REVIEW: Blood Shadows by Lindsay J. Pryor

Blood Shadows by Lindsay J. Pryor

Series:Blackthorn, #1

Publication Date:November 27th 2012

Publisher:Bookouture

Paperback, 380 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

For vengeance - would you trust a vampire?

For justice - could you betray your family?

For love - are you ready to question everything you believe in?

Gifted with the ability to read the shadows of 'third species' beings, Caitlin Parish is the Vampire Control Unit's most powerful agent. Despite that, her mission to hunt down Kane Malloy - a master vampire - comes with a death wish. Many have tried, but few have survived.

For Caitlin, tracking Kane is about more than just professional reputation. With her parents both mysteriously killed 7 years apart to the day, Caitlin knows that without Kane's help she is next.

She has four days to make a deal with the wicked, the irresistible, the treacherous Kane Malloy. The vampire who despises everything she stands for. Or die.

Blood Shadows is book one in the Blackthorn series, brought to you by Lindsay J. Pryor - a British Paranormal Romance author who writes dark, intense and passionate stories.

Lindsay's trademark powerful vampire heroes and utterly combustible sensual romances have earned Lindsay comparisons with both J.R Ward and Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Review first published at Book Lovers Inc

I just have to admit that the main reason I accepted Blood Shadows for review was the fact that I somewhere saw mentioned that the main hero, Kane, is the new Bones... Yeah I know, I shouldn't be that superficial in my pickings, but wherever I see Bones' name I'm sold. Well, I also read the premise and it was something that I could easily enjoy, so I didn't even think twice before picking Blood Shadows. I was rather excited to read it to be honest.

Now that I read it, not that I had a bad time while reading it or I didn't enjoy it, but the level of excitement for that title has seriously decreased. My primary thought about Blood Shadows is tiresome. I felt tired while reading this book, like it wouldn't end, ever!And although for some books that is a good thing, like I don't want it to end, that wasn't the case with Blood Shadows I'm afraid.

But let's take things from the beginning. And I will start with the good things about this book. Because undeniably, Blood Shadows is a very well written story. Lindsay J. Pryor has done an exceptional job with the way she wrote her story, so good a job, that I even skipped the various editing mistakes. Because in the copy I received there were a few. There were repetitions of words and some grammar mistakes. But still, even if usually those typos annoy me and ruin my concentration on a book, in Blood Shadows, I managed to completely brush them off. Pryor has a way with words and knows exactly what to say and how to say it. I don't think that I have said that before in any of my reviews, but this author's vocabulary is exceptional!

The world building in Blood Shadows, is another thing I really liked in this book. Let's face it, vampires are an overused concept in both UF and PNR, but Pryor's world has something fresh and new. The world she envisioned is intricate and unique but even if I did enjoy that aspect of this story, still, by the end I was left unsatisfied about the way exactly the world worked. For a book that delved too much into various details, I sure expected more about what made this world tick. Not that the reader hasn't enough to understand things, but when I read pages of details about things of no real value then I get to be a bit demanding and need something more about what really matters in a story.

The other thing about Blood Shadows I liked, well, to no one's surprise that is Kane. Be warned, he has nothing to do with Bones, and I can't really understand where the comparison even came from, but still, he's a great character. Even if he was too manipulative for his own good, I still liked him. And in general, the character development in Blood Shadows was pretty good. Not perfect. But good enough.

And now let's start about the things I had a few problems with. First thing, is the author's obsession with details and the very descriptive narration. I have nothing whatsoever against details and I even like some detailed descriptions on occasion, but the excessively detailed narration in most cases tires me. And the thing that made me like this book less than I probably would have otherwise, is exactly that. No matter how good a story is or how much I enjoy it in overall, when I'm feeling tired while reading it is bound to lower my overall appreciation of it.

Especially the part where Caitlin is locked with Kane in his house made me think more than once to put this book aside. All those details and nothing really happening. One of the reasons I really like PNR and UF is how fast the story goes and the action packed scenes. Well, in Blood Shadows, the story couldn't progress any slower and the action scenes were less in comparison and too short. Well, the action is almost non existent, even in the final scene, everything just clicked way too easily ruining the whole climax of the book.

The character development was pretty good like I said, but I have some complaints here as well. Let's face it, Blood Shadows isn't exactly a small or short story, in fact it's the opposite and if you consider how detailed it is and how intricate the world building is, then I kind of expected that we would get to know more about the secondary characters and not just the main ones. And even though the secondary characters are somewhat explored, still Pryor focuses way too much her story on the main couple and their emotions, something that reflects on the time and "room" she gives to the other characters of this story to develop. To put it simply, we get to know many unnecessary things about both Kane and Caitlin when all that space could have been used for another character.

Anyway, Blood Shadows isn't a bad book, not by a long shot. Lindsay Pryor proved with her debut novel that she can write and really good at that. All my problems with this book, could have easily been fixed through a good editing process in my opinion. If Blood Shadows was a few chapters shorter, minus all those details, it could easily have been much better. As it is, it's an interesting story, written really well, that still tired me a lot while reading it.

* This title was provided for review from the publisher

REVIEW: How Beauty Saved the Beast by Jax Garren

How Beauty Saved the Beast by Jax Garren

Series:Tales of the Underlight, #2

Publication Date: February 11th 2013

Publisher:Carina Press

Kindle Edition, 208 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

Jolie Benoit left her old life behind to become an agent of the Underlight. Training under Sergeant Wesley Haukon, she’s honing her combat skills, all the while coping with the intense sexual attraction she feels for Hauk. She keeps their friendship casual, but when his high school sweetheart transfers into their division, Jolie finds herself grappling with jealousy.

The Underlight gave Hauk a purpose, but he can’t escape his past completely. The physical and emotional scars from the fire that killed seven fellow Army Rangers will mark him forever. Jolie sends his protective instincts into overdrive, but he’s convinced he’ll never be worthy of her love.

