Tag Archives: Dark Fantasy

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli – a Review

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Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli – a Review

 

 

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Description:
A steamy game of cat and mouse between witch and witch-hunter, played out against a backdrop of opulence, secrets, and bloody history.

On the night Rune’s life changed forever, blood ran in the streets. Now, in the aftermath of a devastating revolution, witches have been diminished from powerful rulers to outcasts ruthlessly hunted due to their waning magic, and Rune must hide what she is.

Spending her days pretending to be nothing more than a vapid young socialite, Rune spends her nights as the Crimson Moth, a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from being purged. When a rescue goes wrong, she decides to throw the witch hunters off her scent and gain the intel she desperately needs by courting the handsome Gideon Sharpe – a notorious and unforgiving witch hunter loyal to the revolution – who she can’t help but find herself falling for.

Gideon loathes the decadence and superficiality Rune represents, but when he learns the Crimson Moth has been using Rune’s merchant ships to smuggle renegade witches out of the republic, he inserts himself into her social circles by pretending to court her right back. He soon realizes that beneath her beauty and shallow façade, is someone fiercely intelligent and tender who feels like his perfect match. Except, what if she’s the very villain he’s been hunting?

 

 

Review:

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli is the 1st book in her new romantic fantasy duology Crimson Moth series.  We meet Rune, our heroine, whose life drastically changed forever, when a terrible revolution, when witches became outcasts; hunted and killed. To save her granddaughter, Rune was told to pretend that she knew nothing about her grandmother being a witch, with Rune hiding what she is to survive. Devasted by the death of her grandmother, as well as all the deaths of witches, Rune changes her life.  During the daytime, she is a wealthy socialite and by evening she is the infamous Crimson Moth, who rescues witches before their horrifying deaths.

Gideon Sharpe is a witch hunter, who has unsuccessfully been trying to find the Crimson Moth.  He gets a clue that Rune might be using her ships to free the witches, and decides to pursue her and in order find evidence that she is a witch.  Gideon’s brother Alex, is Rune’s best friend, as well as Verity, and they both know that Rune is the Crimson Moth, but they are totally loyal to her.  When Gideon starts making advances, Alex is not happy, as he secretly loves Rune. Gideon plays the part of courting her, and slowly begins to fall for Rune, learning more about her intelligence, as well as being caring.  Rune also learns more about Gideon’s past life, hating the witches who killed his family and used him.

Though I understand Gideon’s past with a witch who destroyed his family, I found him to be a bit harsh, going to any length to discover if Rune was a witch.  I did love Rune, who was a cunning fighter, always trying to save the witches.  With both constantly changing their minds on what are their real feelings in in this game of cat and mouse. There were a lot of twists and turns as we get closer to the end, and saying too much more would ruin this for you.

Heartless Hunter was a fast-paced compelling page turner, that was intense, intriguing, exciting, and a forbidden romance. The last third of the book was wild and tense, with me unable to put the book down. Heartless Hunter was so very well written by Kristen Ciccarelli, was well as being a fantastic world-building. I look forward to the next book, especially since this is a duology.

 

 

 

 

 

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Crowbones by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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Crowbones by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Crowbones will gitcha if you don’t watch out!

Deep in the territory controlled by the Others—shape-shifters, vampires, and even deadlier paranormal beings—Vicki DeVine has made a new life for herself running The Jumble, a rustic resort. When she decides to host a gathering of friends and guests for Trickster Night, at first everything is going well between the humans and the Others.

But then someone arrives dressed as Crowbones, the Crowgard bogeyman. When the impostor is killed along with a shape-shifting Crow, and the deaths are clearly connected, everyone fears that the real Crowbones may have come to The Jumble—and that could mean serious trouble.

To “encourage” humans to help them find some answers, the Elders and Elementals close all the roads, locking in suspects and victims alike. Now Vicki, human police chief Grimshaw, vampire lawyer Ilya Sanguinati, and the rest of their friends have to figure out who is manipulating events designed to pit humans against Others—and who may have put Vicki DeVine in the crosshairs of a powerful hunter.

 

 

Review:

Crowbones by Anne Bishop is another fascinating story in her The World of the Others (Book Three)/The Others (Book Eight) series.  Those of you have read my reviews; know that I am a huge fan of Anne Bishop.  I have read every series & books she has written, and loved them all.

