The Borderkind (The Veil, book 2) by Christopher Golden

The Borderkind by Christopher Golden


For centuries they lived amongst us. The frightful and wondrous, the angelic and bloodthirsty. Living in a reality just beyond the Veil, humanity’s myths and legends are caught in a struggle for their very survival—against hunters far more powerful than they are.

Into this struggle has stepped a New England lawyer who once wanted to be an actor—a man who both longs for the mortal woman he was to marry and is desperate to rescue the sister who’s been taken hostage. Neither hero nor warrior, Oliver Bascombe now finds himself brandishing a magical sword, walking in the company of a woman who sometimes appears as a fox and a man made of pure ice, and dueling with albino giants and winged killers. For in the world of the Borderkind—and the realms that exist beyond it—Oliver is discovering just how vulnerable are humankind’s myths, the dire consequences of their extinction, and the reason he was chosen to save them.…

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This second book in the Veil series was a wonderful continuation of the story that we began in 'The Myth Hunters'. We follow Oliver Bascombe as he continues on his journey to survive and try to figure out what his place is on this side of the veil. He joins Frost and the other Myths in their attempt to discover who has sent the Hunters out to kill the Borderkind. Oliver discovers that his sister has been kidnapped by the Sandman and is being held as bait. But why is Oliver so important to this battle? We learn more about Oliver and his sister and the place they have in this epic battle.



Looking forward to finishing the story with 'The Lost Ones' which went on sale April 2008.


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Hell's Kitchen by Chris Niles

Hell's Kitchen by Chris Niles


Cyrus is a millionaire recluse. Oh, and a serial killer who preys upon apartment hunters in New York City. Armstead Maupin meets Carl Hiaasen in a brilliant black comedy that traces the paths of disparate characters floating through New York, about to collide in a treacherous story that will make you think twice about ever answering a classified ad.

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was a lot different that what I was expecting. While the book is about a serial killer (a rather inept one, who is really only a wanna be serial killer) the book is more about the relationships of about a half dozen different characters and how their lives intertwine throughout the book.



It was an okay read. I got a few chuckles out of it. I enjoyed some of the characters and how the culmination of the book brought everyone who we had met throughout the story together for the climax. An interesting read, but for me, not a really great one.


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Dark Carnival by James A. Moore


Synopsis
The circus is in town—the bad news is, it's raising more than a ruckus.It's raising the dead.

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a so-so ending to the trilogy. My least favorite of the three books, but a must read if you have read the first two. I found this book to have a lot of carnage, that IMO, was not really necessary. The storyline kind of lost steam for me and I was not totally satisfied with the ending. There were some loose threads left hanging that I would have liked to have had sewn up, but it was an okay read. Seems there may be room for another story that involves Crowley which I would enjoy reading. Crowley was probably my favorite character and I would be interested to see his story continue.


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The Pack (Serenity Falls, Book 2) by James A. Moore

The Pack by James A. Moore


Welcome to Serenity Falls...A young girl is horribly tortured, a boy becomes a conduit to hell, the dogs of the town turn feral. One man has been enlisted to stop the encroaching evil. He'll soon discover that the true horror lies not with those who walk the earth, but with those who lie beneath it.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Really enjoyed this second book in the Serenity Falls trilogy. This book is written quite differently than the first but I think that you definitely want to read the first book before this one so that you can have the background of the town and the introduction to the town that you get in the first book.



With this second book we actually get into the current day happenings in the town. There really seem to be two different forces at work here. One is the evil being that has lured the Hunter to town and seems to be possessing people to taunt Crowley and then we have the evil that is being generated by the man who placed the curse on the town (can not remember his name off hand). It occasionally gets confusing as to which evil we are currently dealing with but it also makes for a much more involved and intricate plot.



I do have to say that this book ended right in the middle of the story and I would be very unhappy if I did not already have the last book in the trilogy laying here to read right away. I do look forward to finishing the story, though.


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Writ in Blood: Serenity Falls 1 by James A. Moore

Writ in Blood: Serenity Falls 1 by James A. Moore


Serenity Falls is dead. No commerce, tourism, or good will. It gets worse.

An historian has uncovered the town's unspeakable past: lynchings, mass murders, sexual depravity, and rumors of the birth of the anti-Christ. But the darkest secret is yet to be revealed--in the Serenity Falls trilogy.

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I completely enjoyed this book. It is written in a very interesting style that has us bouncing back and forth between three different story lines.



In one we are following Simon MacGruder, and elderly man who has recently felt compelled to investigate and write the history of Serenity Falls, a town where he has spent his life. The history that he writes is not what you would typically find in the History books, though. It is a much more morbid history of all of the tragedies and atrocities visited upon or committed by the citizens of Serenity Falls throughout it's history.



The second part is that history of Serenity Falls as it would be written for a book. From the first settlers and the barbaric death that they visited upon one of the female settlers, through a history, that does not leave any of the descendants of those first settlers untouched by tragedy.



The third part of the book follows a Hunter by the name of Jonathan Crowley. Jonathan follows and kills evil supernatural beings across the country. He does not visit Serenity Falls in this book, but I have no doubt that it will be his destination in one of the next two books in the series.



Looking forward to reading the rest of this series as well!


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Dying to Live by Kim Paffenroth

Dying to Live by Kim Paffenroth


Jonah Caine, a lone survivor in a zombie-infested world, struggles to understand the apocalypse in which he lives. Unable to find a moral or sane reason for the horror that surrounds him, he is overwhelmed by violence and insignificance. After wandering for months, Jonah's lonely existence dramatically changes when he discovers a group of survivors. Living in a museum-turned-compound, they are led jointly by Jack, an ever-practical and efficient military man, and Milton, a mysterious, quizzical prophet who holds a strange power over the dead. Both leaders share Jonah's anguish over the brutality of their world, as well as his hope for its beauty. Together with others, they build a community that reestablishes an island of order and humanity surrounded by relentless ghouls. But this newfound peace is short-lived, as Jonah and his band of refugees clash with another group of survivors who remind them that the undead are not the only-nor the most grotesque-horrors they must face.

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an excellent zombie read for Horror month!