Hauk is determined to keep Jolie from harm. But when the Order of Ananke ambushes them with a new weapon that neutralizes Hauk, making him vulnerable, it’s Jolie who must tap into her hidden strengths to rescue him—or risk losing him forever…

If you read my review of the first book in Jax Garren's incredible Tales of the Underlight series, then you know that I fell in love with it! So, to say that I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next book, would be an understatement. And even though it took me a while to finally read it *hangs head in shame* I can't even begin to describe how much I loved How Beauty Saved the Beast! Jax Garren is an author you need to watch out for. She's incredibly talented!

How Beauty Saved the Beast starts exactly where the first book ended and Jolie finds herself torn between her feelings for Hauk and her mission with the Underlight. The tension between them is simply delicious. They can't live without the other but still try to fight their feelings. They kiss and then they drive each other apart, all because they are afraid of what their feelings can cause. Not to the mission, but because of what those feelings mean for them. The way Jolie is jealous of Hauk is plainly adorable.

Apart from that, the second instalment, has everything that made me love so much the first book and then some. You still get the same beautifully written, character driven story but enhanced with some delicious sexual tension. How Beauty Saved the Beast may not be a very long story, but still, Jax Garren manages to explore every main and secondary character to his/her full potential. And that is what I love most about this series and this author. How all her characters have their own place in the story and evolve.

I won't say anything about the story itself, I hate spoilers, so the only thing I will say it is that it's fast paced and action packed. Jolie isn't just a pretty face. She can seriously kick some ass! And Hauk..., well, like I said, I have to love and care some much about a male character since Terrible from Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series. Maybe because they are both deeply scarred heroes, both physically and emotionally. I don't know. What I know is, that both of them are among my favorite ever fictional characters!

All in all, Jax Garren doesn't disappoint with her second book and all I can say is that I can't possibly wait for the last book in the series!

* This title was provided for review via NetGalley

REVIEW: Iced by Karen Marie Moning

Iced by Karen Marie Moning

Series:Fever, #6

Publication Date:October 30th 2012

Publisher:Delacorte Press

Hardcover, First Edition, 495 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning comes the first book in her hotly anticipated new urban paranormal trilogy, set in the world of her blockbuster Fever series.

The year is 1 AWC—After the Wall Crash. The Fae are free and hunting us. It’s a war zone out there, and no two days are alike. I’m Dani O’Malley, the chaos-filled streets of Dublin are my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be.

Dani “Mega” O’Malley plays by her own set of rules—and in a world overrun by Dark Fae, her biggest rule is: Do what it takes to survive. Possessing rare talents and the all-powerful Sword of Light, Dani is more than equipped for the task. In fact, she’s one of the rare humans who can defend themselves against the Unseelie. But now, amid the pandemonium, her greatest gifts have turned into serious liabilities.

Dani’s ex–best friend, MacKayla Lane, wants her dead, the terrifying Unseelie princes have put a price on her head, and Inspector Jayne, the head of the police force, is after her sword and will stop at nothing to get it. What’s more, people are being mysteriously frozen to death all over the city, encased on the spot in sub-zero, icy tableaux.

When Dublin’s most seductive nightclub gets blanketed in hoarfrost, Dani finds herself at the mercy of Ryodan, the club’s ruthless, immortal owner. He needs her quick wit and exceptional skill to figure out what’s freezing Fae and humans dead in their tracks—and Ryodan will do anything to ensure her compliance.

Dodging bullets, fangs, and fists, Dani must strike treacherous bargains and make desperate alliances to save her beloved Dublin—before everything and everyone in it gets iced.

I think I have been waiting for Iced to get published for what it seems like forever and although I was dying to get my hands on this book, I only realised how much I had truly missed Karen Marie Moning's world when I actually started reading this book. To be honest, there are no words that I can use to describe how much I love "living" in Moning's Dublin. Iced is plainly AWESOME!

This review won't follow my usual pattern where I get to discuss the writing style, or the character development or anything technical. No book written by Moning needs that from me. The writing style is perfect as usual and so are all the rest. Well, at least perfect for me. I can never find anything to bitch about while reading her books. To put it simple, Karen Marie Moning is one of the most brilliant authors currently and her stories are my obsession. Simple as that. So what I'll focus on in this review, will be just the story and my impression of it. Regarding everything else, consider them perfect :)

So, I have to admit that I was scarred like hell to start reading Iced. Fever series is like sacred to me, and this spin off series with Dani as the narrator, scarred me. I was afraid that Dani couldn't pull off being the center of the story for more than one reasons, first of them all, her age. Fever series is seriously hot, full of sexual tension and, well, sex, so reading a story being told from a 14 year old, no matter how different she is from other people her age, was a challenge on itself. Would there be any sex in it? Difficult considering how young Dani is. Would there be any form of romance? Difficult again. So, what would happen with one of the best attributes of this series, which is none other than the sexual tension? How on earth would Moning manage to pull it off? Well, somehow, she managed! Don't know how exactly that happened, but being so fecking brilliant an author like Moning is, she actually managed to write a story around a 14 year old, with hints of sexual tension, without offending the reader. She managed to maintain the whole atmosphere of the Fever series in a story with a really young heroine.

Before anything else, let me tell you that this story, isn't primarily targeted towards a YA audience. Even if the age of the heroine could permit that and even if there's not much sex in there, still it's not YA, not by a long shot. And if you haven't read the rest of the Fever books before, don't start with this one. You'll feel lost. There may be enough details to let the reader catch up with the story, but still, Moning's universe is so intricate and complicated that you'd feel lost. And either way, why miss the opportunity to read this series from the beginning? It's worth your time, believe me!

One other fear I had before starting Iced, was Dani herself. Granted, I was in the minority of people who didn't really dislike her and despite the fact that she killed Alina, I had a soft spot for her. I liked her sassy mouth and her bravado from the beginning, but still, I thought that it would be a challenge to accept her as a main player in the story. But yet again, Moning managed to write her in such a way, that at times, I even forgot all those things that irritated me on her on the previous books. Well, at times, I managed to forget her age and that speaks volumes...

