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Reviews of New Releases

Bridge of Dreams by Anne Bishop (New Release) – a Review

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Bridge of Dreams by Anne Bishop – a Review

 

Bridge of Dreams by Anne Bishop, is the third book in her Ephemera series.  The first two books were Sebastian and Belladonna.  A lot was left open in Belladonna, when she stopped the Eater of the Word, at a large cost to her soul, where her heart split into two..good & evil.   But Michael saved her at the end, but still a long way from recovering, if she ever will.  Bridge of Dreams picks up pretty much after the end of Belladonna. 

If you are reading this, and do not understand what is Ephemera? It is another one of Anne Bishop’s fascinating worlds.  The world of Ephemera is divided into many different landscapes, mostly small and disconnected from each other. There are bridges that connect some of the places, all by the discretion of the Landscaper who builds them.  The landscapes in Ephemera are driven by the hearts of the people who live there, and those hearts are both good (light) and evil (dark). The landscaper can help control the world.  But most of the Landscapers were killed by the Eater of the World, and all that remains is Glorianna Belladonna, who is the most powerful of them all.  With just thought, or talking to Ephemera, she can change this world. 

Lee, who is a Bridge and Belladonna’s brother, is the hero in this story.  Though we will see many of our favorites from the first two books, such as Sebastian, Michael, Nadia, Lynnea, Yoshani, Teaser, Caitlin, as well as Glorianna Belladonna, who plays a major part in this book too.  Lee, who is still upset, that he could not help his sister, when she took on the dark to save the world, as he has a hard time dealing with her two halfs.  He also feels that he is losing his sister to her lover, Michael. Lee keeps his distance, and others in the family, including Glorianna see him pulling away.

Walking alone doing his rounds, Lee is attacked by the evil wizards that are still alive or not locked up where Belladonna left them.  He recognizes that they are looking to find Belladonna, so Lee does what he must do to save his sister and mother.  Using his powers, he cuts his ties to Ephemera, and his sister and sends himself and his attackers away.  He ends up in Vision, a city that cannot see the evil wizards destroying their city, as it slowly being taken over by the dark wizards.  Lee, is blinded and drugged by the wizards who captured him, and he is locked away in Asylum. There he meets Danyal, who is a Shaman, that was recently assigned to Vision to help save it.  Lee also meets and falls in love with Zhahar, who is hiding a big secret.

Danyal is different then most Shamans, who have failed to prevent the dark evil from spreading in Vision. With Zhahar’s help, and her sisters, they convince Danyal to help Lee.  The key is for all of them to escape and find their back to Belladonna, and his family to get assistance to help stop the evil in Vision.  

Anne Bishop has a wonderful way of creating new characters, new worlds that are mind boggling.  In this book, she has created a new race, called Tryad’s.  Zhahar is a Tryad, who are three into one.  Very interesting and I really did enjoy this new, yet almost impossible race.  I liked Zhahar, and her other two sisters, Zeela and Sholeh.  They play a major part of this story, especially when they all go back to the Den and Sanctuary.

Glorianna Belladonna, Lee, Danyal (with help from Yoshani) and the Tryads are the focus of this story.  The ending was very good, as you couldn’t put the book down to find out what happens.  You marvel at Belladonna’s powers; enjoy how she and Lee make up, even have fun with their mud fight; you totally thrown, as to how the Tryad’s live and how could Lee and Zhahar have a life together?   There is an ending that satisfies some things, but so many questions are left open.  My original thought when reading this series, was this was the end.  But with so many questions still to be answered, such as Lee and Zhaher and her sisters;  the remaining Dark guides and wizards; is Ephmera safe forever from the Eater of the World, (who did not appear in this book).