Crowbones returns us to the town of Sproing in Lake Silence (terra indigene-controlled Finger Lakes region of Northeast Thaisia); where we get to see Vicki Devine, who runs the Jumble lakeside resort, and is once again in the forefront with her life in danger.  Vickie is human, in a town filled with vampires, shifters (bears, coyote, crows, other humans, etc), elementals.  It was great to spend time with those who protect Vicki, such as Ilya Sanguinati (Vampire), Wayne Grimshaw (human police chief), Julian (intuit), Elementals and the Elders (who will do anything to protect Vickie).  I also got to like Natasha much more.

It all starts when Vicki arranges to have a Trickster Night at the Jumble during Halloween; as the resort, local cabins are now full.  Aggie, Jozi and Eddie (crow shifters) who now work for Vicki, help her set everything up; some strange boys play a prank, and things go bad right after, with a dead body found, causing the town to be closed off from anyone leaving. The mysterious deaths that will follow will include humans, shifters, and even vampires.  Ilya, Grimshaw and Julian suspect that someone is manipulating others to force people to do bad things.  Besides everyone working together, word is out that the mythical predator Crowbones is soon to arrive to find the culprits.

What follows is an exciting enthralling story that will also be deep in a mystery as to who is behind what is happening, as well as why they are threatening Vicki.  The terra indigene, Elementals and Elders are always watching over Vicki.  Vicki has become a bit more comfortable to deal with the scary people who are not human, but who she has befriended, and they in turn are her protectors. Vicki is also called “the reader”, as she reads books three evenings a week, not only for locals, but in the darkness are the Elders who also listen.    

The entire book was exciting, intense, pulse pounding, action filled; especially with many deaths, some horrific. To say too much more would ruin it for you, as you need to read this book from start to finish.  I loved returning to Lake Silence, and the people who watch over Vicki. It is just amazing how Bishop brings us in to this amazing world, and you are so deeply engrossed into the story, that you cannot put the book down.  No one does Fantasy in so many different types of worlds better then Anne Bishop, and I look forward to anything she gives us.  She is a master at her world building and great characters. If you have not read Anne Bishop, what are you waiting for?  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Anne Bishop is graciously offering copies of CROWBONES to TWO (1) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.    

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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9. Giveaway runs from March 8 – 12, 2022

 

 

 

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Horseman: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow by Christina Henry – a Review

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Horseman: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow by Christina Henry – a Review

 

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Description:
Everyone in Sleepy Hollow knows about the Horseman, but no one really believes in him. Not even Ben Van Brunt’s grandfather, Brom Bones, who was there when it was said the Horseman chased the upstart Crane out of town. Brom says that’s just legend, the village gossips talking.

Twenty years after those storied events, the village is a quiet place. Fourteen-year-old Ben loves to play Sleepy Hollow boys, reenacting the events Brom once lived through. But then Ben and a friend stumble across the headless body of a child in the woods near the village, and the sinister discovery makes Ben question everything the adults in Sleepy Hollow have ever said. Could the Horseman be real after all? Or does something even more sinister stalk the woods?

 

 

Review:

Horseman: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow by Christina Henry is a standalone novel.  Henry has been giving us some modern & dark tales on various stories such as this one.  Horseman takes place 20 years after the headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane events, as Sleepy Hollow has been quiet. Ben Van Brunt, is the granddaughter of Brom Bones, who was part of the stories years before.  Ben (who is a girl, but acts like a boy), is 14 years old, and loves and wants to be like her grandfather; she is strong and tough; as she stands up to the boys who tease and threaten her.  One of those boys is found in the woods with his head and hands missing, and the town is in an uproar, fearing the that the magic and horror is returning. 

Ben tries to find more information about her deceased father, and learns he was killed years ago in the same manner these young boys were.  Brom and Katrina (her grandparents) warn her to stay away from the dangerous woods.  When another boy’s body is discovered in the woods, Ben finds herself being accused by the boy’s father as the one who is using magic to kill his son, and the other boy.  Ben sees the creature who is killing the boys, as well as hearing sounds of the horseman trying to come to her rescue.  Is she imagining the thumping sound of the horse, is the horseman real?

What follows in a dark and intense story, where we follow Ben when she finds herself in danger, as she is taken captive by the dead boy’s father, and she does everything to fight and survive, even if she has to kill.  But when she comes face to face to the creature, her survival is dire; can the Horseman be real and save her?  One of the amazing parts is when Ben is in the woods, I can actually feel the thumping of the hooves as she can feel the Horseman coming. To tell too much more would be spoilers, and with all that happens, you do need to read this book.

