Spellfire by Jessica Andersen – a Review

Spellfire by Jessica Andersen – a Review


Spellfire is Jessica Andersen’s final book in her Nightkeepers (Final Prophecy) series.  We have waited for a year to get to the highly anticipated final showdown, the Mayan Doomsday. This  final story belongs to Rabbit and Myrinne, though all the Nightkeepers play a big part of this story.

When we last left off with our Nightkeepers, Rabbit was tricked  & then taken prisoner by the demons, leaving Myrinne just about at death’s door.   Rabbit has always been a wild card, not totally in control.  Myrinne was the one who changed his life for the better, and as time passes, Rabbit begins to mature and take on his role with the Nightkeepers. 

As we begin Spellfire, Rabbit is being tortured by the demons.  He no longer has his powers, as the demons try to take that from him.  The only thing that keeps him alive, is his thoughts of Myrinne.  He manages to make a last desperate attempt to escape, and just when he is ready to give up, the Nightkeepers come to his rescue. But the biggest shock is when he sees his worst nightmare, his dead father, Red Boar alive.  Back at the compound, Rabbit knows he has lost all his credibility with his friends, and as he looks for Myrinne, he sees her distant cold behavior.   

Myrinne is not the same person Rabbit knew when he almost killed her.  She was hurt badly by his believing the demon trickery, and thinking the worst of her.  The emotional memory of that time has frozen her heart.  Now that all of Rabbit magic belongs to Myrinne, she is also reluctant to give it back. 

Rabbit must earn back the respect and prove to the Nightkeepers and Myrinne, he is no danger to them, and he will be able to handle whatever is needed of him to help win the final battle.  We learn early on that Rabbit is the crossover, which no one really understands what that means.  As they have to work together, Rabbit and Myrinne slowly begin to resume their relationship, though Myrinne fights off her mistrust. 

One of the best parts of the story was Anna.  I have always loved Anna, and was worried that Andersen would put her at the end with the awful detestable Red Boar.  I had felt this way, as there was no one else that was available for Anna.  But Andersen does right by Anna, and I loved how things turn out for her. Seeing all the other Nightkeepers/Mates was awesome too. 

The final half of the book was very exciting, with a lot of action and twists along the way. Will Rabbit be able to control his magic, including his dark magic?  Will Myrinne forgive him to allow herself to fully love him again? Will Rabbit finally find out about his family? What will happen to Red Boar?  Will the Nightkeepers be able to solve the mystery of what needs to be done to win the War?  Will they win the war and stop Doomsday? 

So many questions, and Andersen answers them all. My favorite part of the final book was Anna.  My least favorite was unfortunately Rabbit and Myrinne.  I did like them, but something seemed to be missing. Perhaps it was that their pairing paled in comparison to the other couples in the Nightkeepers series, who were totally awesome, and this one was a bit of a let down.  I really enjoyed how at the end, we get to see what happens to each of the Nightkeepers, that we have come to know and love. Spellfire was a wonderful end to a fantastic series, and as I have said before, Jess Andersen is a wonderful writer.  If you have not read this series, you are missing a fabulous ride.

Reviewed by Barb

Share

Interview with Thea Harrison

Interview with Thea Harrison


The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome the wonderful Thea Harrison as our guest today.

Thea just released Lord’s Fall, her newest book in her Elder Races series.  We posted our review of Lord’s Fall yesterday.   

Let’s begin our interview with Thea.

 

 

Hi Thea.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today.  We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.

Thea: Hi, thank you for having me today!  I’m excited to be here with you.

TRC: Will you please tell us about yourself?

Thea: I am a complete nerd, always have been, and much less conservative than almost anyone else in my family.  Rather to their dismay, I might add!  I was a single parent for many years, and when my daughter went away to college, I decided to go back to school as well.  I ended up with a degree in Philanthropic Studies, and another one in Library Information Science, but ended up returning to writing full time instead of pursuing either professionally.

TRC: When and how did you become interested in writing?  Have you always liked to write?

Thea: I’ve always been interested, and when I was a teenager, I grew convinced that I could write romances like so many of the popular authors in the seventies.  I ended up writing my first romance when I was nineteen.  It was accepted by Harlequin Mills & Boon in the UK.  I was completely euphoric.

TRC: Many writers bounce ideas and information with a family member, a friend or another writer.  Who inspires you?  Do you have a muse?

Thea: I get inspiration from all different kinds of sources, but I have few people to bounce ideas and information around with.  My agent Amy is my primary sounding board, although I have developed a relationship with a few of my trusted beta readers where I believe they would welcome and enjoy having brainstorming sessions with me.  I hope to give that a try sometime soon!