I loved Belladonna, and how you can see both sides of her, and how she is working to control her dark side.  Love her closeness to her family, Michael, Nada, Sebastian, Lynnea, and to Lee.  Love her ability to talk to Ephemera, who was the wild child.  Loved how Ephemera would talk back to her, Michael…those were fun and precious moments.   This is a complex world though, as most of Anne Bishop’s worlds are.  You do need to read the first two books to really understand the story, and what is Ephemera. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and hope Anne Bishop will continue the series, as I feel there are still some open questions.

Reviewed by Barb

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Dying Wish (Sentinel Wars #6) by Shannon K. Butcher – a Review (New Release)

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Dying Wish by Shannon K. Butcher – a Review

 

 

Dying Wish is the sixth book in Shannon Butcher’s Sentinel Wars series.  Before I do my review, in case you don’t know what the Sentinels are, here is brief description direct from Butcher’s site.

 

They are the Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes — the Synestryn. Now, a beautiful but damaged Sentinel may be a warrior’s last hope…

 

Jackie Patton is the heroine in Dying Wish.  Jackie herself has been a captive and tortured by the evil Synestryns, since we have met Jackie previously, when she was rescued by the Theronai warriors.  We find Jackie living in the compound run by the Theronai’s, where they all live, as well as many of the humans, who have survived attacks from the Synestryns.  

Jackie wants nothing but to be left alone, she is still badly traumatized, and plans to run away from everyone.  She is determined to rebuild her life, and become the strong person she once was. Helen, the first of the Theronai women to be found, is Jackie’s sister.  But no one can get through to Jackie that living outside of compound is dangerous, as the Synestryn’s will always find her.  But Jackie can’t take living there, where she feels she has escaped one prison for another.  Especially with all the warriors constantly trying to push Jackie to choose one of them as her mate,  since she is a potential match for the desperate Theronai men, who need a woman to literally save their lives.

Iain is one of the Theronai men who are close to death, and is one of their strongest and best warriors, but he is very cold hearted, and only looks to kill the enemy. Iain has lost all his leaves on his lifemark tree, that all Theronai men have.  He secretly manages to hold on to life, as he is in constant pain, but only a select few who are in the same boat as Iain, know that he is soulless, which is a automatic death sentence.   Iain is the only one of the Theronai who is not interested in Jackie, he feels it too late for him.  He wants her to choose any of his ‘brothers’, who have a chance at life. 

Jackie unable to escape is forced to choose one of the men, and of course, she chooses Iain.  Jackie feels safe and in peace when she is near Iain, and she senses that he doesn’t care, and will let her go free, when they leave the compound.

Early on, Jackie despite her torture, comes across as unfeeling and selfish.  But once she leaves the compound with Iain, everything begins to change.  Iain stays with Jackie in her attempt to return to her former life, but they do not get very far.  The Synestryn’s always seem to find them.  Jackie must take Iain’s lucera, to help him fight the demons.  The lucera allows her to be able to use his powers, and Jackie learns how to make them her own.  While they fight for their lives, Iain is badly hurt, and Jackie has to use her newfound powers to save him.  But she must return to the compound once again to ensure that Iain is saved. 

Both Jackie and Iain have become very attracted to one another, and each fights this off.  But after they go on a mission (Jackie unable to not to help find a child kidnapped by the demons), their attraction becomes a sizzling romance.  The monster that resides in Iain, causes him to lose control, but Jackie finds a way to keep in control of his monster. 

This was truly a great story, with a lot of action.  It was great to see Iain, beginning to have feelings once again.  For Jackie to allow herself to open up and to care for Iain, and to fight to help and save him.  There are many added stories, with other characters that add so well into the story….Torr and Grace, will they ever be together; Tory, will she come whole; Cain, one of Iain’s ‘brothers”, whom Iain tries to pass Jackie off to; Serena, the long dead lover of Iain, who turns up alive 200 years later; Samson, the young child saved by Jackie during her captivity, is growing rapidly, with the jury still out if he will be human or synestryn, just to name a few.

