Tag Archives: UF

Shadow Falling (Scorpius Syndrome #2) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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SHADOW FALLING (Scorpius Syndrome #2) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 30, 2016

Before the Scorpius Syndrome tore through North America and nearly wiped out the population, Vivienne Wellington was the FBI’s best profiler. The bacteria got her anyway. But she survived. She recovered. And when she woke up from a drug-nightmare of captivity, her skills as a hunter of men had gone from merely brilliant to full-on uncanny. Her mysterious rescuer wants her to put them to the test. But no matter how tempting he is, with his angel’s eyes and devil’s tongue, Vinnie knows she shouldn’t trust him.

If the FBI were still around they would rate Raze Shadow as one of the bad guys. His military training can’t wipe out his association with the Mercenaries, the most feared gang in a thousand miles. His loyalties are compromised. He won’t even tell Vinnie his real name. But there’s no FBI in the new America of fear and firepower, only instinct and risk.

And the way his arms wrap around Vinnie tells its own story. Whatever else Raze is concealing, he can’t hide his desire . .

•••••••••••

REVIEW: SHADOW FALLING is the second full length installment in Rebecca Zanetti’s THE SCORPIUS SYNDROME cross genre Sci-Fi/ UF/Dystopian series focusing on a biological pandemic sweeping the world that has already killed 99% of the US population. This is former US soldier and mercenary Raze Shadow, and FBI profiler Vivienne (Vinnie) Wellington’s story line that looks at life in the aftermath, and the fallout from an unknown bacteria-from space. The story line advances the series approximately one week. For more background information and some history, there is a prequel novella-SCORPIUS RISING-which can be found in the ON THE HUNT anthology (August 2015).

SOME BACKGROUND: Some of those infected with the biological virus have survived to become something known as a Ripper, but there are two types of Rippers inhabiting the world-one is a zombie like creature who feasts on the living; the other is a survivor whose brain has been altered resulting in a stronger, more powerful enhanced human being sometimes bordering on the sociopath ideology. If you are a fan of the series The Walking Dead, you will see many similarities in the story line premise including the search for food and supplies, attacks of the ‘undead’, and various groups of survivors vying for power and control.

Told from several third person points of view SHADOW FALLING focuses on Vinnie Wellington’s recovery following her harrowing ordeal as a prisoner of the newly self-declared President of the USA. A couple of weeks earlier, Raze Shadow rescued our heroine, and in the ensuing time found himself oddly attracted to the woman suffering with PTSD, hallucinations, an unfiltered brain to mouth loss of control, and some supernatural side affects following a regimen of drugs used to control her mind. What ensues is the building relationship between Vinnie and Raze, and a potential act of betrayal when Raze’s reason for returning to the Vanguard compound is soon discovered. Compound leader Jax Mercury doesn’t trust the newest arrivals, and Raze’s presence starts sending out too many red flags for the current team leader. Raze is a dominant force whose protective nature finds our hero struggling between right and wrong.

The relationship between Raze and Vinnie is one of mutual benefit. Vinnie suffers with PTSD, and Raze’s attraction to Vinnie finds our couple roommates in a compound with very little extra space for new arrivals. Vinnie needs the reassurance of Raze’s presence, and Raze is a man determined to complete his mission, and Vinnie is vital to the job. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of characters including Jax and Lynn (Mercury Striking #1), medic Tace, soldier Sami, and a host of secondary and supporting survivors at the Vanguard compound. There are three other factions vying for control including the current self-imposed US  government; a group hoping to keep themselves ‘pure’ of the virus; and another compound that will come under fire when Raze sets out on his personal mission.

SHADOW FALLING is a fast paced, action packed story of survival in a post apocalyptic world destroyed by a space-born pathogen of unknown origin. The premise is imaginative and inventive; the characters are flawed and broken, energetic and dynamic-survivors in a world that challenges everything they had ever known; the romance is captivating, emotional and electric. Keep your mind open to the possibility that life as we know it can be gone in the blink of an eye.