TRC: On your Website it states that you wrote your first book at the age of 19, and have written 16 romance novels under the pen name of Amanda Carpenter. Then you stopped writing for a few years.  Why did you stop writing, and was it difficult to resume again years later?

Thea: Parenthood, other interests, and school took me away, and I did other things for several years until I wrote Dragon Bound in 2009 and returned to writing full time.  I dabbled a few times with some projects over those years but could never get anything off the ground.  However when I finally sat down to write Dragon Bound, the book flowed almost effortlessly.

TRC: When you started the Elder Races, with Dragon Bound, did you know at that point how far you wanted to go in this series?  How many books do you plan for this series?

Thea: When I wrote Dragon Bound, I had hoped maybe somebody might be interested in a sequel someday.  I had a very small vision at that point in time—and was incredulous and utterly thrilled to be offered a three book contract.  Now I’ve finished writing book six, which is Aryal’s story, and I’ve plotted ahead to book ten, so I’m ready and excited to see where I can take the series next.

TRC: Lord’s Fall was released this past Tuesday, November 6th. . Can you tell us a little about the premise of this story?

Thea: Essentially Lord’s Fall continues where Oracle’s Moon left off, not with the same characters, of course, but with the events in the Elder Races world.  Throughout the series, the pressures on Dragos and Pia, who are the original couple from Dragon Bound, continue to build.  Lord’s Fall returns to them to answer the many questions that have built up for readers, and also to address all those pressures that the Wyr demesne faces.

 LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes and Noble

TRC: We also have read that you have a dark romantic fantasy series that you are planning to write.  Would you care to tell us a little about it?

Thea: The Game of Shadows stories, Rising Darkness and Fallen Light, aren’t quite a series per se but a duology.  The books have been bought by Berkley, and now I’m looking at doing revisions for Rising Darkness, which is scheduled for release in April 2013.

TRC: Will you continue with the Elder Races series, when you start your new series?

Thea: Absolutely!

TRC:  Yayyyyyyyyyy!  🙂

TRC: Who is your favorite male character in your books?

Thea: Oh, I love them all!  It’s no lie that my favorite male character is the one I’m currently writing about—whoever that might be.  I love getting into each male’s head to see what makes him tick.

TRC: Who is your favorite Female Character in your books?

Thea: I’m afraid the same answer applies for the females too!

TRC: What are you currently working on?

Thea: I am working on something super-duper secret.  Nobody but my agent Amy knows what it is.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Thea: Just another thank you for a great Q&A!  It’s been fun!

Thank you, Thea for answering our questions. Good luck with Lord’s Fall. We look forward to continuing to read your books, and to work with again you in the future.

If you want to learn more about Thea, you can visit her at the following sites:
Website: http://theaharrison.com/
Twitter:
Facebook:
Goodreads:

Thea has graciously offered to give a member of The Reading Café a chance to win a copy of their choice of one of the first four books in her Elder Races series (Dragon Bound, Storm’s Heart, Serpent’s Kiss or Oracle’s Moon)

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Please post a comment and say Hi to Thea

4.  Giveaway open to U.S. & Canada Only

5.  Contest runs from November 9th – November 12th.

Share

Thea Harrison – Biography-Bibliography

Thea Harrison – Biography-Bibliography

Biography

Thea Harrison is the pen name for author Teddy Harrison. Thea has traveled extensively, having lived in England and explored Europe for several years. Now she resides in Colorado. She wrote her first book, a romance, when she was nineteen and had sixteen romances published under the name Amanda Carpenter.

She took a break from writing to collect a couple of graduate degrees and a grown child. She experienced waitressing as a teenager, has worked as an activist for a non-profit consumer rights organization, has been a receptionist, an office manager, a penniless graduate student, a director of development and research, and a single mom. Her graduate degrees are in Philanthropic Studies and Library Information Science, but her first love has always been writing fiction. She’s back with her paranormal Elder Races series, which began May 3, 2011 with Dragon Bound.

She adores animals and currently resides with several small pets that have very large personalities.