It was an exciting ending, with Jackie becoming a very powerful Theronai to help save Iain, who had been discovered as being Soulless. She forces him to escape with her to stop him from being executed, as the soulless are totally beyond control.  But they end up on rescue mission for another young girl who had been with Jackie, and was recaptured.   Iain, whose dying wish is to die in battle, begins to give up on life.  But it is Jackie’s powers that keep him alive, as she has her own agenda for Iain.  With an unbelievable twist, where Jackie makes a deal with a monster to save Iain.

Some more interesting twists, such as two of the women are now pregnant, something that was a curse and never could have happened.  The future of the Sentinels is with hope, though still very much in danger. This was a great read, right from the start.  Shannon Butcher does such a wonderful job hooking you into the story, into the lives of the men and women in this fantastic world.  I loved Dying Wish, and the entire Sentinel Wars series, and love Shannon Butchers storytelling and how she writes.   If you have not started this series, please do not miss it.

Reviewed by Barb

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LENOBIA’S VOW by PC & Kristin Cast-a review

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LENOBIA’S VOW by PC & Kristin Cast-a review

LENOBIA’S VOW by PC & Kristin Cast

Release Date: Jan 2012

Young Adult 

LENOBIA’S VOW is the 2nd story in PC and Kristin Cast’s House of Night novella series. Each novella delves into the background and younger lives of the resident professors and vampyres at the current day House of Night. Dragon’s Oath was the first storyline, followed by Lenobia’s Vow and in July 2012, the release of Neferet’s Curse. As with most novellas, the story is both quick and easy, but the information into the past lives and loves, is always welcome.

It is 1788 and Lenobia Whitehall is the 16 year old bastard daughter of Baron D’Auvergne. She and her mother work as servants on her father’s estate. When her half-sister Cecile suddenly dies, her mother risks everything to send her only daughter away. Forcing Lenobia to assume the identity of her dead sister, Lenobia becomes one of the ‘fille a la casquette’-known historically as casket girl, refers to one of the women brought from France to the French colonies of Louisiana to marry.

When Lenobia arrives at port to board the sailing ship Minerva, she is stunned, when Bishop Charles, the parish priest who has eyes only for Lenobia, is granted passage on the same ship. The Bishop has an evil reputation, one filled with sudden and terrifying injuries and deaths, especially by fire. But word about his dalliances had reached Rome, and as suspected, the Holy Father has sent Charles to his new parish in the Louisiana, hoping to curtail the rumors about his ‘demonic’ personality.

Throughout the 8-week voyage, Lenobia remains secluded in her cabin, feigning sea sick, fearing Father Charles will recognize her as an imposter. But cabin fever forces her to wander through the cargo area, where she meets a young ‘mulatto’ servant named Martin, who tends the horses on board. Martin is the bastard son of a rich New Orleans merchant and his black slave, and has accompanied his father’s prized geldings homeward. But as a man of mixed race, he is unable to marry or enter into a relationship with a white woman, but the heart knows NO color, and Martin and Lenobia (or Cecile) quickly fall in love.

Upon return from one of her visits with Martin, Lenobia is discovered by Father Charles, who reveals her identity as a bastard child, and demands that she be put into his care. But Sister Madeleine, the girl’s chaperone, recognizes that something isn’t right with Father Charles. Sister Madeleine, admonishes Charles, but not before she takes Lenobia under her wing. When Martin realizes that Lenobia has not been truthful about her identity , the young woman must come clean with her story.

But soon, everyone onboard, recognizes that Father Charles has eyes for Lenobia, and the crew does their best to keep her safe. When Charles realizes that his attempts to keep Lenobia to himself have been thwarted, he takes revenge on all those who stand in his way.

Upon arrival in Louisiana, Lenobia is suddenly ill, but a visitor, a Tracker for the House of Night name Medusa, tells her that she has been chosen as one of the daughters of the goddess Nyx, and has been marked as a fledgling vampyre. Father Charles recognizes the vampyre and vows retribution. Martin pledges his protection to Lenobia, and vows to be her consort when she reaches full status as a HON vampire. But Charles exacts revenge and in the end, Lenovba vows, that she will never love another man as long as she lives.

