Tag Archives: urban fantasy

Dirty Deeds Anthology – Review & Giveaway Tour

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Dirty Deeds Anthology-Faith Hunter, R.J. Blain,Devon Monk,Diana Pharaoh Francis-Review and Giveaway Tour

 

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Dirty Deeds: An Urban Fantasy Collection (Magical Romantic Comedies)
by Faith Hunter, Diana Pharaoh Francis, Devon Monk and R.J. Blain

Dirty Deeds: Urban Fantasy Collection is an anthology with novellas written by Faith Hunter, Diana Pharaoh Francis, Devon Monk and R.J. Blain.  I am a huge fan of Faith Hunter, and reading any novella or short story is a must for me.  I will write a short review on Hunter’s stories, revolving around her Jane Yellowrock series, and can only say that the other books are also part of their series, which I have not read.

 Description:
When the going gets tough, the tough get their hands dirty. Join NY Times Bestselling author Faith Hunter, USA Today Bestselling author R.J. Blain, and National Bestselling authors Diana Pharaoh Francis and Devon Monk on a wild romp where the damsels bring the distress and what can go wrong will go wrong.

Venture into a thrilling spinoff tale from the world of Jane Yellowrock; join vacationing gods in what appears to be a quiet, ordinary town; visit a supernatural hotel where the bedbugs could very well eat you; and dive into the zany, deadly world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series.

In this collection of all-new urban fantasy novellas and other stories, no job is too big or too small—if the price is right.

 

 

Review:

Bound Into Darkness by Faith Hunter
Bound into Darkness takes place between the last two novels in Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock series; the story revolves around Eli Younger and Liz Everhardt. Liz has had a crush on Eli for a while, but after she was seriously injured, she has been in recovery and Eli has not been around.  When Liz gets a call for help to find a missing dog, she asks Eli to help her.   They head to the steep and dark mountain, looking for the dog, only to find Liz encountering a skeletal demon, who comes to life and wanting to possess her.  Liz manages to escape, with Eli’s help and together they build a hedge circle, but time is of essence, as the demon is trying to break through.  To make matters work, a group of rogue werewolves are on the way to kill them.  The question is:  who set this trap to have Liz killed and why?

What follows is an exciting, tense novella that kept my attention from start to finish.  The last half of the book was amazing, as we got to see many of our favorites try to rescue Eli and Liz; including Jane, Cia (Liz’s twin sister, also a witch), Alex, Brute, Lincoln, just to name a few.  We also learn who was behind this trap, which also gets explained more in the next short story; Ties That Bind. I really loved this new addition to the Jane Yellowrock series.

The Ties that Bind by Faith Hunter
Bedelia is the mother of Liz and Cia Everhardt, and she senses something is happening.  Linc Shadrock, who fathered her children, and whom she has not seen in many years, once he became the Master of his territory. When he visits Bedelia late night, he explains about the woman who is threatening to kill her daughters. The Mayhew witches blame Liz for killing one of their own, and they were behind the current attack.  Linc needs Bedelia’s help before he leaves to help save his daughters, with the help of Jane Yellowrock and team. 

Bedelia agrees to call in her witch friends, who had set up a circle from years before, and try to trap the Mayhew leader.  Once the ladies arrive at the circle and set up the trap, they find themselves under attack by both witches and werewolves. 

I enjoyed seeing how Linc loved Bedelia, and explained that he still loved her.  That was a nice addition.  Great short story.

Reviewed by Barb

 

As noted above, the stories below just have a glimpse from the description above:
Vacationing gods in what appears to be a quiet, ordinary town; visit a supernatural hotel where the bedbugs could very well eat you; and dive into the zany, deadly world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series.

Sealed with a Tryst by Devon Monk

At Death’s Door by Devon Monk

The Pixie Job by Diana Pharaoh Francis

Doggone Mess by R.J. Blain

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Unveiling (Mythical Creature 1) by Zel Winter-a review

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Unveiling (Mythical Creature 1) by Zel Winter-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19,2020

Dan Noble is an old Vampire, perhaps the oldest in the world. One night on the prowl, he is inexplicably drawn to a plain-looking university student. But Nina Wright is not as boring as she seems: she meets Dan’s charm with the allure of her own, and the two share an unforgettable night. When Dan tries and fails to compel Nina to forget their encounter, he suspects that she is no ordinary human. And when a gang of bloodthirsty vampires singles her out for a vicious kidnapping, he realizes the girl he has fallen head over heels for may very well be a Human Immortal, a being of awesome power. Nina will be able to reclaim her supernatural gifts if she chooses a mate of her own lineage, Nature’s Immortals: a Dragon, Were, or Fae. As a Vampire, Dan would only stand in the way of her destiny.