I did have a couple of issues with believability as it pertained to a couple of events at the Vanguard compound but it is an urban fantasy story line where reality is subjective to the mind’s eye.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Scorpius Rising (On the Hunt Anthology)
Mercury Striking
Shadow Falling

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Unwanted (Elemental Assassin 14.5) by Jennifer Estep-a dual review

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UNWANTED (Elemental Assassin 14.5) by Jennifer Estep-a dual review

Unwanted

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2016

The New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series continues with a new e-novella–from the point of view of Finnegan Lane, the foster brother of Gin Blanco, and a fan favorite of readers of the series.

The fallout from his disastrous “family reunion” in Bitter Bite has left Finn feeling hurt, angry, and depressed. He can barely stand to look at himself in the mirror, much less eat any of the delicious barbecue from Gin’s famed Pork Pit restaurant.

But when the funeral for a slain security guard at his bank turns into a showdown with some nasty underworld giants, Finn knows that he must act in order to protect an innocent family.

Finnegan Lane might be the most unwanted man in Ashland these days, but he’s determined to try to make amends for his past mistakes…

••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

NOTE: If you have not read BITTER BITE, there may be some spoilers in my review.

REVIEW: UNWANTED is a novella by Jennifer Estep that focuses on the aftermath and fallout from the events of BITTER BITE (Elemental Assassin #14) wherein Finnegan Lane’s past comes back from the dead seeking retribution, leaving a path of destruction and death in its wake.

Told from first person point of view (Finnegan Lane) UNWANTED follows Finnegan and his growing guilt in the days and weeks after several co-workers were murdered doing their job. Although not directly responsible for the massacre and ensuing death, Finn compounds his grief and guilt with each funeral having to face the employees and their family knowing most of them place the blame squarely on his shoulders. When a threat of a different nature touches upon one of the survivors, Finn makes it his responsibility to mete out justice, ending the threat-once and for all.

UNWANTED takes a quick look at the man we have grown to love. Although we still know very little about Finnegan’s life with Fletcher Lane, UNWANTED reveals some of the thought processes and his need to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. The premise helps to close up some lose ends in the aftermath of a dark and dangerous time; the characters are an eclectic mix of good and bad.

 

Barb’s Review

Unwanted by Jennifer Estep is 14.5 of her wonderful Elemental Assassin series.  This novella is different, as it is told in Finn’s POV.  Finn is Gin Blanco’s foster brother.  Unwanted picks up right after Bitter Bite left off.  Finn is depressed and feeling guilty about his behavior in not trusting Gin, when he allowed his mother to set a trap for him, thereby causing deaths and Bank issues that are still trying to be resolved.  Those in the bank, where he works, do not talk to him, as they blame him for everything. 

When he has to attend a funeral of one of the banks employees, he overhears a bookie threatening the family of the deceased.   Though everyone does not want any help from him, Finn is determined to intervene and help.  Finn will snap out of his self imposed lethargy, as he has to face 3 giants, who plan on hurting the wife and child of the deceased.  Finn will not go to Gin, as he can feel his old self rising to the challenge.  It was great to see Finn battle the villains, and I also enjoyed reading this in his pov. Finn’s boss also helped the way to get those blaming Finn straight by telling them he was tortured during the fiasco with his mother.  This was a face paced short story, which is always difficult to write reviews.  If you are a fan of this series, it is a fun read that you will enjoy. If you have not read this series, do not start with this book.  Go back to beginning and learn all about Gin Blanco, one of the best kick-ass heroines. 

 

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

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The Curse of Tenth Grave (Charley Davidson #10) by Darynda Jones-a review

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THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE (Charley Davidson #10) by Darynda Jones-a review

The Curse of Tenth Grave

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Indigo/Chapters

About the book: Release Date June 28, 2016

As a Part-time PI and fulltime grim reaper, Charley Davidson has asked a lot of questions throughout her life: Why can I see dead people? Who is the hot supernatural entity following me? How do I get gum out of my sister’s hair before she wakes up? But, “How do I trap not one malevolent god, but three?” was never among them. Until now. And since those gods are on earth to kill her daughter, she has little choice but to track them down, trap them, and cast them from this dimension.

