Monthly Archives: May 2012

BLOODED (Jessica McClain series) by Amanda Carlson-a new release review

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BLOODED (Jessica McClain series) by Amanda Carlson-a review

BLOODED -Jessica McClain series (a novella) by Amanda Carlson

BLOODED is the introductory storyline (April 2012 new release) to Amanda Carlson’s new Jessica McClain series. As the human-born daughter of werewolf alpha Callum McClain, Jessica has been the target of jaunts and threats since the day she was born. Werewolves never sired females, but Jessica was an anomaly. Now that every member of the pack knows she will never be able to shift, the Cain Myth is coming true. Foretold that the a female would be born as the ‘daughter of evil’, a ‘witch’, Jessica’s days are numbered. Believing the daughter of evil will bring an end to the wolves, the pack members have targeted Jessica for destruction.

Hoping to prove herself capable, Jessica challenges alpha-male Mitch to a fight. Although her father has been the alpha of the pack for over 500 years, Jessica knows that even his laws will not prevent her possible death. But her fight with Mitch only results in pissing off the other wolves. Surviving against the odds, Jessica has now put herself into a position as an even bigger target. But when Mitch’s friend Sean seeks to end her life, using more than just his abilities as a wolf, Jessica realizes it may be too late to save herself. This fight may be her last.

BLOODED is a great introductory story for Amanda Carlson. She packs plenty of information into a short story without overwhelming and burying the premise. A wonderful story with a kick-ass heroine who knows what it is like to be different. In a world shifters, a mere human is always a threat. I am looking forward to reading FULL BLOODED later this year.

LINKS:
AMAZON Kindle: BLOODED by Amanda Carlson
B & N NOOK-BLOODED by Amanda Carlson
KOBO-BLOODED by Amanda Carlson

Reviewed by Sandy

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GLASS HOUSES YA (Morganville Vampire #1) by Rachel Caine-a review

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GLASS HOUSES YA by Rachel Caine

Glass Houses YA (Morganville Vampires #1) by Rachel Caine

This is the first book in the Morganville Vampire series. It centers around Claire Danvers, a 16 year old genius whose parents wouldn’t let her go out of state for college, but, did allow her to go to a state university in Morganville, which is close to home. If her parents only knew……..

Claire moves to Morganville and lives in the dorm on campus. She almost immediately gets on the wrong side of Monica, the resident “mean girl”, and is harassed initially and then almost killed. Claire is frantically searching the roommate wanted ads when she finds one that looks promising. Glass House.
Claire goes to the house and meets Eve, one of the three residents of Glass House. She takes Claire in to meet Shane and Michael Glass, the owner of Glass House. Michael, the oldest, is against Claire moving in, due to her age, but eventually gives in.

Claire thought her troubles were over, but, they were really just beginning. She eventually noticed that Michael was not around during the daytime, and, if you’re thinking he’s a vampire, you’re sorely mistaken………….. for now. Eve is a Goth chick down to her core, but very kind hearted, as long as she likes you. Shane, whom is attracted to Claire and vice versa, has a good heart, but a mean streak too. And a wicked sense of humor. And, to say he has daddy issues would be an understatement.

Claire soon learns that the town is run by vampires, and that they literally control everyone in the town. Each citizen is “protected” by a vamp due to “donating” at the local blood bank. Each citizen wears a bracelet so that everyone knows who their protector is. There is a definite, different kind of hierarchy that plays out during the story, that to be honest, was a whole new concept for me, and I loved it. Claire also learns that Glass House is one of the Founder’s homes and it has powers all its own, protecting the ones who live there. Claire, of course, finds herself in dangerous situations often. The others tell her what she needs to do, what to avoid in order to stay safe. Does she listen? Um…..no. Initially, you are kind of caught trying to figure out who the good guys are and who the bad guys are, and that line is blurred CONSTANTLY. And with her intelligence, endless spunk, and, dare I say bravery, Claire pops up on everyone’s radar.

There is a scene that totally surprises me in the first half of the book, concerning Michael, and that doesn’t happen very often for me. I always look forward to the next book to see what going on. Once you get through this book, with the groundwork laid, the rest of the series flows. And, I will say that one of my all time favorite characters, of any series, appears in this series. Myrnin, the whacky crazy vampire scientist, who has a whacky over the top way of “containing” the citizens of Morganville and running the town for the Founder. And Claire ends up working for him.