Lenobia’s Vow is a short story, that explains the circumstances of Lenobia’s life. As the resident House of Night horse-trainer, Lenobia’s affinity with animals was recognized early on her voyage to the New World. Like all vampyres at the House of Night, each has an affinity, something that is special to each. Lenobia’s Vow is a sad reminder, about the history of slavery and racism in the 18th century, and the power of the Catholic church over their followers. Although they say love conquers all, love cannot stop the evil that was bred into the minds of the time. I have a great affinity for prequels, as long as they are interesting and impart information about the characters we know and love, and Lenobia’s Vow is another wonderful prequel.

READING ORDER: House of Night Novellas

1.  Dragon’s Oath
2.  Lenobia’s Vow
3.  Neferet’s Curse (July 2012)

Review by Sandy

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Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

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Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

 

Celebrity in Death by JD Robb (aka Nora Roberts), is the 34th book in the In Death series. There are also at least 10 novellas in this series, which would bring the count into the 40’s of stories about our beloved Eve & Roarke. But 40 something books later, I still can’t get enough of this series.

 

 

 

Celebrity in Death is another excellent book, and the premise of this story revolves around a movie being made from an earlier case of Eve’s….The Icove Case.   Nadine Furst wrote a successful novel about the shocking case that Eve, Peabody, and the rest of Eve’s team, including Roarke solved.  Now the movie is being produced from Nadine’s book.  The story picks up with Eve and Peabody visiting the set, seeing the actors playing their roles, and meeting all other cast members.  That night, at a dinner for entire cast, including Eve & Roarke,  the evening ended with a murder of one of the cast members. 

The story is done very well, and it kept your interest, as you tried to follow Eve, as she deciphers the clues.  Celebrity in Death was a bit different then many of the recent In-Death books, as it was not as intense, less violence and somewhat not as exciting .  But this was still an excellent read, as you were kept in suspense as to who the murderer was until close to the end.  Then it was interesting to see the twist of how deep this murderer was in other crimes, and the eventual arrest.

But the best thing about this story was to be able to relax, and thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie of the wonderful recurring characters that make up the In-Death series.  As each book comes out, we get to enjoy them even more.   I enjoy many couples in the books I have read, but to me, nothing comes close to the relationship between Eve & Roarke.  I love them together…love how Eve looks at Roarke with amazement that he belongs to her…..how Roarke loves his cop…how when Eve is in the throes of her nightmares from her horrific childhood, Roarke is always there to help pull her out of it….love when he worries, and forces her to eat,  or relieves her tension with their wonderful sexual encounters…adore when Roarke takes her clothes out of the closet to tell her what to wear when she has an important meeting.    They are by far, such an awesome couple, and I never get tired of them.

As I said, the great thing about this series, is that over time, as Eve moves on with her life, and learns to let people into her heart, and care about them, you meet these wonderful recurring characters that have become part of your family too….Peabody, McNab, Nadine, Mira, Mavis, Feeney, Louise, Charles, Baxter, Trueheart, Trina, and of course, the wonderful Summerset, and not to forget the all important Galahad, who has saved her life twice.   Eve, who when the series started stood alone, not allowing herself to have feelings about anyone, and now once she opened the door falling in love with Roarke, you grow with her and see the changes in her.  Just to see them each time, makes me happy.  Excellent book, wonderful series.  

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my good friend, Irene, for convincing me to try this series…40 some odd books later, I have never looked back.  Thank you Irene, for giving me Eve & Roarke.

Reviewed by Barb

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LOTHAIRE by Kresley Cole

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LOTHAIRE by Kresley Cole

LOTHAIRE  by Kresley Cole is the latest book in the Immortals After Dark series.