I was curious when I ran across a review for this book that stated that it was Christian Fiction but I now see where that comes from. While this book takes us on a very scary journey into a world overrun with undead zombies, there is a lot of theological references. It creates a very thought provoking read that I totally enjoyed.



This really is one of the scariest Apocalypse/Zombie books that I have read, because I found myself imagining exactly what a world overrun by the undead would be like. This book really makes it more real than others that I have read, thus making it very scary.



The comparison of human evil versus undead evil that we encounter at the end of the book is very insightful and thought provoking. We hear about horrors everyday that are often worse that what this author has created with his undead, but we are so accustomed to hearing about it that we have almost lost our ability to be horrified by them.



All in all this was an excellent read and I am very much looking forward to the sequel -- Dying to Live: Life Sentence -- as soon as I can get my hands on it!


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To Wake The Dead by Richard Laymon

To Wake The Dead by Richard Laymon


An ancient beauty . . .
Amara was once the Princess of Egypt, the beautiful wife of Mentuhotep the First. Now, 4000 years later, she and her coffin are merely prized exhibits of the Charles Ward museum. Her lovely face and strong, young body are no more. If you were to look at her today you would see only a brittle bundle of bones and dried skin. But looks can be very deceiving. . . .

A missing mummy . . .

Barney, the museum's night watchman, is the first to make the shocking discovery that the mummy's coffin has been broken open. He immediately assumes it's the work of grave-robbers who care nothing about the sanctity of the dead. But Barney doesn't have a chance to do anything about it. Then two security guards come upon the open coffin and they too believe that the mummy has been stolen. What else could sane men think? By the time they realize the unbelievable truth, it's far too late for them to do anything . . . ever again.

The walking dead!

Now Amara is once again freed from the cramped confines of her coffin, free to walk the earth, free to stalk her prey. Free to kill. Nothing can satisfy her deadly bloodlust. And no one can stop her. You cannot kill what is already dead.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Excellent Laymon read for Horror month. This book had a lot of typical Laymon-- sex, gore, etc.



It was almost like reading two separate books as there were two different story lines that we were following. One was the story of the mummy Amara and her rise and killing rampage from the dead. The other was totally different with characters being captured, caged and used as sex slaves.



The two story lines do converge at the end and although there were a couple of things left unanswered the book was worth the read. If you can handle Laymon.


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Dead City by Joe McKinney

Dead City by Joe McKinney


Synopsis: After the Gulf Coast is battered by three tremendous hurricanes, a deadly virus breaks out, turning the infected into mindless, blood-thirsty zombies.

Within hours, the plague has spread throughout most of Texas and shows no signs of slowing down.

San Antonio police officer Eddie Hudson finds himself in the middle of the outbreak, along with a few other survivors.

Eddie does his best to fight off the zombie horde and locate his wife and son, who he believes still are safe and haven’t been infected by the virus.

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Completely enjoyed this book. I stayed up late into the night to finish it because I did not want to put it down.



I enjoyed the fact that the author even made us think about the ethical side of zombies. What if zombies were living human beings who had caught a virus and turned into cannibalistic killers? That is they question that we left to consider after reading this book.



Over all a great read and I am really looking forward to more books by this author.


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The Undead Kama Sutra (Felix Gomez #3) by Mario Acevedo

The Undead Kama Sutra by Mario Acevedo


Felix Gomez returned from the war in Iraq a changed man—once a soldier, now forever a vampire. So the undead underworld put his skills to work as a private detective, specializing in the sordid, the sexy, and the supernatural.

After surviving aliens, nymphomaniacs, and x-rated bloodsuckers, it's high time for a vacation. Now the aliens are back in a fiendish conspiracy with the U.S. government, and only Felix stands between them and the Earth women they covet. But when an army hit man attacks Felix and the bodacious vampire sexpert, Carmen, not even the astonishing erotic powers of the Kama Sutra for the Undead may be able to save them.

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I was not really thrilled with this third book in the Felix Gomez series. It was an okay read, but nothing wonderful. I really did not care a lot for the plot or the whole alien involvement. Things were left wide open for the next book, but I am not even sure that I will bother with it.



Just a ho hum read.


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Madhouse: Cal Leandro #3 by Rob Thurman

Madhouse: Cal Leandro, Book 3 by Rob Thurman


From the back of the book

My brother had spent a lifetime - mine, at least - telling me that I was normal, that I wasn't a monster. With his help, I';d finally realized that as long as I could remain who I was, I could survive what I was. It was only bad genes.......

Half-human Cal Leandros and his brother, Niko, aren't exactly prospering with their preternatural detective agency. Who could have guessed that business would dry up in New York City, where vampires, trolls, and other creepy crawlies are all over the place?

But now there's a new arrival in the Big Apple. A malevolent evil with ancient powers, dead set on making history with on orgy of blood and murder, is picking off humans like sheep. And for Cal and Niko, this is one paycheck they're going to have to earn..if they live long enough to collect it.

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great book in this series. I was happy that the author gave us more background on Goodfellow and Promise. I like that the guys are bringing more people (beings) into their circle of trust. I like Ishiah and the possibilities of what he is and how he fits into the story.



Loved the ending and very much looking forward to the next book "Deathwish" due out in February, I believe.


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Peaceable Kingdom by Jack Ketchum

Peaceable Kingdom by Jack Ketchum

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was my introduction to Ketchum. I have several of his books on my TBR shelf and they sound like they are right up my alley, but I thought that I would read this anthology of his first to get a taste of his style.



Unlike most anthologies I can honestly say that there were not any stories that I 'did not' like. All of them were interesting even if they did vary quite a lot in theme and 'horror' content. I found some of the stories to be 'incomplete' in a way. I know that it is probably difficult to get a lot into a 12 page story so that is not surprising. It was very interesting to me that many of the stories were set in Florida, which is where I hail from.



Quite a nice introduction to Ketchum and I look forward to getting into a full length book of his.






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Dead Over Heels by MaryJanice Davidson

Dead Over Heels by MaryJanice Davidson


Three all-new paranormal stories of lust, laughter, and love from the New York Times bestselling author, including an original novella featuring Undead queen Betsy Taylor.

