Monthly Archives: December 2012

Gift of Magic by Lynn Kurland – a Review

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Gift of Magic by Lynn Kurland – a Review

 


Just to get myself, and other’s who are interested in reading this series up to speed with Ms. Kurland’s phenomenal writing, world building, magic, and characters–I am mixing in content from a review I wrote for a previous installment for this review of Gift of Magic by Lynn Kurland

To begin, I must reiterate that Lynn Kurland has a phonetic style of pen that I have seen very rarely in literature, if ever. As a reader coming strictly from the Epic Fantasy genre, having never read romance until about 11 years ago, I can appreciate the beautiful love story woven within Kurland’s fantasy novels. Not sex, but the soul deep connection forming between a couple. Consisting of tangible emotion, and a blazing bond of two hearts. It is both endearing and sweet in its chasteness, but with no less strength, or intensity. Within this world of the Nine Kingdoms, born of Ms. Kurland’s very own, vividly bright imagination, this signature mix of lyrical ebb and flow, to that of the old world, “clean” romance—adds complete authenticity to the experience.

There is nothing I enjoy reading more, than a wholly original, character driven work of fantasy. These novels certainly are such, as well as being emotionally charged, brimming with the key elements of pulse pounding action, heartwarming romance, and laughing out loud humor. Rich with twisting threads of plot, that will keep you guessing with each page you turn, and incredible chemistry charging between main and secondary characters. In addition, the many different natures of magic that exists within this realm, is vastly intriguing, and a different spin to the other depictions I have read in this genre. Every nuance clicks into place perfectly, making the Nine Kingdom’s series one of those rare works in literature, that truly has something for any type of reader to enjoy.

In the previous installments, we learn that our hero Ruith has suffered terrible gut wrenching loss. Because of this, he buried the vast well of magic within him as deeply as he could, and created a new home, and identity for himself. This shift in destiny was all realized at the tender age of ten. We readers are shown the horrors this man has suffered through the platform of his nightmares. We are made aware of the shadows lurking within his blood line, and it is apparent that at some point in his brutal life, Ruith could have gone either direction, good or evil.

This fact is learned upon discovery that Ruith is not a simple swordsman masquerading as an ancient hermit sorcerer; living amongst the mountains. He is actually Prince Ruithneadh of Ceangail, the youngest son of Gair–who’s reign of terror labels, as the most notorious and evil black mage in the history of the Nine Kingdoms. Despite the darkness he believes lies within him, Ruith is unquestionably honorable, and has an immense sense of duty. He takes the task upon himself; of collecting his father’s scattered spells, and destroying them. An effort to prevent these dark entities from falling into the wrong hands, and casting the Nine Kingdoms into eternal darkness. 

Since the journey began in Tapestry of Spells, Ruith has aided Sarah of Doire, in her quest to stop her brother’s nefarious ploy. Despite having never been shown kindness, warmth, or tenderness—our heroine has a compassionate, fiercely honorable, and selflessly giving nature. It is through Sarah’s point of view that the unique magic system of the Nine Kingdoms series comes to life. I was blown away by Kurland’s detailed descriptions of what spells “look like.” In example; readers can discern the beauty of Ruith’s magic, in contrast to the repugnant glimpses of some others–and this added a rare level of intrigue to the journey that was absent in the first trilogy. It is upon this discovery that Sarah can “see” spells, that she decides to return the favor granted to her. Helping Ruith find these terrible magic’s derived from a truly evil mind, so that they may be lain to rest forever. Both characters start out with their own sense of duty as the force which drives them….both characters continue on with the ulterior motive of simply wanting to remain close to the other.

As much as I utterly adored every novel of this fantastic series…Gift of Magic stood apart. Unlike the brilliant crescendo of Morgan and Miach’s journey, Ruith and Sarah’s journey began more slowly, gradually adding notes, until it was apparent something largely unexpected and profound was about to happen. Because of this slower build of action, the beginning of Gift of Magic had my heart pounding unlike any of the others. The highly anticipated meeting between Ruith and someone dear from his past (of whom had no inkling he was alive) was not how I imagined it would happen, but profound all the same. Likewise, where a reader could nearly predict how Princess of Swords would end, the ending of Gift of Magic had me reeling in surprise. It was this ending specifically, more than any others; that Ms. Kurland’s imagination blew me away.

