Monthly Archives: March 2012

WICKED (Celestra Series #4 YA) by Addison Moore- A Review

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WICKED (Celestra #4) by Addison Moore

 The Reading Cafe is featuring the books of Addison Moore.  Stay tuned for our Interview and Giveaway with Addison on Wednesday March 28, 2012

WICKED is the 4th instalment in Addison Moore’s Celestra series. Now that Skyla Messenger has meddled in the lives of every one including the recently deceased, the past continues to haunt her—every step of the way. On that note-the pace is fast: there is NO lull in the adventures: and my anxiety level is beyond my grasp.

Thanks to her own stupidity, Skyla must now face the ramifications of her actions. Thinking she was doing a ‘friend’ a favor, Skyla’s angel-blood has infused a resurrected Chloe from the dead, but now she must face the consequences. Chloe is beyond pissed. All the secrets that Skyla and Chloe have shared through the Light Travel have come back with a vengeance. Sklya is now targeted by a much stronger and newly-alive Chloe. Revenge is a bitch and her name is Chloe. Chloe will stop at nothing to rid the world of Skyla Messenger.

Logan Oliver continues to profess his love for Skyla, but trust is a major issue. Knowing that he was keeping secrets and only revealing on a ‘need to know basis’, Skyla withdraws deep into herself to hide her feelings for Logan Oliver. Now that Skyla is aware that most of the population (including her immediate family) of Paragon Island is somehow connected by blood to the Countenance, it is now necessary to be mindful of everyone. But Skyla refuses to heed the warning from both Logan and Gage, and continues to seek answers to her questions-without thinking ahead. Death and destruction follow Skyla wherever she goes. But it is the betrayal by the one who professes an enduring love-that will send Skyla over the edge.

Gage Oliver, who also professes his love for Skyla, has secrets as well. As the former ‘boyfriend’ of Chloe, Gage appears to be continuing where the couple left off, prior to Chloe’s murder. But Skyla is beyond exasperated and confronts Gage. His only response-is he has to do this-for Skyla. Gage and Skyla’s relationship was developing-one of mutual respect and love-but Chloe’s presence has Gage by the proverbial ‘hairs’ and he must do what he can to protect Skyla.

Marshall Dudley, once again, continues to seek out Skyla at every opportunity. Professing his love for the 17 year old, gives the word pervert another face. As a high school teacher, he is all over the female population, but his sights are set on Skyla-alone. His propensity for getting ‘caught’ in mind-altering situations, makes you wonder-just how powerful is Marshall the Sector. Still, we are not sure if Marshall is truly evil or good. He is battling his own demons-they are riding hard-but at what point, will we meet the ‘real’ Marshall Dudley. And to further complicate the issue, Skyla does have feelings for Marshall-although we are not sure if they are real or imagined. But Skyla needs Marshall almost as much as he needs her. His ability to ‘show’ Skyla glimpses into the future, propel Skyla into some situations that have been caught by those hoping to blackmail Skyla into silence.

Skyla’s Light-travel into the past offers a glimpse into life with her father. Skyla’s true heritage comes to light, when her father reveals that her ‘real’ mother is a ‘Caelestis’-a most powerful council Angel. But at this stage, nothing is revealed about the circumstances of how she became part of the Messenger/Landon family. Hopefully, Addison will expose the reality of the situation. We do see glimpses of what may have occurred-perhaps Tad Landon is well aware of Skyla’s true identity- but at this point, Tad is more of a comedic prop in the parenthood department. But it is her ‘sisters’ that seem to be the cause of much heartache for Skyla. Blackmail is hard, when it involves your own family, especially when it is by someone you thought you once loved.

Skyla’s group of frenemies continue to attack at random. Michelle’s spiral into demon-haunted nightmares results in a crazed young woman with a propensity to cut her hair at strange angles and intervals. Ellis, as a young Count, has yet to reach into his powerful heritage, but something tells me, he may be one of Skyla’s only hopes for rescue. Pierce and Nat’s relationship takes a stumble, when Skyla is attacked at every opportunity by Pierce, hoping for angel-infused blood and Brielle, her latent BFF, is now pregnant with her brother’s child-what better way to build up the next generation of the Countenance. And Holden’s disembodied spirit keeps Skyla on edge, because revenge is a nasty word, even by a ghost.