And one of my last fears was how on earth I would read a Fever book where Barrons wouldn't be the main character and wouldn't dominate every single page of the story... Silly, I know, but Barrons IS the Fever series for me. Yeah, I know there are other amazing things about this series and I don't get to disregard them completely, but Barrons was the center of it all. For me at least. So how could I ever read a book where he wouldn't appear often? Impossible.

But, even if Barrons is absent in Iced, apart from a couple of scenes, Ryodan sure makes up for his "loss"! He may not be as hot and sexy as Barrons, but the potential is all there! And I'm pretty certain that by the time Dani is older and we will have the chance to fully appreciate him, Barrons will have some serious competition!

But Ryodan isn't the only possible romantic interest for Dani, although I both hope and believe that he will be the main one. There's also Dancer and Christian. And although I really loved Dancer, I'm afraid I can't say the same about Christian. And not because I didn't like him as a character both in his good and bad times, but because I found it too hard to believe how quickly he fell for Dani. I mean he just loves her and I can't see why! Or to phrase it better, I can see why he is interested in her but not how or when he felt that she's the one for him. It's just too convenient. You have a 14 year old who's really messed up and three seriously sexy guys are ready to die for her. It's just too much. And although I can see why Dancer cares for her and why Ryodan has his eyes set on her, Christian's interest is just too much.

Anyway, I can probably discuss about Iced forever, but the bottom line is that this is one hell of a book, an incredible story written in a way only Moning can do it. Fans of this series will absolutely love it and I'm no exception. I just can't wait for the next one!

REVIEW: How Beauty Met the Beast by Jax Garren

How Beauty Met the Beast by Jax Garren

Series:Tales of the Underlight, #1

Publication Date:November 19th 2012

Publisher:Carina Press

ebook, 152 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

The Beast

Scarred. Damaged. Living with a terrible secret. Agent of the Underlight Wesley "Hauk" Haukon has nothing left but the fight for liberty against the oppressive Order of Ananke. He's starting to lose hope…and then he sees her.

The Beauty

Despite her night job as a burlesque dancer, grad student Jolie Benoit has always played the mostly good girl. That all changes following a scorching sexual encounter with a stranger whose face she doesn't see. After she's kidnapped by thugs and rescued by a man with a very familiar voice, Jolie becomes a pawn in a struggle she never knew existed.

Hauk knows he cannot have her, and resolves to protect his heart and his secrets. But as they work together and grow closer, he finds new reason to keep fighting. Dare he risk hope in a new life, one where Jolie can see past his ravaged face and where their friendship can grow into something more?

When I picked up How Beauty Met the Beast, to be completely honest I didn't really know what to expect from it. The blurb was intriguing enough but I kind of have a bad history with retellings or stories based on fairy tales, so although I loved the blurb I was a bit sceptical towards it. And I'm glad to say that any doubt I might have that this book wasn't the right for me, vanished pretty fast, as soon as I started reading Jax Garren's story. Because let me tell you, it's one unbelievably amazing and great one!

From the very first chapters of How Beauty Met the Beast I just fell in love with everything about it. The characters, the writing style, the story, the setting, everything! It was simply fascinating! I didn't even mind that one seriously sexy scene came way too early in the story (in the second or third chapter if I remember correctly). And if you follow my reviews, you know that I usually have a problem with those awfully early sexy scenes, when I don't even have time to get to know the characters of a book and start caring for them. But nooooo, Jax Garren pulled of that scene despite the fact that we knew next to nothing about Jolie and Hauk. And for me to connect with a set of characters so soon in the narration is a rare occurrence...

The best part about How Beauty Met the Beast in my opinion are the characters and their development. It's a rather small story, not too long, but Garren has written a character oriented story, one that speaks through its characters and their actions rather than anything else. And for a book of such length that was an impressive achievement. Believe me when I say it, because I have read books twice the size of this one where the characters couldn't be more flat...

I really liked Jolie and the way she was portrayed, her reactions to situations couldn't be more believable and the kindness of her heart was just heart-warming. Hauk on the other side is simply incredible. He may be so scarred that his mere sight scares people but he's so smart and compassionate and sexy that in my mind he's the most beautiful person in the world. So, like I said, the characters in this title are its main advantage!

The story is fast paced, making it hard to put my ereader down but at the same time I was so enjoying myself while reading it, that I wished that it would take me longer to finish it. And I haven't felt that way for a book for a really long time now.

Surely, there are many things that are left unanswered by the end of the book and it's not completely clear how the world Jax Garren created really works but I guess that I'll get my answers in the next book which can't be released soon enough!

All in all, How Beauty Met the Beast is one spectacular debut novel I absolutely loved and can't wait to get its sequel on my hands. A must read!

* This title was provided for review through NetGalley

REVIEW: Angel's Ink by Jocelynn Drake

Angel's Ink by Jocelynn Drake

Series:The Asylum Tales, #1

Publication Date:October 16th 2012

Publisher:Harper Voyager

Paperback, 368 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Buyer beware . . .

Looking for a tattoo—and maybe a little something extra: a burst of good luck, a dollop of true love, or even a hex on an ex? Head to the quiet and mysterious Gage, the best skin artist in town. Using unique potions—a blend of extraordinary ingredients and special inks—to etch the right symbol, he can fulfill any heart's desire. But in a place like Low Town, where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires happily walk among humanity, everything has its price.

No one knows that better than Gage. Turning his back on his own kind, he left the magical Ivory Tower where cruel witches and warlocks rule, a decision that cost him the right to practice magic. And if he disobeys, his punishment—execution—will be swift.

Though he's tried to fly under the radar, Gage can't hide from powerful warlocks who want him dead—or the secrets of his own past. But with the help of his friends, Trixie, a gorgeous elf who hides her true identity, and a hulking troll named Bronx, Gage might just make it through this enchanted world alive.

It doesn't come as a big surprise that I absolutely loved Angel's Ink. Whoever is familiar with Jocelynn Drake's work and her ability to create intricate and unique worlds knows exactly what I'm talking about and why I couldn't help but thoroughly enjoy Drake's newest release. She's simply one of those authors that just sweep you away into a magical journey you never want it to end.