Both completed trilogies of the Nine Kingdoms series end on a high note, and leave readers completely satisfied with the outcome…but it is the third trilogy that we see a beloved secondary character step into the spotlight. I cannot wait to see where Lynn Kurland transports us next within her newest release DreamSpinner.

ORDER LINKS: The Book Depository KOBO/ Barnes and Noble / Amazon

Reviewed by Miranda

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An Interview with Diana Pharaoh Francis

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An Interview with Diana Pharaoh Francis

 

The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome Diana Pharaoh Francis as our guest today.

Diana is here today to discuss her newest release, Blood Winter (Our review is posted below this interview), which was released yesterday, as well as to tell us a little bit about herself.

Let’s meet Diana.

 

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

TRC: Please tell us about yourself?

Diana: I am the stranger your mother warned you about. Okay, maybe not. I’m easily amused, I have a morbid sense of humor, I enjoy some (a lot of) violence in my writing, and I love to torture my characters.

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

Diana: I’ve always been a storyteller. When I was a kid, my friends and I would make up these long dramatic stories and act them out (with horses and on a ranch). We’d also have these complex and huge stories involving plastic horses, barbies, and many other things. We’d take over the houses in the winter and spread everywhere, and then we’d do the outside stories when the weather cleared. I didn’t start writing at all until high school when I tried some bad poetry. It wasn’t til college that imagined that I could write anything at all, and then it occurred to me that somebody has to write novels—why not me? And so it began . .

TRC: What was your first book published? Can you please tell us your reaction when you saw your book published?

Diana: Path of Fate was my first book. It was shocking. It was both overwhelming and underwhelming. Overwhelming because this thing that I’d made, that I’d worked on for so long, had finally arrived on the shelves with my name on it. It was underwhelming, oddly, because I was standing there alone in the store and I had no one to share it with. It was a strange mix of euphoria and bewilderment, like I wanted to shout at the top of my lungs and didn’t dare.

TRC: What is your writing process?  Do you have a favorite time, or place to work?

Diana: I prefer to work in the morning these days. I used to work best at night, but then I had kids and so my schedule wasn’t my own any more. So the morning became the best time to work. I get the most done then. Though not too early. I’m not at all a super early riser. But in the end, I work whenever I can.

I prefer to work on my iMac in my office. It’s purple, and it’s got a lot of weapons and maps and books all over the walls. It’s got a bank of windows overlooking the front of the house. I love this space. My “desk” is a the kitchen table I had when I was a kid. It’s made of white oak with a formica top and it’s impervious to all damage. I also have the most comfortable and supportive desk chair on the planet. Expensive, but given my back issues, necessary.


TRC: What is the most difficult process in creating your stories?

Diana: It really depends on the story, and it also changes with each book. Mostly because my process seems to be ever-evolving. Sometimes it’s keeping track of the plotlines and ideas. Sometimes it’s figuring out how everything weaves together. Sometimes it’s keeping track of all the details. Sometimes it’s figuring out that the book isn’t going to work as is and I have to start from scratch. Sometimes it’s not being able motivate myself to push through difficult scenes. Procrastination.


TRC: Can you please tell our readers who are new to your Horngate Witches series, the premise of this series?

Diana: I had been thinking about a couple of different things that came together in this story. The first was I’d been reading some post-apocalyptic novels and there was never any real explanation of how that apocalypse came about. The other thing I was noticing was all the devastating natural events that seemed to be piling up: hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, that mud volcano in Jakarta, the bridge collapse in Minneapolis . . . . What if those things weren’t natural, but purposeful?