Will he find the courage to give up his true love just as soon as he has found her?

Unveiling is Book 1 of the Mythical Creatures Series, in which powerful Immortal beings battle for justice in a magical world just beyond the veil of our own.

••••••••••

REVIEW: Dan is a vampire. Now, in this book his vampire side seems to be a separate entity, the vampire side can exist on bagged blood and animal blood, but insists on the real thing once a week! Dan agrees, but the victim has to be of his choosing. I get the impression, Dan likes them attractive, interesting and easy.

Nina is looking for a job on campus, it seems she wants to go to school in this area. But she’s running out of time, meeting a stranger and having a drink with him isn’t in the schedule, but one orange juice won’t hurt, and he’s a cute guy.

Meeting Nina in a bar, at first glance she is nothing like Dan’s usual type! But her smell is so unique and alluring that he decides she’s going to be his next meal! But getting Nina to agree isn’t as easy as he thinks, she’s not sure, she feisty and she’s no fool.
But with a little charm and good luck they have a drink, pay her dorm fees and then decide on dinner……

I loved the mythology the author has created at the beginning of the book. Who the mythical creatures are created, how the humans feared them, and now human females hold inside them great power.

We get they have sex, we don’t get the details, so I’d say it’s geared towards the YA bracket.

Dan tries to make Nina forget their time together, but for the first time ever it doesn’t work! But before he can figure it out, Nina is kidnapped!! Nina is just wondering what the hell is going on, a drink with a total stranger and now she’s tied up and headed god knows where, could her day get any worse?

Dan manages to track Nina down. Rescues her, but now she’s frightened! She doesn’t understand why she was taken.He now has the unpleasant task of telling her she’s an immortal and has gifts that no mere human has, but to tap into them she needs to mate with a supernatural, but one of her bloodline (were, fae, dragon) Nina wants to know why she can’t mate a vampire, Dan is both pleased and annoyed (well the vamp side of him is annoyed) pleased she’s listening, but annoyed she’s not going to be with him!

Setting off to see the elders is the only course of action left open to Nina, she’s intrigued, who would’ve want to become immortal? But sad it won’t be with Dan! But who says she has to mate? It’s her choice, but her past is what motivates her to meet the elders.

It is a little immature in places (reminds me of the twilight series) as an adult I liked the premise, I thought the narration was good. An adult version probably would have been more graphic (sex scenes ). But I’m interested in finding out more in this world.

Meeting the elders is another level of weird. She’s being prompted to meet and mate! But Nina only wants Dan….

So can Dan and Nina really be together? It would be simpler to mate one of her kind, but that wouldn’t make for a good story now would it? And the story is pretty good. Written really well, descriptions jump out from the page. Nina and Dan are really well thought out. Dan becoming dust to travel, using mind control and having a separate entity living inside him, some ideas are tried and tested, others are new ideas and really clever.

So sign me up for the next adventure, it’s going to be a good one I think. Why? Well ….. no you’re going to have to read the book to find out why.

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie B

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Revolutionary (Clandestine Magic 3) by Colleen Cowley-a review

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Revolutionary (Clandestine Magic 3) by Colleen Cowley-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 29 2020

In this final book of the Clandestine Magic trilogy, Beatrix Harper is poised to help her sister accomplish an audacious goal. They’re on the brink of winning back a key right for typics that wizards took away—and maybe, just maybe, getting women more rights in the bargain.

But first she has to rescue Peter Blackwell, trapped in a dark-magic coma. And figure out what a former friend is plotting after nearly killing Peter and disappearing. And stay one step ahead of the vice president’s men.

What her enemies have planned is worse than she realizes. Far worse.

••••••

REVIEW:REVOLUTIONARY is the third and final instalment in Colleen Cowley’s multi-genre CLANDESTINE MAGIC /paranormal/ UF/ Gaslamp fantasy series focusing on thirty-three year old, wizard/omnimancer Peter Blackwell, and his lab assistant suffragette Beatrix Harper. REVOLUTIONARY should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book two RADICAL