But let's take things from the start. The first thing I really loved about Angel's Ink and found really refreshing was the male POV. I kind of take for granted that the voice I will hear in my head telling the story will be female that I was pleasantly surprised to realize that this time I would hear a man telling me his story. I know the blurb clearly states the POV but believe it or not I haven't even read the blurb before picking up this title. It was a book written by Jocelynn Drake, I didn't need any other recommendations... So, the male POV was such a fresh take on the genre, at least for me. I know this one isn't the first story told in male POV, but I seem to just keep picking all those that are told from a female one.

Gage's voice was strong and sexy and reading about his growing feelings for Trixie and how their romance developed was hotter than what I could have ever imagined and sweet at the same time.

The world building is something new and intricate. In fact the world building is so complicated that I kind of struggled to understand how everything works. And to be honest, even now that I have finished reading Angel's Ink I still haven't understood how everything falls in place in this world. You have humans and almost every paranormal creature you can imagine (warlocks, fae, elves, werewolves, trolls), all living together in modern society. The details of the world are slowly given to the reader along with the narration but up to the end, it's not quite clear how everything works or connects in the story. At least I fell that way. At points, everything was just too much and the actual story was lost in the details of such an intricate world.

The character development is pretty good, although it's mainly focused on Gage. We only learn about him and little else about the rest of the characters. And that was the reason I felt a little bit tired sometime after I reached the middle of the book. I was a bit tired about Gage's endless list of problems and fires he needed to put out. He was constantly running from someone to save his life or he was in the middle of trying to fix someone else's life in cost of his own.

The romance between Gage and Trixie was sweet and sexy at the same time and I really enjoyed reading that part of the book. Plus, the ending just blew me away. Although from an aspect it felt a bit anticlimatic, some details revealed at the end of the book just made sure that I would be definitely reading the next installment in this series.

All in all, Angel's Ink is a fresh UF story that all lovers of the genre should try reading. It may be weak in some aspects but Jocelynn Drake makes sure that you'll have a great time while reading her stories, even if you have some minor problems.

 * This title was provided for review through Edelweiss

REVIEW: The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams

The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams

Series:McKenzie Lewis, #1

Publication Date:October 25th 2011

Publisher:Ace

Mass Market Paperback, 307 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

There can only be one allegiance.
It’s her time to choose.

Some humans can see the fae. McKenzie Lewis can track them, reading the shadows they leave behind. But some shadows lead to danger. Others lead to lies.

A Houston college student trying to finish her degree, McKenzie has been working for the fae king for years, tracking vicious rebels who would claim the Realm. Her job isn’t her only secret. For just as long, she’s been in love with Kyol, the king’s sword-master—and relationships between humans and fae are forbidden.

But any hope for a normal life is shattered when she’s captured by Aren, the fierce and uncompromising rebel leader. He teaches her the forbidden fae language and tells her dark truths about the Court, all to persuade her to turn against the king. Time is running out, and as the fight starts to claim human lives, McKenzie has no choice but to decide once and for all whom to trust and where she ultimately stands in the face of a cataclysmic civil war.

The Shadow Reader is one of those books, that despite the fact that almost all of my trusted friend reviewers absolutely loved, it took me an awfully lot time to finally decide to pick it up. Honestly, I don't know what I was doing for a whole year now and why I kept postponing reading this book. It's absolutely incredible and really one of the best UF debuts I have ever read!

Sandy Williams has created a unique world, one that the action is never stopping and one where the fantasy element is so strong that makes The Shadow Reader a pure delight to read!

From the very first chapter where we meet McKenzie, the action is non-stop, the sexual tension between her and Aren sizzling hot and the world building incredibly intricate and fascinating. Honestly, those three elements are enough for me to never want to put a book down. And it has been a while since I picked an UF title that satisfied me so much in all those departments, so much in fact that it made me stay up late at night because I was unable to just put it down. I was promising myself that I would just read one final chapter and then I would be done for the night only to immediately start reading the next one because I just wanted to see what happens next! That's how good a book The Shadow Reader is!

McKenzie is strong and a perfect leading lady for this story, and even if she can't really fight that doesn't stop her from being badass! Her faith in what she believes is right is incredible, and even if she was stubborn to a fault, her devotion to the Court and the man she loved for 10 years showed her strength of character. A strength that was only highlighted further by her actions when her world turned upside down.

Aren on the other hand is deliciously hot and a man after my own heart, and the sexual tension between him and McKenzie was one of the reasons I couldn't possibly put this book down. His possessiveness was adorable and sexy as hell at the same time and I just LOVED him! I also loved Kyol, McKenzie's other love interest, and that says a lot about the way Sandy Williams chose to write her characters. And speaking of characters, the character development of main and secondary characters alike, is incredibly good. Because all of the characters here, even if they have a minor role in the plot aren't one dimensional and actually contribute to the whole story.

All in all, The Shadow Reader is an incredible UF debut that all fans of the genre should read. And I can't stress here enough that the only good thing that came out from me reading this book almost a year after its publication is the fact that its sequel is already here! So, I don't have to wait to get to the next book!

REVIEW: Manipulated by Kimberly Montague

Manipulated by Kimberly Montague

Publication Date:August 19th 2012

Publisher: CreateSpace

Paperback, 254 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

While this novel is set in the Setenid Blight world, it can be read as a stand-alone novel since no prior knowledge is required to enjoy it.

Two months ago, high school senior, Risa Neely had it all going for her: good friends, a good education, and a supportive mother. But all that changed the night her new stepfather attacked her. When her friends and even her own mother believe her stepfather's twisted lies, she has no other alternative but to turn to her absentee father.

Just when she thinks she's been able to move on and carve out a very safe, albeit lonely existence, bad-boy Brodie Decker, the school's hottest man-whore, literally knocks her off her feet. Drawn to the way she's completely unimpressed by him, Brodie knows she hides herself behind a mask and is determined to get underneath it. But he's blindsided by the connection they feel for each other.

Can Brodie accept Risa as a permanent fixture in his life? Can Risa trust Brodie enough to tell him her awful secrets? And will their connection be enough to hold them together when their friends, family members, and entire city are pulled under a deadly Setenid Blight quarantine?

