Books SERIES Review: The Loving Husband Trilogy by Meredith Allard

Book Series Titles: "Her Dear And Loving Husband", "Her Loving Husband's Curse", "Her                                      Loving Husband's Return".

Author:  Meredith Allard

Genre: Paranormal/Historical/Romance

I found this series interesting to read.  It taught me things about history that I didn't know. The first book relates to the Salem Witch Trials, and talks about how people were treated and how accused, regardless of their innocence.  The second book takes us to the Trail of Tears, showing us the atrocities that young immigrants to the "The New World" executed upon the Natives who had been living here for generations.  The third book takes us to the horrible reasons, and lack of humanity that was set upon American Citizens during WW2 at the Japanese Internment Camps.  I learned quite a lot about each of these subjects that were simply skimmed over in school, ANY school I attended, and I am a college graduate.

As you are being taught about each of these historical events, a story about a Vampire, a reincarnated wife, witches and werewolves are all intertwined.

The story is heartbreaking at times, but the love that continually flows through the book for family and friends, relates back to the old adage of Karma.  If you've treated people well, even when times are tough, when they get tough for you, those people who you've helped will almost inevitably help you.

There's a little romance, not really graphic.  The story gets exciting where it's suppose to, sad where it's suppose to.  I just kind of feel like the author, towards the end of each book, just didn't know how to to tie the story off.  I felt the last book, in particular could have ended three chapters before the epilogue.  

Though I liked the series as a whole, I was underwhelmed when I got to the end.  Instead of wishing there was more, I remember thinking, "Thank Heavens, I can read a different book now."  

2.5 out of 5 bookmarks for the entire series.  

Book Review: Virginia Creeper by Blaine Pardoe

Book Title:  Virginia Creeper
Book Author: Blaine Pardoe
Book Genre: Non-Fiction Horror


I have to admit this....  I have NEVER read a book, and have that book give me nightmares.  NEVER!  It actually took me more than two to three days to read this book. Which I burn through books pretty fast because I read so much and so many at a time. BUT, while reading this one, I literally had to put it down at times.  The visual images you get from this book are created by the fantastic telling of this true story.  Add to the fact that the characters were real people and the facts were taken from actual record, you get creeped out.  

The telling of the story, I'm sure, helped those who are still left after such a story has transpired.  The ritualistic ceremonies, the research into history to find the meanings of symbols, and the strangeness of things that happen, even to the author and his family.  

Virginia Creeper is the name of a plant that once it gets a hold of something to grow on to, is quite difficult to kill, thus is the way of the person in this story who cannot tell his secrets.  He can give you clues though!  Each one, making the case more and more creepier...  like a Virginia Creeper.  

Murder, Native American Rituals, Small Towns where everyone knows everything and going into the hardware store is an excuse to visit for the day, like the good 'ol days.  A big mountain with a history back to the colonial times...  

You like Horror... try this non-fiction on for size.  See if you can get a good night's sleep while you read it, knowing it's all true...

5 out 5 Bookmarks (Because I actually had nightmares!)

Book Review: BLACKWATER (Book 1, Blackwater Witches Series) by Tara Brown

Book Title:  BLACKWATER (Book 1, Blackwater Witches Series)
Book Author:  Tara Brown
Genre: Supernatural Thriller


This book is placed in the 60's, in the deep South of Louisiana.  Debutantes attending "Finishing School" to learn how to make the perfect tea sandwiches, Politics, Arranging Marriages to move the family name up into the higher echelons of governmental authority. Regardless of whether or not children marry for love, or even if they may be in harms way.  I learned quite a bit from that first part of the book.  

The characters in this story are built up quickly, and the reader becomes fond of them creating the bond that allows the author to play with the mind of the reader a bit.  When that door is open to the imagination, almost anything can and usually does happen, when the book is written correctly.  This one is!  We fall in love with Lorelei.  She's a teenager hearing voices in her dreams, warning her of evil coming.  She wakes frequently.  

We met her best friend, who in the time frame we're meeting him, is simply known in "society" as her driver.  They tell each other almost everything.  Almost.   Ramon calls her a Goddess, and does everything in his power to keep her safe.

Her best girlfriend attends school with her.  She's, deep down, a party girl, but loyalty and friendship are hand in hand for her, and she'd do anything for Lorelei.  Anything.  Angie is the best girlfriend any girl could ask for, almost like a sister.  They share secrets at school and talk about everything.  Almost everything.

Lorelei's parents are polar opposites.  She's a "daddy's girl".  When she's arguing with her mother, she petitions her father, like all girls do when they're "daddy's girl".  Her mother, prides herself on her looks, prides herself on her status, her money, her china, her entertaining skills, yet she doesn't pride herself about Lorelei.  She's constantly putting her down, calling her names.  She also has her husband, to make her look good.  But when she doesn't get her way, wait.. she always seems to get her way.

Daddy is a work-a-holic.  But he enjoys a good party like any man.  And being doted on by the women, well, that's part of living in the South!  Bourbon in one hand and Cigar in the other after dinner, while the women go to the parlor to giggle and chat.  

Lorelei's sister also gets her mother's wrath, but not as often.  Being younger, she has yet to be entered into to society as Lorelei has.  She has yet to experience the side of their mother, that Lorelei has.  The mean, wicked side that stops at nothing to get what she wants.

All these characters line up for the dance that is book one in the Blackwater Witches Series.  I adored the Southern Drawl written into the book.  I loved the interactions between friends, the sadness shared, and other things.  I absolutely love that Lorelei learns new things, and finds herself.  But she doesn't like it because it came it at a high cost.  A very high cost.  But, love isn't free in the debutante world of the South, is it?