NOTE: If you have not read book two RADICAL, there may be spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: CLANDESTINE MAGIC is classified as ‘Gaslamp Fantasy’ – a sub-genre of both fantasy and historical fiction with elements of steampunk and the paranormal. The story line is set in an alternate 21st century, one in which the rise of feminism and equal rights has only just begun, and women are still considered second class citizens with no power, no magic and no rights. For decades wizards aka men, have controlled the world, using magic and the elements to increase their power and domination but subtle cracks begins to fragment their authority, and a magical weapon commissioned by our story line hero is needed to regulate the users of magic.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Beatrix and Peter) REVOLUTIONARY picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book two RADICAL wherein omnimancer/wizard Peter Blackwell, following a deadly blast, has been hospitalized, and Beatrix Harper fears for his life. Struggling to keep food on the table, our heroine must go in search of a new job, as her sister Lydia reconsiders her own education. Lydia, a modern day suffragette is fighting for women’s rights, rights forbidden by the wizards in charge but with both Peter and Beatrix’s help, hundreds of women have discovered that not only are they able to wield magic, but some or more capable than the wizards in control. As Peter continues his recovery, our hero will quickly learn that he has been targeted for ‘sins’ of the past, and without his cooperation, the life of the woman he loves, hangs in the balance. What ensues is the continuing and building relationship between Beatix and Peter, and the fall-out as several members of government are battling for control, in an effort to start a war with their Canadian neighbors.

REVOLUTIONARY and Clandestine Magic is an intricate and perceptive story line; an alternate tale of misogyny, discrimination, power and control wherein men and magic rule, and women are considered nothing more than second class citizens. As the women begin to fight for equal rights, their ability to wield magic proves that years of suffering had been at the hands of the men in charge-wizards who refused to step down from their position in power. The premise is dramatic, thorough, intriguing, unique and entertaining; the romance is passionate. Colleen Cowley pulls the reader into an intense and magical story reflective of society as a whole.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Subversive
Radical

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow author: Website /Twitter /Goodreads/

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Grave War by Kalayna Price – a Review

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Grave War by Kalayna Price – a Review

 

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Description:

Grave witch Alex Craft has forged an uneasy truce with the world of Faerie, but she’s still been trying to maintain at least some semblance of a normal life in the human world. So it’s safe to say that stepping up as the lead investigator for the Fae Investigation Bureau was not a career path she ever anticipated taking.

When an explosion at the Eternal Bloom threatens to upend the fae who make their home in our world, Alex finds herself in charge of the most far reaching investigation she’s ever tackled. And it’s only her first week on the job. With the threats mounting and cut off from half her allies, Alex can’t wait on the sidelines and hope the fae’s conflicts stay contained within their borders.

 

 

Review:

Grave War by Kalayna Price is the 7th and final book in her Alex Craft series. Refresher:  Alex is a grave witch, using her ability to rise the dead to talk to them, as well as learning her new planeweaver abilities.   After the end of the previous book, Falin is now the Winter King, and Alex has become the agent in charge of FIB (Fae Investigation Bureau).

Her first week on the job turns into chaos, as some of the agents in FIB now under her command, do not really respect her.  Alex begins to receive roses from an unknown source, with hints from various things going wrong; she suspects a former enemy is behind this. An explosion destroys the Eternal Bloom and the doors to enter Fairie; forcing many of the fae who live in the mortal world, unable to return to Fairie, and could thereby over time lose their magical abilities.  Desperate for help, she tries to contact Dugan, from the Shadow realm, and just when she sees an opening, she is kidnapped.  Turns out her enemy, the one she suspected, Ryese is behind the chaos and destruction.

What follows is an exciting and intense story that takes place in the mortal world, as well as in Fairie land.  Dugan and Falin manage to get Alex free bringing her to Shadow land.  There are so many twists and turns, keeping us guessing until the very end.  I loved seeing Alex with Falin, as well as her friendship with Dugan, and his father as they work together to find a way to stop Ryese, who is trying to become the High King ruling all of Fairie.  Alex worries about her friends either stuck in Fairie or in the mortal world, and her fears for all the Fae who have no way home.  It was very exciting, especially when she managed to get pulled into the High Court, and find a way to defeat her enemy and save the world.

This is a complicated review, as it would require giving spoilers, and since this is the final book of the series, I do not want to ruin it for you.  Grave War was an exciting, action packed, interesting and wild adventure, as Alex must stop a powerful enemy.  Kalayna Price pulls a mind boggling twist at the end, that was a totally surprise, but at the same time a very satisfying conclusion to this series.  It was great to see many of her friends, including Death. Alex Craft series was lots of fun and very well written by Kalayna Price. If you have not read this series, and enjoy paranormal, I suggest you read this.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Treoir Dragon Chronicles of the Belador World #3 – a Review

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Treoir Dragon Chronicles of the Belador World #3 – a Review

 

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Description:
Daegan and his people race across different continents to battle deadly Imortiks while a Tribunal issues kill-on-sight orders for Beladors. In Ireland, Daegan comes face-to-face with a dragon from his past who has waited a long time to kill him. Casidhe and Daegan take a leap of faith for a chance to find a hidden grimoire and everything changes between them.