With her trademark "sassy dialogue, lusty lovemaking [and:] irreverent humor"* New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson delighted fans with her wickedly sexy and wildly funny anthology, Dead and Loving It-stories in which the worlds of the Wyndham Werewolves and Undead Queens collided. Now she returns to that sensual and irresistible after-dark realm of werewolves, vampires, and mermaids in three more original novellas--including an all-new Betsy Taylor novella.

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Completely enjoyed all three stories in this book.



They were the MJD classics that I have come to know and love.



Reading about Betsy and Sinclair's honeymoon was great. I always enjoy the Wyndham Wolves and I am a huge fan of best friends falling in love. The Mermaid story was a lot of fun, especially since I just finished the two 'Fred the Mermaid' books right before reading it.



Love MJD's anthologies when I am in the mood for some fun, light reading. She always delivers.


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Swimming Without a Net (Fred the Mermaid, Book 2) by MaryJanice Davidson

Swimming Without a Net by MaryJanice Davidson


As Fred the Mermaid tries to fit in with her own kind, she finds herself hooked on both Artur, the High Prince of the undersea realm, and Thomas, a hunky marine biologist. She's also caught between two factions of merfolk: those happy with swimming under the radar-and those who want to bring their existence to the surface.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another enjoyable Fred the Mermaid book. I do enjoy MJD's writing style. When I am in the mood for some lighthearted fun reading I can rely on her.



The ending of this book left me wanting to read the next one right away. Sadly I will have to wait till November but I will be picking it up then.






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Sleeping with the Fishes (Fred the Mermaid, Book 1) by MaryJanice Davidson

Sleeping with the Fishes by MaryJanice Davidson


Fred is not your ordinary mermaid. She's not blonde. She's not buxom. And she's definitely not perky. In fact, Fred can be downright cranky. And it doesn't help matters that her hair is blue.

While volunteering at the New England Aquarium, Fred learns that there are weird levels of toxins in the local seawater. A gorgeous marine biologist wants her help investigating. So does her merperson ruler, the High Prince of the Black Sea. You'd think it would be easy for a mermaid to get to the bottom of things. Think again.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a quick, fun, typical MJD read. Loved the characters and the storyline. Looking forward to more in the series.


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Undead and Unworthy (Undead Series, Book 7) by MaryJanice Davidson

Undead and Unworthy by MaryJanice Davidson


Seventh in the hilarious New York Times bestselling series featuring Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor - now with a hot new look.

The series New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan calls DELIGHTFUL, Wicked Fun "is looking hotter than ever"

No one does humorous romantic fantasy better than the incomparable MaryJanice Davidson (The Best Reviews), and nobody reigns over the undead with more savvy than her heroine Betsy Taylor, back to rule the nights as Vampire Queen--and survive the days as a new suburban bride. But it's not all marital bliss. Betsy's husband, Sinclair, has been perusing The Book of the Dead, Betsy's being hounded by a ghost who's even more insufferable in death than in life, and a pack of formerly feral vampires has decided to pay an unwelcome visit

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
I was not at all happy with this book. MJD mentions taking the next few books in a new 'arc' and I can only wonder if said arc is total mindlessness. I mean in past books, yes Betsy was ditzy, but at least everyone else had some sense and Betsy's ditziness was funny. In this book everyone seemed to loose what brains they once had. From Nick's constant, idiotic put downs of Betsy, to Sinclair's monosyllable comments I found the entire book to be mindless dribble. Worse yet it was not even humorous dribble. Just mindless.



Towards the end of the book I had a small glimmer that there may actually be a plot with Fiends, but even that went south (though I won't spoil it for those who make it that far by telling you why).



The ending seems to put Betsy on a new -- I am bad and everyone is going to know it -- path, but only time will tell how that will go.



I will read the next book, because I am a sucker and I previously enjoyed this series. But I really hope for the sake of this series that MJD puts a little more substance in the next book.


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The Chocolate Bear Burglary (Chocoholic Mystery, Book 2) by JoAnna Carl

The Chocolate Bear Burglary by JoAnna Carl


Synopsis

In this brand-new mystery by the author of The Chocolate Cat Caper, Lee McKinney and her Aunt Nettie, small-town chocolatiers, are about to unwittingly step into some big-time crime.

But a curious Lee won't rest until their chocolate shop-not to mention their lives-are out of danger.

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Chocoholic Mystery series and I am still not thrilled with the author's writing style. But I have been told by a reliable source that this series does get better, so I plan to stick it out.



I figured out 'whodunit' fairly early in the story. There really were no surprises. I find the main character to be a bit annoying, but was happy that the whole 'twisted tongue' thing was not as prevalent in this book as the last one.



Have #3 here on my TBR shelf so will continue to read this series in the hopes that it improves soon.


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Endurance (Stardoc #3) by S.L. Viehl

Endurance by S.L. Viehl


Synopsis

Colonel Shropana was willing to destroy the Jorenians just to capture Dr. Cherijo Torin for the Allied League of Worlds—so she felt little remorse for selling him out to brutal Hsktskt slave traders. But just as Cherijo made her escape, the man she once loved stabbed her in the back—and handed her over to the same slavers.

Alone, hated, and feared by her fellow slaves, Cherijo needs all her training to save those in need—a difficult task amidst the endless brutality of their captors, but a far better fate than being the League's guinea pig. As she struggles despreately to help those she can, Cherijo reminds herself that good doctors don't let personal vendettas stand in the way of duty. But then, most doctors aren't Cherijo Torin...

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another great book in the Stardoc series. First I have to say that I have really enjoyed this series so far. I love the characters and have enjoyed the storyline.



I do have a couple complaints about this particular book. My major complaint was that I found Cherijo's continuous 'escapes' and throwing herself right into danger again to be a bit much. The first few times okay, but then it just got to be a bit mundane --happening again and again.



I did guess who the traitor was fairly easily and I was certain of the twist with Reever long before it was revealed.



Those things being said I would still recommend this series of books to any sci-fi fans and intend to continue to read the series and in fact am looking forward to starting the next one soon!


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Beyond Varallan (Stardoc #2) by S.L. Viehl

Beyond Varallan by S.L. Viehl


Dr. Cherijo is living the perfect life-if you think that finding out you're a clone, then being declared "non-sentient" by your father/creator is your idea of perfect.