There’s just one problem. One of the three stole her heart a very long time ago. Can the Razer, a god of absolute death and destruction, change his omniscient spots, or will his allegiances lie with his brothers?

Those are just a few of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl running for her life, an innocent man who’s been charged with murder, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, and Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying-gods thing, we’re saved. If not, well…

••••••••••

REVIEW: THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE is the tenth installment in Darynda Jones’s contemporary, adult CHARLEY DAVIDSON urban fantasy series focusing on part time PI/ full time Grim Reaper Charley Davidson.

SOME BACKGROUND: This is the continuing story of Charley’s life as the Grim Reaper, the corporeal spirits who have yet to pass, and the man to whom she has pledged her undying love-the son of Satan-Reyes Farrow. Charley Davidson, and now their daughter, are the key to saving or destroying the world. If you have not read the previous installments there may be some spoilers.

Told from first person point of view (Charley) THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE follows PI Charley Davidson as she investigates not one but two cases: a missing woman presumed murdered by her boyfriend, and the case of a young runaway who believes she, and a number of other children, have been cursed at the youth home in which they are staying.

Charley is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, PI, Grim Reaper and a god. Our heroine is a woman whose life is made up of supernatural entities, demons, restless ghosts, murder, and a friendship with her assistant that beats all other friendships. Charley is a wife and mother whose infant daughter, said to be the savior of the world, has been hidden in the hopes of keeping the three gods of Uzan at bay. Charley is also a god, whose powers have yet to be completely established, but a god who could very well be living with her immortal enemy. Some backstory and history is revealed about Charley and Reyes’s relationship throughout time.

THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE has a large ensemble cast of passionate and intense characters including many, if not most, of the significant entities we have met throughout the series. Rocket’s purpose becomes a little more clearer; Strawberry Shortcake reveals some cryptic information; Charley’s dad reveals many secrets he uncovered in H*ll when he passed through; the army guarding Reyes and Charley’s daughter is available with a flick of the wrist; and Ubie’s future looks grim. I am still hoping Darynda has plans to write a series about Donovan and the gang.

As per Darynda’s style of writing the story line is packed with humor, snark, sarcasm, funny one liners and plenty of innuendo. Each chapter begins with a meme, t-shirt slogan or bumper sticker line. Reyes and Charley’s relationship is struggling in the face of what the future might hold; there are secrets between the couple that fester and burn. The $ex scenes contain a little more graphic text and sexual language than in previous installments but like most UF story lines, the romance is secondary to the story although it is Reyes and Charley’s relationship that may be triggering the ultimate war between Heaven and H*ll. The slow build to the final show down is gradually unfolding.

THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE is a revealing story line; a provocative look at two people destined to destroy one another; an addicting series where the next installment cannot come fast enough. The premise is dramatic; the characters are dynamic; the romance is sexy and heartbreaking. Darynda Jones writes an amazing series about a kick-ass heroine who struggles with every day life and the supernatural.

Reading Order and previous reviews
First Grave on the Right
Second Grave on the Left
Third Grave Straight Ahead
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Fifth Grave Past The Light
Sixth Grave on the Edge
Seventh Grave and No Body
Eighth Grave After Dark
Brighter Than the Sun (novella)
The Dirt on Ninth Grave
The Curse of Tenth Grave

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Bitter Bite (Elemental Assassin #14) by Jennifer Estep -Dual review

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BITTER BITE (Elemental Assassin #14) by Jennifer Estep-Dual Review

Bitter Bite

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 23, 2016

Which is stronger: blood ties or a battle-tested friendship?

It’s not easy being queen bee of an underworld abuzz with crooks and killers. Wielding my potent Ice and Stone elemental magic will only get me so far—my real secret is my tight-knit makeshift family, a motley crew of cops and criminals, dwarves and playboys. My foster brother Finnegan Lane is my right-hand man, but when his suddenly not-dead relative comes back into the picture, I’m the one on the outside looking in.

It’s funny how life works: one minute your best friend is rock-steady, and the next he’s doe-eyed and buying into this whole loving-relative routine to the point of ignoring you. I’d like to be happy for Finn, I really would. But all of my instincts are telling me that beneath the syrupy sweet demeanor and old-fashioned charm, this sudden interloper is planning something. The whole shtick leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This person might have avoided the grave once, but I’ll put anyone who hurts Finn in the ground—for good.