Recommended for ages 15&up.

Kimberly Montague truly astonished me with her YA series! I mean I had read in the past her adult novel Until the Morning Sun, so I was already familiar with her writing style and I kind of knew what this author is capable of, but still, I think that YA is her strong point.

Manipulated is the third novel in her Setenid Blight series and even if I hadn't read the previous two books in the series, as Kimberly says, it can be read as a stand alone. I didn't feel lost at any point in her narration, the world building and the details of the whole setting were given in a way that helped me follow the story and slowly get into everything. I can't really say if I missed anything not having read this series in its order, except maybe the fact that I now really want to read them just to satisfy my curiosity :P

Honestly, Kimberly Montague did an amazing job and helps her readers follow the story even if they haven't read the previous two books in the series. After all, Manipulated features a brand new couple, and characters of the previous novels only make a brief appearance, at least as far as I could tell.

Manipulated isn't your typical YA novel. It starts much like a contemporary romance title would only to change direction somewhere after the second half and become a much darker urban fantasy one. This split in the narration is what made me love so much this novel and at the same time it was my main source of problems. Funny right? Let me explain.

You see, the fact that I was expecting an Urban Fantasy novel and it started with a very contemporary romance feeling took me by surprise, a really pleasant surprise. I loved seeing Risa and Brodie get together, how their relationship evolved and most of all I liked reading about the changes in Risa herself and her relationship with her father after all the bad things that happened to her. Especially Risa's relationship with her father is maybe my favorite part of the whole book. I loved the way Montague slowly worked the details of their tenuous relationship and the misunderstandings that kept them apart.

But, like I said, Manipulated in essence is an Urban Fantasy novel and somewhere along the second half of the book, it was more than obvious where the story was heading. And I didn't mind this change, if only the transition was smoother. I kind of felt that everything exploded rather untimely or maybe a little bit unexpectedly. There wasn't a balance, and from a teen romance/drama, the whole novel turned into a dystopian fight for survival. And if only that transition was smoother, I would have no problem whatsoever with that. On the contrary. But as it is, I feel like the biggest part of this book is contemporary and only a small part Urban Fantasy. There's no balance between those two genres. And as a result, vital information about the virus and how exactly that dark world operated are missing. There wasn't simply too much space for the world to unfold. It was consumed by Risa and Brodie's love story, which I really liked, but it kind of ruined the balance of the narration.

The character development is really good, with both main and secondary characters being explored. The plot, if split in half is evenly paced. The romantic part and the action part have a pace of their own, they just don't meet each other. I really don't know if I'm making much sense :P

All in all, Manipulated is a fascinating novel, that apart from some details is a great YA story. I fell in love with Risa and Brodie and I'm looking forward to see how things will unfold in their future. And I hope that in the future instalment most of my questions will be answered. The ending left me craving for more :)

* This title was provided for review from the author

REVIEW: A Blood Seduction by Pamela Palmer

A Blood Seduction by Pamela Palmer

Series: Vamp City, #1

Publication Date:May 29th 2012

Publisher:Avon

Mass Market Paperback, 1st Edition, 368 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Take me down to Vampire City...

Vampires live only for lust and pleasure in the eternal twilight of Vamp City. But the city's magic is dying. The only person who can restore it? A beautiful woman from the mortal world...one who knows nothing of the power she wields.

Quinn Lennox is searching for a missing friend when she stumbles into a dark otherworld that only she can see—and finds herself at the mercy of Arturo Mazza, a dangerously handsome vampire whose wicked kiss will save her, enslave her, bewitch her, and betray her. What Arturo can't do is forget about her—any more than Quinn can control her own feelings for him. Neither one can let desire get in the way of their mission—his to save his people, hers to save herself. But there is no escape from desire in a city built for seduction, where passion flows hot and blood-red.

Welcome to Vamp City...

I started reading A Blood Seduction, feeling that this was THE book for me! That it would be so good, I wouldn't be able to put it down. And for approximately 30% of this book, it was exactly like that. Sadly, after a point, things rapidly deteriorated and I ended up with a book I couldn't wait to finish and one I didn't like at all I'm afraid...

As I said, A Blood Seduction started with everything I search for in a book. Interesting and fresh world building, a hot hero and a heroine determined to do whatever she can to save herself and those she cares for. Add to that a decent writing style, so you get why I was so amazed at first and certain that I would love this book. But, despite all the potential and all the things that I liked, A Blood Seduction failed to deliver everything that it promised to.

I can't pinpoint exactly when things started to go downhill, probably during the make out sessions between Quinn and Arturo, the main couple. But still, although I didn't like neither how quickly they started lusting after each other nor I found sexy their make-out sessions, I still had hope. Because you see, the world building was truly good. You don't get your typical vampires, not at all. The vampires in A Blood Seduction are ruthless, blood-thirsty and treat humans like food. They not only feed with blood but through human emotions as well. Emotions such as pain or fear. You get the picture right? As I said, the vampires in this world, are exactly like vampires should be, the mythical creature people are afraid of. But not only that. In this world, we also have magic. A magic that permits those vampires to live in a parallel to ours universe and come and go between those two dimensions as they please. Intrigued enough? I was at least. Intrigued and fascinated.

But, as the story progressed, things just became to much. Pamela Palmer chose to wove to many elements in her story, and instead of making it more unique and fascinating, it just became unecessarily complicated and without any sense. As the story progressed, it reminded me of many different books. At first, it reminded me a bit of Halfway to the Grave what with Quinn tied to a bed and a hot vampire interrogating her when the protagonists first meet. Then, I was reminded of Spartacus the TV show and of Hunger Games. And in the way Arturo spoke to Quinn's mind in dangerous times, I couldn't help but think New Moon and Edward. So much for creativity... Or maybe, the fault lies with the many elements that were forced to coexist in a single story...