I guarantee if you read this book, you'll not want to put it down.  It's fast-paced, filled with action and emotion, a little supernatural "ju-ju" courtesy of Louisiana and a little town, a little river, and a little house with a lot of it. ("Ju-Ju" that is.) When you get to the end, quicker than you thought you would, you'll go searching for the second book, knowing it's a series.  May I suggest you read some of Tara's other books, as it seems she's leaving us hanging for a bit!  GO READ THIS NOW!!

4.8 out of 5 Bookmarks

New Year!

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday Season!  I took the end of November off to enjoy my family and December was surgery month for me!  If any of you suffer from Chronic Back/Neck pain (I have a cage at L4-L5 and a fusion that didn't take all the way at L5-S1) and medications aren't helping it all the way, perhaps what I have had newly installed would help you!  Otherwise, I won't get into the "guts" of the deal, let's get on with some reviews!

Book Title: NOS4A2
Author: Joe Hill
Genre: Horror/Mystery

This Christmas themed thrill ride surprised the heck out of me!  As I read it, I kept thinking of other people I could share this book with who love horror and mystery scary things like I do.  Not that you'd get that from the books I've reviewed thus far, but I really do like a good scare.  This book took it to a "oh my gosh" level.

Children...  they always love Christmas.  So, this story begins NOT at Christmas.  But it spans through time..LOTS of it.  By the title of the book, I assumed this was going to be a "devil" to read. (Yes, pun intended.)  As I read through the book, yes the "bad guy" is bad, and there's definitely some "supernatural" stuff about him.  But we're wondering if he's the "devil".  Which is great, because the twists, turns, dancing, laughing, tears, screams, blood, death....  the ride we take is out of this world!  This book is definitely an adult thrill ride.

Of course, as per the pedigree of *all* horror stories...  There's always that one person or thing at the end, that leaves you wondering..."Is it really all over?"  But to get to *that* part, you'll have to read through the story of manipulations, murder, mayhem, scary looking kids, and kids not so scary but scared.  This my friends, is a definite must read, if you're into the scary side of book-ville!

4 out of 5 Bookmarks

Book Review: Renegade by Andrew Chapman

Book Title:  Renegade (Book 3 in the Ministry of Paranormal Research and Defence)
Author:  Andrew Chapman
Genre: Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Action


Because of the previous books, I will state : SPOILER ALERT!!!

This is the third installment in the series about Vampires, Werewolves, Black Ops, Defunct Politics and the list goes on.

I've been waiting for a while for this installment, and Andrew didn't fail to deliver!  Our protagonist, Jack "Pagan", has taken an actual vacation from the ministry.  He and his Mate, Marie are truly enjoying themselves.  But something terrible happens that ensures that Jack will definitely be spilling some Vampire Blood.

As usual, Jack and his armaments are quite fond of each other, so we get lots of information about what he's using and how it's being used.  We also see what happens, when Jack loves unconditionally.  

The story ends up coming to the USA from Great Britain, leaving Jack with no authority of any kind. From there we're kept at a fast pace with lots of great detail about where and who we're meeting.  Why we're there and who exactly is in charge of trying to do the nefarious things the Vampires are doing.

Andrew has written this book from a duel view.  Usually the books are from Jack's point of view.  This is written from both Jack and Marie's point of view.  Therefore, we're flipping back and forth, and it was quite refreshing to hear Marie's thoughts.  It was easy to keep up and understand more about werewolf pack politics.  Along with the beliefs of the people in the USA vs those over the pond.  

The story flows freely, as does Jack's anger, which is usually kept in check.  But this, is personal.  However, Andrew has done it yet again..  I'm left at the end feeling like there should be more... 

I bought the book the minute it was available and had it finished the next morning.  I've read it twice already, and the ending.. UGH.  I hope we're not left hanging for a long time, or Jack might die..  and no one would ever know.  (laugh)  

Great book for the series and I look forward to many more!  I wish it was longer though.  

4 out of 5 bookmarks

Book Review: Insight (The Insight Series) by Jamie Magee

Book Title:  Insight (The Insight Series)
Book Author:  Jamie Magee
Genre: Sci-Fi


Quite an interesting take on what people see, or...  what they don't see.

As the name of the book indicates, Insight is that little peek into anything - another person, another place, another time.  Is it a dream?  Is it real?  

This book grabs you right at the beginning.  You immediately have feelings that you can identify with, and as the story progresses, the twists and turns throw your for a head spin. The characters are perfectly written so that you can "see" right away what the characters themselves are explaining to others as they go along.  

The antagonist of this story will give us a nice momentum through the series.  This book gives us a glimpse at that, but does more explaining and getting to know characters and forge relationships than it does to really make the guy seem like he's intimating to the point that he's explained to be.  

Looking forward to more!

4 out of 5 Bookmarks

Book Series Review of the Elemental Enmity Series by Christie Rich

Book Title(s):  Five (#1), Dark Matter (#2), Genesis (#3), Horizon (#4), all in the Elemental Enmity Series
Author:  Christie Rich
Genre: Fantasy/Action/Love Story

I'm putting all the books together in one review because I think it would make for a more coherent understanding of the series as a whole, at this point.

This story is a coming of age story, mixed with the bonds of friendship, love, lies, magic, and some chivalry thrown in for good measure.

I enjoyed the series and truly hope the author is going to add on to it, as she seems to indicate she might at the ending.