Released January 10, 2012, Kresley Cole just completed a week-long tour with cover model Paul Marron (be still my heart) to fantastic turn outs. I do believe, the magnificent Paul helped in that department. LOTHAIRE continues the storyline a few weeks after Dreams of a Dark Warrior

Lothaire, Enemy of Old, believes he has found his mate, Saroya, but there are complications. Saroya, a goddess without substance, inhabits the human body of Elizabeth Pierce, a coal miner’s daughter from Louisiana. When Lothaire first meets ‘Saroya’ (as Elizabeth) , the goddess he believes to be his mate, he is blooded-his heart begins to beat and his need to consummate the relationship is without end. But ‘Saroya, is evil personified, and the reason Lothaire believes that the goddess is his true-mate. While inhabiting the body of Elizabeth, Saroya goes on a killing spree, and when Elizabeth is fingered in the murders, she is tried and sentenced to death row.

Five years later, Elizabeth Pierce, well aware that a demon has taken possession of her body, refuses to save herself from the electric chair. During her incarceration, she has completed university and only on a couple of occasion has the goddess, come to the surface. But, hoping her death, will also end the ‘life’ of the demon Saroya, Elizabeth accepts her fate and welcomes her execution. But Lothaire refuses to allow Elizabeth to die, fearing she will end the life of his mate-the woman who would be his queen.

From Death Row to Lothaire’s New York apartment, Elizabeth feels she has replaced one prison for another equally abhorrent. Lothaire is on a mission. He seeks revenge against those who murdered his mother, and against the father who cast aside a son and mate. To regain his rightful position as heir to a Horde throne, Lothaire seeks retribution and keeps a record of every debt that is owed to him by the Lore. Elizabeth has been marked by many of the Lorians for death—as the mate to Lothaire, Enemy of Old–she is targeted by those who want retribution against Lothaire.

But Elizabeth is falling for her captor, in a ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ psychological game of good vs evil. She does not understand her feelings for Leo, as she calls him (Lothaire Enemy of Old-LEO), but she is losing her heart to one of the oldest and coldest vampires in the Lore. And Lothaire, is falling for the human-not the goddess Saroya.

Elizabeth internally battles Saroya for dominance of her own body, but when the demon-goddess surfaces, she isn’t what Lothaire hopes or expects. Saroya is the goddess of death and destruction, not birth and life, as is her twin, therefore, she wants nothing to do with the vampire. He is a means to an end. She wants to be crowned queen, but does not want the responsibilities or duties as a mate. She is a virgin and will remain a virgin til her death. When Lothaire finally realizes that Elizabeth is the woman who brought him back to life, he is stunned, that a mere human can be his mate and equal.

Throughout her captivity with Lothaire, Elizabeth is subjected to Lothaire’s condescending attitude and actions. His disrespect towards the human, is painful and one that will nearly end his own life. But once he has claimed Elizabeth as his mate, Lothaire demands she be turned. As a vampire, Elizabeth will not be as vulnerable as a human, and her life will be equaled to that of the immortals.

But when Lothaire is finally seated on the Horde throne, he is without his mate. His actions and attitude towards Elizabeth have caused a major trauma in their relationship, and she is, once again, held captive—but this time—the Valkyrie are holding her prisoner. Without her mate, Elizabeth is now at the mercy of the petite Lorians, who insist that she become part of the family.

The release of Kresley Cole’s LOTHAIRE has been anticipated for a while. Lothaire has been present in virtually all of the Immortals After Dark novels, building his storyline, giving the reader, small bits of information that needed a culmination in a book of his own. We re-visit: Dorado, the ghoul-like mummified creature searching for the RIIINNNGGGG; Nix the All Knowing-or Nucking Futs Nix as Lothaire’s oldest and only friend; Thaddeus the young vampire/demon who befriended Lothaire in prison; and the Valkyrie-with their squeals that could deafen an entire city.