As far as the characters are concerned, all I can say is that I couldn't invest to any of them. Quinn and Arturo's relationship seemed forced, forced to be as sexy as it could get, but what I got instead was a man who tried to force himself in a subtle way and a woman who didn't know what she wanted. And how sexy can that be? I mean one moment Quinn feels like she's being raped and instead of protesting immediately she enjoys a bit and then protests. Granted, Pamela Palmer knows how to write a sexy scene but for a scene to come off as sexy the reader should be able to care or understand the heroes. And I could do neither of those things. Quinn was a bit irritating but for the better part of the book I didn't care for her and Arturo was a character that I forgot about as soon as I closed this book. Or maybe I remember something about him... That at first he reminded me of my beloved Bones. But only at first. What with the scene with the bed as I said above and the way he behaved, I was reminded of Bones, but he wasn't half as good a character as Bones is I'm afraid.

Anyway, A Blood Seduction, had all the potential to be one of my favorite books ever, but it failed to deliver in every department. I don't know how best to put it. And I'm so sad about it, because I really wanted to like it a lot more.

REVIEW: Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

Series:Alex Craft, #1

Publication Date:October 5th 2010

Publisher:Roc

Mass Market Paperback, 325 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Grave witch Alex Craft can speak to the dead, but that doesn’t mean she likes what they have to say.

As a private investigator and consultant for the police, Alex Craft has seen a lot of dark magic. But even though she’s on good terms with Death himself—who happens to look fantastic in a pair of jeans—nothing has prepared her for her latest case. Alex is investigating a high profile murder when she’s attacked by the ‘shade’ she’s raising, which should be impossible. To top off her day, someone makes a serious attempt on her life, but Death saves her. Guess he likes having her around...

To solve this case Alex will have to team up with tough homicide detective Falin Andrews. Falin seems to be hiding something—though it’s certainly not his dislike of Alex—but Alex knows she needs his help to navigate the tangled webs of mortal and paranormal politics, and to track down a killer wielding a magic so malevolent, it may cost Alex her life...and her soul.

Grave Witch is so great a book, that I can't help but wonder what was I thinking not picking up this series sooner. Why did I have to wait for almost all my book friends to read it and be amazed by it to be finally convinced, is beyond me.

Grave Witch is an amazing introduction to a series that just promises to get better. And I'm sure it will. Not because the first book wasn't good enough, but because I see that there's so much more that can be added to this story and make it even better. And Death's presence is among those things.

But let's take things from the start.

Kalayna Price does an incredible work with her world building. The way she practically takes her readers by the hand and shows them how her world functions rather than just tell them. At first I was a little bit lost, but as the story progressed everything fell into place. Because, Price, isn't explaining beforehand how things work in Nekros City, she just let the characters and the situations explain things when the right time comes. When it's needed. It was brilliant! And even though her world is intricate and complicated you don't feel lost, not for a single minute, or bored with unnecessary details.

The story is full of twists and action, there's not a single moment you are able to feel bored. Things are happening the whole time, details are added every now and then, so even when nothing happens, you get to know new and interesting things about the characters or the world. The writing style is straight to the point and efficient, humorous and enjoyable in overall.

Alex is a really interesting character and her ability to raise shades and communicate with the world of dead is described in an amazing way. The fact that she's left blind the more she uses her grave sight, just reminded me that everything comes with a cost, something that in many cases, authors choose to forget. Falin, the detective with the arrogant attitude who seems to be hiding things was a pure delight. I know most readers are fans of Death, but since I didn't get to see much of him in this novel, I'm sticking with Falin. Although Death, will just make things all the more interesting and that's why I expect that the next books in the series will be better. Because if Death managed to get my attention while appearing a handful of times, imagine what he can do later, when operating in full mode!

All in all, Grave Witch is an amazing first book, in a series that is a must for all UF lovers! Can't wait to get my hands on the next books :)

REVIEW: Silver-Tongued Devil by Jaye Wells

Silver-Tongued Devil by Jaye Wells

Series: Sabina Kane, #4

Publication Date:January 5th 2012

Publisher:Orbit

Paperback, 405 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Now that the threat of war has passed, Sabina Kane is ready to focus on the future. Her relationship with Adam Lazarus is getting stronger and she's helping her sister, Maisie, overcome the trauma of her captivity in New Orleans. Even Giguhl is managing to stay out of trouble thanks to the arrival of Pussy Willow and his new roller derby team. But as much as Sabina wants to feel hopeful about the future, part of her doesn't trust that peace is possible.

Her suspicions are confirmed when a string of sadistic murders threaten to stall treaty negotiations between the mages and the vampires. Sabina pitches in to find the killer, but her investigation soon leads her down dark paths that have her questioning everyone she thought she could trust. And the closer she gets to the killer, the more Sabina begins to suspect this is one foe she may not be able to kill.

Review first published at Book Lovers Inc

Jaye Wells returns and with a novel that completely took my breath away!I know I've said it many times already, but Sabina Kane is one of my favorite UF series and book by book, Wells' stories get me addicted more and more!

Silver-Tongued Devil picks up immediately after the events of the previous book and Sabina finds herself in a relationship with Adam, adjusting to a new life yet again, but now willingly and trying to help her sister Maisie to recover from the atrocities she survived on their grandmother's hands.

One thing is evident throughout the whole book: Jaye Wells has grown and matured as a writer and that is best portrayed in her characters. Maybe Wells was always such a mature writer but her characters hadn't grown up in the previous books, but one thing is for sure, in STD almost all - if not all, at least all the major ones - characters undergo some drastic changes.

Sabina is the one who matures the most. She has to take some difficult decisions and in this book she's at last in peace with her mage abilities.

Adam on the other hand is playing a larger role in this novel. And I don't mean that he just appears in more scenes, but we get to learn more about him, and although there were a couple of things I wasn't thrilled about him, in overall he started to act in a way that made me remember the alpha male of the first book in the series that made me drool all over him :)

I won't say more about the changes some of the other characters went through cause that would be spoilerish and believe me, one of the best attributes of this novel - well, apart from the humor! - are the spins in the main plotline.

A must read for all the fans of this series!