I wanted to write the story of the apocalypse, but I also wanted to have witches. I had this idea for superstrong soldiers that were tied to the daytime and the nighttime and entirely bound to witch service. I wondered how they would like that servitude? And what would happen if one was caught between hating the witch she served, and her loyalty to doing the job she’d been created to do. And so Max was born.

TRC: Blood Winter is your 4th book in the Horngate Witches series, and was released yesterday. Can you please tell us the premise of Blood Winter.


Diana: In this book, the magical apocalypse has happened, and the focus is on how to get through in the initial aftermath. Stir in a cult leader, some demons, and a bad winter, and Max is in trouble. Not to mention her love life has gone to hell.

 

 

 

Links to order Blood Winter: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

TRC: You have written in a few different genres, is there any other genre you are interested in writing or going back to?


Diana: I am working on a more traditional and dark fantasy right now. It’s difficult to write because it’s really stretching me, but I love it and if it turns out the way I imagine it, I think my readers will love it too.

I’m also working on a couple of contemporary fantasies. One of which has a mystery element. I am excited about doing a sort of magical mystery, but I don’t know if I can put together a mystery that will work. Especially given the other circumstances of the novel, which also stretch me. I hope I can pull it off.

TRC: What are you currently working on?

Diana: And see above :)

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Diana: I’d love for everyone to give Horngate a try. The first chapters are available on my website: www.dianapfrancis.com  They tend to be gritty and snarky and there’s an ensemble cast that I think you’ll all fall in love with. I know I have.


LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food:  It used to be chocolate, but then I had a surgery and I lost my taste for chocolate. I still like it, but I don’t go as nuts for it as I used to. So now I would have to say...pizza. I just adore a good Hawaiian pizza.

Favorite Dessert: cheesecake

Favorite Movie: Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth version)

Favorite TV Show: Whoa boy. I’m going to cheat and ignore all shows that are no longer on the air and say Castle.

Favorite Author: Charles Dickens. No, Jane Austen. No Dickens. No Austen . . . Oh. Dear.

Favorite Character from books you have read: Uriah Heep. He’s from David Copperfield and he is the most creepy obnoxious character and so fun to read.

Milk or Dark Chocolate: Well, you go back to my first question, and I would say dark. But better still, chai.

Thank you, Diana for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck  with Blood Winter.  We look forward to talking with you again in the future.

If you would like to learn more about Diana, you can visit her at the following sites:
Website: http://www.dianapfrancis.com/
Twitter:
Facebook:
Goodreads:

Diana has graciously offered to give a member of The Reading Café a chance to win a copy of Blood Winter.

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.  Giveaway open to U.S.& Canada only.

 4.  Contest runs from December 27th – December 30th.

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Blood Winter by Diana Pharaoh Francis – a Review

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Blood Winter by Diana Pharaoh Francis – a Review

Blood Winter is the 4th book in Diana Pharaoh Francis Horngate Witches series. Below is the book description, then my review.

Description:
Set in apocalyptic America and featuring a magically enslaved heroine who is “a riveting mixture of guts, compassion, and furious anger as she struggles with a world coming apart at the seams” (Romantic Times), the fourth in a dynamic dark urban fantasy series unlike anything you’ve ever read before.

Winter is coming to Montana and Shadowblade warrior Max is expecting trouble. People are hoarding everything. They are banding together, many flocking to the congregation of Sterling Savage, a fire-and-brimstone preacher. A charismatic cult leader who claims to be the Hand of God, he’s determined to create a human utopia and destroy all magic, starting with witches.

Unbeknownst to him, the “divine” voice he’s been hearing isn’t God but a demon that feeds on hate, death, and destruction. Savage is the perfect puppet for the demon’s ambitions. Max and her people at Horngate are all that stand in its way, and they are woefully unprepared.

Conducting terrible, bloody ceremonies to boost his own power and that of the demon riding him, Savage starts a war between his congregants and two other powerful gangs in the city, fighting for food, fuel, clothing and territory. When he manages to capture Max’s niece, brother, and several teenagers from Horngate, Max tries to free them but finds that Savage has twisted their minds. They worship him—even her brother, who is a witch and whom Savage intends to burn at the stake. Going undercover in the cult compound, Max swiftly realizes just how seductive Savage is. His charisma is reinforced with magic. His followers adore him and will do anything for him. Anything.