Kresley introduces Lothaire’s extended family of vampires including a young female cousin-Kosmina. I sense a potential match between Kosmina and Thaddeus , but that could only be my spidey-senses going into over drive. With these introductions, Kresley has opened a new branch of the family to continue with the Immortals After Dark series of novels and storylines. LOTHAIRE is another great read in this wonderful series. Although, Lothaire is much colder and darker than most of her previous characters (he rips out his own blackened heart and gives it to his mate as a symbol of his hatred towards her), the love of a fated-mate, melts the ice surrounding his once deadened soul.

Review by Sandy S.

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Darker After Midnight-Lara Adrian

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Darker After Midnight
by Lara Adrian

Delacorte Press ~ 400 pages
ISBN: 978-0-345-53087-5
Hardcover
eBook
audiobook
Mass Market Paperback (TBA Summer 2012)
Bookclub Edition Hardcover
* Rhapsody Bookclub Main Selection
* Doubleday Bookclub Main Selection
Translation Editions

Release Date:   January 24, 2012!

Story Summary:

The climactic novel in Lara Adrian’s New York Times bestselling Midnight Breed series–and her hardcover debut–Darker After Midnight invites readers to enter a thrillingly sensual world where danger meets desire.

In the dark of night, a blood war escalates within the hidden world of the Breed. After existing in secret for many long centuries, maintaining a fragile peace with the humans who walk beside them unaware, a single act of retaliation has put the entire vampire nation at risk of discovery. It falls to the Order–a cadre of Breed warriors pledged to protect their own and humankind alike–to stop Dragos, the power-mad vampire at the center of the conflict, before his push for domination can explode into catastrophe.

At the center of the Order’s quest is Sterling Chase, once a morally rigid enforcer of Breed law, now a warrior fallen from grace, whose biggest battle is the one he wages against his own savage nature. With addiction beckoning him toward eternal darkness, Chase’s path to redemption has never seemed more out of reach–until he finds himself drawn to a beautiful young woman who may be something much more than she seems . . .

http://www.laraadrian.com/home.php#quiet

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: MIDNIGHT BREEDS READING ORDER

Kiss of Midnight
Kiss of Crimson
Midnight Awakening
Midnight Rising
Veil of Midnight
Ashes of Midnight
Shades of Midnight
Taken by Midnight
Deeper than Midnight
A Taste of Midnight
Darker After Midnight

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Flashfire

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FLASHFIRE

FLASHFIRE is the 7th installment in Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series. The continuing saga of the Pyr vs Slayer in the war to save the human race, and dominance in the world of dragons features the elusive Lorenzo and his Firestorm. Lorenzo wants nothing to do with his Firestorm, because it has come at an inconvenient time in his life–he does not need to find his mate just before he disappears from the face of the earth.

Cassie Redmond has come to Las Vegas with her friend Stacy. The cancellation of her wedding, was not going to derail her honeymoon, so she and her friend would take full advantage of the hotel and tickets–Cassie would make this a working vacation. But when sparks literally fly between Cassie and the gorgeous illusionist Lorenzo, she knows this isn’t any ordinary magic show. And when he shifts into a shimmering golden dragon, her job as a reporter, has taken on new meaning.

Lorenzo is surprised when, it is HIS Firestorm that hits during the eclipse, but is even more shocked that he was unable to control his change during a live presentation of his Vegas act of illusion. His plans to disappear during a live taping of a burial stunt, have now been hindered by the arrival of his mate and the need to sate the Firestorm. Following a night of insatiable sex between Lorenzo and Cassie, he realizes he wants nothing to do with the responsibilities of having a mate or a family–He still blames his father for the death of his mother, and does not want the responsibility of having to worry about a mate and child, every time he is called away.