EARLY REVIEW: Chasing Magic by Stacia Kane

Chasing Magic by Stacia Kane

Series: Downside Ghosts, #5

Publication Date:June 26th 2012

Publisher:Del Rey

Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages

Book & Purchase Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

A DEADLY HIGH

Magic-wielding Churchwitch and secret addict Chess Putnam knows better than anyone just how high a price people are willing to pay for a chemical rush. But when someone with money to burn and a penchant for black magic starts tampering with Downside’s drug supply, Chess realizes that the unlucky customers are paying with their souls—and taking the innocent with them, as the magic-infused speed compels them to kill in the most gruesome ways possible.

As if the streets weren’t scary enough, the looming war between the two men in her life explodes, taking even more casualties and putting Chess squarely in the middle. Downside could become a literal ghost town if Chess doesn’t find a way to stop both the war and the dark wave of death-magic, and the only way to do that is to use both her addiction and her power to enter the spell and chase the magic all the way back to its malevolent source. Too bad that doing so will probably kill Chess—if the war doesn’t first destroy the man who’s become her reason for living.

Stacia Kane needs no introductions... If you have ever read even one book of hers you know exactly what I mean. If you haven't already, what are you waiting for???

Chasing Magic is just perfect. Just as good as every other book in the series, just as dark, just as violent, just as twisted but beautiful and lyrical at the same time. I know. Twisted and lyrical or beautiful can't be put together in a sentence, but Kane manages to do just that. I'm a huge fan of the Downside Ghosts series, no news here and I honestly believe that it would take some really bad stories for Kane to write for me to change my opinion on this series. And so far, each book is as good as the previous one if not better in some cases.

Chasing Magic has non stop action. From the first chapter until the last, there isn't a single chapter that leaves the reader to "rest", 400 pages plus and there isn't a single moment that the story just progresses without something crucial happening. Not even one. Don't ask me how Kane manages that, but she does.

Some really sick and twisted form of magic makes its appearance in Downside and once more, Chess finds herself in the middle of all this. But along with catching a bad guy, Chess has to deal with her growing feelings for Terrible, with how to make a relationship between them work and finally accept that she is worth something.

The way I feel about Chess is unique. She is probably the only character in literature that I have ever felt this way. I can't understand her, not understand her exactly - that's not the correct way to phrase it, but more I can't comprehend why she treats herself that way. She can only blame herself for the majority of bad things that happens to her, but I can't help but love her and care for her, like a messed up sibling that no matter how much he/she hurts you you still care for and want nothing but the best. I can't really compare it in any other way.

She keeps destroying things again and again, she acts in a way that she very well knows that will bring her trouble or hurt herself and the people she cares for but still she goes and does exactly the worst and then keep blaming herself over and over again. One might think that such a behavior might turn me off, but on the contrary. Because somehow, Chess has really grown on me, and everytime she does something wrong, all I want is to turn back time for her and make things right. I care for her, in a way that no author has made me care for a hero before. And that is the brilliance of Kane.

That, and her writing style. To be honest, I don't know how many times I have said it already, but Stacia Kane is one hell of a writer. She doesn't write about gorgeous people, beautiful places and things or easy relationships. She writes about people with beautiful hearts, about messed up but oh so real people and about everything that is beautiful in its essence despite appearances.

Her world is dark and shitty and its residents maybe junkies or whores or whatever but it's a real world. A world where people struggle to survive and overcome their nightmares in any way they can, right or wrong. A world that sucks the reader in and doesn't let him "emerge" any time soon. A world, I love reading about.

All in all, Chasing Magic is just as good as the rest books of the series, that in its entirety is a series all lovers of UF should read. Trust me!

*This title was reviewed via NetGalley

REVIEW: Green Eyed Demon by Jaye Wells

Green Eyed Demon by Jaye Wells

Series: Sabina Kane, #3

Publication Date: March 1st 2011

Publisher: Orbit

Paperback, 376 pages
Book & Purchase Info: Author's Website, Goodreads, Book Depository

Things to do:

1. Rescue sister.
2. Murder grandmother.
3. Don't upset the voodoo priestess.

The clock is ticking for Sabina Kane. Her sister has been kidnapped by her grandmother, the Dark Races are on the brink of war, and a mysterious order is manipulating everyone behind the scenes.

Working on information provided by an unlikely ally, Sabina and her trusty sidekicks--a sexy mage named Adam Lazarus and Giguhl, a Mischief demon--head to New Orleans to begin the hunt for her sister. Once there, they must contend with belligerent werewolves, magic-wielding vampires and--perhaps most frightening of all--humans.

But as much as Sabina is focused on surviving the present, the past won't be ignored. Before she can save those she cares about most, she must save herself from the ghosts of her past.

First published at Book Lovers Inc

Jaye Wells doesn't disappoint once more with the third instalment in her Sabina Kane series. Honestly, this series is among my favorite UF series and book by book it just gets better. The first book in the series remains my favorite so far, but still, Wells' writing style is so good and addictive that I can't possibly put her books down as soon as I start reading them.

Green Eyed Demon, continues right after the events that unfolded in the previous book and Sabina along with Giguhl and Adam travel to New Orleans following Maisie who was kidnapped by her grandmother.
The only thing that I didn't like in this book, was the fact that the first half was a bit slow, especially actionwise, when compared to the rest books in the series. But after a certain point, when things finally picked up, there was no way I could put the book down.

Again, the best characteristics of this book is the unique and intricate world building and the humorous tone of Wells' writing style. Giguhl is once more my favorite character and the addition of a couple more characters just made things even better.
Among those new characters is Brooks, and I just have to say that I truly admire Wells, not only for her guts to create such a complex and "difficult" character as Brooks but also for the way she portrayed him. Wells isn't taking the easy road and that is evident not only with her choice of characters but with the way she develops her main heroine as well. Sabina in Green Eyed Demon is so much different than the assassin we met in the first book, she has grown and changed through all the things that happened to her and changer her life and perception of things.

All in all, Green Eyed Demon is a must read for the fans of the series and in general the Sabina Kane series is among my favorite UF series right now.