But courage, loyalty, and friendship are powerful forces—and Max doesn’t like to lose

Review:

The story picks up after Shadow City, with the apocalypse having begun. With winter coming to Montana, the Witches and Shadowblades of Horngate are trying to stock up on supplies, especially since they need food to feed their power.  Max is our heroine in this series, and she continues to be awesome & kickass, as well as dedicated to helping save humanity and the coven she must protect.  Blood Winter is urban fantasy at its best, as this book is non stop action from start to finish.  

They discover that the town has become divided with humans trying to salvage whatever food and supplies they can, and a cult following a preacher, who is not what everyone thinks he is.  Max and her Shadowblades recognize that this preacher, Sterling Savage, has very strong powers, very much like a witch.  But his cult hate witches, they want to destroy them all, as well as anyone who helps them.  Savage has built an army of mesmerized followers, who will do anything he tells them to do, even torture, murder, and burn suspected witches.  The Horngate witches and Shadowblades are dedicated to saving and protecting humans, and now they are up against a powerful enemy.  They have no idea why they are now the target of this preacher.

But Max, during her investigation comes upon a demon, who is truly the one brainwashing the preacher. This demon throughout the book, threatens and promises Max, he will hurt and destroy her, as he wants all of Horngate to pay for something they have no idea why.

In between all of the danger, Max is somewhat confused over her feelings for Alexander, one of her Shadowblades. Alexander loves her, having left another coven to join with Max and Gisele of Horngate. They have fantastic sex together, but something holds Max back from letting herself acknowledge that she is in love Alexander too.  Because he senses her hesitation, Alexander shuts himself down, and pulls away from Max.  All of this during the terrible impending doom. 

Max must put aside her confusion, and face the enemy who threatens to destroy all of them.  Her brother, cousin, and others have been captured by the preacher’s army, and they will be tortured and killed, if Max and all of the Horngate witches/shadowblades don’t get to them in time.  The demon appears in front of Max, while she is visiting her angels, who became comatose in Shadow City; the deamon hurts and marks her, and she cannot defeat him.  He orders her to come to where the Earth’s Last Stand cult and Savage have gathered for her punishment. 

Max knows she has no way to defeat him, he is much too strong, and at the same time she knows he is more then a demon.  She decides she must sacrifice her own life, and try to pull the demon with her into the abyss, so she can save her friends and family.

Throughout this book, there is lots of fighting, terrible dark torture, non stop action, in a thriller of ride.  Our heroes must face two sides, one of which they will try to win over for help against a terrible adversary.  Will Max Survive?  Will she be able to save mankind?  Will Alexander come back to help Max? What happens to the comatose angels? What really is that demon?  Diana Pharaoh Francis answers all the questions, in an exciting action packed ending.  What I love the best, is she has created such wonderful characters, who you cannot help but like.  I loved Max, as she is one of the best female kickass heroines. Francis’s supporting characters within Horngate, including the witches and shadowblades are awesome.  Terrific writing by Diana Pharaoh Francis, and Blood Winter was a fascinating read.

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by publisher

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Diana Pharaoh Francis – Biography/Bibliography

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Diana Pharaoh Francis – Biography/Bibliography

Biography
I was raised on a cattle ranch in Northern California (outside a town called Lincoln which is now part of an enormous sprawl). I taught myself to ride a horse at the age of six, as no one had the time to teach me—they were all busy learning how to irrigate, how to cajole an angry bull into another field, how to pull a calf… Afraid of heights, and absolutely sure I was going to die, I managed to scramble up on the back of a very patient and lazy strawberry roan destrier, and plod off into the sunset.

Thereafter, I spent much of my early life on horseback, or so far buried into a book that the rest of the world ceased to exist (much to the annoyance of my family—it took several attempts to get my attention). We all had very specific jobs on the ranch and mine was horses and cattle—out rounding up at dawn. And since I rode bareback, my standing request was to wake me up 5 minutes before everyone else headed for the barn—time enough to dress and eat my Wheaties, and no sleep time wasted on saddling.