*This is a 9-book spinoff series for first-time readers as well as current Belador fans.  All 9 books will release within a year and be available in e-book, print, and audiobooks.

 

Review:

Treoir Dragon Chronicles of the Belador World: Book 3 is the 3rd book in The Chronicles of the Belador World (9 book arc). Refresher: Daegan and his team are attacked by Immortiks, who were supposed dead many years ago. Daegan is desperate to save his Beladors, with many being held prisoners, with the threat of death if he can’t find the missing ‘grimoire, volumes.  The information on the Immortiks and the grimoire is difficult to find, as it dates back thousands of years ago

 When we left off in book 2, Daegon finally finds Casidhe, who is an ancient Luigsech researcher, who is able to read the grimoire volumes with others also want. They will begin to work together, though early on they do not get along or trust each other.  I still see possibilities of a slow burn romance in the far future. When Casidhe manages to find more information, they approach an oracle, who will send them on a mission to find the grimoire and other things.  Do they trust the oracle?

While Daegon is off in another world, Quinn is desperate to protect Reese from the demons she attracts, and also has to answer to the Tribunal, who do not want to listen to him.  Tristan is now free, but recovering from serious injuries on Treior, and all hell is breaking loose all over.  Close to the end we get another new person, which could change the game for all. 

This is a difficult review to give without giving spoilers, as these are short stories and saying too much would be too revealing; not mention each book ends in a cliffhanger. You truly do need to read these books in cohesion.  What follows is an exciting, tense, suspenseful, paranormal adventure, with some of our favorites helping each other out, especially when the Tribunal starts to threaten them. If you are new and love paranormal, urban fantasy, suspense, romance, great characters, you should be reading Dianna Love.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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Treoir Dragon Chronicles of the Belador World: #2 by Dianna Love

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Treoir Dragon Chronicles of the Belador World: #2 by Dianna Love

 

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Description:
Daegan is running out of time to find the destructive dragon impersonating him and the woman who claims to be the Treoir family squire, but Casidhe has no intention of being caught. She’s racing to find her best friend believed captured by a deadly being. With Atlanta reeling from supernaturals being revealed, the Beladors are battling to protect humans while losing their own to Imortiks possessing any warm body, human or nonhuman. Hunting answers in Ireland lands Tristan somewhere he quickly realizes epitomizes a fate worse than death. Cathbad visits Queen Maeve to gain access to her resources, but the meeting turns explosive and costs him more than he could have imagined.

Imortiks drawn to the venom in Daegan’s body are draining his powers when he needs them most. With Beladors awaiting execution in Atlanta and Tristan still to be found, Daegan goes all in to gain information. Choosing the lesser of two evils means still ending up with one.

 

 

Review:

Treoir Dragon Chronicles of the Belador World: Book 2 is the 2nd book in the 9 book arc of this series. Refresher: Daegan and his team are attacked by Immortiks, who were supposed dead many years ago. Even though Daegan is a bit disabled, but many are being held prisoners, with the threat of death if he can’t find the missing ‘grimoire’, volumes.  With Tristan now captured by another evil entity trying to find the volumes, Daegan must find help. The information on the Immortiks and the grimoire is difficult to find, as it dates back thousands of years ago

 When we left off in book 1, Daegon is desperate to save his people from the Imortiks, especially Tristan, who is captured by a familiar evil being.  In book 2, Daegon is in dire straits, himself trying to recover from the poisoning, as well as a strange and mysterious woman who wields a big sword and manages to escape him.  Casidhe is an ancient Luigsech researcher, who is able to read the grimoire volumes what others also want, but she only cares about her friend Fenella, who is now missing. 

Daegon will bring in Quinn and Reese to help him find Casidhe, as he needs her to help, as well as finding out who has kidnapped Tristan, as time is of essence to save him.  Casidhe doesn’t trust Daegon (since she does not know who he really is), but eventually she is willing to help Daegon, but only if he will help her find Fenella.  They both get off on the wrong foot, with constant tension and arguing between them.  I suspect in upcoming books we may see them become romantically involved, as we can sense their budding chemistry.  The POV’s continue with Daegan, the evil Cathbad and also Casidhe. We also learn from Quinn, that Reese is keeping a secret, which we will learn more about in upcoming books.