Bibliography

The Elder Races
Dragon Bound– Book 1
Released – May , 2011

Pia & Dragos

Storm’s Heart– Book 2
Released – August, 2011

Tricks & Tiago

Serpents Kiss– Book 3
Released – October, 2011

Carling  & Rune

True Colors– Novella 1 (ebook)
Released – 12/2011

Alice & Gideon

Oracles Moon– Book 4
Released – March, 2012
Grace & Khalil

Natural Evil – Novella 2
Released – March, 2012
Claudia & Luis

Devil’s Gate – Novella 3
Released – June, 2012

Seremela & Duncan

Hunter’s Season – Novella 4
Released – 9/2012

Xanthe & Aubrey

Lord’s Fall – Book  5
Released – 11/2012
Pia & Dragos

Share

The Secret Brokers by Alexandrea Weis-a review

The Secret Brokers by Alexandrea Weis-a review

THE SECRET BROKERS by Alexandrea Weis

THE SECRET BROKERS is the first storyline (June 2012 release)  in Alexandrea Weis’ s contemporary mystery spinoff series based on her Nicci Beauvoir Series. As this was my first foray into the Alexandrea Weis series of novels, I was slightly lost as to the circumstances that brought our hero Dallas August to the point where he is today. Dallas is former FBI agent who now works in a private capacity uncovering the secrets of the rich and infamous. I had to check out the reviews and author’s blurbs to understand the attitude and persona behind Dallas August-Dallas August is not so squeaky clean and law abiding as one would think. The series takes place between New York City and New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Secret Brokers follows Dallas as he is called in to repay a favor to a crime syndicate boss-to gather information from a competing crime lord’s daughter under the guise of guard and protector-and that information is wanted by everyone connected to the syndicate. While an old man lay dying, his death bed confession was heard by Gwen Marsh-the daughter of a powerful crime lord and one in direct competition with the man who hired Mr. August.

Like many forced encounters, the relationship between Dallas and Gwen Marsh is fraught with anger, secrets and mistrust. Gwen is vehemently opposed to Dallas’s presence and it doesn’t help that he comes with attitude to spare, but Gwen is no wall-flower as Dallas will soon discover. Before taking on his current assignment, Dallas had researched as much as he could regarding Gwen Marsh and her relationship with her family and friends. But as the storyline progressed things did not add up, and the information was in total opposition to the Gwen Marsh he was getting to know. Nothing about the woman matched what he was told. And to complicate matters, her relationship with her father was so stressful that Dallas suspected a bigger family secret.

We are re-introduced to many of the previous storyline principle and secondary characters. There is plenty of information regarding the Nicci Beauvoir affairs including the under cover assignments, presumed deaths and current identification of those once closest to Dallas and his friends. But Dallas is a man with a broken heart and it has taken him months to get where he is today, and on the surface he has not progressed too far. NIcci was once the love of his life but she was murdered and has miraculously returned from the dead with a new identity and her previously dead lover in tow, and Dallas is having a difficult time letting go of the past. But it takes a strong woman like ‘Gwen Marsh’ to uncover the secrets that lay hidden beneath the strong façade and mask of a man like Dallas August.

THE SECRET BROKERS has a plotline filled with twists and mystery, a little bit of sex and whole lot of interesting characters. Now that I have read this particular novel, I will be going back to catch up with the previous storyline and series. I want to know what brought Dallas to where he is today. The man is driven by his past, and his brooding personality pulled me into the storyline. I wanted Dallas to be happy but he was sabotaging any attempt for happiness every time he thought about Nicci and what might have been. Alexandrea writes an amazing story that pulled me in from the very start.

Copy supplied by author

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Lord’s Fall by Thea Harrison – a Review

Lord’s Fall by Thea Harrison – a Dual Review

Lord’s Fall by Thea Harrison is the 5th novel in her The Elder Races series.  There are also  4 novellas.  Here is a brief description from Thea’s site.

Description:
In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, two mates find themselves on different paths, torn between their duty to the Wyr and the passion that binds them…

Before she met Dragos, half-human half-wyr Pia Giovanni was alone and on the run. Now, she’s mated, pregnant and heading south to repair the Wyr’s frayed relationship with the Elves. Being separated from Dragos is painful, but for the good of the Wyr demesne they need to figure out how to be partners, in more places than just the bedroom.

In New York to preside over the Sentinel Games, Dragos is worried about his mate, but knows that finding two replacement sentinels is essential to show the rest of the Elder Races just how strong and brutal the Wyr demesne can be. But as the games heat up, Pia’s negotiations with the Elves take a turn for the dangerous, straining her bond with Dragos and threatening everything they hold dear…

 

Barb’s Review:
Lord’s Fall
takes us back to the couple that started it all…Dragos and Pia.  I have been anticipating this book, since I found out that we will get another book about Dragos and Pia, whom despite some great other lead characters, are still my favorite couple in this series.  I also get to see Rune, my second favorite wyr hunk.