•••••••••

Sandy’s Review

 BITTER BITE is the fourteenth full length installment in Jennifer Estep’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN Urban Fantasy series focusing on the Underworld elemental assassin Gin Blanco-aka The Spider.

Told from first person point of view (Gin) BITTER BITE focuses on the return of Deirdre Shaw-Finnegan Lane’s ‘deceased’ mother, Fletcher’s ex-wife, and Gin’s next target as the underworld assassin. Deirdre is a powerful ‘Ice’ elemental but returns as a mother grieving the missed years of her son’s childhood, and his assent into Ashland’s elite bankers and grifters. What ensues is a rekindling of a relationship between Finn and Deirdre, and Gin’s not so subtle reminder to Finn and the others that Deirdre has returned at a very opportunistic time.

BITTER BITE follows Gin’s investigation into Deirdre’s return and Finn’s obvious reluctance to heed Gin’s warnings. When a botched bank robbery and jewel heist point all the fingers at Deirdre Shaw, Finn turns a blind eye to the mother he desperately wants in his life.

Jennifer Estep wraps our heroine in an icy blanket of violence, death, blood shed and mystery. Not as graphically violent as some of the earlier installments BITTER BITE once again finds ‘The Spider’ in one too many circumstances out of her control. Her constant need to do everything alone lands Gin on the precipice of life and death –yet again.

All of the series regulars including Gin’s boyfriend Owen, her sister and Finn’s girlfriend Bria play secondary and supporting roles; Jo Jo and Sophie (the magical dwarves) make cameo appearances; and Gin’s assistant Silvio’s role is broadening with every story line.

The world building traverses the past and the present, as the reader is pulled into Gin’s memories of Fletcher and Finn using letters, dreams and nightmares. Gin is the leader of the paranormal underworld of Ashland but she has very little control on the criminal element. Our heroine must constantly prove she is worthy of the title, and with each installment someone stronger begins to make life difficult for The Spider.

BITTER BITE is a revealing story line that focuses on family and betrayal; heartbreak and lies; secrets and letting go of the past-but the past doesn’t want to lie down and die. The new series arc is focusing on the past, and the reemergence of those long thought dead and gone. A fantastic series by an amazing author.

 

Barb’s Review:

Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep is the 14th book in her fantastic Elemental Assassin series. I’m sure you have heard me say this many times, but I love this series, I love Gin Blanco and I love everything Jennifer Estep writes. Just saying. 🙂

Bitter Bite is another wonderful story, which picks up immediately after the last book, with Gin investigating a hidden message warning left for her to find by the now deceased Fletcher. Before Gin can find out much more about Deidre Shaw, Finn’s long dead mother, who is now alive and a very powerful ice elemental; Finn will find out before she can tell him.  To Finn’s shock, he finds out that the woman he has been dealing with for his bank, is his mother. Despite Gin’s warning, he falls totally into his mother’s charm and forgets about his family and friends.

As we have come to know and love Gin, we also know she will do all she can to protect Finn. Gin does not trust Deidre, and begins to have her investigated as well as spied upon. What Gin does discover is that Deidre has enormous powers, which she can feel, even when it is harnessed.   Almost immediately, there is a robbery attempt, which rises Gin’s suspicions even more; but at every visit, Deidre is the doting mom and nothing appears to be wrong.

But again, Gin Blanco is not your average young lady; she is the Spider, who is used to living in a dangerous and violent world. Rather than reveal any spoilers, what follows is an action packed exciting adventure that will bring Gin, Bria, Owen, Finn and all their friends into danger that will put their lives at risk. Will Finn forgive Gin? Will they all survive?

It was a wild tense last 1/3 of the book, with new revelations that will shock Gin’s world even more. Jennifer Estep once again gives us another fabulous story that continues to change the game and add on more elements that will have Gin looking into her past to discover more about about her mother and the enemies both old and new.