There were a few problems I had.  First, the author was able to aptly describe the countenance of almost every character, except for a couple, which to me, were Rayla the lead female, and Heath one of her suitors and eventually her champion at one point.  All I can tell you about Heath is he has a dimple, stands a little taller than Rayla and has dark hair.  For some reason I was only able to visualize him as one of the main dwarfs from Lord of the Rings, just taller, braid and all.  The ability to describe the architecture and surroundings was beautiful and I was able to completely visualize it. The characters were difficult, though their personalities were defined a little better than their countenance, I was still left scratching my head at times.  The characters are in their 20s, which gave their actions merit given their lack of experience at times.  And there are quite a few characters to keep up with.

There were questions not answered (MANY!), especially with the final book of the series.  I thought the whole "climactic end" would help answer those questions I had and then I read the epilogue, hoping IT would finish that for me, but unfortunately, I really couldn't keep up with it.  There were so many questions when I got to the end and it said: "The End (Or Is It?)" I was hopeful that my answers would come in a next book.  

Regardless of the "huh?" moments I had, the books had some good story telling, action sequences, tension and overall I was pleased with how the books came together as one cohesive book in total, rather than four separate books.  What I mean by that, is that the transitions from one book to the other were seamless, making the storytelling so easy to follow from one book to the next.  Usually in a series, the first chapter or two, we're trying to catch those who haven't read the previous books, up to where the current book begins.  However with this series the next book, starts off where the last book ended.  Love that.

I would definitely recommend the series, just have a better memory than I or take notes, because there are so many Kings, Queens, Lords, Under Lords and other things you may get your characters mixed up, which is what happened with me, quite frequently I'm afraid.


4 out 5 bookmarks for the series   

Tegan's Blood by L.H. Cosway

Book Title: Tegan's Blood (The Ultimate Power Series # 1)
Author: L.H. Cosway
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy


Tegan's Blood was a freebie and I'm glad I got it.  Not only could I truly NOT put it down once I started it, it was a "quick read" for me, which helps when you're dealing with things that life throws at you.

I found the character of Tegan to be very real, going through a very emotional time, suffering the loss of a loved one.  It didn't seem contrived to me, what she is feeling is real.  Her friends characters are also as real.  They act the same way anyone would given the situation that Tegan is currently living through.  

I found the story emotionally engaging and I have to say, I was thrown by the character of Ethan.  I'm just not understanding him at all.  Ethan is not as well written as the other characters, other than knowing his age, looks, and that he "explains" this version of how this author believes that vampires are "made" and dhamphirs are "made".  Ethan also comes from a well respected Vampiric family, and this is basically all you get, except that his moods are mercurial.  I understood a body guard's character better than Ethan, who is suppose to be a "main" character.

There was quite a bit of mystery, which was fun and I enjoyed the bits and pieces of magic thrown in for good measure.  Starting the second in the series... so obviously, I liked it enough to purchase the second...  ;)

3.5 out of 5 Bookmarks

A MODERN WITCH SERIES BY DEBORA GEARY

I don't think I've ever commented on the Modern Witch series simply because sometimes, I like to read something and just enjoy it, without having to make notes, or be as vigilant to the "necessaries" for my review.

But, I HAVE to say something about Debora's latest in the series, A Lost Witch.  If you're not familiar with the series, I suggest you start it as soon as you can with A Modern Witch.  You'll meet a wonderful family of witches and non-witches, loving, open, warm and accepting.

With A Lost Witch, the family has a bit of "lost witch" on their hands.  I cried so hard throughout this book, because of the love emanating off the pages for the characters of this book and the characters that have been in the series since the beginning. Debora has such a gift with not only this series but she's got companion series as well that work within the Modern Witch series itself.

You will become so wrapped up in the Sullivan family, as well as the aunts, uncles, cousins, friends...  that you will literally feel like a member of the family.  I LOVE the series, and I just can't keep it to myself anymore.  If you like a little whimsy, some fantastical beliefs of a little witchcraft, and well told story of not only individuals but of an accepting family who takes everyone in, and showers them with acceptance and love, go get the first in the series, A MODERN WITCH.  If you've already been reading it, Go get A LOST WITCH now...  You'll fall in love with the series even more than you already have!

The series for me is 5 out 5 bookmarks.

Book Title: Slaves of Valhalla (The Prometheus Wars - Book 2)

Book Title:  Slaves of Valhalla (The Prometheus Wars - Book 2)
Author:  Luke Romyn
Genre: Historical/Sci-Fi/Mystery


Slaves of Valhalla leaves off directly where Beyond Hades leaves off....  kinda. ;)  We still have Greek Mythology, however Norse Mythology is now added as well.  The characters are as loveable/laughable as they were in the first book.  The ability to laugh and cry in five minutes while reading, is a major feat.  

As a woman, in both books I can tell, Mr. Romyn was a "Mr." and not a "Ms.".  As I've said before, I do not read the name of the author until I'm finished reading the book.  In my Kindles I have books listed by NAME only.  I find a title I like, and start reading.  Mr. Romyn seems to really like his guns and toys. He really goes into some detail about all the guns and toys, names, makes, models, etc.  I mean, in some cases that's necessary.  But to the layman...  I don't care.  You shoot a GUN.  It has bullets.  I don't need to know when it was made, the model of it and how it fits in your hand.  I need to know if it's a pistol or a rifle, simply because I know how each shoots.  The caliber of the gun might be good to know, because that indicates the damage the gun might inflict as well as being automatic or semi-automatic. However I really don't like hearing a paragraph about how this gun makes you feel _______ (fill in the blank).  I've read a couple other books that go into some really deep detail about the weapons used, and yes, they were written by men too.  I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just saying, I can tell the difference.  Moving on...