In Oracle’s Moon, we knew that Dragos heard a strange “Freaky Deaky” prophecy message come out of the Oracle’s mouth that signaled danger for him and the world.  Months later, with this warning, Dragos and Pia set upon a plan to try to amend Dragos’s relationship with the Elves.  Something he lost, when he broke Elven rules to save Pia, which happened in Dragon Bound, the first book.  Only Pia, can visit the Elven High Lord, and try to find out any information pertaining to the warning, as well as open the door for Dragos to be able to be able to have a working relationship with the Elves.

Right from the start, Pia travels to the south to meet the Elves, with the Wyr Special Forces, that have been assigned to protect her.   One of the wonderful things about this book, was this group of new characters in this book.  Eva, is the leader of this group of soldiers, and if you think Aryal is tough, so is Eva, and surprisingly by the end of this story, I ended up loving Eva.  In the beginning, she gives Pia a hard time, looking down at her as a little princess.  But Pia stands up to her, and in a short time, the two come to an agreement to be civil, which will turn out to be a friendship based on respect and loyalty.

Eva’s team (Hugh, Miguel, Johnny, Andrea, James) are also fun to be with, not to mention tough, and hopefully in time, we will get to know more about them in future books.  When they enter Elven territory, they are openly welcomed, by the High Lord’s consort, Beluviel. But as we know, nothing is simple, and things will change that will put Pia, her team, as well as others in dire danger.

Where you ask is Dragos? After seeing Pia safely off with her protectors, Dragos goes back home to New York, to oversee the Sentinel Games.  The Sentinel Games is being held in Madison Square Garden, and will be a battle of all wyr’s to fight for the right to be one of Dragos ‘s 7 Sentinels.  Since Dragos has lost both Rune and Tiago, he decided to open these games, and choose his best 7 warriors, as well as show how strong his demesne is.  Of course, he has every confidence that the 5 Sentinenal left will continue to be part of his top team, but they will have to fight to finish on top, but they are the best. 

While the games go on, and Pia is now in Elven territory; Dragos and Pia have the ability to use their nightly dreams to meet each other live.  I may have said this before, but I love Dragos and Pia together, they make such a great couple, and Pia is the only one who can always tame our temperamental Dragon, not to mention their hot steamy sex together.  

Pia’s negotiations with the Elves are stymied, as Calondir, the High Lord is not at the Elves home.  He has been called away to an important meeting with another group of Elves, who have been hidden for a very very long time.  Pia makes the decision to go with Beluviel to the compound where the High Lord is, as she is determined to meet with him. The compound is devoid of high tech, as it does not work there.  So her connection to Dragos, is shut down, causing him to panic.

The last half of the book becomes very exciting, as we meet the elves, the other group of elves, and the danger that was warned in the prophecy becomes real.  Dragos, who cannot handle the loss of connection to his mate, becomes worried and heads to find her.  There is so much action, suspense, danger that brings all the Wry together to fight for their lives.  The villain in this story is named Amras, and he is a very strong ancient, with powers that can destroy them all.  Dragos brings in his Wyr to help in an epic battle.

This was a fantastic ride, with non-stop action, excitement,  and I absolutely loved seeing most of our favorites, and Pia’s new protectors, especially Eva. It was great to see Rune, Carling, Graydon, Aryal, Constantine, Bayne, and meet some new Wyr’s.  But best of all, just seeing how much Dragos and Pia love one another is super.  Pia’s hidden abilities are shown more, as she remains a strong and wonderful mate for Dragos.  Kudos to Thea Harrison for keeping this series so fresh, with a wonderful and different storyline.  I love this series, and love Thea Harrison’s writing.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

LORD’S FALL by Thea Harrison (Sandy’s review)

Barb and I both received a copy of LORD’S FALL from the publisher and you will find my review below. Although some of the review will probably be duplicated, we will both agree that LORD’S FALL was an amazing ride.

LORD’S FALL is the 5th instalment in Thea Harrison’s Novels of the Elder Races. Thea revisits Pia and Dragos as they embark on different paths to save the Wyr.

Dragos is in need of 2 more sentinels. When Rune and Tiago left the Wyr Demesne , Dragos lost two of his best men and the remaining 5 were in desperate need of reinforcements. And with Rune’s departure, Dragos lost his best friend. The Sentinel Games would determine the best replacements and further enhance the Wyr Demesne stronghold proving to the others that the Wyr are a force to be reckoned. But with his mate determined to open a path between the Wyr and the Elves, Dragos is reluctant to let his pregnant mate negotiate the uneasy truce. There is a rumor that a once powerful group of Elves is journeying at the same time.