Things could be worse. But when the Human League comes after her, with bounty hunters of every race trying to bring her in, Cherijo figures it can't get any worse...

Until someone begins stalking her dreams.

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this second book in the Stardoc series as much as if not more than the first book. In this book Cherijo is adopted by the Jorenian and finds a place on one of their ships after being rescued from K-2. She makes friends and explores her feeling for Duncan Reever who has tagged along for a ride. She also discovers that there is a killer on board who has the ability to invade her dreams and assault her when she is asleep.



Between running from the League, who are determined to capture her and return her to her parent, and trying to solve the mystery of who on board her new home is murdering her friends, Beyond Varallan is a non stop action book. The characters are beautifully developed and the author has really outdone herself with this next book in the Stardoc series. With an unexpected ending and a twist that makes it absolutely necessary to start the next book in this series right away the author has me hooked.


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Stardoc by S.L. Viehl

Stardoc by S.L. Viehl


Dr. Cherijo Grey Veil is fed up with her life on Earth and with her cold, domineering father, Dr. Joseph Grey Veil. So she takes the first off-planet medical job she can find: a post in the Trauma FreeClinic on Kevarzangia Two, a world colonized by 200 different alien species, where human beings are definitely in the minority. She has never treated an alien in her life, but she's a talented doctor, and figures she'll wing it.

Arriving on K-2, Cherijo finds that her scant knowledge of alien medicine is only the beginning of her problems. Her boss hates her, and other colleagues are mistrustful. She runs afoul of various local customs, in part because she's too impatient to follow the rules (much as she hates her arrogant father, she has a hefty share of his physician's ego). The colony's chief linguist -- a handsome but creepy human named Reever -- has an annoying habit of trying to invade her mind with his telepathic powers. And her father, furious at her precipitous departure, is doing everything he can short of kidnapping to get her back.

Despite these difficulties, Cherijo manages to surmount medical challenges and make friends. But just as she's beginning to feel at home on K-2, a mysterious epidemic strikes the colony. Desperately, Cherijo races against time to find a cure. But there are many forces arrayed against her: the hostility of the powers that be on Earth, the fear and anger of the bewildered colonists -- and a terrible secret in her own past, which the epidemic may force her to reveal.

If you're one of those people who likes real science in your science fiction, Stardoc is probably not for you. This is SF in the Star Trek vein, with universal translators, alien races that breathe the same air and eat the same food, and some vague discussion of "molecular structure modification" to explain space travel. But if you're willing to suspend your disbelief and enter into the spirit of the thing, Stardoc is a rousing good yarn, with plenty of plot twists, inventive scene-setting, and quirky characters to keep readers thoroughly entertained. The convincing medical details (drawn from Viehl's own trauma centre experience) help to ground the more fantastic aspects of alien physiognomy so that they don't seem totally off the wall, and Cherijo's tart first-person narration gives the story a nicely sarcastic bite.

Viehl takes on some serious themes, including the extreme xenophobia of Earth, which has led to the passage of restrictive species-ist laws, and the question of what exactly makes a being sentient. But mostly Stardoc is a fun adventure story, with an appealing heroine, a lot of action, a sly sense of humour, and wonders aplenty.

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Totally enjoyed this book. Love the main character and the events that take place throughout the book. Can not wait to start the next book in the series to see what happens next.


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The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The Host: A Novel by Stephenie Meyer


The author of the Twilight series of # 1 bestsellers delivers her brilliant first novel for adults: a gripping story of love and betrayal in a future with the fate of humanity at stake.

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel that will bring a vast new readership to one of the most compelling writers of our time.

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. I have not read Meyer's Twilight series, but a friend loaned me this book and told me that I had to read it. I could not put it down and I have been reading it at every opportunity that I could steal for the last 48 hours.



This is a terrifying book as it deals with the invasion of Earth by an alien species and what could well be the extinction of human beings. But that is not what this book is about. This book is about what it is to be human and are the aliens the evil ones or are we? This is a very thought provoking book and as we get drawn further and further in to the struggle between Melanie - the human whose body we meet, and Wanderer -- the soul who has inhabited this body, we are torn between our outrage on Melanie's behalf and our compassion for what Wanderer is experiencing.



A wonderfully written book about good and evil, love and hate, and what it is to be human and alien. This book takes us on a journey to discover our own humanity. As we discover that human emotions and the ability to love, is our greatest strength and may be our only hope.


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The Chocolate Cat Caper (Chocoholic Mystery, Book 1) by JoAnna Carl

The Chocolate Cat Caper by JoAnna Carl


Looking for a fresh start, divorcée Lee McKinney moves back to Michigan to work for her aunt's chocolate business-and finds that her new job offers plenty of murderous treats to chew on.

When a high-profile defense lawyer dies after eating a cat-shaped chocolate laced with cyanide, it's up to Lee to find out who tampered with the recipe-before she and her aunt end up behind not-so-chocolate bars.

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
I am fairly new to the cozy mystery genre and I was a bit disappointed in this first book in the Chocoholic Mystery series.



I found the author's writing style to be amateurish. The main character was not that appealing and her speech problem (she tends to substitute the wrong word when speaking) was annoying. Instead of being a sleuth and actively working on solving this mystery she seemed to blunder upon clues, often without even realizing that they were clues. The ending was awful. lol



I do have the next two books in this series and I intend to give the next one a try, but if the author's writing does not improve I will probably drop this particular cozy series.


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Finder by Emma Bull

Finder by Emma Bull


American Library Association Best Books for Young AdultsVOYA Best Science Fiction, Fantasy amp; HorrorWelcome to Bordertown. A hybrid community of misfits, oddballs and runaways. Where humans, elves and halflings co-exist. Where magic and the brutal realities of survival clash and mix. For Orient and Tick-Tick, it's just home. Death and dark magic hang ov er the city. A seductive new drug lures young runaways to their destruction. A mysterious plague spreads through the streets. And beneath the clock tower on High Street, Bonnie Prince Charlie lies slain by an unseen hand. A cop named Sunny Rico exploits Orient's talent for finding objects to track the killer and leads both herself and him into the darker secrets of Elflands' immigrant citizens.