As I said before, I love this series. Besides such a great heroine, we have a wonderful group of characters. I loved the further bonding of Gin and Bria, as well as Gin’s relationship with Owen. In each and every book, Jennifer Estep continues to wow us and keep us totally hooked into the life of Gin Blanco…the Spider. If you have not read this series, I suggest you start it now.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

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Mercury Striking ( The Scorpius Syndrome #1) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

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MERCURY STRIKING (The Scorpius Syndrome #1) by Rebecca Zanetti-a review

Mercury Striking

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository /

About the book: Release Date January 26, 2016

With nothing but rumors to lead her, Lynn Harmony has trekked across a nightmare landscape to find one man—a mysterious, damaged legend who protects the weak and leads the strong. He’s more than muscle and firepower—and in post-plague L.A., he’s her only hope. As the one woman who could cure the disease, Lynn is the single most volatile—and vulnerable—creature in this new and ruthless world. But face to face with Jax Mercury…

Danger has never looked quite so delicious…

•••••••••

REVIEW: MERCURY STRIKING is the first full length installment in Rebecca Zanetti’s THE SCORPIUS SYNDROME cross genre Sci-Fi/ UF/Dystopian series focusing on a biological pandemic sweeping the world. This is former US soldier Jax Mercury, and CDC researcher Lynn Harmony’s story line that looks at life in the aftermath, and the fallout from an unknown bacteria-from space. For more background information and some history, there is a prequel novella-SCORPIUS RISING-which can be found in the ON THE HUNT anthology (August 2015).

Told from several third person points of view MERCURY STRIKING focuses on the hunt for a cure for a biological bacteria that has killed 99% of the world’s population-as far as anyone knows. Some of those infected have survived to become something known as a Ripper, but there are two types of Rippers inhabiting the world-one is a zombie like creature who feasts on the living; the other is a survivor whose brain has been altered resulting in a stronger, more powerful enhanced human being. When it is discovered that CDC researcher Lynn Harmony survived and quite possibly carries the answer to the cure, she becomes the target for everyone hoping to rule the world. Enter Jax Mercury-the man who has promised to protect Lynn with his life.

Jax is a reluctant hero; a survivor who has amassed a following in an L.A. compound where food and medicine are at a minimum, and rumors are rampant about the source of the virus. Lynn is a former researcher with the CDC who has been accused of causing the plague, and with it comes a target and heavy price on her back. Lynn will become a virtual prisoner, and fall for the man who holds her heart.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, many of whom do not live to see another day. Jax’s L.A. compound is home for those without a safe place to live, but safety is all a matter of perspective when gangs and corrupt politicians battle for supremacy and food. Newcomers to the compound are always suspect; few reveal their own history or how they came to be.

MERCURY STRIKING is a story of suspense, mystery, action and drama. There are heartbreaking moments of loss; scenarios of graphic violence and tragic death; rigid control and demanding obedience. In the post-apocalyptic world of the Scorpius Syndrome it is survival of the fittest, and every man and woman for themselves. Everyone has an agenda but not everyone is on the same page.

Rebecca Zanetti looks at the possibility of what could happen if a space-borne pathogen makes it way to earth. Are we prepared for a pandemic of this magnitude? And could we survive the zombie apocalypse from space? The premise is exhilarating; the characters are real and imaginable; the romance is a struggle when the world is constantly dragging you down. There is no happily ever after but the possibility of light at the end of the tunnel.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson #9) by Darynda Jones-a review

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THE DIRT ON NINTH GRAVE (Charley Davidson #9) by Darynda Jones-a review

The Dirt on Ninth Grave

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 12, 2015

In a small village in New York lives Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she is working at a diner and slowly begins to realize she can see dead people, she’s more than a little taken aback. Stranger still are the people entering her life. They seem to know things about her. Things they hide with lies and half-truths. Soon, she senses something far darker. A force that wants to cause her harm, she is sure of it. Her saving grace comes in the form of a new friend she feels she can confide in and the fry cook, a devastatingly handsome man whose smile is breathtaking and touch is scalding. He stays close, and she almost feels safe with him around.