Christina Henry wrote another interesting and dark storyline, as well as being scary with chilling scenes.  If you like intense dark stories, based on old tales that are created in the modern world, you should read Horseman, which was very well written by Christina Henry.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Kingsbane by Claire Legrand – Review & Giveaway

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Kingsbane by Claire Legrand –  Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Rielle Dardenne has been anointed Sun Queen, but her trials are far from over. The Gate keeping the angels at bay is falling. To repair it, Rielle must collect the seven hidden castings of the saints. Meanwhile, to help her prince and love Audric protect Celdaria, Rielle must spy on the angel Corien—but his promises of freedom and power may prove too tempting to resist.

Centuries later, Eliana Ferracora grapples with her new reality: She is the Sun Queen, humanity’s long-awaited savior. But fear of corruption—fear of becoming another Rielle—keeps Eliana’s power dangerous and unpredictable. Hunted by all, racing against time to save her dying friend Navi, Eliana must decide how to wear a crown she never wanted—by embracing her mother’s power, or rejecting it forever.

 

 

Review:

Kingsbane by Claire Legrand is the 2nd book in her YA Fantasy Empirium series.  When we left off in Furyborn, Reille Dardenne managed to come through her trials to prove that she is the Sun Queen, though we knew from the start that she was indeed the Blood Queen, and gave birth to a girl; a baby she handed off to Simon ( a young boy) to bring her to safety, away from the evil angel, Corien. 

Eliana Ferracora is in fact, Reille’s daughter (1000 years after her death), and she is just learning about her powers and who her mother really was.  In Kingsbane, we continue the story in the past about Rielle prior to her death, leading up to her being the Blood Queen.  In the present, Eliana must learn to how to use her powers, as well as accept her destiny to save the world and be their savior as the Sun Queen.

To understand a bit better the theme of this series:  Many years prior to Rielle’s time, there was a Prophecy that claims sometime in the future the evil angels locked away for centuries will return and wreck havoc across the world, and two women will rise; one made of Blood and the other of Light. A Queen of Blood and Destruction and a Queen of Light and Salvation; hence the Blood Queen and the Sun Queen.  Kingsbane continues the two pov’s of the past with Rielle, and the present with Eliana.

Rielle continues her journey to prove to she is the Sun Queen, and in doing so must collect the castings of the saints. Wherever she goes, she has her love and the future king of Cedaria, Audric and her trusted friend (and secret angel), Ludivine traveling with her.  I really liked them in Furyborn, as they are what holds Rielle together, to prevent the evil Corien from pulling her to his side. The evil Corien was very powerful, not only a voice in Rielle’s head, but also appearing to her in her dreams.    I also adored her Dragon, Altheria.   But Rielle has her issues controlling her anger, when she is faced with others not believing in her, causing more dissent.

Eliana continues to grow into her power, accepting with each passing day that though she has her mother’s powers, but she is not evil, and is indeed the true Sun Queen.  I loved Eliana, even though she may have been stubborn, she eventually was ready to rise up and help all those she loved.  In time, she was a tough and terrific heroine, and was willing to put her own life on the line to save others. 

There were a wonderful cast of secondary characters for Eliana too; Simon, Remy, Zahra, Navi, Harkan, and those who began to believe in her.    Kingsbane was an intense and wonderful continuation of this fabulous trilogy, with a major surprise twist at the end.  This can be considered as a cliff hanger; making it a difficult long wait for the final book in this trilogy.  Kingsbane was another excellently written book by Claire Legrand, with quite a few surprises that had us holding our breaths, as well as leaving us hanging.    Now we wait impatiently to see if the Sun Queen will rise up and save them all.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Claire Legrand is graciously offering a paper copy of KINGSBANE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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7. Giveaway runs from May 20 to 24, 2019

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Shadow Play by Jill Ramsower – a Review

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Shadow Play by Jill Ramsower – a Review

 

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Description:
They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger—if that’s the case, I better be badass by the time this is over. 

After two years at a dead-end job, Rebecca Peterson finally walks away from everything she knows to follow her dreams in Ireland. Instead of dreams, the dreary streets of Belfast rekindle her terrifying nightmares, and this time they aren’t confined to her imagination. Twisted and vicious, Faeries are being unleashed on Earth to prey upon humans, who are unaware of the vile creatures walking among them. Becca must stay alive long enough to learn why she can see what others can’t, and even more importantly, discover how to keep the Fae from destroying life on Earth. 