But it is the amount of blood shed, near death experiences, random attacks and the numerous killing rampages by these ‘teens’, that have me wondering…if not for the age of the characters…could you really call this series….Young Adult? I have said on many occasions-Young Adult fiction is not for the young any more- there are just as many adults reading YA fiction as there are teens. The content is violent and graphic. A high school teacher having sex with young teenage girls is unethical immorally and technically illegal-although he is a paranormal supernatural being-I am not sure where to draw the line. But this is NOT the first time that in Young Adult fiction, where a person in a position of authority, has been caught in a compromising position with a young female student.

Reviewed by Sandy

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VEX (Celestra Series #5 YA) by Addison Moore-A Review

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VEX (Celestra #5) by Addison Moore

The Reading Cafe is featuring the books of Addison Moore.  Stay tuned for our Interview and Giveaway with Addison on Wednesday March 28, 2012

VEX is the fifth novel in Addison Moore’s Young Adult Celestra Series. Once again, we follow 17-year old Skyla Messenger, Logan and Gage Oliver and the crew of ever growing Countenance, Celestra, Fems and Sectors.

Vex begins as Skyla finds herself as the sacrificial lamb-on a stone altar- about to be served up as Logan’s promise to the Countenance, but her strength as one of the few remaining Celestra on earth is stronger. Knowing that Logan was willing to ‘use’ Skyla hurt deep, but his refusal to acknowledge or let her in on the secrets that could save her life, have cut even deeper. Logan and Gage withhold more information from the one young woman, both claim to love beyond the heavens, but it is Logan’s betrayal that hurts more.

Chloe continues her physical and emotional assault against everything Skyla, as well as maintaining a scheme of blackmail against Gage. Gage and Skyla’s growing relationship is constantly tested when Chloe demands that Gage be her boyfriend, much to Skyla and Gage’s dismay. The sorrow is heartbreaking, but blackmail is evil. But there is a pull between Logan and Skyla that cannot be denied, and betrayal is hard to forgive, even though, Logan has his reasons for protecting Skyla from ever knowing the truth. While Gage’s love for Skyla grows, it is the truth about his visions of the future that will be tested in the end.

Marshall Dudley’s constant play for Skyla is questionable. He claims that she will one day birth his children and they are destined to be together, but it is his ability to twist the ‘truth’ that is a concern. Skyla must never reveal the truth about Marshall’s powers, but when Chloe spills the truth, everyone involved will be punished. And it is the attack against Marshall that will set a string of events in motion that will tip the scales of love-choosing life or death for one.

Several fatalities once again surround Skyla and her attempts to defend and protect. An accidental beheading on a winter ski vacation, Holden finally finding a body – close to ‘home’ and several visits to the past reveal the evil that Chloe has inflicted on everyone on Paragon Island. Chloe is more than a victim of Countenance rage—she may even be the Grim Reaper and strychnine is her weapon of choice.

But it is the truth about Skyla’s true parentage that reveals more than anyone had previously known. Logan’s involvement with Skyla’s real father and Skyla’s meeting with her birth mother will reveal much needed information to help in the faction war against the Countenance and the Fems. And Skyla’s continuous Light Travel will reunite the woman she thought was her mother-with the man she knows to be her father. But a man from her adopted-mother’s past may be darker and more powerful than anyone she has yet to discover.

There are new revelations about the many families and people who live on Paragon Island. The history is steeped in death, power struggles and an on-going war between good and evil. The Celestra Council has rules that must be followed, and breaking those rules, can be punishable by death or worse. To live your life as an immortal would be better spent, in the guise of a human, rather surrounded by feathers and a cage. But it is the love between Skyla and the Oliver boys that will break your heart knowing only two will see it through—to the end.