I was able to tell through this book (which was much shorter than the first) that Mr. Romyn's knowledge of Norse Mythology was not as well versed as his knowledge of Greek Mythology, which leads me to wonder why Norse Mythology was used.  There were so many other ways the book could have gone, interspersing the Norse Mythology within the story, given the superstitions and Celtic/Pagan Beliefs of the time.  Instead, some token comments were made, and had people in the book not mentioned certain things that were indicative of the time and beliefs, you wouldn't have a clue Norse Mythology was even the back drop for the story.

The ending, for me, was a shocker.  At first I just sat there, going, "no way".  Then after thinking on it, it made sense to me.  The "series" seems pretty much finished by the end of this book though.  So, I'm wondering why they're marketed as a "series" instead of just "Books 1 & 2" but I'm not the author nor am I the publisher.  Unless of course, there's more coming, and I'm thrilled if there are.  I just hope the setting under which they're suppose to be has as much detail as the first book, rather than the second book.  When you're talking Mythology of any kind, and intertwining it in a story, really put it in there, don't just stick your toe in the water and find it's too cold to jump in all way.  If more research is needed, then do it.  If you can't get the characters to meld in that time frame, you another time frame.  But don't let the book and story suffer because there just isn't enough meat to go with the potatoes.

3.5 out of 5 Bookmarks  (Because I really liked the ending.)

Book Review: Beyond Hades (The Prometheus Wars- Book 1) by Luke Romyn

Book Title:  Beyond Hades (The Prometheus Wars - Book 1)
Author:  Luke Romyn
Genre:  Sci-Fi/Historical/Mystery


This was yet another Indie Freebie.  I'm so glad there are so many independent authors finding their way into my Kindle!  I'm getting to read MANY different authors and MANY different genres, though I'm sure in the "genre" category it doesn't seem like it on the blog.  LOL

I really liked this book.. REALLY liked this book.  The characters, wow...  The characters are interesting, deeply thought out, funny and inspiring.  The bad guys...  well, they are GREAT bad guys!  Luke Romyn has taken Greek Mythology, a bloke from Australia and a Paleontologist and made a fast paced, emotion packed, rollercoaster ride!  Then on top of that, you also get a lesson in history.  I LOVE BOOKS THAT DO THIS!  

This is a unique book, in many senses of the word.  I mean, what would you do if you met Prometheus?  How about Zeus?  Hades himself?  Are they even real?  Could our own government know of an existence beyond where they DO exist?  Such an intriguing book I had to immediately buy the second book in the series!  So, first one's free... second one I actually paid for.  I think those that like Greek Mythology, mysteries, and a ticking time clock you have to beat, this is definitely a good read for you!

4 out of 5 Bookmarks

Book Review: On the Edge of Humanity by S. B. Alexander

Book Title:  On the Edge of Humanity (a Vampire SEAL novel)
Author:  S. B. Alexander
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal/Mystery/Action/Young Adult


I read the title "A vampire SEAL novel" and thought "gimme a break".  Since this was a Freebie from Book Basset, I figured I'd read it just because it gave me something to do.

Josaphine "Jo"  and Sam Mason who are fraternal twins, have been in the Foster Care system for years.  Their Mother died and their alcoholic father abandoned them.  Jo is shy, with beautiful silver eyes, flawless skin and shiny hair.  Sam has girls fawning all over him, but he sees nothing but baseball and trouble, usually because he's protecting his sister.  She is always being picked on by one person or another, and he has the wrap sheet to prove it.  

At their latest Foster Home, Jo is pretty much seen as a "slave" to the "foster mom" so she can go out, or sew or whatever.  Her "foster father" has already tried one time to molest her in the short time they've been there, but his wife walked in and nothing happened.  Tonight feels different though.  She's looking for something to protect herself, because Sam isn't home from baseball practice yet, and finds a wine opener. She pricks her finger trying to see if it's sharp enough to cause harm.  She sticks her bleeding finger in her mouth and finds that it tastes like watermelon candy.  That freaks her out a bit, but it doesn't stop her from going to her room.  As she's getting ready to go to sleep Cliff, her "foster father" enters, drunk, smelly, and tells her she's not getting away this time.  Her fear level is spiking, and she tries to protect herself, but it doesn't work, he has a knife and he's using it.  In comes her brother, bat at the ready.  Cliff puts the knife to his beautiful sister's face, and tells him not to do it, she'd be scarred for life.  He does, and Jo has a slash on her face.  She and Sam both end up with Cliff's blood all over them and in their mouths.  Then she blacks out from the amount of blood she's lost from her stab wounds.  

The story from here, gets frenetic at times!  Sam and Jo must escape the hospital because for some reason, there's some big burly guy with FANGS chasing them.  When back at school some military people show up, they bring Jo to the office to talk to them, but Sam's missing.  This is when Jo finds out the truth.  She's a vampire going through "adolescence."  As it's explained to her, she's also told her father is a member of an elite SEAL team, the same one they're members of, and her father disappeared around the time Jo was attacked.  

And now we know how the SEALS are involved...  kinda.  To get the rest of this intriguing story, you'll have to read it.  I'm gladly looking for the second installment.  This one had me on the edge of my seat, a lot.  But we also find, Jo isn't as powerless as she thinks she is.  There were a few strings left hanging at the end of this book and I hope they're covered in the next book...  I also hope Sam's best friend and Jo's savior, finds a way to become part of the team he's been wanting to be on since he was a kid.  He deserves it.  Thank you S. B. Alexander for an entertaining read that left me wanting to see someone serve justice by a Father's Love, and for leaving us some very interesting things to think about for the next book in the series!