After high school, I attended college after college, racking up a BA and MA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in literature and theory. My very patient and supportive husband traipsed across the Midwest and back to Montana for me (though my husband insists that he’s been running and hiding and I just keep finding him), where I now teach at the University of Montana-Western. We also a son Q-ball, who in our humbly unbiased opinions, is the most wonderful son ever produced, and a daughter, Princess Caesar, who is the most wonderful daughter ever produced.

I have a fascination for the Victorians, weather, geology, horses, plants and mythology, I like spicy food, chocolate and cheesecake, and I have an odd sense of humor. (Or so I’ve been told. Often.) Incidentally, the Pharaoh is in fact my real name, and oddly enough, is of British origin.

Some of my current favorite sf/f writers are Ilona Andrews, Carol Berg, C.E. Murphy, Patty Briggs, Lynn Flewelling, Rachel Caine, David Coe, and Anne Bishop.

Bibliography
Horngate Witches

Bitter Night – Book 1
Release Date: October, 2009

Crimson Wind – Book 2
Release Date: December, 2010

Shadow City – Book 3
Release Date: December, 2011

Blood Winter – Book 4
Release Date: December, 2012

Crosspointe Chronicles

The Cipher – Book 1
Release Date: November, 2007

The Black Ship – Book 2
Release Date: November, 2008

The Turning Tide – Book 3
Release Date: May, 2009

The Hollow Crown – Book 4
Release Date:  June, 2010

Path Books

Path of Fate – Book 1
Release Date: November, 2003

Path of Honor – Book 2
Release Date: December, 2004

Path of Blood – Book 3
Release Date: May, 2006

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Destiny’s Shift ( Six Saviors #4) by Carly Fall-a review

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Destiny’s Shift (Six Saviors #4 ) by Carly Fall-a review

DESTINY’S SHIFT (Six Saviors #4) by Carly Fall (Released December 15, 2012)

ABOUT THE BOOK: One hundred and fifty years ago, Warrior Jovan of the Six Saviors realized he had a gift: the ability to feel emotions through touch. Over the years, the gift has intensified allowing him to hear others thoughts, and this uncontrolled skill has forced him to keep his distance from both humans and those of his race. He fears the impact on his sanity if he doesn’t.

Liberty, an SR44 female has come to Earth by a set of circumstances beyond her control. Born into a life of servitude on SR44, she is alone, afraid, and stumbling her way through learning the customs and language of her new home on Earth. When Jovan meets Liberty, it becomes clear that they are of the same species, and Jovan takes Liberty under his wing, despite his commitment to himself to limit interaction with others.

As Liberty reveals the reasons for her coming to Earth, it becomes apparent that the Six Saviors are in danger, not only from the FBI, but also from those who have journeyed to Earth with Liberty, and they are seeking revenge. Jovan must quickly learn to control his gift, and Liberty is the only one who can help him. As they deal with danger from all sides, Jovan and Liberty must find a way to compromise on the lives they desire, or they will be forced to go their separate ways.

REVIEW:
Background: 6 saviors warriors from planet SR44: Rayner, Hudson, Noah, Cohen, Jovan & Talin. The warriors were sent to earth 212 years ago to stop and eradicate the 12 murderers who escaped from one of the moon colonies of planet SR44. The Colonists, as they were soon called, made their way to Earth, took the human body form, mated with the females and populated the earth with Colonist DNA. The savior warriors are part of the elite military from planet SR44, commissioned to remove the Colonists from Earth. The beings on planet SR44 are incorporeal bodies of mist and smoke, each bearing a different color, but in their corporeal bodies on Earth, their eyes will glow their familiar- planet SR44 color each evening. This is Jovan’s story and his eyes are emerald green.