Pia’s journey will net a few surprises including a lack of negotiations with the Elven High Lord Calondir, and a new-found friendship and relationship with her very proud and outspoken guardian Eva. Pia’s true Wyr identity will come into question on several occasions when her powers are required throughout their visit to the Elven stronghold. The Elven consort Beluviel recognized Pia immediately when it was disclosed that Beluviel and Pia’s mother were once friends a long time ago. Eva will witness Pia’s abilities first hand but with that information, Eva has sworn to keep secret what she knows about Lord Dragos’s mate.

I had almost forgotten about Pia’s ½ human ½ Wyr DNA, so much so that I had to check Dragon Bound for a refresher on Elder Race species and mates. It is understandable why Pia and Dragos do not want Pia’s true identity revealed especially when she may be the last of her kind. The powers that come naturally to Pia would be prized by the Wyr in every Demesne.

Eva is a feisty wolf-shifter whose attitude towards PIa is blatantly aggressive as well as caustic and rude. But Pia knows, as Dragos’s mate, she has more power than most, and it is her handling of Eva’s acerbic rhetoric and sarcastic put-downs that force Eva to look at the dragon’s mate with respect and a renewed purpose. Why fight amongst yourself when there is an impending war with a more dangerous enemy.

The attack against the Elves, by an ancient and unknown power will place everyone in danger, and force an already unwelcome Dragos to cross into enemy territory to rescue his wife.. Dragos only option in order to save his mate and the lives of the Elves, is to call in his warriors to fight a battle against an ancient power that had long been thought destroyed.

I enjoyed the connection between Pia and Dragos. With their power to communicate telepathically as well as Dragos ability to unite with Pia in dream sleep revealed a man who truly loved his mate. His need as well as his love for Pia is never questioned, and their sexual chemistry together is ‘hawt’.

The aftermath of the battle is difficult We are aware that an ancient power is responsible for the actions of most of the Elves, but to know that the damage to one’s friend and one’s family will only increase when the power is finally removed, does not make Dragos’s only recourse any less daunting or easier to accept. And with that pronouncement, the already forced alliance between the Elves and the Wyr, will fracture a little more.

LORD’S FALL is an exciting and wonderful storyline that brought several of the Wyr back together including an uneasy meeting between Dragos and a former friend. Thea’s ability to draw the reader into the storyline with her detailed scenarios and thought worthy script, had me thinking about what ifs and what for. Lord’s Fall is a sensual journey into the world of the Wyr.

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / Books a Million

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Miami, Mistletoe and Murder (Red Stone Security #4) by Katie Reus

Miami, Mistletoe and Murder (Red Stone Security #4) by Katie Reus

MIAMI, MISTLETOE and MURDER (Red Stone Security #4) by Katie Reus

MIAMI, MISTLETOE and MURDER is the 4th storyline (October 31, 2012 release) in Katie Reus’s Red Stone Security contemporary romance mystery series focusing on the men who work for Red Stone Security in Miami Florida. This is Travis and Noel’s story.

Travis Sanchez is a former marine currently on paid vacation from Red Stone Security where he just completed a rough assignment. A quiet man, Travis hides behind the façade of several tattoos and body piercings. And Travis has only one woman on his mind-Noel Baskov. Noel is the owner of the local coffee house that Travis has frequented for over a year. And it has taken Travis some time to get up the nerve to ask Noel out. But on this day, Travis will find Noel worried about a young girl whose mother is being harassed by an ex-boyfriend.

When Travis and Noel arrive, they will soon discover that the ex-boyfriend is armed and to protect Alisa and her young daughter, Travis will have to make a split second decision to save innocent lives. But Noel and Travis will soon discover that not only was the ex-boyfriend looking for revenge, but someone else is now hoping to make trouble for Alisa and the man who saved her life. And to do that, he will go through Noel to exact his revenge.

Travis is the quiet hero who is reluctant to make waves or involve anyone in his private affairs. Two deployments overseas have forced Travis to take a long hard look at what he wants and he wants Noel. When the couple are finally able to have some time alone, Travis’s seduction of Noel on a park side bench is amazing. You could almost feel the electricity and stomach curling sensation. For any man to pull off that feat under the blanket (in public) all I can say is—swooooon much !!!

Most of the action takes place the week before Christmas, and like many novellas, the relationship is very quick to develop. Travis and Noel had been dancing around each other for close to a year and when Travis is ready to take the next step he will find himself both guardian and protector to the woman with whom he was falling in love.