Delving into the underbelly of the city, Becca discovers that she is not entirely alone in her abilities; however, centuries of secrecy makes gathering information a challenge. When Becca crosses paths with two mysterious strangers, her life is only complicated further. The gorgeous but brooding Lochlan demands complete honesty but refuses to provide any answers of his own. On the other hand, Ronan is enigmatic and charming, and with his sights set on making Becca his, he offers more help than most. But Becca quickly learns that trusting others is difficult when you have secrets of your own. Sometimes, the enemy is within…. 

 

Review:

Reading the characters point of view isn’t always my favourite way to read.  So after I read the back cover of Shadow Play by Jill Ramsower,  I went in ……. And was pleasantly surprised. The scenes were very well written, and flowed nicely. The characters were very three dimensional, and believable. 

Rebecca is just a “normal” human, she has recurring nightmares, and now they seem to be coming true. She “sees” things other people don’t. And that includes the fae (not at all like tinker belle) ?‍♀️ and they want to take over this dimension (as I said, not like tinker belle) 

She just wants a fresh start, and believes it will be achieved in Ireland, wrong, her life isn’t really much better there. And when she finds others like her, she hopes she can survive long enough to rescue humanity.

It was great that Rebecca had several “girlfriends” she could rely on. Ashley was one of them, and to me she seemed the perfect friend. She was very supportive of Rebecca, and she believed Rebecca, even though half the stuff coming out of Rebecca’s mouth sounded crazy. 

Lachlan is very secretive, but demands total honesty from Rebecca. He is hiding something, can Rebecca find out what ? Is he fae ? Is he like here ? And will he help in the up and coming bottle ?  And if she does, what will she do ? 

Ronan is the opposite. He is charming and very likeable, he wants Rebecca for his own. Will he succeed ? And does he have a hidden agenda of his own ? 

And what secrets does Rebecca hide ? 

I liked how the story of Merlin, Guinevere and Arthur fit in with the history of the Fae. 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

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Lake Silence by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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Lake Silence by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Human laws do not apply in the territory controlled by the Others–vampires, shapeshifters, and paranormal beings even more deadly. And this is a fact that humans should never, ever forget . . .

After her divorce, Vicki DeVine took over a rustic resort near Lake Silence, in a human town that is not human controlled. Towns like Vicki’s have no distance from the Others, the dominant predators that rule most of the land and all of the water throughout the world. And when a place has no boundaries, you never really know what’s out there watching you.

Vicki was hoping to find a new career and a new life. But when her lodger, Aggie Crowe–one of the shapeshifting Others–discovers a dead body, Vicki finds trouble instead. The detectives want to pin the man’s death on her, despite the evidence that nothing human could have killed the victim. As Vicki and her friends search for answers, things get dangerous–and it’ll take everything they have to stay alive.

 

 

Review:

Lake Silence by Anne Bishop is the first book in her new arc within her wonderful The Others series (The World of the Others), which continues in the same world as the first arc.  This arc is in the terra indigene controlled Finger Lakes region of Northeast Thaisia. Those of you have read my reviews; know that I am a huge fan of Anne Bishop.  I have read every series & books she has written, and loved them all. 

Vicki  DeVine, our heroine, is the owner of The Jumble, a rustic resort in Lake Silence.  Vicki, was given the rights to The Jumble, as a divorce settlement and has worked hard to try to bring the resort, with its cabins near a private beach next to the lake, up to par.  The town (Spriong) surrounding Lake Silence has human residents, but is controlled by The Others.   Vicki’s lone lodger is Aggie Crowe (a crowguard shape shifter), and one day Vicki catches her ready to eat an eyeball.  Who does that eyeball belong to?    Aggie takes Vicki on the trail where a dead body is found, and from that point on, everything in Vicki life will change.