One of my complaints, about this particular storyline, is the continuous attack by Skyla’s ‘family’ accusing her of becoming pregnant. Regardless of her attempts to persuade otherwise and the truth, no one is willing to listen. Everyone presumes she is sexually active and pregnant, without benefit of a physician’s appointment. Her parents, her siblings and many students refuse to believe Skyla, and that is a concern, especially with something so detrimental as a teen pregnancy. Although, in the end, the truth will reveal the real pregnant teen, it is the lies that perpetuate and grow into a firestorm of emotions, that ate away at my senses. When Skyla’s step-father lashes out and all but destroys her life because of this misinformation and then he remains fairly placid when the true ‘teen parents’ are revealed, leaves me shaken. Sexism still exists, and it takes TWO to make a baby. Skyla’s younger sisters are manipulative and controlling, using the potential pregnancy to gain an upper hand. Blackmail is a regular theme in Addison’s storylines. The constant name calling, accusations, mistrust and disrespect is humiliating, both for the characters and to me as a reader. To be honest-this particular storyline surrounding the issue of teen-pregnancy was difficult to read.

Like the previous 4 novels in the Celestra series, Vex is fast paced and rarely a moment to breath. New revelations are continuous and I highly recommend that the series be read in order. Missing or reading out of order, will leave the reader confused and lost. Ok…waiting for Expel-New Release March 22, 2012.

Reviewed by Sandy

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BEAR MEETS GIRL by Shelly Laurenston-A New Release Review

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BEAR MEETS GIRL by Shelly Laurenston

BEAR MEETS GIRL is the latest instalment in Shelly Laurenston’s Pride and Pack Shifter series of novels. Bear Meets Girl focuses on Lou “Crush” Cruzek (polar bear) former undercover police officer and Marcella “Bare Knuckles” Malone (tiger) professional hockey player/enforcer for Bo “The Marauder” Novikov and one of the elite feline protection-contractors for the KZS.

Lou ‘Crush’ Cruzek had too many jello shooters at Mace and Dez’s party. But when he wakes up with a hangover and a naked feline-shifter draped across his chest, he has no idea what is in store. And the fact that she is teasing and tormenting a 6’9” polar bear-shifter has him concerned. Doesn’t she know NOT to poke an angry bear?

Crush’s cover has been blown and to complicate matters someone from his childhood is directly involved. So he is re-assigned to another division and partnered with the infamous Dez MacDermott-Llewellyn human wife of lion male Mace Llewellyn. Not happy with his re-location, Crush considers early retirement versus a potential desk job. But when their assignment involves missing and murdered shifters the same 2 names from his past keep making an appearance.

Cella is a single mother and a protection-contractor for the KZS. A shifter assassin working for the KZS and the Group, she has been working with DeeAnn Smith –mate to Ric Van Holtz and Cella’s boss at the Group. Cella is surprised to find Crush has also been assigned to the same investigation, but finds it even funnier that he refuses to acknowledge their awkward morning after. But life has a funny way of pairing up potential mates, and Crush must now work alongside Dez, DeeAnn and Cella in the hopes of locating and stopping a man determined to add to his trophy collection.

Throughout the storyline, Crush is amazed that Cella is the same ‘Bare Knuckles’ Malone- enforcer for the professional shifter hockey team and the daughter of the infamous ‘Nice Guy’ Malone-one of Crush’s favorite players. In awe of their reputation, the polar also meets many of the current stars including Bo Novikov and Lock “The Tank” MacRyrie. With Bo’s reputation as a hard-assed, take no prisoners attitude on the ice, Crush finds himself in the unenviable position as one of the few friends (including Cella) who is able to tolerate Bo’s outbursts and tantrums. Even Bo’s fiance Blayne has a few choice words for her mate.

There are several secondary storylines as well. Cella’s mother Barb is a wedding planner who has arranged the wedding for Cella’s ex. Like many pride females, Cella was never married to her daughter’s father, but remains friends with both he and his new fiancé. As well we are introduced to Cella’s best friend and team doctor Jai Davis and her daughter Josie, and Cella’s extended family of Malones. Cella’s daughter Meghan is readying for university but there are secrets that threaten her mother’s happiness. And like many families, Crush’s relationship with his brothers is difficult and their connection with someone from his past may place them all in danger. Orphaned as young children, the trio was raised by a woman willing to risk everything for what she wants.

Crush and Cella’s relationship started as a matter of convenience. Hoping to keep her family from match-making with cousins, Cella enters into a deal with Crush. Pretending to be a couple only brings them together, but when Cella becomes the on-ice target for an off-ice game of revenge, Crush knows exactly who to target for his next take-down assignment.