MIAMI, MISTLETOE and MURDER is a fantastic storyline with some mystery, seduction and one hell of an amazing bedroom sequence where we discover the use of one particular body piercing for Travis and Noel. Everyone needs to find their own Travis Sanchez-even if for only one night !!!!!

READING ORDER and links to our reviews
1.   No One To Trust
2.   Danger Next Door
3.   Fatal Deception
4.   Miami, Mistletoe and Murder

LINKS TO ORDER:   Amazon/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Novels of the Elder Races: The Tarot Card Novellas by Thea Harrison-a review

NOVELS OF THE ELDER RACES: The Tarot Card Novellas by Thea Harrison-a review

True Colors – an Elder Races novella by Thea Harrison

“True Colors” is a novella by Thea Harrison based on her Elder Races series. This short story focuses on Gideon Riehl and Alice Clark, whom are both Wyr’s. Gideon, who is a wolf shifter, is now one of Dragos’s top men, replacing Tiago, who left to be with Tricks. He is a detective with the Wyr police force and is currently involved looking for a serial killer. Receiving a clue, Gideon rushes to stop another murder, but is too late. As he surveys the scene, he scents someone hiding.

Alice, who is Wyr chameleon, is on the scene, as she just found her best friend murdered. She is devastated, but she hides as she hears someone rushing up the steps. When Gideon leaves, Alice shortly follows, only to see that Gideon was waiting for her. Immediately the two of them realize they are mates. But Alice is scared, and she runs away. As a chameleon she is very fast, but Gideon convinces her to meet him at the police force.

Though this is mystery, the romance between the two of them begins full force, as Gideon makes himself her protector. He questions her, as he is trying to find the murderer, and they end up helping each other. All three of the previous recent murders were Alice’s friends, and unbeknownst to her…she is the next intended victim. Gideon will not let anyone harm Alice. It doesn’t take long for them to have hot steamy sex, as they discover each other, confirming that they were destined as mates.

Gideon, for a tough guy, was so sweet with Alice. He never thought of himself finding someone, and being in love. Alice herself was shy, sweet, and never really cared to find someone to love. Being a Wry Chameleon was dangerous, as most of her kind were killed many years ago. So she and her friends kept to themselves. The story is fast, continual, and not a dull moment. We really do not get to see too many of our other favorites from the Elder Races. If you have not read any of the Elder Races, this book could be a standalone. However, Thea Harrison does a good job with this novella, and it is well worth it for you to read the entire series…it is that much fun.

Reviewed by Barb

NATURAL EVIL by Thea Harrison

NATURAL EVIL is the March 2012 release in Thea Harrison’s Elder Race TAROT CARD novella series. Like True Colors, Natural Evil departs from Thea’s Elder Race- Wyr storylines to focus on Luis, a 27 year old shapeshifter and Claudia a 40 year old woman with some telekinetic powers and the mysterious Tarot cards. Although Thea never does reveal the source of the heroine’s powers, it appears that she may have some psychic ability as well.

Claudia is a retired major in the Specials Forces, on her way to Vegas. Although she really had no destination in mind, driving along she finds a rather larger animal wounded and dying along the highway. With her telekinetic powers, Claudia lifts the injured animal into her car and drives forward, in search of help. But the help that is offered is not what she had expected. It becomes rather obvious, that more than one person is looking for the ‘wounded animal’ and the local law enforcement is more than willing to euthanize the animal ASAP. Claudia is soon suspicious about the real intent of the Nevada sheriff. And there are others who are not willing to relinquish the controls on the investigation surrounding the tortured animal.

Luis is a shapeshifter, who was sent by the Wyr to investigate the rumors of missing people and the Power of the silver being mined. But a miscalculation by Luis results in his capture, drugging and inability to shift back to human. Tortured and left for dead, Luis is rescued by Claudia and nursed by to health by a friendly retired veterinarian. Seeing intelligence in the animal’s eyes, Claudia soon recognizes the animal as a member of the ‘Wyr’ species and attempts to communicate telepathically. But it is with the information obtained from the doc that drives Claudia forward in an effort to save Luis life. Hoping to trap those responsible, Luis and Claudia return to the silver mine, in an effort to destroy the people involved in the discovery of the mine and its portal to the other side.

Once again, the Tarot Cards make an appearance, as they did in True Colors. When Luis questions the origins of the deck, Claudia remembers that a woman gave her the cards saying the ‘cards’ communicate and choose their owner. They have a Power of their own. And at the end of the storyline, the Tarot Cards will once again find themselves with a new owner.