This is a difficult review to write without giving spoilers, as these are short stories and saying too much would be too revealing. You truly do need to read these books in cohesion.  What follows is an exciting, tense, suspenseful, paranormal adventure. It is great to see many of our favorites from the Belador series make appearances to help Daegon and find the grimoire.   If you are new and love paranormal, urban fantasy, suspense, romance, great characters, you should be reading Dianna Love.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth – a Review

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Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth – a Review

 

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Description:
A decade ago near Chicago, five teenagers defeated the otherworldly enemy known as the Dark One, whose reign of terror brought widespread destruction and death. The seemingly un-extraordinary teens—Sloane, Matt, Ines, Albie, and Esther—had been brought together by a clandestine government agency because one of them was fated to be the “Chosen One,” prophesized to save the world. With the goal achieved, humankind celebrated the victors and began to mourn their lost loved ones.

Ten years later, though the champions remain celebrities, the world has moved forward and a whole, younger generation doesn’t seem to recall the days of endless fear. But Sloane remembers. It’s impossible for her to forget when the paparazzi haunt her every step just as the Dark One still haunts her dreams. Unlike everyone else, she hasn’t moved on; she’s adrift—no direction, no goals, no purpose. On the eve of the Ten Year Celebration of Peace, a new trauma hits the Chosen: the death of one of their own. And when they gather for the funeral at the enshrined site of their triumph, they discover to their horror that the Dark One’s reign never really ended.

 

 

Review:

Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth is the first book in her The Chosen Ones series.  Having just finished reading the book, I was happy about how it all ended; thinking it read very well as a standalone; however now I see it is a series, which I will be reading, but I am curious how Roth will continue.

We meet our 5 heroes, who 10 years earlier, were the Chosen Ones who as teenagers, defeated an evil enemy called the ‘Dark One’,  terrorizing the world with death and destruction.  They were idolized by the world, and now they gather for the 10th anniversary celebration of when they saved the world.  Matt was always considered the leader, with Sloane, Albie, Esther and Ines as part of the team. Part 1 of the book revolves around how all 5 are coping, with each reacting differently.  Matt and Esther enjoy the accolades and are happy in the social media world.  Albie has PSTD and has a hard time, and Ines tries to keep her life private. The story centers mostly on Sloane, as she still suffers from panic attacks from when she had been captured by the Dark One, but though she comes across as angry and sarcastic, she is a tough, smart and independent badass. 

Before the celebration, they government calls them in to review a possible new weapon, which will cause one of the 5 to kill himself.  At the funeral ceremony, everything changes, as Matt, Esther and Sloane are pulled into another parallel universe, which is the start of Part 2.  The three of them learn that they have been chosen to help this universe fight off another evil villain, and unless they find a way to kill him, they will never return home to their own universe.  In this world, which is a little similar to their own, but filled with magic.  The leaders of this new universe are desperate for help, and work on training them on using magical siphons to enhance their powers, to enable them to be ready when they need to fight the new Dark One.

Part 2 ups the ante, with more excitement, new characters, parallel dimension and a different enemy, who has built an army of walking dead.  Whereas, Matt and Esther relish learning how to use the magic, Sloane tends to be on her own, learning everything about this world; she has never been happy, and comes across as secretive and impulsive. But when push comes to shove, she will be the one who will do anything to protect her friends, and she makes a horrifying discovery that totally changes the game.  I really did like Mox, someone she meets at a museum and a bar, as well as his friend, Ziva.  

In Part 3, Sloane will step up to discover the truth, and use her own unused powers to stop and fight the Dark One, as we raced to the wild climax in the last 1/3 of the book.  Roth does pull a few surprise twists. Extremely exciting, intense, action filled, with us holding our breaths, as we discover who the real culprit is.   I cannot tell too much more, as it would be spoilers and ruin it for you. 

Chosen Ones was very well written by Veronica Roth, which had a satisfying ending. The world building in this multidimensional world was very good; as well as exciting and actually a fun read. Now that I know there is going to be another book, I look forward to see what Roth has in store for us. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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THE STONE WARRIORS Series 1-4 by D.B. Reynolds-Review Tour

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THE STONE WARRIORS Series 1-4 by D.B. Reynolds-Review Tour

Dragan
The Stone Warriors Book 4
by D.B. Reynolds
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

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It was a time when gods walked the earth, when armies fought not for bits of land, but for the very existence of humanity. On such a battlefield, five formidable warriors stood against an evil greater than any the earth had ever seen. But evil is not an honorable foe. Betrayed by someone they trusted, the warriors were cursed, one by one, tossed into the maelstrom of time, imprisoned in stone, their freedom resting on nearly impossible conditions. Until…. Dragan Fiachna, heir to the curse of royal blood, a horror hiding behind a beautiful face…. you shall remain locked in stone until a maiden, untested and pure, shall find grace in your beast and safety in your nightmare.