I will admit that this book was not my favorite in the series, but, I loooove this series. Yes, it’s YA and I’m 47 years old, but I love it!!! It has “classic” vampires, good versus evil and a lot of action. I’ll say again, yes it’s YA, but it such a pleasant departure from other series that I read. I don’t understand when someone reads a YA paranormal series and says “it’s not realistic”. Psssttt……… Vampires aren’t real!!! LOL!!! But, you will fall in love with these characters. Enjoy the story that Rachel Caine has written, in my opinion, brilliantly!

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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CLOAK and SILENCE by Sherrilyn Kenyon-info release

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CLOAK AND SILENCE:  The next book in The League series by Sherrilyn Kenyon

 Setting: Ichidian Universe

SPOILER ALERT If you haven’t read Born of Silence, there are spoilers contained below.

http://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/book/cloak-silence/

Release Date:  December 15, 2012

One of the fiercest soldiers the Phrixians have ever produced, Maris Sulle has been an outsider the whole of his life. He grew up with a secret that cost him everything- His birthright, his family and his military career. In all his life, he’s only had one love and he has sacrificed his own happiness to see his best friend reunited with the woman he loves. But now that his good deed is done, he feels lost and adrift. Even though they do their best to include him in their new family, he’s once again on the outside looking in.

Ture has spent his life hiding from everyone around him while trying desperately to fit in. His family, the world, you name it. Badly hurt by everyone he’s ever known, he trusts no one except his own best friend. And honestly, he can’t understand why he trusts her. Nor can he believe her when she describes a loyalty between friends the likes of which he’s never seen.

But when he is in his darkest hour, he’s saved by a hero he thought only existed in novels. A man who is every bit as scarred and mistrusting as he is. One who has no interest in being dragged into another relationship with anyone.

Having spent his life as a living study of doomed relationships, Maris is well aware of the courtship and fiasco that invariably follows. Still, there is something about Ture he can’t resist. Something that won’t let him walk away when he knows he should.

But when old enemies return to threaten them both, they either have to stand together or die alone.

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UNBROKEN (Outcast Season #4) by Rachel Caine-a review

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UNBROKEN (Outcast Season #4) by Rachel Caine

UNBROKEN (released in February 2012) is the 4th book and final instalment in Rachel Caine’s Outcast Season. A spinoff of Caine’s Weather Warden series, the Outcast Season follows fallen Djinn Cassiel and her lover Luis as they endeavor to prevent the end of the world-literally.

Once again, Pearl the sadistic and power hungry Djinn has taken control of the young Wardens. With their power enhanced by Pearl’s manipulation, the children are now capable of destruction beyond human comprehension, and it is the destruction that Cass and Luis are trying to prevent. With Pearl’s ambition to rule, Mother (Earth) is angry and refusing to stop the elements of destruction. Mother is not pleased.

With the rescue of Isabel (Luis’s niece) it becomes apparent, that Pearl’s abuse inflicted on the children, has created a power too great to contain. 6 year old Isabel is convinced that she would be in a better position to help if she were older, and unleashes a power that will shock and amaze, but one that will push her growth beyond measure. And it is not only Isabel that has suffered at the hands of Pearl. Many of the young Wardens are as powerful as the Djinn themselves. But it is the black void, the emptiness that is feared above all else.

Cass and Luis find themselves on the run throughout Unbroken, and heading from one disaster into another. Plagues, fires, earthquakes and tornadoes have ravaged most of the earth, and the Wardens are powerless to save the humans or the earth. And every step of the way, Pearl’s presence and manipulation is obvious. But it is not until Cass is held ‘prisoner’ in a crystal cocoon, do we see the extent to which Pearl is willing to reap the benefits of the power of the Djinn.

Jo and David (from Caine’s Weather Warden series) return as Warden and Djinn husband and wife, but even their powers can be bottled with a little control. Bottling the powers would ultimately aid the Wardens, but escape is inevitable when the Djinn are willing to break their own rules.

Esmerelda, the serpent/warden continues to antagonize Cass and Luis but it is Es who is neither good nor evil. Befriended by Isabel, Esmerelda is capable of inflicting a quick death with poisonous fangs, but it is with the death of another that the Djinn will finally be able to send Pearl where she belongs.

UNBROKEN is a fast paced storyline with rarely a moment to catch one’s breath. The constant flow of disaster upon disaster, as well as the appearance of many of the Wardens and Djinns from Caine’s previous Weather Warden series, will culminate into a finale that will close both the Weather Warden and the Outcast Season series together.

When asked whether she was going to continue the Weather Warden/Outcast series…well, I guess you have to read our interview with Rachel Caine on May 7.