The relationship between Luis and Claudia is slow to build. Luis remains in his shifted form throughout the first ½ of the storyline, therefore the romance is negligent, but there is a connection between the couple. Claudia is concerned, as their sexual relationship develops because of the age difference between she and Luis, and she will make an attempt to dissuade any physical contact, although both are highly aware of the attraction.

Natural Evil is not one of Thea’s best storylines. It was a quick read, like all novellas. The story was interesting until Luis and Claudia went to investigate the mine and its’ missing people. Here is where the writing changes. It becomes jumpy and the flow is not smooth. I found myself going back-wondering if I had missed some information. 

Reviewed by Sandy

DEVIL’S GATE (Elder Races novella #3 (4.6)) by Thea Harrison

DEVIL’S GATE is the 3rd novella in Thea Harrison’s Novel of the Elder Races TAROT CARD series. Unlike the previous two novellas, Devil’s Gate stayed true to the Elder Race characters. Natural Evil and True Colors ventured down a different path, and one that was not as enticing or exciting, but with Devil’s Gate Thea has, once again, found her style. There is little reference to the ‘magical Tarot cards’ until the final couple of chapters and only then, with reference to their mystical powers.

Seremela Telemar is the heroine. We were first introduced to the medusa/medical examiner in Storm’s Heart and Serpent’s Kiss, but in Devil’s Gate Seremela has her own story to tell. With her niece Vetta missing and held captive in the magical encampment of Devil’s Gate, Seremela makes it her mission to, once again, set about rescuing her troubled niece. But her new position with Carling and Rune has yet to begin and she is already asking for a leave, knowing that this will probably not be the last time.

Duncan Turner vampire/lawyer will not let Seremela attempt a rescue of Vetta by herself. Working for Carling and Rune, he is aware of Seremela’s predicament and has asked that he be kept abreast of Seremela’s actions. His attraction to the beautiful medical examiner is known to Carling and it is with her permission that Duncan will aid Seremela in her search and rescue at Devil’s Gate. And when Vetta is safe, Duncan will make sure that Seremela knows that she will be his to claim.

Vetta has been charged with murdering one of the Powers at Devil’s Gate. But without a body to examine, there is no proof that Vetta’s medusa snakes poisoned the Dark Fae. And the Djinn running the illegal operations at the camp was willing to execute Vetta for the sins of another just to prove his position. But the appearance of Duncan and Seremela will change the stakes and force Malphas to bow to a higher authority. Duncan knows that Malphas’s past will not save him from the wrath of the Elders and it is with regret that Malphas must assume a position he did not want to take.

Thea brings back some of her previous characters, even if by way of a mention, including Rune/Carling, Tiago/Niniane, Julian, and the Djinn Soren and Khalil. With the inclusion of these characters, Devil’s Gate felt more connected to the Elder Race Novels than the previous two e-novellas. And her introduction of Malphas (a pariah Djinn) and the Dark Fae Xanthe (who takes possession of the magical Tarot cards) we will be seeing more of these characters in Thea’s next e-novella-Hunting Season.

Devil’s Gate is by far, the better of Thea’s 3 e-novellas. With the inclusion and mention of many of her Elder Race hero/heroines the novella felt like it belonged. A wonderful story, a great premise and another well-written chapter in the Novels of the Elder Races.

Reviewed by Sandy

HUNTER’S SEASON (Elder Races #4.7 or Tarot Card #4) by Thea Harrison

HUNTER’S SEASON is the 4th storyline (September 2012 release)  in Thea Harrison’s Elder Races Tarot Card series of novellas. The powerful Tarot Cards have made their way through a series of mishaps and adventures, and in each storyline, the cards have either hindered or helped the immortal in question. Hunter’s Season will find the Dark Fae and assassin warrior Xanthe as she returns home to the Fae colony outside of Chicago. Having completed her most recent assignment at Devil’s Gate, Xanthe will come into possession of the Tarot deck and in each shuffle, the Major Arcana destines that she will find someone to care (for) and Xanthe thinks the kitten she has found is the one- only the someone in question is another Dark Fae with whom she has had feelings for a very long time.

Chancellor Aubrey Riordan’s life changed the day his wife tried to assassinate the new Queen of the Dark Fae –Niniane aka Tricks. And now a year has passed and the conspiracy and his wife’s betrayal continue to follow him like a shadow. When Niniane and her consort Tiago hire the assassin Xanthe as the Queen’s guardian, Aubrey is both concerned and delighted that the mysterious Dark Fae will continue to grace their lives. But an assassination attempt on Aubrey will find Xanthe as his new protector and a relationship developing between two people who never considered the possibilities.