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Having just finished reading 'Elsewhere' & 'Nevernever', two other books set in Bodertown, I had a background of the setting and characters when I started this book. That made it enjoyable. This book was not quite as engrossing as the other two, but it was still a fun Borderland read. The story was very emotionally charged and that is what kept me reading. I do feel like I may have missed some of Tink & Orient's story in earlier Borderland books, that may have made this one even more interesting. But still it was a pretty good read and leaves me looking for the earlier Borderland books.


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Nevernever by Will Shetterly

Nevernever by Will Shetterly


Growing up is hard to do . . . especially if, like Ron, you've been cursed (blessed?) and changed into a half wolf/half human. But though he may look strange, there is nothing weird about his loyalty to his newfound friends, or in his attempts to stay true to himself in the deadly, shifting world of Bordertown.

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first thing that I need to mention is that it is a necessity that you read 'Elsewhere' by Will Shetterly before you read this book. This book is the direct continuation of the story of Ron/Wolfboy that begins in Elsewhere. That being said, I can say that I absolutely loved this book. I am not a true fan of the Borderland series and will be actively searching out the earlier books in the series.



The 'twist' in this book totally took me by surprise. I did not see it coming although it was the perfect wrap up of the story, imo.



Great read and highly recommend that you find as many of the Borderland books edited by Terri Windling as you can to read.


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Elsewhere by Will Shetterly

Elsewhere by Will Shetterly


When Ron runs away, he ends up in Bordertown, a grim city that lies between the real world and the world of faerie, a place where elf and human gangs stalk the streets side by side, and where magic works better than technology. If the city doesn't kill him, it just may teach him what it is to be human.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I had a little trouble getting into this book, but I would guess that it was because there are a number of books in the 'Borderland' series that come prior to this book. I would guess that they are loosely tied, but probably would have made it a little easier to get into this book. That being said, once I did get past the fact that I might have missed something prior to the events in the book it got GOOD. I love the characters and the idea behind Bordertown. I am looking forward to reading more about Ron/Wolfboy and all of his friends in the next installment- Nevernever.






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Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book #5) by J.R. Ward

Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward


In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other—six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Now, the cold heart of a cunning predator will be warmed against its will…

Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous, son of the Bloodletter possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father's war camp, he was tormented and abused. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time- until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that cannot include her...

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fantastic. Another great book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. This book is one of my favorites in the series. There is so much going on with all of the subplots that reading these books is like stepping into another world.



Loved hearing V's story, but even more, I really enjoyed where Ward has taken this series. There are so many things coming together, coming to light. It really is my favorite vampire series.






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Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book #4) by J.R. Ward

Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward


In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Now, an ally of the Black Dagger Brotherhood will face the challenge of his life and the evil of the ages.

Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard living, ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world- to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, found by a miracle, the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him...

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another fantastic book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.



I was thrilled to get to read Butch and Marissa's story. I liked Butch back in book one and was thrilled when the Brotherhood took him in. It was good to find out more about his background, and what about that conversation at the end of the book between his Mom and his sister. lol

Looking forward to reading more about the home that Marissa is putting together and the future of the Brotherhood now that Dhestroyer has joined them.

I really look forward to learning more about John as he gets closer to transition and I really like Rhev and want to learn more about him.

There is still so much left for Ward to reveal to us about the Brotherhood. I can't wait!


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Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book #3) by J.R. Ward

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward


In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely love this author's writing style. The way that she will inject a bit of humor, often in the most unlikely places, is wonderful. I find myself smiling, chuckling and often laughing out loud.
The Brotherhood books are a roller coaster ride of emotions. There are ups and downs. This book was without question heartbreaking, but the best of the series so far. The story of Z and Bella involves a lot of abuse, emotional as well as physical scarring and the overcoming of that abuse through love.
I love the subplots that the author has going. It never gets overwhelming, just very involved. The ongoing story of John/Darius and his acceptance into the Brotherhood is a wonderful part of the story. We are getting a glimpse at what it is like for these fierce warriors before the transition. When they are struggling with their identities, like so may real life teens these days. The story of Tohrent/Wellsie that we have been getting little glimpses of throughout the books so far is wonderful and heartbreaking. The way that the author is able to pull you in and make you feel like you are a part of these lives is fabulous. I could not put this book down. I had to keep reading to see what would happen next. I have to pick the next book up immediately to see what is going to happen now.
Love the Brotherhood and look forward to the next in the series. I am getting a little worried as I only have 2 more books in the series so far to read. What will I do when I am done?


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Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book #2) by J.R. Ward

Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward


In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Possessed by a deadly beast, Rhage is the most dangerous of the Black Dagger Brotherhood...

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetite. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin.

Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him. When Mary Luce is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world, she must rely on Rhage's protection. Knowing that Mary feels the same intense animal attraction, Rhage must make her his alone...

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another fantastic book in the series of the Black Dagger Brotherhood!



The story of Rhage and Mary was sad, sweet, and fun. We learned more about Rhage's curse and met a few new characters.



I am absolutely loving this series. Probably one of my favorite vampire series.


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Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book #1) by J.R. Ward

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward


In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There also exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Among them, none relishes killing their enemies more than Wrath, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood...

The only purebred vampire left on the planet, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But when one of his most trusted fighters is killed- orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate - Wrath must usher the beautiful female into the world of the undead…

Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn't there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of brotherhood and blood frighten her. But his touch ignites a dawning hunger that threatens to consume them both…

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I knew when I picked this book up that it was going to be a good read as I had seen all of the wonderful reviews. But WOW! I loved this book.

There was an immediate connection to the characters. So much so that I was heartbroken over a death in the first couple of chapters. I was drawn into the Brotherhood and involved in the storyline right away.

I love the interaction between the brothers. The author did a fantastic job developing the individual characters as well as the relationship between them.

There were times when I chuckled, laughed out loud and even got teary eyed reading this book.

I am thrilled to say that I have #2 sitting right here and will be devouring it now.


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Wyrd Sisters: A Discworld Novel by Terry Pratchett

Wyrd Sisters: A Discworld Novel by Terry Pratchett


From the Publisher

Witches are not by nature gregarious, and they certainly don't have leaders. Granny Weatherwax was the most highly regarded of the leaders they didn't have. But even she found that meddling in royal politics was a lot more difficult than certain playwrights would have you believe ...