Reviewed by Sandy

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MAY 2012 at The Reading Cafe

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MAY 2012 at The Reading Cafe

May flowers are upon us. We had a wonderful April, but May will be even better. The Reading Cafe has some wonderful events upcoming this month, with wonderful authors, reviews, another super cover model, and a new feature to share with you.

May starts today with the wonderful Rachel Caine. We will be reviewing some of her books, and on Monday is our interview with Rachel, and she has graciously offered a copy of her new Morganville Vampire novel BLACK DAWN and a copy of UNBROKEN (Outcast Season #4) to two lucky Reading Cafe members. On April 14th, we will catch up with one of our favorites, Alyssa Day and discuss what her Warriors of Poseidon are up to; and shortly after we will welcome the fantastic Deborah Cooke. Deborah’s latest installment in her Dragon Diaries (YA) series Blazing the Trail will be released in early June and we ask Deborah about her amazing Dragons.   Early in May we will also touch base with new author M.A. Abraham to see how her journey is going.

We have some more surprises of you for this month, which includes another super author, as well as a number of new and indie authors including Meagan Spooner, Jamie Leigh Hansen and Susan K Quinn, whom we are happy to introduce to you. Our cover model interview this month is with the wonderful Andrei Claude, and we most certainly do not want to miss that. Our normal features, special exclusives, and our fun column are still here for you to enjoy. Throughout the month, we will have many giveaways, so stayed tuned.

It is going to be another fantastic month at The Reading Cafe and you do not want to miss a minute of the fun.

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BOUND TO SEDUCTION (Firebrand #1) -by Elisabeth Naughton-a new release review

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BOUND TO SEDUCTION (Firebrand Series #1) by Elisabeth Naughton

BOUND TO SEDUCTION is the premiere novella and May 29, 2012 release in Elisabeth Naughton’s new Firebrand series of novels. Elisabeth introduces a passionate storyline of slavery, seduction and the cost of one man’s freedom.


Mira Dawson is tired of rejection. Although she is beautiful and talented, the men in her life never want to stay around. And she wanted someone in her life. With her sights sent on Devin Sloan, a fellow employee, Mira goes on the hunt for the elusive Firebrand Opal-said to contain magical and unique properties that will ensure all of your fantasies. But with possession, comes a heavy price. Heeding the warning, Mira’s quest for a relationship will take on an entire different direction when a gorgeous man suddenly appears in her doorway asking her heart’s desire.

Tariq is an enslaved warrior, a Djinn Prince of the Marid Tribe, a brother to Ashur and Nasir, and commander of his father’s armies. But a near fatal error has cost him his freedom. For the past 10 years, Tariq has been bound by Zoraida, a powerful sorceress. Using the Firebrand Opal, Zoraida controls and bids Tariq corrupt the human souls by granting their wishes. Used as a pleasure slave, Tariq must fulfill the fantasies of those who command the Firebrand Opal in the human realm. But when the beautiful Mira Dawson calls forth the power of the Opal, Tariq knows that he will never allow Zoraida to gain access to Mira’s soul.

The attraction between Tariq and Mira is immediate and Mira becomes aware that what she desires most will have to be taught by the mysterious stranger who calls to her soul. When Tariq pulls away too quickly, it is Mira whose heart will break until she discovers the true reason for the sudden withdrawal. But with each caress of the Firebrand Opal, Mira will learn what it is to love an immortal Djinn warrior and the cost to each to save the life of the man who she will call her own. With the help of a Djinn lore historian, Mira is determined to put an end to Tariq’s enslavement and put the Prince of the Marid back into the command of his army.

BOUND TO SEDUCTION is a short story written to introduce the premise behind Elisabeth Naughton’s new Firebrand series. With the introduction of Tariq’s brothers, Elisabeth has offered a peak into the future storylines of those bound by the Firebrand Opal. A wonderful start, a great premise and I am looking forward to her next novel in the series in August 2012-Slave to Passion-Nasir’s story.

reviewed by Sandy

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UNDONE (Outcast Season #1) by Rachel Caine -a review

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UNDONE by Rachel Caine

UNDONE (Outcast Season #1) by Rachel Caine

UNDONE (Outcast Season #1) is the first novel in Rachel Caine’s urban fantasy spin-off to the Weather Warden series. Focusing on the outcast Djinn Cassiel, UNDONE follows Cassiel as she traverses the pitfalls of being almost-human in a world of vengeful beings and controlled puppets.