Hunter’s Season is more of a romance storyline than action and adventure. We get a glimpse into Tiago’s friendship with Aubrey and his duties as the Dark Queen’s consort. Aubrey and Xanthe’s relationship begins as nurse and patient, and slowly develops into a friendship that will quickly turn to passion and love. As Aubrey’s wounds and ego begin to heal, we will discover that the investigation into the attempted murder of the Chancellor has long been over, and that the Queen had ulterior motives to keep her guardian and friend together.

HUNTER’S SEASON is a romantic storyline that concentrates on the growing relationship between two people. I enjoyed this particular novella more than the others. Perhaps I needed to cleanse my reading palette of some of the blood and war that so many of the recent paranormal storylines have focused. With the return of Tiago and Niniane, the storyline felt complete and part of the original Elder Race series. Sometimes a novella will introduce a new character(s) or side-story that is so disconnected from the original series, that they are best read as stand alones, but Hunter’s Season felt very connected and that was a major plus for Thea’s storyline.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

THE RAVEN BOYS by Maggie Stiefvater-a review

THE RAVEN BOYS by Maggie Stiefvalter-a review

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvalter is Book One (September 2012 release) of an exciting new series. Blue Sargent participates each year in a St Mark’s ritual, she and her mother go to a local cemetary and the soon-to-be dead walk past them. Bleu lives in a family of psychics, but she does not have the gift. This year is different, she sees a boy emerge and he speaks to her! Her Aunt Neeve tells Blue why she can see the boy. “There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St Mark’s Eve. Either you’re his true love, or you killed him.”.

The boy’s name is Gansey and he is a student at the local private school. The Alionsby boys go by a nickname that is found on their school uniforms, they are known as the Raven Boys and they are TROUBLE!! Blue knows that the boys are bad news, but she is drawn to Gansey since her vision. Blue has always been warned that she will cause her true love to die, so she guards her heart and acts with sarcasm around the Raven Boys. Readers will think that this is a typical YA love story, but it isn’t! It evolves into a book full of mystery and a quest. The book is loosely based on a Welsh folk tale, involving Fae ley lines and Glendower, an ancient powerful Welsh King.

Gansey is the leader of The Boys and he is behind the quest of finding the ancient ley line that he believes is found in the city of Henrietta Virginia. Ley lines are powerful energy fields that connect the world together. Gansey is very charismatic, a boy born from priviledge, who knows what he wants and is obsessed with breaking the Curse of King Glendower and being granted his heart’s desire. He drags his three friends along on his adventures. Adam, the scholarship student who has a difficult homelife. Ronan, the angry and passionate boy who is very unpredictable. Last is Noah, the one who disappears in a room of people, the watcher who sees things that others’ miss. Blue becomes involved in the quest, basically because her mother tells her not to get involved with the boys and she isn’t used to being told what to do. Typical teenage reaction!

Blue may not be a psychic, but she is like a psychic battery. She can amplify powers and energy. She knows where the ley lines are and she makes an agreement with the boys. She wants in on the action if she can tag along on their adventure. They discover a valley where time seems to have stopped, they have visions of their future and the trees speak in Latin! The gang soon discover that others’ have tried to find the ley lines in the past and they find a body of a deceased Raven Boy from years past. The same person who sacrificed the boy is on the hunt to find the ley lines first and gain the power. The action is very fast based and suspenseful. Along with the main story arc of the teens finding the ley line, Blue’s mother and aunt have a quest too. They are trying to find Blue’s father. A man who appeared and disappeared near the infamous ley lines!

Readers soon discover that The Boys all have their secrets! They discover that magic is real in this town, ghosts are among them and one of the boys is willing to make a sacrifice to help his friends. The ending is not neatly tied up, but their lifes are changed forever. The character development is excellent and I can’t wait to continue on their journey. Does Blue kill Gansey or is he her true love, stay tuned for Part Two!

Post a comment on this review and have a chance to win a signed copy of The Raven Boys! Enjoy!!

Reviewed by Jules

Jules is offering a GIVEAWAY hard-cover copy of THE RAVEN BOYS to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1. You must be a member at The Reading Cafe to qualify for the giveaway. If you are not a member please register using the log-in at the top of the page, or by using one of the social logins.

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter, please post your email address with your comment as Twitter does not allow for email information.

3. Please post a comment on this review to qualify for the giveaway.

4. Giveaway open to continental USA and Canada only.

5. Giveaway runs from November 6 to November 9, 2012.

Share