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was another fun DiscWorld book. We get to know Granny Weatherwax better, as well as a couple of other DiscWorld witches as they save a future king and DO NOT meddle in the politics of the kingdom.



Death makes a brief appearance, which is always nice as he is my favorite DiscWorld character so far.



This book was not as good as some of the other DiscWorld books that I have read, but it was a fun jaunt in a small area of the Disc.


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Evil Reincarnate by Leigh Clark

Evil Reincarnate by Leigh Clark


From the Publisher
As murderer and sexual psychopath Tod Jarrow's pyschiatrist, Connie Stallman finds to her horror that she is inexplicably drawn to the seductive and enigmatic killer. She soon realizes that she can communicate with him on a level so intimate and deep that it seems to be telepathic. But how can she feel so close to a cold-blooded murderer?

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book ended up being a pretty good SS read.



Connie Stillman is a psychiatrist who believes that almost anyone can be helped, no matter the crimes they have committed. But when she encounters Tod Jarrow, a serial killer who mutilates his victims, she is drawn to him in a way that goes beyond a doctor/patient relationship. She finds herself on a journey that traverses time itself and she faces an evil worse than anything that she has every imagined before.



Not only her life, but the lives of her husband and children depend on her ability to understand what is happening to her and her ability to defeat an evil worse than the devil himself.




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13 Bullets (Vampires, Book 1) by David Wellington

13 Bullets by David Wellington


From the Publisher
All the official reports say they are dead-extinct since the late ’80s, when a fed named Arkeley nailed the last vampire in a fight that nearly killed him. But the evidence proves otherwise.

When a state trooper named Caxton calls the FBI looking for help in the middle of the night, it is Arkeley who gets the assignment-who else? He’s been expecting such a call to come eventually. Sure, it has been years since any signs of an attack, but Arkeley knows what most people don’t: there is one left. In an abandoned asylum she is rotting, plotting, and biding her time in a way that only the undead can.

Caxton is out of her league on this case and more than a little afraid, but the fed made it plain that there is only one way out. But the worst thing is the feeling that the vampires want more than just her blood. They want her for a reason, one she can’t guess; a reason her sphinxlike partner knows but won’t say; a reason she has to find out-or die trying.

Now there are only 13 bullets between Caxton and Arkeley and the vampires. There are only 13 bullets between us, the living, and them, the damned.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well the first thing that I can say about this book is that you could not possibly confuse it for an urban fantasy. This book is horror through and through.



The characters could have been a little better developed and the background could have been explained a little better, but over all this was a very interesting take on the whole vampire myth. Totally different from anyting that I have read before and I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.


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Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews


From the Publisher
Mercenary Kate Daniels cleans up urban problems of a paranormal kind. But her latest prey, a pack of undead warriors, presents her greatest challenge. [close] Mercenary Kate Daniels cleans up urban problems of a paranormal kind. But her latest prey, a pack of undead warriors, presents her greatest challenge. [close]

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent new urban fantasy series. This is much darker than the typical urban fantasy out there but quite enjoyable.



This story takes place in Atlanta, Georgia an undetermined number of years in our future. At a time when magic and technology coexist in a very unstable environment. A time when magic takes over for periods of time that causes technology not to work and even be destroyed by the waves of magic. A time when vampires are creatures that are used by humans as weapons and werecreatures are monsters that try to hold on to humanity by The Code.



The main character, Kate, is a bit of a mystery. A very powerful woman who fights evil, but on her own terms. She gets pulled into a battle when her Guardian is killed that leads to an alliance with The Lord of the Beasts, Curran, a werelion who is the King of the werecreatures.



An excellent read and I was very lucky that the second in the series 'Magic Burns' came up on my wishlist at PBS today and I should have it soon. Looking forward to it!!










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The Mammoth Book of Comic Fantasy by Mike Ashley

The Mammoth Book of Comic Fantasy by Mike Ashley


Synopsis
The very best in whimsical and hilarious fantasy writing, this collection features specially commissioned stories by such masters of the fanciful imagination as Rabelais and Swift, Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, P.G. Wodehouse, and James Thurber.


Includes stories by

Neil Gaiman
Tom Hold
Terry Jones
Terry Pratchett
Jane Yolen

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Let me start by saying that this is a huge book. There are only 512 pages, but it seems to go on forever. I think that this book would be enjoyed most if it was placed on a coffee table in your living room and picked up every now and again when you are in the mood for a short read. But to sit down and read it straight through was quite a chore.



I originally picked this book up solely for the Terry Pratchett Discworld story 'Troll Bridge'. But there are quite a few great stories in here. My favorite was probably 'A Fortnight of Miracles' by Randall Garrett -- but there were quite a few others worth mentioning --



Pizza To Go by Tom Holt

Death Swatch by Esther Friesner

Alaska by John Morressy

The Return of Mad Santa by Al Sarrantonio

Ruella in Love by Molly Brown



I know that there were others that I enjoyed as well, but these stick out.



Overall a fun read, but one that probably needs to be savored in small bites.


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Shock Rock by Jeff Gelb, Stephen King, Graham Masterton

Shock Rock by Jeff Gelb


Rock and Roll is Here to Slay...

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an anthology of short horror stories that all involve rock and roll music or rock and roll legends. Like all anthologies it has good stories and not so good stories. For the most part the stories were good with only a couple that were a waste of time.



My favorites were --



You Know They Got a Hell of a Band by Stephen King

Blood Suede Shoes by Ronald Kelly

Voodoo Child by Graham Masterton

Weird Gig by Ray Garton

Hide in Plain Sight by John L. Byrne



There are other stories that are good as well and overall a good book of short horror stories!


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The Chick and the Dead: A Pepper Martin Mystery #2 by Casey Daniels

The Chick and the Dead: A Pepper Martin Mystery by Casey Daniels


From the Publisher
Ever since the former rich girl-turned-Cleveland cemetery tour guide banged her head on a headstone, she sees dead people. Worse still, she hears them—and they won't shut up! Now it's Didi Bowman, a poodle-skirted relic from the Great Beyond, who's bending Pepper's ear, complaining that her famous author sister, Merilee, has done her wrong. Trouble is, if Pepper proves it, she'll break the hearts of millions of Merilee's fans. And if she doesn't, Didi's ghost may never go away.