Dragan Fiachna, born to a life of loneliness, cast into stone by a sorcerer’s curse and imprisoned forever in darkness. He is freed at last, only to discover his enemy still lives and is plotting the death of millions in his quest to rule this new world.

Maeve Collins, brilliant, courageous, and compassionate enough to believe a stone statue can have a soul. Shocked when her beautiful winged man breaks free, horrified at the torment he’s endured, she dedicates herself to reuniting him with the warriors he calls family.

But she never planned on falling in love.

Racing across half the country in search of the only man who can stop their foe from fulfilling his merciless scheme, Dragan and Maeve discover they’ve unwittingly stolen the one artifact that can defeat their enemy. And he wants it back. Pursued by assassins, they fight their way to Dragan’s brothers, only to discover the war for this world has already begun….

REVIEW: Dragan, reading these back cover I assumed he was a beast in manners and looks, but far from it, he saw himself as a beast, his parents gave him away to be a protector, a warrior. The people who looked after him as a child, did just that, there was duty only, no love. And even as a man, he knew only duty, women would want only his body, a s nothing else…..

Maeve is a total computer geek, online haves and programming is her way of life, the solitary life suits her. And the house she lives in, well that’s big enough to get lost in. Her favourite room, well that’s the one with her big stone warrior in it, a huge wingspan she sits under when she talks to him…..

As always the curse is broken by a woman, and a specific curse at that…… “Dragan Fiachna, heir to the curse of royal blood, a horror hiding behind a beautiful face…. you shall remain locked in stone until a maiden, untested and pure, shall find grace in your beast and safety in your nightmare.”

She spoke to him about anything and everything, until one day the stone cracks, and Dragan is free….She’s a little wary at first, not believing he’s the statue in the room she often sat.

We have all the stone warriors freed now, and like the previous books, Maeve and Dragan make their way to Nick (or Nico) Dragan is unaware if his warrior brothers are alive, but hopes they are.

We have battles along the way, we have a few mysteries that may result in a few more books? and we have the evil. Sorcerer alive and wanting revenge. You see not only did Maeve free the warrior (he had him locked in that room, making sure Nicodemus would never find him) but she stole a valuable tool that could defeat the sorcerer. And he definitely wants that back.

I have to admit, I was expecting a beauty and the beast story, (that will teach me for taking the back cover too literal!) a huge statue with wings (thinking gargoyle).

The descriptions of the battles were awesome, I think the author might have watched or played a few online games to get a few pointers ?

And now we have a sneak preview of the next story (which I’m hoping we get) Nicodemus and the mysterious Antonia ?

Copies supplied for review

? Reviews by Julie B

 

________________

Gabriel
The Stone Warriors Book 3
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

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It was a time when gods walked the earth, when armies fought not for bits of land, but for the very existence of humanity. On such a battlefield, five formidable warriors stood against an evil greater than any the earth had ever seen. But evil is not an honorable foe. Betrayed by someone they trusted, the warriors were cursed, one by one, tossed into the maelstrom of time, imprisoned in stone, their freedom resting on nearly impossible conditions. Until. . . .

Gabriel Halldor. . . one of the fiercest warriors the world has ever seen, but his tremendous skill can’t save him from a sorcerer’s curse. Trapped in stone and left lying in darkness for thousands of years, he is, at long last, brought into the sunlight of a Japanese garden, where a young girl comes to sit at his feet and read him stories as she grows to womanhood.

Hana Himura. . . beloved granddaughter of a Japanese mob boss, raised to the life of a warrior. When death comes for her grandfather, he sends her to the one guardian courageous enough to protect her from a sorcerer who will stop at nothing to have her.

Raphael. . . the most powerful vampire lord on earth, and the only man who can save Gabriel and Hana from an enemy who would enslave them both.

Running from the certain death that awaits them in Japan, Hana and Gabriel flee to Malibu and the vampire lord her grandfather called friend. Raphael is magic and power combined, and Gabriel and Hana will need both if they’re going to survive long enough to defeat their enemy and light the flame of desire that’s been simmering between them for years.