Bear Meets Girl is another great storyline in Shelly Laurenston’s Pride and Pack series. I was pleased with the return of many of her former storyline characters including Bo, Blayne, Loch, Ric and DeeAnn, but I am also looking forward to the ‘weddings of the century’. Shelly has introduced a few new shifters and brought back a couple of secondary characters from other books. Shelly’s writing is filled with humorous dialogue and sexy love scenes. Shelly is one of my favorite authors and along with her counterpart in the Dragonkin series G A Aiken, I look forward to every new book in both of her series.

READING ORDER
Shelly Laurenston
Magnus and Pride Series

1. Pack Challenge
2. Go Fetch
3. Here Kitty Kitty
4. When He was Bad..anthology
5. The Mane Event
6. The Beast in Him
7. The Mane Attraction
8. The Mane Squeeze
9. Beast Behaving Badly
10.Big Bad Beast
11.Bear Meet Girl (Mar 2012)

Reviewed by Sandy

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TREMBLE (Celestra Series #2 YA) by Addison Moore-A Review

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TREMBLE (Book 2 Celestra series) by Addison Moore

For the next few days, The Reading Cafe will feature the books of Addison Moore.  Stay tuned for our Interview and Giveaway with Addison on Wednesday March 28, 2012

TREMBLE is the 2nd book in Addison Moore’s Young Adult Celestra series. Addison continues the fast-paced, misguided adventures of Skyla Messenger and her group of supernatural friends and frenemies. And like many 16 year old girls, Skyla Messenger refuses to back down or take no for an answer. And when all is said and done, she will risk the lives of everyone she knows and loves.

Skyla is a pure Celestra- a species of angel that is hunted for their blood. But as the new school year begins, she must face some hard realities. The Countenance wants her blood, the Fems are trying to kill her, a Sector hopes she chooses him, the cheerleading squad hates her, Ellis wants her, and Gage and Logan, are in love with her. The Countenance has targeted Skyla in the hopes to prevent her and Logan from mating. Logan is also a Celestra of pure blood, and the rarity of their mating would create a most powerful angel. So, much to Skyla’s dismay, Logan and Gage have devised a plan, hoping to keep Skyla safe- to dissuade the Countenance from trapping Skyla, Logan convinces Sklya that she would be safer ‘dating’ Gage. The plan is a ruse, one that slowly begins to backfire, when Sklya develops feelings for Gage even though she and Logan still secretly see each other each evening. I can see the three-way love triangle starting to raise my hackles. Nothing good will come from this scenario.

But there are others vying for Skyla’s attention and blood. Marshall Dudley is a Sector- a being of power-that can heal or kill with a touch. He sides with no one, yet he can be a powerful ally or an even greater enemy, and no one is safe from his charm including the female student population. Assuming the position of the math teacher, Marshall is a continuous source of information and agitation for Skyla, and another male vying for the rights to Skyla. But it is Marshall who shows Skyla just what evil lurks in the hall of the Paragon High School. And once again, refusing to heed the warnings of those who know, Skyla looses more than she could have imagined. Ezrina, a ghostly apparition (perhaps Fem or demon or Sector) has set her sights on Skyla Messenger and will stop at nothing to get her blood.

With Marshall’s assistance Skyla soon discovers there are many ‘students’ and friends, who will soon develop their own supernatural powers. But it is Skyla’s ability to time travel (Light travel) that will put everyone at risk, including herself. Hoping to save her father from the fiery car accident, Skyla travels back in time 2 years, in order to prevent her father from ever getting into his car-but Skyla cannot change the past. His death will occur over and over, no matter the cost to Skyla and her friends. And to complicate matters, Skyla’s nightly travels, have her visiting Chloe, the young Celestra who was murdered earlier in the year. It is with Chloe’s help, that Skyla learns to control her travel, but she soon recognizes that every time she goes back, she changes something, that could put everyone at risk. As her contact with Chloe continues, Skyla hopes that the power of her own blood with help bring the dead back to life. But it is Chloe’s diary, that portents a warning and is most prophetic, and a glimpse into the future that could once again destroy or save everyone.