Lorenzo is a reluctant dragon. He refuses to join the Pyr in their fight against the Slayers, and had all but given-up shifting, but finding his mate and the realization that she is now pregnant, has put them both in a dangerous position. The Slayers as well as the Pyr will be attracted to his Firestorm, and the resulting confrontation will risk both mother and child. To further complicate matters, a Slayer named Jean-Paul has now involved Cassie’s friend Stacy in their game of good vs evil. When Lorenzo scents 2 other Slayers (Chen and Balthazar) in the vicinity of his mate, he calls to the Pyr for assistance. Lorenzo is without much knowledge of the Pyr’s history, as well, he does not believe the many myths and legends surrounding Dragon lore, therefore, the need to ask for aid from his own kind, is both humbling and enlightening.

Like the other storylines in this series, there is a struggle between the Pyr and the Slayers. Chen, an ancient Slayer, seeks to find those dragons, who are having difficulty with their allegiances to the Pyr, offering them a chance to fight against those, who claim to protect earth. But Chen is searching for the ‘bones’ of the dead Pyr—to make ‘Dragon’s Blood Powder’-a powerful aphrodisiac and a means to control.

The appearance of Marco, another ancient Pyr, looking for the Darkfire crystal puts Lorenzo on edge. The crystal has been in Lorenzo’s possession for safe-keeping, but it seems, his ailing father has been playing games with their hoarde. The missing crystal has, further complicated Lorenzo’s need to disappear. Slayers, the Pyr, missing crystals, his Firestorm and now a child and mate, push Lorenzo to the edge of his patience. The need to disappear is now more of a necessity than a stunt.

FLASHFIRE is another great story in Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series. Once again, we see Erik and his struggles as leader of the Pyr; Thorulf is missing, but the others are not too worried; and we get a glimpse at Brandt, a dragon, who was not too happy with the role he played in Lorenzo’s fight with the Slayers. We become aware of the other Pyr, through conversation only, and we are apprised of their whereabouts when necessity dictates, although, they gather for Lorenzo’s unveiling in Venice. I missed the interactions between the Pyr-I was hoping for the appearances of Donovan, Quinn, Delaney and the others, but the celebration in Italy is the only time we get re-acquainted with the characters from the previous story lines. EMBER’S KISS is the next book in the Dragonfire series-Brandon and Liz.

Review by Sandy

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Clockwork Prince

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CLOCKWORK PRINCE  is a review by Sandy

Clockwork Prince is the second installment in The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare. Written as a prequel to Clare’s popular and continuing YA (Young Adult) series- The Mortal Instruments , Clockwork Prince once again takes place in Victorian England, following closely, on the heals of Clockwork Angel. Tessa Gray, Jem Carstairs and Will Herondale return to heat up their relationship triangle, as well as the introduction of a few new characters.

16 year old Tessa’s ongoing presence at the Institute has placed Charlotte and the other Shadowhunters in a precarious position. Benedict Lightwood, aiming to replace Charlotte as head of the Institute issues an ultimatum- they have 2 weeks to find the notorious Mortmain (aka Magister) or face eviction. Not willing to fall victim to the Magister’s attempts at kidnapping Tessa, she volunteers to help Will and Jem locate the mysterious Ravenscar Manor, the last know address for Mortmain. But Tessa’s abilities as a shifter are not the only thing that drives the Magister. He blames the Shadowhunters for a tragedy that all but destroyed his life.

Upon arrival at Ravenscar, Will’s life takes an abrupt turn, when he spies his younger sister entering the Manor-his sister, long thought dead. To complicate matters, the trio is attacked by an automaton, who warns Will and the others, not to proceed further with their search for the Magister, or fear repercussions against Will’s family. Upon their return to London, Will makes a quick exit followed by a drug induced foray into the world of self-pity and humiliation, only to be rescued by his best friend and addict Jem.

Meanwhile, Tessa and Sophie must be tutored in the fighting ways of the Shadowhunter, so Benedict Lightwood volunteers his sons Gideon and Gabriel. Realizing the young men are probably spies for their father, Tessa soon discovers that Gabriel’s attitude towards her, is in direct response to his hatred for Will and a long-ago encounter between the two, and Gideon’s handling of Sophie soon develops into something more than friendship.

