leave the supernatural life behind. Problem is, it won’t let her go.

Eliza “Eli” Moore may have been born a seer, but she didn’t want to live like one. That was why she became a private detective, and opened Nine Lives Investigations. Being able to talk to the dead gives her an undeniable edge in solving cases, and she figured it was all for the greater good. Then Eli is forced to exorcise a demon, the local witch elder ends up dead, and Eli fears she’s in over her head.

Throughout it all, Eli has one dedicated ally: Dan, mortal police detective who isn’t scared of things that go bump in the night, and who hints he wants to be more than friends. But mortals and seers don’t mix… do they?

Before Eli can sort out how she feels about Dan, an enemy from her past resurfaces and threatens everything she hold dear. Eli is forced to take on the title inherited from her grandmother, and become the Mistress of Seers—but just because leading the seer community is her birthright doesn’t mean anyone will follow her. - from Booksirens.com

I received this ARC from Booksirens.com at no cost and am providing an unbiased review.

This is is the first book in a new series labled "Poison Garden" and so I am guessing that the following books of the series will be named after other delightful, yet deadly, flowers. 

This was a quick read for me, completing it in one afternoon. What helped most was that it kept my attention. This is my favorite kind of go-to urban fantasy story - strong female lead, with a slow-burn romance, that not only solves the problem, but ends up getting themselves into a bigger situation they have been trying to avoid. These types of stories just interest me quite a bit, and I find myself more open to reading a series like this, rather than some long-winded epic fantasy that just 'drags'  (in telling of the story) all over the place.

Characters were quite simple with not a lot shared about their background. We know Eli was "raised" by her mother until a magical event around 8 years old, then was raised by her grandmother, who just happens to be the Grand Poobaa of the Seer community. She comes across the police detective, Dan, during some of the few crimes she has solved (using her magical abilities) and this particular story will bring them in contact more. I would like to see if there is more to Dan - not much was said about his past, yet he seemed so open-minded about the whole magical world thing. Throw in a good friend who is a powerful witch, and you have a story.

World-building was fine. It has been a few days since I read it (trying to sort out what I wanted to write) so from what I recall, it was a typical town. I am a little confused about the "relationships" amongst the magical communities (like how they get along or divide their 'areas') but maybe there will be more in a forth-coming second book. I would recommend to a friend for reading, if they are into this kind of story. Three and a half stars....

Book Review: "Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries" by Heather Fawcett

 

A curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love in the start of a heartwarming and enchanting new fantasy series.

Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world’s first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party—or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, Shadow, and the Fair Folk to other people.

So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, get in the middle of Emily’s research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.

But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones—the most elusive of all faeries—lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she’ll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all—her own heart. - from Netgalley.com

I received this ARC from Netgalley.com at no cost and am providing an unbiased review.

When I noticed this title up for review, I almost skipped by it without reading the story description. Normally I would think, oh, it's some picture book with paragraph descriptions of how this author thinks of how faeries look/act. Well, once I started reading it, that does fit the description, sort of. Emily is our main character, and is working on an encyclopedia of faeries. She is traveling to the arctic north from Cambridge to finish up her encyclopedia with a last section about the 'Hidden Ones'. She has just settled in for the winter in a remote village, when her rival, Wendall, shows up on her doorstep. They are polar opposites, him being the attractive, boistrous, friendly , outgoing one of the two of them.

I won't go much more into the story, as I am sure you want to enjoy it yourself. I liked how a bit of a characters story surprised me. but overall improved the story. World building was fine, nothing overly drastic, but how much is there to really describe about an arctic winter? There probably could have been a more descriptive narrative of the fae king's place, but I felt it left more for the reader to imagin. As I go back to post this review, I notice in the heading that this is book one of the Emily Wilde series, so I will be watching for further adventures to be written.