Logan and Skyla’s love for one another is tested again and again, as Gage and Skyla grow closer with their ‘faux’ relationship. Skyla loves both young men, equally but different, and is torn when Logan must pretend to want someone else. Skyla is warned on several occasions not to go back in time, but a fatal error in judgment has someone she loves, lost in the past. And her interference will change history for her family and her friends.

TREMBLE continues the story and builds on the idea of angels and demons fighting a war on earth. The power struggle between good and evil is fought on different levels, but with one goal in mind-to save or acquire Skyla Messenger. The action is fast paced, with rarely a pause or perusal, which in itself is a blessing. But my anxiety levels rose every time Skyla refused to listen or ignored the warnings. She risked the lives of her family, her friends, the students and her own life, over and over. Her tunnel vision of traveling through time to save her father caused misery and set in motion a series of actions that will culminate in a greater loss than the one she is trying to prevent. But-without the storyline, there would be no story!!! And if a story is able to grab hold-anxiety wise-isn’t that a good sign that the author was able to catch your attention? And the stories are becoming darker. So now, on to book 3-BURN

Reviewed by Sandy

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BURN (Celestra series #3 YA) by Addison Moore -A Review

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BURN (Book 3 Celestra Series) by Addison Moore

For the next few days, The Reading Cafe will feature the books of Addison Moore.  Stay tuned for our Interview and Giveaway with Addison on Wednesday March 28, 2012

BURN is the 3rd story in Addison Moore’s Young Adult Celestra series. Focusing on the life of 16 year old Skyla Messenger and her friends & family of Angels and Demons, Addison continues her series, delving deeper into the darkside of a YA paranormal adventure. Once again the cast of characters range from the angelic Celestra, the evil demon Fems, the Countenance (enemy) and Marshall Dudley-the all encompassing Sector.

BURN is a much darker novel than the previous 2 books, so much so that I was hoping it was all a dream-that the ‘heroine’ Skyla, would wake up and everything would be back to normal. But this particular storyline revolves around revenge and hatred. Skyla is seeking those who murdered her father 2 years prior, and like the previous 2 instalments, she is still refusing to listen to reason and continues her Light travel through time. Her headstrong and take no prisoners attitude, escalates into a killing spree around the world, where she is aided by Gage, with his need to protect her at all costs.

There are several murders and attempted murders throughout the storyline. Skyla is sexually attacked and in self-defense, murders the young man thinking he was one of the Countenance. But when it is revealed that he truly was an enemy of the Celestra, it is only the beginning of Skyla’s murderous rampage on those hoping to claim her blood. A near fatal throat slashing, a car accident where a ghostly apparition gains control of the vehicle, and several attacks by the demon Fems, would be enough to send any normal teenager into a headlong case of psychosis. But Skyla Messenger takes it all in stride, knowing that one day-she will make a difference (right or wrong) in everybody’s life. And to further add irony to her already crazed life, Skyla is occasionally possessed by one of her victims.

Skyla’s desire to ‘reanimate’ Chloe, pushes her further into the world of the past, but there is a price to pay, when one meddles with the creation or re-creation of life. Thinking Chloe has the answers to all of her questions, she inadvertently crosses a threshold of no return. Her weekly donation of ‘angel’ blood is so powerful, that the past will meet in the present much quicker than anyone had realized. But Chloe has other plans, and it is within the pages of Chloe’s diary, that Skyla’s looks at the future, that had already been written in the past.

Gage and Logan continue their ‘wooing’ of Skyla, knowing she loves both young men equally. But Logan’s altruism pushes Skyla deeper into the arms of Gage, even though she is well aware that her feelings for Logan will never change. Hoping to keep their relationship platonic, Logan and Skyla agree to disagree about the arrangements. But Gage’s declaration of love sends Logan spiraling slowly out of their lives.

Marshall Dudley, or Studley-Dudley, the resident math teacher, continues his seduction of the female population. But it is Skyla in whom his sights have been set. We are not sure at this point, whether Marshall the Sector is good or evil. He genuinely aids Skyla with her discovery of the many Counts living on Paragon Island, but every time he reveals the true nature of the population, Skyla must pay. Although his desires for Skyla seem genuine, what is not apparent are his reasons. And to complicate the scenario, Marshall has a propensity for having intercourse with many of the young female students and his fertility factor runs high.