4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks

 

Book Review: The Bite That Binds by Suzanne Wright

Book Title:  The Bite That Binds (The Deep In Your Veins Series)
Author:  Suzanne Wright
Genre:  Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT


The war is over.  Jared, being The Heir, as well as Co-Commander of a Legion of the best army of vampires, has decided to change his ways and in a move so uncharacteristic of him, laid a claim, loudly, visually and without regard to the outcome.  Even if he can no longer be The Heir to the "vampire throne".  All for the love he never thought he could never feel for someone.  

She took him by surprise.  Never before did someone NOT fall at his feet, begging to be "The Heir's Consort".  Never before has his authority been questioned.  Never before has he gotten so angry, yet so excited in the same breath.  Never before was he so scared to loose anyone as much as his brother, or Antonio.  All he can think about, is her.  

Sam doesn't take much.  She's a born fighter.  She had to be, in order to survive, let alone become a member of the Legion, and now, prove she is worthy of a love like she's found, because she's a Svente, the weakest vampire in the vampire world.  Regardless of her standing within the Legion or even with the Grand High Vampire, Antonio, she must fight and claw to constantly prove she's worthy to go through a binding ceremony to a vampire of higher status.

Dreams...  Sam keeps having the same dreams...  over and over again.  Waking up in her living room.  She's informed there is a Svente gift known as "dream walking", and because of who she is, someone may be reaching out to her for help.  The Legion Squad she Co-Commands is sent to investigate, and yes, something is terribly wrong.  Vampires are being used as medical experiments.  The squad gets in, and talks to the Svente who sent for Sam.  Then, while fighting Sam is hit, and someone says, "You'll be glad we did it."  And they leave.  Just when Sam needs her gifts the most, they go on the blink.  No one is sure what they did to Sam.  All Sam knows, is it hurt.

There are other stories going on as well...  Suzanne Wright has added to her first book, "He Be Sexist Vampires", and expounded on what she's already created and made it better than it was.  Impressive.  The first book had me happy at the ending, this book had me feeling fear, anger, happiness.  I laughed, I cried... and it takes a damn good author to take you through a story and make you FEEL what the characters are feeling.  To be able to write so well that you're literally in the room watching and feeling the density of the air with the characters.  

Sam is an extraordinary character, and I can't wait to read more about her exploits!  Write on Suzanne, WRITE ON!!!

5 out of 5 Bookmarks

Book Review: Here Be Sexist Vampires

Book Title:  Here Be Sexist Vampires (The Deep In Your Veins Series)
Author:  Suzanne Wright
Genre:  Sci-Fi/Paranormal/ADULT


I was nicely surprised by this book, and I now will concede there are a million and one ways to write about vampires and werewolves and all other things preternatural, and not write about the same thing twice.  Unless, of course you're talking about what essentially MAKES them a vampire, the consumption of blood.

Suzanne Wright has written us a world where there are three breeds of vampire.  Each vampire is "born" with a "gift" or preternatural ability.  Some of these "gifts" are breed specific.  There are some very, very rare "gifts" that happen so infrequently people are simply astounded by them and are willing to do anything to have control over the vampire who has such "gifts", if control is possible.  

The breeds ; Pagori, are the strongest in physicality and they're gifts as well as the breed are considered Superior in the order of things.  They are, however, prone to strong blood lust that can, at times, be uncontrolable.  Keja are the second strongest in physicality and are the basis for where the belief that vampires can "glamor" someone with their looks come from, as they are quite ethereal and beautiful. They too suffer from having a rather strong blood lust, yet not as strong as the Pagori.  Then we have the Svente, who are regarded as the weakest, not as "pretty" and they aren't even blessed with fangs.  The things they have in their corner are that they are the most agile and they have the most controllable blood lust.

The story begins with a young Svente Vampire, both in human and vampire years.  Her sire is abusive, going as far as having her watch him kill small children if she does not do what he wants her to, including being his consort.  He's cruel and vindictive, he has her guarded day and night and users her to fight while he gambles on her, knowing she will win.  She inherited the "gift" of being a "feeder" when he turned her.  This means, she can at will take the energy from the Earth or from those around her and bend them to her whim.  This is usually a Pagori gift, a very, VERY rare gift, and most who have it, die from it because they cannot control the amount of energy they wield.  Samantha "Sam", can control it without difficulty, and because of the way she was turned, the way her sire uses her and the way she chooses to deal with life as a fighter, rather than a victim, she's learned to control what she can, which is her "gift", and she learned that quickly.

As she's coming home from the market one day, she smells a vampire she doesn't know in her house.  Yet her sire's guards don't seem to have a problem with whoever it is, so she doesn't say anything.  She then meets Sebastian, a Master Vampire, and personal assistant to the Grand High Vampire and Leader of all things Vampire, Antonio.  He offers her the chance to try-out to join Antiono's elite Legion, his "Personal Army", who not only serve to protect Antonio, but does his bidding as well, when someone breaks the rules/laws.  Sam explains that her sire would never let her go, and Sebastian explains that he's watched her for some time, and that if she were to make it into the Legion, her sire would have nothing to say about it because Antonio "trumps" her sire.  She figures, what harm could it do, and she'll be back before her sire even knows it.