Pepper needs peace and quiet (and rent money), so the cash-strapped ex-heiress agrees to take a job as Merilee's secretary and dig around the family tree. But when she unearths more than she bargained for—like an illegitimate daughter, a bunch of illicit love affairs, and a possible murder—suddenly a very poisoned pen is all set to write Pepper out of the story permanently.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another quick, cute book in the Pepper Martin series. If your looking for a fun, light read then this series is just right. Pepper is still ditzy, but getting a little better. The mysteries are fun and the read is quick. Looking forward to the next one.


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Don of the Dead: A Pepper Martin Mystery #1 by Casey Daniels

Don of the Dead: A Pepper Martin Mystery by Casey Daniels


From the Publisher
She sees dead people

Beautiful, smart, and chic, Pepper Martin never had to work a day in her life -- until her surgeon daddy was convicted of fraud, her wealthy fiancé took a powder, and the family fortune ran bone dry.

Suddenly desperate, the inexperienced ex-rich girl was forced to take the only job she could get: as a tour guide in a cemetery. But a grave situation took a turn for the worse when a head-on collision with a headstone left her with an unwanted ability to communicate with the disgruntled deceased . . . and now Pepper has a whacked Mafia don demanding that she hunt down his killers -- and threatening to haunt her until she does.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a light fun Paranormal Cozy. The main character, Pepper, is a bit ditzy. The author went a little heavy on the mob speak, but for the most part it was a good read.



It looks to be a good start to a series of cozy mysteries with Pepper Martin and I am looking forward to reading the next one.


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Heyoka Bood (A Heyoka Nation Mystery) by Hewitt Schlereth

Heyoka Bood by Hewitt Schlereth


From the Publisher
In a sleepy northern Atlantic harbor, a floating village of houseboats and fishermen remains the core of the small, oil-producing American Indian nation where governance remains traditionally entirely female. Hadrian Wallace, a mixed-blood Heyoka native, spends his days writing books and inspecting boats for insurance companies, enjoying a purposefully simple life. Until the body of an old flame, Ann Summerlune, is found floating nearby.

Unable to reconcile her death and his own regrets over events of their shared past, Hadrian begins to piece together Ann's final days, from the marriage he is certain she regretted to something alarming she discovered involving local oil reserves and illegal doings. Whatever she found was something big and bad enough to get her dead. A fate, he soon discovers, that may well be his own.

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was so-so. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't great either.

I was never able to connect with any of the characters. The mystery was hohum. There was a lot of boat talk, which should not be surprising considering the other books that this author has written. Overall, just a so-so read.


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Under Darkness (Darkwing Chronicles, Book #5) by Savannah Russe

Under Darkness by Savannah Russe


From the Publisher
The terrorist threat to America continues, but this time it's so top secret that only those in the highest circles of government know about it. As it unfolds, Daphne and the vampire spies, the Darkwings, become the first and only line of defense to save a city. Team Darkwing's assignment: decipher and defuse the terrorist plot. But Daphne gets distracted when vampire hunters storm the city. Is Darius, her hot-and-cold lover, behind their reappearance? This time, will he return to love Daphne or to commit the ultimate act of betrayal?

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Why do I keep reading these books. lol I absolutely despise this authors writing style, but I enjoy the adventures of the Darkwings enough to keep reading.



This one like the other books in the series deals with a threat to National Security, when the Intrepid, an old war ship, is stolen. The Darkwings must find out by who and why. Along with this mission they are also targeted by an army of vampire hunters and Daphne has to deal with the return of Darius.



Just when I have just about decided that this is the last Darkwing book for me, it gets interesting and ends on a note that makes me have to read the next one. Go figure. lol






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The Myth Hunters (The Veil, book 1) by Christopher Golden

The Myth Hunters by Christopher Golden


From the Publisher
In this enthralling new tale from bestselling author Christopher Golden, one man is drawn into a realm just across the veil from our own, where every captivating myth and fairy tale is true, the vanished exist–and every fear is founded….

Yielding to his father's wishes, Oliver Bascombe abandoned his dream of being an actor and joined the family law firm. Now he will marry a lovely young woman bearing the Bascombe stamp of approval. But on the eve of his wedding, a blizzard sweeps in–bringing with it an icy legend who calls into question everything Oliver believes about the world and his place in it….

Pursued by a murderous creature who heeds no boundaries, Jack Frost needs Oliver's help to save both himself and his world–an alternate reality slowly being displaced by our own. To help him, Oliver Bascombe, attorney-at-law, will have to become Oliver Bascombe, adventurer, hero–and hunted. So begins a magnificent journey where he straddles two realities…and where, even amid danger, Oliver finds freedom for the very first time

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was okay. It takes a while for the story to develop but it does finally come together and right about where the book ends it gets interesting. lol Now I have to read #2.



Oliver is a lawyer from a very wealthy family on the eve of his wedding. He is having doubts about rather he really wants to get married when he encounters Jack Frost (yep the one and only) who has been attacked by a Myth Hunter and needs Oliver to help him. In helping Frost escape the Hunter, Oliver is transported with Frost through the Veil, which keeps the world of the Borderkind (our myths and legends come to life) separate from our world.



This leads to quite and adventure as Oliver attempts to find a way to circumvent that automatic death sentence given to all Intruders, while he joins up with several Borderkind in an attempt to discover who has given the order for all of the Borderkind to be killed and why.



In the meantime The Sandman has escaped into our world and his first victim is Oliver's father. He abducts Oliver's sister to use as bait to lure Oliver to his death.



I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series 'The Borderkind' just to see what happens next.