••••••••••••

REVIEW:Now, this one I really liked. A more complex book, it really had me hooked…..

“URBAN GABRIEL HALLDOR, a berserker on the battlefield, a monster who drinks his enemy’s blood and wears his flesh like the finest cloth . . . you shall remain locked in stone until a woman’s tears shall soak into your skin, and her pleas for safety reach you in the chaos of battle.” That was Gabriel’s curse. Gabriel doesn’t use his first name.

A beserker old, loving the battle and the cries of his fallen enemies. He lived to serve Nicodemus and to battle along side his three brothers (Damian, Kato and Dragan) but there was something beside the berserker, long ago, Gabriel had been turned into a vampire, with the help of Nico, he kept it on lockdown, his brothers never knowing of his anger and shame.

Hana has always known of Gabriel, the beautiful statue in the garden, she’s often sit at his feet and feel safe. And she’d know that one day he’d save her. Hana is a rare breed, she can amplify power, so she’s a power source that many would kill to obtain. Trained as a warrior by her grandfather, Hana has always known and been aware of magic. And when her home is attacked, she knows exactly where to go…..

The pair set off to find the only person her grandfather trusted, but by the time they get to Raphael’s home, Gabriel isn’t in great shape.

Raphael is a master vampire (or Lord in this series) and he has his story in several other books (Vampires in America) when meeting him for the first time, Hana was extremely wary of him, Raphael has power, it emanates from his very pores.
Giving sanctuary to both Gabriel and Hana, it allows them to catch their breath and rest.

Is Sotiris the sorcerer still causing havoc? (Hmmmm can’t tell you) And where does Nicodemus fit into the scheme of things? The hatred between Raphael and Nico is volatile to say the least, (I’m going to have to go and read the previous series now!!)

We catch up with previous characters from previous books, the interaction is very comical, the love for one another is very evident.

So we have a feud that has carried on for a millennia, a stone warrior with a side order of vampire! A woman whose a conduit and can magnify a witch/sorcerers powers. And chemistry that just burns the pages ?

Can’t wait to read Dragan (next book) and maybe Nicodemus can find a feisty female to keep him in line.

?

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Kato
The Stone Warriors Book 2
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

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It was a time when gods walked the earth, when armies fought not for bits of land, but for the very existence of humanity. On such a battlefield, five formidable warriors stood against an evil greater than any the earth had ever seen. But evil is not an honorable foe. Betrayed by someone they trusted, the warriors were cursed, one by one, tossed into the maelstrom of time, imprisoned in stone, their freedom resting on nearly impossible conditions. Until . . .

Kato Amadi . . . born of darkest sorcery, unstoppable on the battlefield, his magic is as deadly as his blade. But not even magic could save him from vicious betrayal. Trapped for millennia in darkness and silence, he is freed at last, only to find himself in the middle of a battle against the very beasts of hell he was created to destroy.

Grace Van Allen is a scholar of ancient languages who toils in the dim recesses of a museum basement with only a beautiful stone warrior to keep her company. But when Grace calls upon her silent warrior to help her translate an obscure new language, she breaks the ancient curse holding him prisoner . . . and frees three deadly demons to rampage through her city.

Tracking demons is what Kato was born to do, but he’ll need Grace’s help. And when they discover that Kato’s enemy is still alive and still plotting against him, their hunt takes a dangerous turn, one that might just prove fatal for both of them . . .

••••••••••

REVIEW: Grace loves her job, translating ancient texts. Reading about life many years ago. Her only companion a beautiful statue. Then one night she whispers to her stone companion that she needs help…..

Kato needs to help the beauty who summoned him. He’s watched her for years now, talking to him, and gazing up at him. The words the evil sorcerer Sotiris threw at him “ Kato Amadi, son of the Dark Witch, who for all his deadly skills on the field of battle, could neither read nor write the language of men . . . you shall remain locked in stone until a scholar of the written word shall plead for your help in understanding the wisdom of the ancients.“ came back to haunt him, was she the scholar he was suppose to help? And why now? But he knew why, the scroll she was trying to decipher was more dangerous than she was aware of.

Grace is in shock, one minute she’s finishing writing out the scroll, next, a thing appears from nowhere and is about to attack her. But a warrior saves her……

We then go on a ride, both Kato and Grace need to work together.