Skyla’s mother Lizbeth and step-father Tad are continuously at odds about how to handle their teenage delinquent. As far as Tad is concerned, Skyla is a walking disaster, but her mother is hoping that this is only an awkward stage in her daughter’s young life. But there is something about Tad’s aggression towards his step-daughter, that at times you wonder, if he is truly human. And like many parents of rebellious teens, they appear to have lost control.

Skyla’s group of cheerleading frenemies continue to provoke and attack at every chance. She has become the target of not just the Fems and the Countenance, but also the ‘mean-girl’ pep squad and their family of gossip girls and neighbors.

Overall, BURN is an adventure worthy of a crime-story episode. There are enough murders, missing people, accidents and blood spillage that the local authorities should be a bit more concerned about the strange happenings occurring on the island of Paragon. But on the evening of Skyla’s 17th birthday party more surprises are revealed and Marshall Dudley may have shown Skyla more information than she had ever wanted to know. What would it be like to know-your entire family may just be your worst enemy?

Reviewed by Sandy

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ETHEREAL (Celestra Series #1 YA)- By Addison Moore-A Review

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ETHEREAL (Book 1 Celestra YA series) by Addison Moore

For the next few days, The Reading Cafe will feature the books of Addison Moore.  Stay tuned for our Interview and Giveaway with Addison on Wednesday March 28, 2012

ETHEREAL is the first book in Addison Moore’s Celestra series of Young Adult paranormal fiction. The Celestra are the highest order of Nephilium on earth, and are therefore coveted or hunted to destruction by those hoping to eradicate their existence. Addison introduces several levels of angels and demons, all seemingly at war with one another, but our heroine Skyla Messenger is about to enter into a realm of existence she thought only found between the pages of a fairy tale.

Skyla Messenger is new in town. Her father was killed in a fire, and although she survived, her life has been changed forever. She once shared the ability to read people’s mind with her father through touch, but now she believes she is the only one left who knows her secret. But when her mother and step-father move the family to Paragon Island, she soon realizes there are more ‘people’ similar and dissimilar to her than she could have ever imagined.

Having met Brielle, the girl next door, Skyla soon learns that her new home was once the house of a young girl who was murdered. But it isn’t long before the ghosts from the past haunt the new residents, and whisk Skyla on a journey through time and space. And like any normal teenager, Skyla must suffer through the rankings of new-girl-in –town syndrome. Acceptance will be difficult especially now that she has the attention of virtually every available boy in town.

Logan and Gage are cousins, and play a major role in Skyla’s new life on Paragon Island. Both with their-own special powers of the Nephilium, Logan is able to communicate with Skyla through touching, and Gage has the strength and speed, as well as teleportation. Still learning about her powers, Skyla inadvertently travels through time and makes a connection with Chloe, the murdered girl, and alters the space-time continuum (channeling my inner Star-Trek). In doing so, Skyla has also alerted those who wish to see her gone. She soon learns she has a deeper affiliation with Chloe than just former living arrangements.

We read about the growing relationship between Logan and Skyla, but Gage has the power of forethought. And it is with this knowledge, that something isn’t quite right with the direction their paths will soon be heading. Skyla’s love for Logan is tested many times, but it is Logan’s love and affirmation for Skyla that will be called into question now and in the future.

Addison Moore writes an interesting storyline. She introduces several characters, as well as different species into the mix, without overwhelming our senses. The storyline is fast paced and rarely stutters, and she blends the reality of a teen-age girl with the paranormal of a supernatural being. The typical Young Adult 3-way love triangle is present, but there is a twist. I can only hope that Addison does not delve too deeply into the angst of the triangle, as that premise was lost to me with another long-suffering series. Ethereal is the first release in the Celestra series, and I look forward to reading the next.