The try outs include several Pagori and Keja males, at which time she's told that there are NO females in the Legion let alone SVENTE!  The commanders include three people Jared is the one charge and he puts her down and tries to talk her out of trying out, as do the other men who are also trying out.  She continues on, persistent to show them not to take her lightly.  The fighter in her is coming out.  She's strong willed and knows her agility out performs the breeds.  She's very smart and her unique ability as a "feeder" will help her.  Then she smells blood.  Lots of different kinds of blood.  She has no problem smelling them and controlling her blood lust, but the Pagori's eyes are glowing, their fangs are distending.  The Keja's are a little better.  Some vampires are falling already.  The second test is speed.  She's not the fastest, but she passes the second test, with flying colors.  The third test is to use their powers in a duel.  This is where they find, she's a "feeder".   She's SURE she's made it to the Legion.  When she finds Jared and the other commanders have not accepted her.  She gets angry and tries to leave, when Antonio calls her to him and she is appointed as Co-Commander to Jared's new Legion. There is a war coming and he thinks with her special abilities the new trainees need to use their powers quicker and better, before all hell breaks loose. 

And thus begins the relationship and the saying "here be sexist vampires"! 

The story is compelling and I found myself smiling, laughing, and really liking all but a couple people.  I liked the book so much I finished and bought the second book in the series and finished that right away.  I loved the gullibility of the characters, and the way each play off each other.   I loved the genuine character flaws, the way the feelings of "gifts" being used, and the way this particular world of the vampire was imagined.

Also, the writer of the story is from the UK, and Sam is written as being from the UK whereas others in the book are written as being from other places, like California.  I adored the fact that Sam is written as a British Character and Jared, being a Californian didn't use the same colloquialisms that Sam did, though there were a couple places where, being a California Native myself, I can tell the writing was off a little, for the most part, Suzanne did a wonderful job!  Everyone has the correct use of language for their ethnicity and for the part of the world they come from, be it the UK, the US, Greece, etc.  It was nice to have someone write a book with that in mind.  I also enjoyed and learned a few bits of UK slang, I didn't know before!  LOL  

I truly look forward to more books in this series.

4.5 bookmarks out of 5




 

Book Review: The Warrior's Bride by Gerri Russell

Book Title:  The Warrior's Bride (The Stone of Destiny Series)
Author:  Gerri Russell
Genre:  Historical Romance


First and foremost..  yes be stunned...  it's not vampires or werewolves!  

OK, After reading this book, I actually had to think a couple days about what I wanted to writet in this review.  This is one reason why, when I read a book or books, I have a nice spiral notebook next to me and/or I make notes in my Kindle at certain spots to go back and look at things to remind me about what point I wanted to think about.  As I took my notes I thought about the story in and of itself.  I thought about the historical aspect of it.  I thought about the way people spoke in the time that the story is suppose to take place and more importantly WHERE.  I thought about the beliefs of people in this particular time frame and whether or not what was going on was plausible.  Because if it's not plausible, your story isn't quite believable then, is it?

Being of what I believe to be an Irish/Scottish heritage (I say "believe to be" because I'm adopted and that's what's on my birth certificate.  My Birth Mother is also adopted and therefore, hers says the same thing!)  Lending to my belief is the superficiality of my red hair, temper and just a connection I feel with anything Irish or Scottish.  Therefore, I read a lot about Scotland, it's history and Ireland and it's history.  I'm pulled especially towards Scottish things.  I even have a Celtic Knot-work tattoo on my leg that one of my daughters designed for me, as it includes artwork that each of them have on their backs.  So, when I read the summary of this book, I was really relishing the thought of reading another great Scottish history love story.  

I have a few authors I adore.  But I really love Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series.  I say this for a specific reason.  In her books, the way she does her historical research, she literally brings history to life entwining it with her ability to tell a fictional story of love and loss, while giving you the impression of being there, listening to...  again listening to  SOMEONE SPEAKING WITH A SCOTTISH LILT!  The certain way that "R's" are rolled... the cadence of the speech pattern.  The actions of those towards someone who is of a higher station of life than themselves.  

As I read this story by Gerri Russell, I learned that not everyone can tell a story like Diana. I also realized, the stereo-typical way that someone can write about some who they're trying to claim is Scottish, but so obviously not.  Why do I say this?  This author used the phrase "aye" to a fault.  Like that's the only real Scottish word that mattered and proved the subjects of the story were Scotch.  OK...  Let's get over my feelings about this and get to the meat and potatoes.. the story.

The story is begins on the Island of St. Kilda.  The King has taken his bride and locked her in a tower, just waiting for her to die, but with their marriage, the greedy sod was given ownership of things her family gave as part of a dowry.  This "King", however, knows she's a "seer", she uses a stone and can see things that are yet to happen.  She still has her stone when she's thrown into the tower.  What the King doesn't know, is she's pregnant.  She gives birth to a little girl, but as the wife continues to use the stone, simply to escape her entrapment in the tower, she goes insane.  Her daughter therefore thinks that using the stone will cause her pain and suffering.  After her mother's death, she's given to a local family as their slave.  Now dear reader, you've just walked into your own "Scottish version" of the Cinderella story. 

One day, out of the blue, a man shows up looking for our little princess.  His father, a King, who has never done anything but use him and his brother, has given and edict that his brother will come to harm if he does not marry this girl.  He is not told any information about her, just her name and where she can be found.  He finds her, and takes her and her only possession in life, a chicken.  She's very shy, dirty, dressed in rags, etc.  He gets her to the boat and makes a run for home to save his brother.  He's made a deal with her that by marrying him, she has the protection of marriage without actions of marriage.  He can tell she's pretty young and not wise of things marital.  However, after trying to hide and convince herself (along with her chicken) to take the long boat and take her chances at open sea, she's having anxiety... it's a dark place, dark places are scary after being locked in a tower since you were born and abused by your keepers ever since.  So, when she tries to make a run for it, just as dusk comes (she can't move while it's dark) our young prince, has, of course figured her out and knows where she is.  She falls overboard, he dives in after her and oh my, sparks fly.  One of the crew inflicts harm on her, and he gets a beat down too.