But no one can outrun their past, and the more lies that swirl around her—even from her new and trusted friends—the more disoriented she becomes, until she is confronted by a man who claims to have been sent to kill her. Sent by the darkest force in the universe. A force that absolutely will not stop until she is dead. Thankfully, she has a Rottweiler. But that doesn’t help in her quest to find her identity and recover what she’s lost. That will take all her courage and a touch of the power she feels flowing like electricity through her veins. She almost feels sorry for him. The devil in blue jeans. The disarming fry cook who lies with every breath he takes. She will get to the bottom of what he knows if it kills her. Or him. Either way.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE DIRT ON NINTH GRAVE is the ninth installment in Darynda Jones’s CHARLEY DAVIDSON urban fantasy series focusing on part time PI/ full time Grim Reaper Charley Davidson.

SOME BACKGROUND: This is the continuing story of Charley’s life as the Grim Reaper, the corporeal spirits who have yet to pass, and the man to whom she has pledged her undying love-the son of Satan-Reyes Farrow. Charley Davidson is the key to saving or destroying the world. If you have not read the previous installments there may be some spoilers.

Told from first person point of view (Charley) THE DIRT ON NINTH GRAVE is a bit of a departure from the series as our heroine wakes up in the small town of Sleepy Hollow with no memory of her past. The amnesia follows the heartbreaking events of EIGHTH GRAVE AFTER DARK and focuses on Charley through several weeks as she tries to come to terms with the ability to ‘see dead people’ and the loss of everything and everyone she has ever loved: Enter Reyes, Cookie, Uncle Bob (Ubie), Osh, Angel, Garrett and a host of others, dead people, and demons from her past who tread lightly in the path of the woman now known as Janey Doerr- a bumbling waitress at the Firelight Cafe who believes she is from the future. As Janey continues to search for the truth, our small band of family and friends keep an eye on the woman they love. Strawberry Shortcake and Artemis make a cameo appearance. And the local cop who saved ‘Janey Doerr’ has some nefarious plans for our broken heroine.

Throughout THE DIRT ON NINTH GRAVE we follow Charley ‘aka Janey’ as she endeavors to unravel a mystery involving the antique storeowner Mr.V and his missing family, as well as the infiltration of what appears to be the Russian Mob which in my opinion reads more like a ‘red herring’ that is irrelevant to the entire story and series but for all intents and purposes brings together several people from Charley’s past. Meanwhile, as per usual, Charley is visited by several corporeal beings who have yet to cross to the other side, in the hopes, of passing on a message to loved ones, or to help Charley in what it is she is supposed to do.

Darynda Jones continues to add her off-beat humor, sarcastic witticisms, and funny one-liners but because of Charley’s amnesia some of the humorous moments are few and far between as our heroine must come to terms with what she has lost-Janey ‘Charley’ knows that she has lost something fragile and small; someone she has left behind and spends the majority of the storyline feeling powerless and lost (herself). The relationship between Charley and Reyes is seductive and provocative as Reyes heats up the pages with his need and protectiveness of the woman he loves.

THE DIRT ON NINTH GRAVE is an intriguing but slow building installment that followed many paths to reveal a little more about Charley’s history-from the beginning of time-and why it is, so many gods, demons, fallen angels and angels are battling for control of Charley Davidson, but saying that, NINTH GRAVE did not reveal its’ purpose until the very end. We spent much of the storyline focusing on ‘Janey’s’ need to save the family across the street, and solve the mystery about one family’s numerous dying children. Charley’s true purpose is slowly revealing and with it comes the inevitable possibility that when the time comes, there will be many broken hearts and painful tears. Reyes knows that Charley must discover who she is without any assistance from the man that she loves, or the people in her life. But it is the loss of someone close that will aid Charley in the recovery of her memories, and all that she holds dear.

I will add, that at times, I kept thinking that part of the premise felt familiar-too familiar- that I was confusing it with another UF series, so much so, that I thought I was reading –ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN by Jennifer Estep. Jennifer’s heroine works at a diner frequented by all of her friends and supernatural beings, and is constantly investigating strange happenings in and around her small town (similarly to NINTH GRAVE). I love both Darynda Jones’s CHARLEY DAVIDSON and Jennifer Estep’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series-a compliment to both authors.