Reviewed by Sandy

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ORACLE’S MOON by Thea Harrison-A New Release Review

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ORACLE’S MOON by Thea Harrison

ORACLE’S MOON by Thea Harrison

ORACLE’S MOON is the 4th novel in Thea Harrison’s Novels of the Elder Races series. Grace Andreas is a ‘witch’, and the lone survivor of a car accident that killed her sister Petra and brother-in-law, and left Grace severely injured and in need of reconstructive surgery. She is now the sole guardian of her sister’s two children and has inherited the mantle and the Power of the Oracle. The Oracle is a position inherited through the female lineage and one that was never expected to pass to Grace. With it comes the responsibilities and power of a seer, a medium and a whole lot of spirits hoping to make contact. Grace is broke, without any means of support and snubbed by the local coven of witches

Khalil, Djinn prince of House Marid, one of the eldest beings in the universe, has taken it upon himself to be protector and guardian of Grace and the two children in her care. We first met Khalil and Grace in Serpent’s Kiss, where Khalil was drawn to the children in Grace’s care. But Grace’s powers are soon put into practice, when she is petitioned to ‘see’ for a number of the Elder Races (including Dragos, Pia and the vampire King) and it is Khalil, who soon finds himself, falling for the human female.

Unlike previous Oracles, Grace must gain the knowledge through experience. Without a mentor to guide her on her journey, she must navigate the pitfalls and dangers of allowing others to control her dreams and actions. But with her new-found powers Grace is blessed with a rare ability that will draw the attention of more than one Djinn Prince and his family. And with the Power and the position comes a threat against both Grace and her young family. And with the threat, comes the knowledge that some accidents are really not accidental.

Oracle’s Moon is more of a fantasy romance than an action/adventure. We follow Khalil and Grace’s growth as a couple and their connection to one another crosses the dimensions of time and space. Grace slowly discovers and develops her powers with the approach of the Oracle’s Moon, and Khalil’s energy enables Grace to discover that there is a history to the family lineage that she does not want to pass to her niece. There is an energy pull between Grace and the Djinn prince; a thread that connects the soon to be lovers. But it is the love between the couple-that anchors-this particular storyline. Khalil is a being of immense knowledge, age and power, but still a man. And with his feelings come emotions that he never knew existed. Thea’s descriptive detail regarding Khalil and Grace’s love making, will leave you breathless and wishing that a being like Khalil, were real and not part of a fantasy between the pages of a novel.

There are humorous moments when Khalil must ask Rune for dating advice-how to dress, what to eat and where to go. And of course, like many first dates, the inevitable disasters will always happen. But add the supernatural and paranormal elements, and watch the fur, scales and fangs fly. Chloe’s doggie-cat and horsie comments will remind every parent about play-time with the young, but it is the relationship and the knitting of a family, that will be the mainstay of Oracle’s Moon.

Oracle’s Moon is also a prelude to Thea’s next instalment.  Dragos needs the Power of the Oracle, and with that knowledge, perhaps a way to prevent an all-out war between the humans, the Elder Races and the demons from the other side.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Nora Roberts-The Witness

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THE WITNESS by Nora Roberts

The Witness

Putnam Hardcover
On sale April 17, 2012

THE WITNESS is Nora’s 200th book.  In 1981, Irish Thoroughbred marked the beginning of a long and fruitful career that touches millions.  In her books of romance, straight fiction, and sci-fi, Nora is known for her strong female characters.  Her heroines run the gamut from gardeners to fire jumpers, and the men, who are partners, not saviors, are equally varied and lovable.  THE WITNESS is full of the humor, suspense, and love as we have come to expect in a Nora Roberts novel, and we hope that she will continue to write many more.

“Daughter of a controlling mother, Elizabeth finally let loose one night, drinking at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. The events that followed changed her life forever.

Twelve years later, the woman known as Abigail Lowery lives on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance programmer, she designs sophisticated security  systems—and supplements her own security with a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing.

But Abigail’s reserve only intrigues police chief Brooks Gleason. Her logical mind, her secretive nature, and her unromantic viewpoints leave him fascinated but frustrated. He suspects that Abigail needs protection from something—and that her elaborate defenses hide a story that must be revealed.

With a quirky, unforgettable heroine and a pulse-pounding plotline, Nora Roberts presents a riveting new read that cements her place as today’s most reliably entertaining thriller author – and will leave people hungering for more.” – Penguin Group

Reported by Marcie

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