OK... she's obviously not used to sticking up for herself, or her....chicken. As life goes on, she's become fond of the prince, doesn't know why she's feeling the way she is... yada yada... you've heard this before....

They arrive at his castle and he's all the sudden VERY protective of our little dirty princess.  His Consort, dressed as regally as any queen would be assumes she's just another servant and starts to order her around... gets put in her place and told our little princess is to be his wife.  Jealous consort....I think you get where this is going.

It all comes down to the stone though.  The Princes best friend (not even labeled his Best MATE like the Scots would call him.) is a seer too, and has a stone.  Every time he uses his, his gray streak in his hair gets bigger, even though he's the same age as the prince.  

There's going to be problems with both sides of the daddy's now.. the Kings are fighting over land and other things, especially the fact that the stones see the future, AND the sons are expendable as is the princess.  

As in every Cinderella story, the prince and princess are together... but somehow our little quiet mouse finds the guts to one day don weapons, chainmail, and gets a horse, to save the one she now so desperately loves (who has also ditched said consort). She rides to her husband's surprise and pride and becomes 'THE WARRIOR'S BRIDE'.  

There... now you don't have to read the story.  I of course left out quite a bit, but with any Cinderella story, you pretty much get it.  There's always going to be a little change-up here and there, especially since it's about the stones (as is indicated in the titles parenthesis')  But I really found it wanting.  There was really not a lot of growing time for the princess to go from quiet abused, grew up half her life locked in a tower, slave and hardly dressed properly, to grandiose seer with the guts to, while dressed in her new handmade frock fit for a princess, to go to the aid of her prince without so much as a flutter in her stomach.  It was like all the sudden she became Xena Warrior Princess or something, trying to speak Scottish!  "Oh Aye sir!"  

Yes, love stories are all pretty much the same.  But when you're trying to incorporate historical facts into your fiction, and do so in a place whose English has a very recognizable BURR and LILT to it, then at least try to treat your readers with more respect than to write a story, with the history wrong, timetable off, and your characters lacking form and actual believability.  There aren't many times I get to the point where I will not continue with a series unless fundamental changes are made.  This would be one of those.  My reasons are simple.  I'm ticked.  I feel like someone took my heritage, and completely disregarded what fundamentally makes the SCOTTISH.  So really... what was the point of placing the story there in the first place?

2 out of 5 bookmarks (and I'm trying to be nice after a not-so-nice review.)

Book Review: Renegade by Donna Boyd

Book Title:  Renegade (The Devoncroix Dynasty)
Author:  Donna Boyd
Genre:  Sci-Fi/Paranormal


What a different read!  I was explaining the back-story of the plot to my husband when the "oh please not another werewolf or vampire story" look came across his face once the word "werewolf" escaped my lips.

But, as I went on his interest was piqued. (That or his back hurt him from adding some stuff to our deck!)  When I told him about twists and turns that this book was taking, along with the back-story, I got to the ending and the one thing slapping ME in the face was "always treat others like you'd like to be treated."  He just smiled and said, "I'm glad you like your books dear."  MEN.

The premise for the werewolves is also a "out-of-the-box" thought process.  Actually making you second guess some things as actually plausible.  This author takes us all over the world through time, giving an account of the species.  Explaining how historically werewolves have impacted human life.  The way the author has intertwined history into this book was outstanding.  The characters are very cool as well.  I loved the way it was told through the eyes of someone that was not normally accepted into the world the werewolves made for themselves.

I also really like when someone can throw actual historic occurrences into a book flawlessly incorporating them into their own fictionalized story, making for a more believable work of fiction.  This shows, to me, how well thought out the author is, before even writing the first word.

I really enjoyed this book and at the end hoped there was more... that's why I love the word "series".

4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks

Book Review: Blood Family by Mark Knight

Book Title:  Blood Family
Author:  Mark Knight
Genre:  Young Adult/Supernatural/Sci-Fi/Paranormal


Yes, ANOTHER Vamp Book!  ;)

I got this one because the main character was on a quest to save his biological mother, after finding out that he's adopted.

It was a fast paced, interesting new take on what a vampire really is.  How they really work and what they're really like.  (By this author's version.)  I'm so happy to find yet another unique take on the vampire.

The story leads us through personal tragedy and takes us to several different continents, searching for the "key" to Daniel's "Blood Family".  It's fun and faster when we meet a paranormal investigator/Vampire Hunter trying to fill her father's shoes and avenge the death of her parents.

This was a good book with a good cliffhanger.  I think the target audience will truly enjoy this, there are no scenes that are too graphic for the target audience either.  

4 out of 5 Bookmarks

Book Review: The River by Cheryl Kaye Tardiff

Book Title:  The River
Author: Cheryl Kaye Tardiff
Genre:  Sci-Fi

I read the summary for this book and hoped it was as good as it sounded, since, as I'm sure you've noticed I seem to want to read Supernatural, Sci-Fi things, it can kind of repeat itself.  LOL  It was so much better than the summary!

In The River, we meet an anthropologist/archeologist Professor named Delila Lawrence.  Her life is normal as a professor and she has her little phobias like everyone else.  She has health issues as well, which is what keeps her in the classroom most of the time.  Her father, Dr. Lawrence has been missing and presumed dead for many years.  

Then one day, in a split second, everything changes.

The characters in this book are mindblowingly believable, likeable, hateable and in some ways, just simply disgusting.  You easily relate to them and grow attached very quickly.

The setting is a Canadian National Park and is beautifully described by the author.  You can close your eyes and visualize it.