The police from a distant town come and take Vicki to be questioned, and those nasty men threaten her.  But Aggie will alert the Others and Ilya Sanguinati, a vampire and the main overseer in Lake Silence, will come to her rescue, as he is a lawyer.  We will also meet Wayne Grimshaw, a good cop who will be assigned to be chief in Sproing and surrounding territory of Lake Silence.   Julian is another ally for Vicki, as he is an intuit (they have the sight to sense something happening), as well as running a book store.  All of them, as well as the Others, will become very protective of Vicki.  But the men, including those policeman are determined to force her out of The Jumble, and her ex is part of the ruse.  To keep her safe, she is told to leave, and let them move in.  Of course, these evil men do not know what they are in for, as no one will ever survive The Others & Elementals, unless they feel you are good humans.  Along the way we are introduced to other shapeshifters that will befriend and protect Vicki, such as Aggie, Ineke, Cougar, Conan, Ilya, Natasha, Lady of the Lake, Aiden,  just to name a few.  I got a kick out of the Sproingers, with their happy smile (unless you were the enemy).

What follows is an exciting enthralling story that will also be deep in a mystery as to who and why these people are threatening Vicki.  Almost from the start, we become invested in Vicki, who was used to being pushed around by her ex, and lacks self confidence.  The Others will sense her vulnerability, making them more conscious of protecting her.  Vicki becomes a bit more comfortable to deal with the strange people who are not human, but who she has befriended, and they in turn will be her protectors.  It was cute to watch Vicki become “the reader” for those she would read three evenings a week, murder mysteries outside her house, with many from hidden spots and from afar listening. 

The last half of the book, was very intense, pulse pounding, especially when the evil people were determined to bring harm to Vicki. As the unseen Elders come out at night, those threatening Vicki will pay the consequences.  It is just amazing how Bishop brings us in to this amazing world, and you are so deeply engrossed into the story, that you cannot put the book down.  No one does Fantasy in so many different types of worlds better then Anne Bishop, and I look forward to anything she gives us.  She is a master at her world building and great characters.   Lake Silence is a fantastic start to this new arc, and I for one cannot wait for the next one. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Anne’s publisher is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of LAKE SILENCE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe
        

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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9. Giveaway runs from March 6 -10, 2018

 

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Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Etched in Bone  by Anne Bishop – Review, Interview & Giveaway

 

Etched in Bone Banner 2

Etched in Bone
The Others series – Book #5
by Anne Bishop
Release Date: March 7, 2017

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Description:
After a human uprising was brutally put down by the Elders—a primitive and lethal form of the Others—the few cities left under human control are far-flung. And the people within them now know to fear the no-man’s-land beyond their borders—and the darkness…

As some communities struggle to rebuild, Lakeside Courtyard has emerged relatively unscathed, though Simon Wolfgard, its wolf shifter leader, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn must work with the human pack to maintain the fragile peace. But all their efforts are threatened when Lieutenant Montgomery’s shady brother arrives, looking for a free ride and easy pickings.

With the humans on guard against one of their own, tensions rise, drawing the attention of the Elders, who are curious about the effect such an insignificant predator can have on a pack. But Meg knows the dangers, for she has seen in the cards how it will all end—with her standing beside a grave.

 

Review:

Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop is the 5th book in her wonderful The Others series.  Anne Bishop is one of the authors that are always on the top of my list.  She never ever fails in giving us another fantastic story in each of everyone of her series.   Etched in Bone ends the Meg/Simon story arc, and it was a fabulous and exciting ending.  I know Anne will continue The Others world in a different arc that will come next year, but I will miss the wonderful characters in Lakeside.

At the end of the last book (Marked in Flesh), the feared Elders (old time powerful  Others) and Elementals eliminated the humans who plotted and brutally killed many of the terra indigene (the Others) throughout the world.  A refresher:  The Others are non humans, such as wolves, crows, vampires, elementals, grizzlies, etc), who control most of the world. The series revolves around Meg Corbyn, a human, who is also a blood prophet. Since Meg has arrived in Lakeside Courtyard, the terra indigene have protected her and learned to change their ways to live with humans.

In Etched in Bone. Lakeside and other communities, who have survived the mass destruction work toward returning things to normal.  Bishop does a wonderful job allowing us to see how Meg has helped changed both human and others perspectives.  The police play a big part in this story, with Monty in the middle, since his brother has come to live in Lakeside.  Jimmy Montgomery is bad to the bone, and upon arrival has expected to live freely, taking whatever he wants; but soon, the Others begin to see that he is trouble.  When Simon and his group want to evict Jimmy immediately, they are stopped by two Elders, who want to learn more how humans and the others get along; they want to see how Jimmy is different than other humans.