I love the Six Savior series by Carly Fall. Early last year I won a copy of Carly’s second storyline in her Six Savior series-Finding My Faith-and I have been a big fan ever since. Destiny’s Shift introduces several more beings from planet SR44 and one in particular will bring about a change in Jovan that he never thought possible. Carly has brought together more of the inhabitants from planet SR44 and not everyone is happy under the circumstances. With their introduction into the stories, Carly opens up a much larger field of potential storylines and relationship scenarios.

Jovan and Liberty’s relationship follows the usual romance storyline premise. Jovan was a reluctant SR44 male who wanted nothing to do with looking after a mate, especially one that came with baggage in the form of an over-protective big brother, but Jovan’s attraction to Liberty could not be denied. Even many of the other members of the communal household saw the attraction between the couple before anyone involved was willing to admit there was something between the pair. And Liberty as naïve and innocent as she was, soon learned what it was she wanted and she wanted Jovan. And apparently Liberty has a thing for leather.

Carly adds another familiar face to the storyline-an overzealous FBI agent who knows more about the Warriors than anyone thought. When he reveals the information about the missing SR44 beings, the Warriors are forced to bring this stranger into their fold, and in doing so another potential storyline for one of the beings from planet SR44.

The Six Savior series and Destiny’s Shift by Carly Fall is a well-written and fascinating storyline and, one that brings a tear or two to my eyes every time-and Destiny’s Shift is no exception. My heart broke for a couple of the Saviors when they ‘lose their everything’ and you can almost feel the anguish of Jovan’s gift whenever he is in proximity of those suffering and in pain. Carly has written an amazing series of characters with whom I have fallen in love and I know you will too.

READING ORDER:
1. The Light Within Me
2. Finding Faith
3. Reborn
4. Destiny’s Shift

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords / KOBO

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Bitter Night (Horngate Witches #1) by Diana Pharaoh Francis-a review

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BITTER NIGHT (Horngate Witches #1) by Diana Pharaoh Francis

Book Blurb: SOMETIMES YOU CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES. AND SOMETIMES, THEY CHOOSE YOU…

Once, Max dreamed of a career, a home, a loving family. Now all she wants is freedom…and revenge. A witch named Giselle transformed Max into a warrior with extraordinary strength, speed, and endurance. Bound by spellcraft, Max has no choice but to fight as Giselle’s personal magic weapon — a Shadowblade — and she’s lethally good at it. But her skills are about to be put to the test as they never have before….

The ancient Guardians of the earth are preparing to unleash widespread destruction on the mortal world, and they want the witches to help them. If the witches refuse, their covens will be destroyed, including Horngate, the place Max has grudgingly come to think of as home. Max thinks she can find a way to help Horngate stand against the Guardians, but doing so will mean forging dangerous alliances — including one with a rival witch’s Shadowblade, who is as drawn to Max as she is to him — and standing with the witch she despises. Max will have to choose between the old life she still dreams of and the warrior she has become, and take her place on the side of right — if she survives long enough to figure out which side that is….

REVIEW

Where do I begin! There is so much information compiled into this first Horngate Witch storyline and yet as a reader I did not feel overwhelmed. The storyline is written in third person POV from our heroine’s perspective. We are privy to Max’s emotional highs and lows including her feelings of betrayal at the hands of her one time best friend and college roommate. Following a night of mid-exam drinking, Max found herself on a witch’s altar and her life as she once knew it will never be the same. And thirty years later, Max is still fighting the urge to kill her best friend.

Diana Francis has written a world of Urban Fantasy characters that will both tug at your heart and rev up your anxiety level- a world of Shadowblades (the sun will kill them) and Sunspears (the darkness will kill them) each of whom is responsible for the protection of an elemental witch and his/her coven. But it just so happens that Max is the Prime Shadowblade and as the Prime it is her primary responsibility to protect her witch at all costs-even when she wants nothing to do but destroy the very life she has been compulsed to protect. An interesting conundrum for one of the most powerful and special Shadowblades the world of the magic and the Divine has ever seen.