The mystery evolves, and suspense get deeper and you become so engrossed in the book and it's quick movement, that you just simply don't want to put it down.

THERE ARE SO MANY QUESTIONS LEFT UNANSWERED!!!!  I looked and looked for a second book, hoping these questions would get answered.  But, I just can't find anything.  If YOU do, please let me know...  I'd love to find out what happened to the characters whose lives were just...  left to the imagination!  I really do hope there is another book though.

4.5 out of 5 Bookmarks 

Book Review: Coombe's Wood by Lisa C Hinsley

Book Title:  Coombe's Wood
Author:  Lisa C Hinsley
Genre:  Horror/Mystery


This book begins with a date, so you can watch the dates go by, and see the time span that all of the action is taking place.  I'm not one to watch those sorts of things, but there was ONE instance when I had to re-trace my steps and start at the beginning of the chapter, to note... the date.  I then realized, these are important.

The summary of the story, is a widowed/remarried/divorcee mom, Lizzy,  after having left her abusive husband, and lived in a shelter for some time, a one room place where she needed to share the room with her 14 year old son named Connor.  They were finally awarded housing, but the social worker, in passing tells them to stay away from the woods surrounding the apartment.  She does not elaborate at all.

The story moves a long quickly, taking legends and folklore and what sounds like ghost-stories being told around a campfire, but the setting is more civilized at the local pub.  The unit that she is put in, is surrounded by woods, and her next door neighbor is an interesting man names "Feathers".  Feathers is the one who instigating the telling of the stories at the pub.

Feathers also teaches Connor basic survival skills if she ever gets lost in the woods.  Connor and another young man, adore spending time with Feathers and he becomes a father figure.

I really like the way and the plausibility in which the story unfolded.  A small town can welcome you with open arms, or can shun you immediately.  This time they open their arms, but there's an alternative motive.  Their arriving at this place at this time, with that apartment, in that building was well executed and planned.

As the months continue to pass, the characters become closer and you finally hear the story of how Izzy ended up in the shelter.  Everyone in the town, will protect her and Connor.

No matter how many times she tells her mother not to tell anyone where she's at, her mother tells someone, who tells the abusive ex-husband.  And from here... I will stop.  This just shows the length to which the author went into planning, down to the fine minute details, the book regarding the woods, the apartments, and the homeopathy that Feathers prides himself on.  

This fast paced, story has some elements of a movie made many years ago about a fatal attraction.  It also speaks to how the justice system is broken regarding those who are the victims of domestic violence and how hard it is to get them to do anything to the person who is committing the violence.  

This story touched my heart, gave me hope, and led me to believe in "miracles".  No matter how they small they may bed.


4.5 out of 5 Bookmark

 

Book Review: Synthetic Rise of the Siren By Shonna Wright

Book Title:  Synthetic Rise of the Siren
Author:  Shonna Wright
Genre:  Sci-Fi


When I first started reading this, I really had a hard time understanding this futuristic, post-apocalyptic world that is the background for this story.  There really is no explanations as to how or why it is the way it is.  I think that's why I kept getting lost at times.  I simply didn't get it.  But I kept reading, hoping I would, and it all eventually explains itself.

The lead character is Kora.  She's a very skilled, I'll call her geneticist/doctor, but it was never really explained what title she has, who has been kept a "prisoner" in a lab.  When she tries to escape, they lock her in a closet.  She's given only sweats to wear, and she's only given four sets at a time.  She's only been given one lab coat the entire times she's been in this lab, so it's tattered and unkempt.

The only people she has contact with are "the face" of the lab.  One is the owner and the second is the Doctor, in his crisp, clean, white lab coat, who, on her accolades, his reputation is made.  He did win a Nobel Prize however for the very first Synthetically Made BUG.  However, it's quickly pointed out that he wasn't the first to do it, implying that Kora was.

Kora gets her orders to make synthetic beings.  Her side kick is a giant squid named Ishmael.  He's the closest thing she has to actual human interaction with affection.  He helps her clean up, do surgeries, hugs her when she needs it and gives her back bone.  Her dream is to one day run away from the lab, and go north towards Washington State, where Ishmael can be free in the ocean and she can visit him on the beach.  But she knows that will never happen because they'll never find a way out of the lab.

The only thing Kora CAN do is fulfill her orders to make synthetic or cloned beings.  She can make anything from a dog, down to mythical creatures like mermaids, faeries, unicorns, etc.  She'll make anything.  Anything except VAMPIRES.

As she finishes an order, she's informed that she'll be making the delivery.  The Doctor always makes the deliveries, so she's excited that she gets to go outside, let alone deliver one of the being that she's made.  Ishmael is even put into a carrier of his own design, that allows him to be transferred with her.

Now the adventure begins.  I still got lost a lot, because, again, the how's and why's of how the world ended up the way that it did just don't seem to be important enough to explain.  So, you're kind of guiding yourself through.  This is another one of those stories you shouldn't read when you're going to bed.  You'll forget you read something and have to start over at the beginning of the chapter again.

The characters in this book are eclectic, both physically and mentally.  They have issues living with the "lady of the house" who is having Kora deliver her newest work.  Most of them have big hearts, but they're complex as well.  Leading you to sometimes second guess yourself as to their humanity or synthetic being.

The mystery surrounding all the people that live in the mansion Kora is delivered makes her stay even more interesting.

The climactic ending was emotional, unexpected and for me, 'out of the box' which made it a very nice change indeed.

If you like Sci-Fi, with twists and turns, a little bit of horror and mystery to give you a psychological jolt you'll love this book.  Let me know if you get lost with the time thing too though!

3.5 Out of 5 Bookmark