Jimmy was one of those nasty people who will use his own family to benefit him.  A few of times during the story, he plots to take what doesn’t belong to him, and even with the dire result on the first attempt, he continues to plot again.  Monty and Twyla (their mother) have to separate themselves from him, so not to be in the middle of the eventual fallout; and throughout the story, we kept hoping for nasty Jimmy to be thrown out of Lakeside. 

The last third of the book was extremely exciting, with pulse pounding action that had us on the edge of our seat.  Meg’s life was in danger, and they all knew, if anything happens to our Meg, poor Simon would leave Lakeside heartbroken.  It will take the police, the Elders and the rest of the terra indigene to work together to try and save Meg. Will Meg survive? Will Simon and Meg finally find a way to be together?

What I loved the most about Etched in Bone was spending time, and probably our last with these wonderful fantastic characters Anne Bishop has given us….Meg, Simon, Vlad, Tess, Sam, Nathan, Henry, Merri Lee, Monty, Burke,Skippy, &  the Elementals, just to name a few. I for one will sorely miss them .  I also love that Anne has given us a satisfactory conclusion to Simon & Meg (and Sam).  Bravo Anne Bishop for another fantastic book, and series that no one should miss.  I wholly recommend you read The Others series by starting with the first book, Written in Red. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview

Anne Bishop photo

 

Hi, Anne.  We are excited to have you back with us again at The Reading Cafe, to discuss your new release “Etched in Bone”, as well as to give us an update as to what else you may be working on. 

 

 

TRC:  For those of our members who have not read this series, can you please give us a description of the premise of The Others? 

Anne: The Others novels take place on an alternate Earth where the earth natives, the supernatural beings known as the Others, have always been the dominant predators, evolving with the world. Humans, while inventive and clever, are nowhere near the top of the food chain and have to deal with the Others for all the natural resources they need. The appearance of Meg Corbyn, a blood prophet who has run away from her controller, adds to the ever-present tension between species in the city of Lakeside. Meg’s presence is the pebble that starts the avalanche of changes in Lakeside, and the question, more and more, becomes who is going to survive those changes.

TRC:  Etched in Bone is being released tomorrow.  Can you please give us a brief description of the book?

Anne:  It’s the post-war story. Communication between regions is broken, so no one really knows how many human cities and towns in Thaisia still exist. Thanks to Simon, Meg, and Monty, Lakeside is in pretty good shape, but there is a sense of isolation and uncertainty. And the thinning of the human herd isn’t done. Two Elders return to Lakeside to observe the humans and Others interacting. When Monty’s brother, Jimmy, arrives in Lakeside, the Elders have a chance to observe something else—how one human’s actions can break the trust and balance in a pack made of humans and Others.   

TRC: How did you come up with the idea of The Others?

Anne:  It wasn’t one idea but a lot of little ideas that clicked together in the right way. The “ah-ha” moment was when I wondered what the world would be like if the Others weren’t humans that became something else but were a different species altogether, supreme predators that had the ability to take another shape in order to mimic and study other predators. That meant that even when they took the shape of a human, they wouldn’t think like a human. That collision of world views intrigued me. Once I added the idea of the blood prophets, and Meg, who becomes the catalyst for those world views colliding, the story began to tell itself.  

TRC:  Etched in Bone is the final book in The Others series.  How hard was it writing the finale of Meg, Simon, Sam and the others in Lakeside?  I know I will miss them. 

Anne:  I don’t feel like I left them behind. They just stepped off the stage to let other characters have a chance to stand in the spotlight. They told the story of world-shattering changes, and their work is done. I picture them all heading to a beach on the shores of Lake Etu. Meg and the female pack will build sand castles. Simon and Sam will dig the moats and chase the seagulls. Everybody will have a good time.  

TRC:  We know you are continuing with a new series, Lake Silence, in the same world as The Others.  What can you tell us about the new series coming in 2018? 

Anne:  I don’t know yet if it’s a new series or a standalone book in the Others’ world.  I started the story as a “Crowgard cozy”—a kind of story that would be sold in Howling Good Reads. When I started it, I wasn’t sure if it would be a short story or a novella or a novel. I just wrote to see what would happen with these characters. Then, because my stories always change from simple to layered, “cozy” turned into “suspense” and grew into a novel.  

TRC: How many books are you planning for your new series?   

Anne: That will depend on whether or not Vicki and Aggie find more bodies.  

TRC:  When you are not writing, what other interests or hobbies do you have?

Anne: That depends on the season. In the winter, I read, watch movies, and spend time with friends. From spring through fall, I putter in the garden instead of watching movies.