The premise follows that the Guardians (a most powerful and omnipotent power) are angry at the world and want revenge against the humans who have forced ‘magic’ into hiding. Along the way, the Guardians have chosen to enlist the witches in their attempt but their refusal to help has started a war with the Divine and between each other. And there is only one person who holds the key and has the ability to stop the destruction-Max.

There is also a ‘building’ of a romance between Max and another Prime, but this Prime has had some difficulty with his witch and must pay the ultimate price for his betrayal in refusing to divulge what he knows. Like all Urban Fantasy storylines, the romance is virtually non-existent even though I had hoped knowing it would never come to fruition. Alexander and Max know that one day ‘it’ will happen between them, but first, the world must be saved, the Guardians must be stopped and a witch with vengeance on her mind is standing between Max and everyone else. I want romance but sadly UF is not about the romance.

There are several secondary storyline characters-witches, angels, Shadowblades and Sunspears-each with a different story to tell. Maybe one day Diana will have the time to develop a storyline (novella or two) to tell their side of the story.

BITTER NIGHT is a well-written, fast paced and fascinating storyline that kept me reading right up until the very end. There are some dark moments, especially when we learn what Max had to endure at the hands of her one-time friend. Max is a tough as nails heroine whose life has forever been changed by betrayal but when the need arises, she has a heart that will break and will cry tears of pain and loss. She is both surprised and humbled with the knowledge that not every Prime is as well respected and as loved as is she. I look forward to reading more from Diana Francis and the Horngate Witches.

Reading Order:

1. Bitter Night
2. Crimson Wind
3. Shadow City
4. Blood Winter -Dec 2012

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO /

Reviewed by Sandy

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No Mistletoe Required by Jeanette Murray- a review

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No Mistletoe Required by Jeanette Murray-a review

NO MISTLETOE REQUIRED by Jeanette Murray

NO MISTLETOE REQUIRED is the November 5, 2012 release by Jeanette Murray. Like most holiday novels, the requisite HEA is not missing from Jeanette’s storyline, but getting there was a bit of a struggle.

Dan Beckins is a divorce lawyer whose view of the holidays has been marred and forever tainted by the automobile accident that killed his parents on Christmas Day so many years ago. When his buddy volunteered them to help with the building of the annual Winter Wonderland display at the hospital Dan was incensed. Geoff knew Dan no longer celebrated the winter festival and the longer he worked on the display, the angrier his friend became until a petite little blond with enough bubbly personality for everyone showed him the true meaning of Christmas.

Anna Smith loved the holidays but there is always a dark cloud hanging over her enjoyment. Stricken with leukemia as a teen, Anna spent almost an entire year at the local hospital undergoing treatment and recovery. As an adult, Anna now gives back with the annual children’s Christmas display and workshop. But with a second cancer diagnosis, Anna was reluctant to get personally involved in a relationship with another man. But the sight of Dan Beckins as he forged ahead with the Christmas display had Anna reconsidering her relationship policy-maybe a one night stand or fling was really what she needed. What she didn’t expect was for Dan to lose his heart to a woman who may not be around to celebrate many more holidays.

The relationship between Dan and Anna is quick to start as Anna knows what she wants and starts to seduce Dan at every opportunity when they are alone. From asking him to help her with the heavy lifting to cornering the man in a cleaning closet, Anna isn’t afraid to go for what she wants-and all Anna thinks she wants is a passionate night of sex with no strings attached. But Dan soon realizes that he has fallen for the spunky no-nonsense woman who had broken his heart. When Anna rejects Dan’s offer of a permanent relationship, Dan’s sorrow will be felt by everyone working, at the hospital, on the Christmas display.

NO MISTLETOE REQUIRED is a short story that brings two broken souls together during one of the most festive times of the year. Dan’s memories of the day his parents were killed has forever jaded his opinion about Christmas Day and Anna’s continuing health struggles force her to take a long hard look at the way she has been treating all potential relationships and friends.

The writing is simple with a few questionable grammar faux pas, but overall the storyline is a sweet look at a Christmas story.

ORDER NOW: Barnes and Noble / Amazon / KOBO

Copied supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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