Kato has always been use to being just a vessel, not a man, nothing. So at first he finds it hard to connect with Grace, he finds her compelling, but so use to being berated, that he finds it hard to accept her way of speaking. He’s a Dark Witch’s son, but that didn’t mean he was cherished, he was used to fill his mother back up once she depleted her magic.Grace adjusts pretty quick to the work Kato has dragged her into. She tries not to show pity to Kato (that will get him to shut down pretty quick) And then there is the attraction that is simmering between them. But Kato knows it would only be brief, he has to know what happened to his brothers.

It’s a fast action book, lots of chasing, lots of twists and turns. A murder at the beginning of the book made no sense at first. We also catch up with previous characters from the last book. And then there his Kato’s mother!!! Do we meet up with her? Is there an epic magical battle? Well to find that out, you’ll have to read the book.

I liked this one better than the last. (Damian) The characters seemed to flow better, and there seemed to be more story. And I do love a wounded soul, and Kato is pretty much a wounded soul.

So if you like your magic and muscle, then this books is for you ?

?

_____________

Damian
The Stone Warriors Book 1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

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It was a time when gods walked the earth, when armies fought not for bits of land, but for the very existence of humanity. On such a battlefield, five formidable warriors stood against an evil greater than any the earth had ever seen. But evil is not an honorable foe. Betrayed by someone they trusted, the warriors were cursed, one by one, tossed into the maelstrom of time, imprisoned in stone, their freedom resting on nearly impossible conditions. Until . . .

Damian Stephanos honed his skills in battles fought with magic as much as swords. Caught by a deadly spell that left him trapped for centuries in darkness and obscurity, he is finally freed, only to discover that his enemy still lives. Determined to find him—and to free his brothers in arms—he first must fulfill his blood debt to the woman who released him from his torment. Unfortunately, being so close to this enticing female is another type of torment altogether . . .

Cassandra “Casey” Lewis is a hunter. Possessing the rare ability to sense magic, she spends most of her time shadowing arcane collectors, and more often than not, stealing the dangerous artifacts she pursues. Her job is risky, especially when she’s stealing from one of the most powerful sorcerers alive. But having a gorgeous warrior by her side is a definite bonus. He’s great in a fight . . . and in other places, too.

Following a trail of dead bodies, the two of them must join forces to track down the sorcerer who cursed Damian, and who now plans to turn an ordinary magical device into a deadly weapon. Risking everything, including their hearts, they’re about to discover that trusting each other might be the hardest thing of all.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Read the back cover I was expecting Gargoyles. What I got was better. Magic and adventure, with a LARGE amount of sex (a little too much in places)

Cassandra or Casey as she likes to be called, is sort of an FBI agent, but not a normal one. She has an ability that makes her a little different. She can track down magical items. She usually follows the trail, and if need be, obtain the item (sometimes theft is involved) And she’s been doing this for a while now, her boss Nick gives her a job, and Casey runs with it. She’s never really questioned it, (it was nice to have someone who believed her and utilises her skills.)

On the trail of a talisman, Casey has it, and is now being chased, and by hellhounds no less….

Damian has been a statue for a very long time, cursed and forced to watch life go by as a statue, for the last hundred years had watched the world go by on top of a building, he’s seen everything go by, but not able to interact. Well not until one night a wounded woman touches him, and asks for his help, it seems to have lifted the curse. He’s not sure how or why, or even why in this time period, but he’s going to find her, thank her and offer his services to help her.
He’s also wondering where everyone he knows is.

Both Damian and Casey need to learn to trust one another if they are to work together. They have no problem in the bedroom, but outside that’s a different matter.

This is a spin off from the Vampires in America series, and to be honest, I don’t think you need to read it. There are a few references to people and I’m assuming it’s to do with the previous series.

It’s a fast paced action book. We have a bad guy that’s looking for a talisman, and with it the power to bring modern civilisation to its knees. Sotiris has magic at his fingertips, and I have a feeling he’s been around a very long time. The chase and fight scenes are very good. Some of the conversation between Damian and Casey felt a little stilted.

It’s very detailed, and the characters are all very well rounded.
Chemistry between the main characters needed a little work.
But I liked the interaction between Casey and her boss, and Nick and Damian.
But as I said, a little too much sex, was it a filler? Maybe, but turn it into a novella if you are struggling (well that’s my opinion)

It’s a five book series (I think) so I’m looking forward to seeing if the next book is as good.

?

 

D. B. Reynolds is the RT and Epic Award-Winning author of the Vampires in America series of paranormal romance, and an Emmy-nominated television sound editor. D. B. currently lives in a flammable canyon near the Malibu coast, and when she’s not writing her own books, she can usually be found reading someone else’s. You can visit D. B. at her website Dbreynolds.com

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