TRC:  What is your writing process?  Do you like to outline your story before you start? Do you have a specific place you like to write?  Is there a special time of day that works best for you?

Anne:  I don’t outline. I think a lot—sometimes for years—before I begin writing the story. I make notes as characters begin to take shape and the place comes into sharper and sharper focus. I have a general idea of the storyline but the fun is discovering how the characters get from that first meeting and problem to be solved to the end of the story. I have a little space in my house that is the writing corner. That’s where I go to meet the Muse. I start after breakfast and work until I reach my word quota for the day. Then I take care of email and paperwork for a couple of hours. I do that five days a week. The other two days I spend on the mundane things that keep the household running.

TRC:   Would you like to add anything else? 

Anne: Etched in Bone is my twentieth novel. In 2018, I’ll celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the publication of my first novel, Daughter of the Blood. Some of you have been sharing these worlds and stories with me from the beginning. Some of you are just discovering the Others and the Blood and the other worlds I’ve created. Thank you. It’s a joy to share the people and their stories with you. 

TRC:  Thank you, Anne for giving us an update on Etched in Bone, as well as what we can look forward to with your new series.    It was a pleasure having you visit us again. 

To learn more about Anne, you can find her at the following links
          Website / Facebook /  Courtyard / Goodreads

 

Giveaway

Anne is graciously offering TWO (2) giveaways.
           – A Hardcover copy of ETCHED IN BONE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe
         –   Paper copy of the first Four book in The Others series to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from March 6 -10, 2017

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The Dead Seekers by Barb & J.C. Hendee -a Review

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The Dead Seekers by Barb & J.C. Hendee -a Review

 

The Dead SeekersAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
In the dark reaches of the eastern continent, Tris Vishal travels from village to village, using his power to put unsettled spirits to rest. He works alone, having learned that letting people close only leads to more death. Still, he finds himself accepting the help of the Mondyalitko woman who saves his life a woman whose gifts are as much a burden as his own.

Mari Kaleja thirsted for vengeance since the night her family was taken from her. She has searched far and wide for the one she thinks responsible, known only as The Dead s Man. But before she can kill him, she has to be sure. Mari hopes traveling with Tris will confirm her suspicions. But as they embark on a hunt where the living are just as dangerous as the dead, she learns the risks of keeping your enemy close…
Because it s no longer clear who is predator and who is prey.”

 

Review:

The Dead Seekers by Barb and J.C. Hendee is the 1st book in their new Dead Seekers series.  We meet our hero Tris Vishal very early on, when he was first born.  Shall we say he was born dead, but within minutes he came back to life.  From then on, Tris life has been all about death.  His mother adored her miracle child, and his father hated and feared him.  When he reaches the age to move on, Tris lives up to his nickname “The Dead’s Man”, as he is the only one who can force the dead to move on into the next world.  Tris keeps to himself, talking very little.  He has a mentor, Heil, who teaches him how to handle the different types of ghosts he must face.

Mari Kaleja has spent all her life seeking vengeance against the man who killed her family.  Mari was only a child when she saw the strange apparitions (ghosts) viciously kill everyone in her village.  She grew up in different homes, not staying long anywhere. Mari meets Tris one night when he is summoned to remove a ghost.  She suspects he is the man who has been looking for, and to confirm her suspicions, Mari agrees to help him on another case. As they travel together, Mari has mixed feelings about Tris.  She worries that though he seems like the right person, something is too nice and quiet to be that vicious killer.

As they end up in the town where multiple deaths have occurred, with sightings of ghosts like apparitions doing the killings.  Both Tris and Mari work together to set up traps, and just when they think they have removed the threat, all hell breaks loose with many more.   Tris desperately calls for his friend to join him, as the threat as escalated beyond his ability.  The three will team up to help the soldiers and town eliminate the many threats to all the humans, and in doing so, Mari sees a dark apparition trying to come through the portal…..this dark vision is the one who killed her family.   What does Tris have to do with this dark ghost?  Will Mari trust Trish and continue to help him?

What follows is an exciting, action filled fantasy that does start off a bit slowly, in order for us to understand this new world.  It is a different type of story line, and an interesting one.  Though there is a resolution to this case, we are left open as to who is the dark one who Tris fears, and who Mari wants to complete her vengeance against.  I look forward to the next book, and find out more about what the Hendee’s have in store for us.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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