Cassiel fell to earth as a human. Banished by Ashan, from the Old Djinn for disobeying a direct order, Cassiel is ‘rescued’ by a group of Wardens, hoping to avoid any further complications with the Djinn. As a source of power for the Djinn, the Wardens must allow their energy to flow when a Djinn is in need. Although not entirely human, Cassiel requires a continuous refueling when she expends too much energy trying to manipulate the human world. But it is her human body that is susceptible to outside danger and pain.

Manny Rocha soon finds himself the Warden to Cassiel, but with his own wife Angela and daughter Isabel to protect, he is soon embroiled in a war between the Djinn, Wardens and a murderous gang for revenge against his brother Luis. Hoping to integrate Cassiel into the world, Manny reluctantly allows Cassiel time with his family and friends. But when both he and Cassiel are suddenly targets from both Fire Wardens and gang bangers, it is Manny’s family that will suffer the most.

Luis Rocha is Manny’s brother, a one-time member of the infamous Norteno drug gang and an Earth Warden. With his ability to manipulate and use the Earth elements, Luis is a much stronger Warden then his brother Manny. But when Manny and his wife are gunned down in a drive-by shooting, it takes everything for Luis not to place the blame in another direction-at Cassiel. The danger for everyone has escalated from the time that Cassiel descended to Earth. Knowing that these deaths are a direct result of his previous gang affiliation, Luis must somehow make amends to Isabel. Isabel’s friendship with Cassiel is further enhanced when the child ‘s distress is only eased by the fallen Djinn. But when the Isabel is abducted and the power shift leads to the Wardens, it is Luis who must now ask Cassiel for her assistance in finding his niece.

Luis and Cassiel’s hunt for the missing child covers miles of dangerous ground, catastrophes and road blocks, all manipulated using the power of the earth, weather and fire. Knowing that a war between the Djinn and the Wardens is only escalating, Luis and Cassiel push further until both find themselves prisoner at the Ranch-where more than just the discovery of Isabel Rocha will pray heavily on their minds. An enemy, once thought long gone, has resurfaced, hoping for revenge against the fallen Djinn. And a training ground for future soldiers in the war between Djinn and Wardens, is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

UNDONE is an interesting story. Although I had not read the Weather Warden series, I did not find myself lost in a world of unknowns and confusion. The story is fast paced with plenty of action and information. Like many Urban Fantasy novels, the hero and heroine are trying desperately to save the world from one disaster after another, and in the end it will take more than just two reluctant saviors, but perhaps a small child who has lost both of her parents.

Reviewed by Sandy

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DIME STORE MAGIC by Kelley Armstrong -a review

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DIME STORE MAGIC by Kelley Armstrong

The Reading Cafe is continuing our monthly WOMEN OF THE OTHERWORLD CHALLENGE sponsored by Moonlight Gleam.

DIME STORE MAGIC by Kelley Armstrong

DIME STORE MAGIC is the third novel in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. A diversion from Kelley’s Werewolves, DSM focuses on Paige Winterbourne, who was first introduced in Stolen. .

Following the death of her mother, Paige Winterbourne has become Coven leader. And to complicate matters, Paige is now the guardian of Savannah Levine, the young witch who has yet to come into her full powers. When Paige’s position within the Coven is questioned, she is removed and must find a way to ensure both her safety and Savannah’s. But it is a question of paternity and by the Nast Cabal that will push Paige into a life involving the Cabals and Lucas Cortez.

Kristof Nast seeks custody of the young witch. Knowing that the Cabals train a young witch into active duty and in trust to the Cabal’s, Paige is worried that Savannah will be pulled into a world of sorcery, witchcraft and death. But it will be Kristof’s revelations that he is Savannah’s biological father that will further complicate and add fuel to the Nast Cabal custody battle.

Lucas Cortez is a sorcerer. As the bastard son and heir to the head of the Cortez Cabal, Lucas has relinquished all claims to the life and its many privileges and problems. But as a young lawyer, Lucas has willingly volunteered to help Paige with her custody battle against the Nast Cabal. But the bigger problem is the less than happy relationship between the Nast and Cortez Cabals. And now Paige and Savannah are caught in the middle of a custody battle that will eventually see a powerful sorcerer dead and a young witch grieving the death of her parents.

Dime Store Magic was not one of my favorite storylines, but will all due respect, it was not my least favorite. I think DSM was necessary as it introduced the Nast and Cortez Cabals, as well as several new characters that will continue to make appearances throughout Kelley’s series. Savannah will play a major role in Kelley’s final books in the Women of the Otherworld series, and we get a glimpse into  her background and family history. Kelley has a magical way of weaving many of her characters into the various storylines, by way of a phone call or even a reference.

Reviewed by Sandy

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