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Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler

Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler


From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. The much-lauded Butler creates vampires in her 12th novel (her first in seven years) that have about as much to do with Bram Stoker's Dracula as HBO's Deadwood does with High Noon. They need human blood to survive, but they don't kill unless they have to, and (given several hundred years) they'll eventually die peacefully of old age. They are Ina, and they've coexisted with humans for millennia, imparting robust health and narcotic bliss with every bite to their devoted human blood donors, aka "symbionts." Shori is a 53-year-old Ina (a juvenile) who wakes up in a cave, amnesiac and seriously wounded. As is later revealed, her family and their symbionts were murdered because they genetically engineered a generation of part-Ina, part-human children. Shori was their most successful experiment: she can stay conscious during daylight hours, and her black skin helps protect her from the sun. The lone survivor, Shori must rely on a few friendly (and tasty) people to help her warn other Ina families and rediscover herself. Butler, keeping tension high, reveals the mysteries of the Ina universe bit by tantalizing bit. Just as the Ina's collective honor and dignity starts to get a little dull, a gang of bigoted, black sheep Ina rolls into town for a species-wide confab-cum-smackdown. In the feisty Shori, Butler has created a new vampire paradigm—one that's more prone to sci-fi social commentary than gothic romance—and given a tired genre a much-needed shot in the arm. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book by Octavia Butler that I have read but it will not be the last.



The main character of the story is Shori, an adolescent vampire, who has had her family destroyed and was almost killed herself in the process. Due to the severity of the injuries she wakes up in a cave with amnesia. This book takes us on a journey with Shori to discover first what she is, then after she finds out she is Ina (vampire) we follow along as she learns what it is to be Ina and how this very ancient race of beings lives. The story also takes us through Shori's fight to stay alive as those who killed her family continue to attempt to destroy her.



The entire idea behind the Ina and their symbiont and the way they live their lives is a very interesting take on vampirism. We are introduced to whole new way of viewing vampires and the way that they live, feed, and breed. Very interesting idea!!



The one complaint about the book that I have is that Shori, who is an adolescent vampire at 53 years of age, is in a body that resembles that of a 10 year old human child. But while her appearance is that of a child, she is in no way portrayed as a child. While we are continually reminded that Shori is in fact an adolescent vampire, we also see her involved in what we would view as very adult behaviors. The relationship between Ina and their symbionts is very sexual and I found it disturbing that there are many intimate scenes where the author makes sure that we know that the body of Shori is that of a child.


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Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn

Bar Code Rebellion by Suzanne Weyn


From the Publisher
Kayla has resisted getting the bar code tattoo, even though it's meant forfeiting any chance she'd had at having a normal life. Without the tattoo, she's an exile. But when someone very important sets about to bring her back in again -- WITH a tattoo -- Kayla finds herself a part of the resistence, where her unexpected allies and even more unexpected enemies include three clones of hers.

An edge-of-your-seat, teen's-eye-view thriller that merges the headlines of today with the world of tomorrow.

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I definitely enjoyed this second book much better than the first one.

While this book continues the story of Kayla's stuggle against that Bar Code Tattoo, it also takes a much more interesting science fiction turn with the addition of cloning and nanotechnology to the storyline.

A wonderful read well worth making your way through the first book to get to this one.




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The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn

The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn


From the Publisher
The bar code tattoo. Everybody's getting it. It will make your life easier, they say. It will hook you in. It will become your identity. But what if you say no? What if you don't want to become a code? For Kayla, this one choice changes everything. She becomes an outcast in her high school. Dangerous things happen to her family. There's no option but to run . . . for her life.Indivuality vs. conformity.. Identity vs. access. Freedom vs. control.The bar code tattoo.

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a very interesting look into a possible future. Many of the things in this book are things that we are faced with in right now in society. So much so that this book has a ring of possibilities to it. Thought provoking.



As for the story itself, it was just okay. I found the concept interesting but the writing was not great for me. Too many things just happened out of the blue to make it realistic. The turn that the book takes towards psychic ability, while it is an interesting concept, seems out of place. Just another on of those things that happens too convieniently in this book.



I will read the next book just to see how it all works out, since these are quick reads.


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Moonshine (Cal Leandros #2) by Rob Thurman

Moonshine by Rob Thurman


From the Publisher
After saving the world from his fiendish father's side of the family, Cal Leandros and his stalwart half-brother Niko have settled down with new digs and a new gig-bodyguard and detective work. And in New York City, where preternatural beings stalk the streets just like normal folk, business is good. Their latest case has them going undercover for the Kin-the werewolf Mafia. A low-level Kin boss thinks a rival is setting him up for a fall, and wants proof. The place to start is the back room of Moonshine-a gambling club for non-humans. Cal thinks it's a simple in-and-out job. But Cal is very, very wrong.

Cal and Niko are being set up themselves-and the people behind it have a bite much worse than their bark...

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this second book more than the first. The characters have been developed and the storyline was interesting.



When Cal's would be girlfriend, George-- a psychic-- is kidnapped, Cal, Niko and their friends are forced into a battle with the Kin. The Kin are werewolves who rule the city. As Cal and group chase after a crown with unknown powers they are forced to battle all sorts of monsters, some of their own making.



A very good read and I am looking forward to the next in the series.


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Nightlife (Cal Leandros book 1) by Rob Thurman

Nightlife by Rob Thurman


From the Publisher
In New York, there's a troll under the Brooklyn Bridge, a boggle in Central Park, and a beautiful vampire in a penthouse on the Upper East Side. Of course, most humans are oblivious to this, but Cal Leandros is only half-human. His father's dark lineage is the stuff of nightmares-and he and his entire otherworldly race are after Cal.

He and his half-brother Niko have managed to stay a step ahead for three years, but now Cal's dad has found them again. And Cal is about to learn why they want him, why they've always wanted him: He is the key to unleashing their hell on earth. The fate of the human world will be decided in the fight of Cal's life....

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have been reading a lot of Urban Fantasy books lately an this one was pretty good. The premise is a little different than most. Instead of being about a hero who is out to save the world from the monsters, we have a monster who is running to save himself. Or at least that is what he thinks.



Cal is a half breed. A one of a kind. He is half human and half Auphe, which is an elf, but a very dark version of an elf. Cal grows up with his older half-brother, Niko, taking care of him, knowing that he is different, but not really knowing why or how. One day when he is 14 years old he finds out exactly what he is and why he was created. From that point on he and Niko are on the run for their lives.



Eventually the Auphe catch up with them in New York City and a full scale war ensues. Then the world saving kicks in.



A good read, with a very interesting character change up about 2/3 of the way through, which I thought was interesting and brave on the part of the author.



Quite a few very interesting characters who I became involved with and want to hear more about. Looking forward to the next book, which I am starting now.


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