Over a period of several nights, Tessa spies Jessamine Lovelace leaving and returning to the Institute, disguised as a young boy. Tessa’s warning to the others regarding Jessie’s behavior and the discovery of an invitation, from Tessa’s estranged brother Nathaniel to Jessie, finds Tessa ‘shifting’ into the persona of Jessamine, to attend a masquerade affair. Dancing with his sister, Nate reveals to Tessa (Jessie) his alliance with the Magister, but not before Will and Tessa witness Benedict Lightwood and his sons in attendance. Back at the Institute, Jessamine is handed the “Sword of Truth” and confesses to her relationship with Nate and her betrayal of the Shadowhunters. She is taken into custody by the Silent Brothers.

A message from Nate to Jessie, soon has the Shadowhunters, on a mission. Jessie is to meet Nathaniel at a pre-determined destination to discuss their relationship, but Tessa will be the one to meet her brother. The Shadowhunters agree to trail Tessa on her mission to the warehouse, only to find out it was a trap. Nathaniel had known that is was Tessa all along, and not Jessamine, who attended the ball. The Shadowhunters are stalled by a werewolf in the throws of an overdose, but are soon overpowered by a rather large prototype automaton. Will and Tessa are seriously injured, but not before Nathaniel reveals a startling truth and succumbs to his own injuries.

Following a lengthy period of healing and adjustment for both Tessa and Will, Jem surprises Tessa with his own declaration of love, asking for her hand in marriage. But her heart is torn between her love for Jem and the love she has for Will. But Will has a few secrets himself, that he reveals to Tessa, including his reasons for so often pushing her away. But it may be too late for everyone.

When Benedict declares that the Shadowhunters have not honored their end of the bargain to find Mortmain, the Clave calls a hearing to determine whether Charlotte should remain in the position as head of the Shadowhunter Institute. But a surprise visit, by the Shadowhunters to Benedict, results in his ‘renouncing’ his claims of poor leadership against Charlotte, and the Clave finds for the defendant. Charlotte will maintain her position at the Institute, but only so long as they continue to search for the elusive Magister.

Clockwork Prince is a very detailed storyline. We are introduced to Woolsey Scott (werewolf) and Ragnor Fell, as well as Gideon and Gabriel Lightwood. Magnus Bane is not without his usual comedic retorts and many of the Shadowhunter surnames are recognizable from The Mortal Instruments series.

The love triangle between Tessa, Jem and Will passes smoldering into blatant declarations of love from both young men, but in the end, only one will win the girl. Jem’s declining health due to addiction only fuels the fires of love or guilt (whichever you choose to believe), and Tessa must chose to which man her heart belongs. She loves both men equally, but differently. And in the end, only Cassandra Clare knows in which direction her heart will follow.

The fight to keep the Institute out of the hands of Benedict Lightwood, will continue into Clockwork Princess. And there appears to be a developing storyline between Sophie and Gideon Lightwood. It is hoped that whatever happened between Will and Gabriel, all those years ago, will finally be revealed in the next book.

As for the Young Adult Storyline…I am not a big fan of the teen angst drama. I found myself anxious and not extremely pleased with the many directions of the love triangle between the 3 young characters, knowing where Tessa’s heart really belonged. But all YA storylines follow a particular outline, and Clockwork Prince did not fail. I look forward to Clockwork Princess. I created a fan, in my niece, who is a regular on Cassandra’s website. I leant her my books, and she has been addicted ever since. Christmas, brought with it, a new set of the Mortal Instrument series, to replace her dog-eared set, that I had previously purchased, along with a copy of Clockwork Prince and City of Fallen Angels. And it was refreshing, to be able to carry on a conversation with a 13 year old girl, knowing, I understood, exactly what she was talking about.

Review by Sandy

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