If you are a fan and have read BOTH series, please let me know what you think after reading THE DIRT ON NINTH GRAVE-I can’t be the only reviewer who sees the similarities.

First Grave on the Right
Second Grave on the Left
Third Grave Straight Ahead
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Fifth Grave Past The Light
Sixth Grave on the Edge
Seventh Grave and No Body
Eighth Grave After Dark
Brighter Than the Sun
The Dirt on Ninth Grave

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Brighter Than The Sun (Charley Davidson 8.5) by Darynda Jones-a review

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BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN (Charley Davidson 8.5) by Darynda Jones-a review

Brighter Than The Sun

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date Octboer 6, 2015

All his life, Reyes Alexander Farrow has suffered the torments of the damned. Only one thing has given him hope: the woman who radiates a light that no mortals can see; a light that only the departed can see…

Told from his point of view, BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN chronicles the first time Reyes ever encountered Charley, and how their relationship has been the one thing that can either save him or doom him.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN is a novella in Darynda Jones’s adult CHARLEY DAVIDSON urban fantasy series told from Reyes Alexander Farrow’s point of view. Darynda Jones takes the reader back to a time just prior to Charley’s birth that finds Reyes following what he believes is a dream-a bright light that calls to him-of a young child, then woman, who is, from birth, the Grim Reaper. BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN runs parallel to several of the events in Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson series.

We get up close and personal with Reyes as he suffers a myriad of abuses at the hands of Earl Walker; and the introduction of his ‘sister’ Kim whom Reyes protects even though he knows he will be the recipient of the torture and abuse. Most of the abuse is ‘behind the scenes’ or implied; there is no graphic text to abhor the reader.

BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN is a quick and simple read that is completely different in tone and emotion than any of the previous installments. The storyline is a darker read without the usual humor, one-liners, witty banter or t-shirt logos that Darynda and her Charley Davidson series are known for. It is a short story that doesn’t add any new or specific information to the series but expands upon what the reader already knows with more details and some background history. We do learn why it is Reyes calls Charley Dutch 😉 Darynda Jones focuses on Reyes-his early years; his need to protect Charley; and the knowledge that Satan’s son has suffered because of who he is, and what he will become.

BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN is a wonderful read to fill in the details that were missing about Reyes’s younger years and his love for the woman who could one day destroy the world.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Spider’s Trap (Elemental Assassin #13) by Jennifer Estep-Dual Review and Giveaway

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SPIDER’S TRAP (Elemental Assassin #13) by Jennifer Estep-Dual review and Giveaway

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Spider’s Trap
Elemental Assassin #13
by Jennifer Estep
Genre: adult, urban fantasy
Release Date: July 28, 2015

Spider's Trap

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 28, 2015

Keep your friends close but your enemies within stabbing distance.

One important lesson I’ve learned in the assassination business is that to be the best you have to roll with the punches. Now that I’m queen of Ashland’s underworld—by default, not by choice—a lot more punches are being thrown my way. But I suppose that’s the price of victory for taking down some of the underworld’s top dogs. Good thing I have my Ice and Stone magic to help me survive my volatile new position. Just when I think things are finally settling down, someone tries to murder me during a hush-hush underworld meeting. But the real surprise is how strangely familiar my shadowy assailant seems to be.

My job is to maintain order among killers, crooks, and thieves, and soon I’m embroiled in a bloody game where the ability to keep secrets could be the greatest superpower of all. My enemies have all sharpened their knives and laid their traps, waiting for me to fall. But this Spider weaves her own webs of death

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Sandy’s Review

SPIDER’S TRAP is the thirteenth full-length installment in Jennifer Estep’s adult, contemporary Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series focusing on elemental assassin Gin Blanco aka The Spider. With her dual elements of stone and ice, Gin is a one woman force of nature’s power.

Told from first person point of view (Gin Blanco) SPIDER’S TRAP finds Gin facing a new but familiar enemy, in the fictional town of Ashland, whose elemental strength may be more than Gin had anticipated. As the new head of Ashland’s underworld, Gin must mediate between rival kingpins and settle disputes, all the while trying to ward off the attacks against the people that she loves. When an enemy from the past resurfaces looking for revenge, Gin makes it her mission to stay one step ahead-but is Gin the target or is someone else?

SPIDER’S TRAP brings together all of Gin’s elemental friends, vampires, giants and dwarves. Owen returns as Gin’s love interest but the romance is always limited in UF storylines; Finn continues to make impressions on the ladies; and memories of Fletcher continue to direct Gin on her path of knowledge and understanding. Gin and Bria’s relationship is no longer combative and hasn’t been for several storylines; Jo Jo and Sophia continue to play their supporting roles as protector and healer.

Jennifer Estep infuses some of the backstory and history between Gin and the previous evil elementals who have threatened our heroine or wreaked havoc on her family and friends. There is a familiarity to the storyline as old stories are revisited and the past comes full circle; Fletcher’s letters, files and lessons are a major part of the storyline (and series) premise as Gin continues her mentor’s job.

SPIDER’S TRAP is an engaging and intriguing addition to Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series that blends magic with the elementals; the supernatural with reality. There is the usual mayhem, violence, blood shed and death, but Gin, more or less, comes out of this adventure unharmed-others may not be so lucky. Gin’s evolution throughout the series finds our heroine stopping to consider all outcomes before jumping head first into a battle she may not be ready to lose-Gin’s overconfidence is often her Achilles heal.

Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series and Gin Blanco are a ‘go to’ read every time.

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Barb’s Review

Spider’s Trap by Jennifer Estep is the 13th book in her fantastic Elemental Assassin series. Gin Blanco is our heroine in this series, and she is one of the best kick-ass heroines I have read. Gin is an assassin with the name Spider, but in recent books, her identity which was hidden is now known. Gin is tough as they come, and throughout this series, she has killed many in self defense, killing evil beings, or to save those of her friends/family, whom she is loyal to. Gin thinks nothing of putting herself in continual danger, and in each story that Jennifer Estep so wonderfully creates, Gin faces off against the ultimate powerful nemesis and they just keep getting stronger and more powerful.

With the demise of Mab and Madeline Monroe in the last few books, Gin has been elevated to Queen of the Underworld, something she really doesn’t want, but having eliminated those in power, she inherits this title. The story begins with Gin overseeing a meeting of the Ashland underworld, and since she is bored, she begins to watch her surroundings and becomes suspicious of a waiter. Gin realizes there is a bomb and jumps to save everyone, and the mystery begins who is trying to kill who.

Gin will find herself against a powerful villain, as well as remembering a case from the past that comes back to haunt her and her competitor Lorelei Parker. What follows is an amazing adventure that puts Gin in many dangerous and death defying situations. What I loved the most is the team Gin has built over the years, consisting of friends and family that surround her. These are a wonderful group of secondary characters…Owen, Finn, Sophia, Jo Jo, Bria, Xavier, Silvio, just to name a few. As the danger escalates into an impossible situation, it will take enemies to join hands to fight against this master villain.

Jennifer Estep simply amazes me how she keeps giving us such fabulous thrilling stories, with such a fantastic heroine who always has us on the edge of our seat praying for her survival. The romance between Gin and Owen keeps growing, as does her second family. Each book in this series just keeps getting better and better. Please Jennifer, do not ever end this series. If you have not read Elemental Assassin series, what are you waiting for?

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

READING ORDER

0.5 Spider’s Bargain
1 Spider’s Bite
1.5 Web of Death
2 Web of Lies
2.5 Web of Deceit
2.6 Poison
2.7 Wasted
3 Venom
3.5 Tangled Dreams
3.7 Tangled Schemes
4 Tangled Threads
4.5 Spider’s Nemesis
5 Spider’s Revenge
5.5 Thread of Death
6 By A Thread
7 Widow’s Web
8 Deadly Sting
8.1 Parlor Tricks
8.5 Kiss of Venom
9 Heart of Venom
10. The Spider
11. Poison Promise
12. Black Widow
13. Spider’s Trap

giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Jennifer’s publisher are offering a paper copy of SPIDER’S TRAP 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.

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on TSU

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from July 27- 31, 2015

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