EARLY REVIEW: Summoning the Night by Jenn Bennett

Summoning the Night by Jenn Bennett

Series: Arcadia Bell, #2
Publication Date:April 24th 2012

Publisher:Pocket

Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Book & Purchase Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Magick. Murder. Mayhem.
It’s all in a night’s work. . . .

After narrowly escaping her fate as a sacrificial scapegoat, Arcadia Bell's life is back to normal. Or at least as ordinary as life can be for a renegade magician and owner of a tiki bar that caters to Earthbound demons. She’s gearing up for the busiest day of the year—Halloween—when a vengeful kidnapper paralyzes the community. The influential head of the local Hellfire Club taps Cady to track down the fiendish bogeyman, and now that she’s dating red-hot Lon Butler, the club’s wayward son, she can hardly say no.

Cady and Lon untangle a gruesome thirty-year trail of clues that points to danger for the club members’ children. But locating the person behind the terror will require some metaphysical help from Cady’s loyal bar patrons as well as her potent new Moonchild powers—and she’d better figure it out before the final victim disappears and her own darkest secret becomes her biggest enemy.

Summoning the Night is the perfect sequel to Kindling the Moon! If you really liked the first book of the series, then you should definitely continue with this one. Every single thing that I loved about Bennett's writing style and her story in Kindling the Moon is present in the sequel as well!


The thing I loved the most about this book was the way Bennett expanded her storyline. She didn't just stick to the first book of the series but created a brand new story to unfold in Summoning the Night. We may have the same cast of heroes and the same rules apply to the universe, but Bennett delivers a fresh new story that you can't possibly put down for a minute.
Arcadia develops as a character in this book and I really enjoyed to observe the way she slowly starts to trust people again after all those years of living in hide and how her relationship with both Lon and Jupe gets stronger.


I found the mystery in Summoning the Night somehow better delivered than that of Kindling the Moon. It was harder for me to get all the clues and the twists in the plot just made things even better. The villain here is seriously sick (in the way I really like!) and trying to piece together all the parts to find the bad guy was more than fun.


But once more, everything is overshadowed by a delicious teen named Jupe! Yeah, I know, I said it before, but Jupe is just amazing! I mean his voice is so fresh and full of humor that makes this series a true joy to read and make me wish that Jenn Bennett will seriously consider of writing a book about him once he gets a little older. Honestly, I can't get enough of that boy! I just love him!


All in all, Summoning the Night is just the perfect sequel to Kindling the Moon, and all fans of the first book should read this one ASAP. You won't regret it, believe me!

* This title was provided for review courtesy of the author

REVIEW: Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett

Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett

Series: Arcadia Bell,#1
Publication Date: June 28th 2011

Publisher: Pocket

Mass Market Paperback, 358 pages

Book & Purchase Info: Author's Website, Goodreads, Book Depository

Meet Arcadia Bell: bartender, renegade magician, fugitive from the law. . . .

Being the spawn of two infamous occultists (and alleged murderers) isn’t easy, but freewheeling magician Arcadia “Cady” Bell knows how to make the best of a crummy situation. After hiding out for seven years, she’s carved an incognito niche for herself slinging drinks at the demon-friendly Tambuku Tiki Lounge.

But she receives an ultimatum when unexpected surveillance footage of her notorious parents surfaces: either prove their innocence or surrender herself. Unfortunately, the only witness to the crimes was an elusive Æthyric demon, and Cady has no idea how to find it. She teams up with Lon Butler, an enigmatic demonologist with a special talent for sexual spells and an arcane library of priceless stolen grimoires. Their research soon escalates into a storm of conflict involving missing police evidence, the decadent Hellfire Club, a ruthless bounty hunter, and a powerful occult society that operates way outside the law. If Cady can’t clear her family name soon, she’ll be forced to sacrifice her own life . . . and no amount of running will save her this time.

Kindling the Moon is a very interesting and really promising debut Urban Fantasy title. I don't know why I was really surprised by how good this books really is. After all, all the reviews of it are good and I had it recommended to me by some people whose taste I quite trust.


Jenn Bennett's voice is strong and clear and her writing style humorous, even and easy flowing. So as you can guess, as soon as I started reading this book, I just couldn't possibly put it down. The plot was full of twists, mystery and action and there wasn't even a single moment when I felt bored by reading Kindling the Moon. Granted, some of the twists in the end, were a bit predictable after a certain point in the story, but still, that fact didn't spoil things for me. After all, the plot was so full of action that any predictability went a bit unnoticed.


The world Bennett created is unique and intricate and unlike anything I have read to this point. Magic and demons are set in a fresh world where all the rules are different from what you come to expect. We have Earthbounds, the children of demons and human, savages (think something like Muggles) magicians and demons. And you have a very unique and powerful heroine, who doesn't even know how powerful she really is and how her unlikely conception has influenced her life in many aspects.


The characters are well developed and interesting. I really loved Arcadia, how strong, smart and brave she is and how willing to do whatever it takes for those she cares.
Lon, reminded me a bit of Johny Depp in his description, and that by itself, was enough reason to make me love him and then some more. But apart from his looks, he is caring and his sarcastic tone made me really laugh.
But my favorite character in this book was by far Jupe, Lon's son. I have to admit that at first, I didn't know what to think about my alpha male in a story being a parent. You see, I haven't read many books, if any at all, where my heroes are parents, so in the beginning I was a bit uncertain. But Jupe is such a great character, that all my reservations evaporated in the blink of an eye! He is such a cute and adorable kid, and his presence really added in the whole story. His perspective of things was interesting and entertaining and the way he talks and perceives things was among my favorite parts of the book.


All in all, Kindling the Moon, is a fresh Urban Fantasy title, from an author who seems very promising. I can't wait for the next book to get published!

EARLY REVIEW: Sacrificial Magic (Downside Ghosts, #4) by Stacia Kane

Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane

Publication Date:March 27th 2012

Publisher:Del Rey

Paperback, 416 pages

Buy via Book Depository

When Chess Putnam is ordered by an infamous crime boss—who also happens to be her drug dealer—to use her powers as a witch to solve a grisly murder involving dark magic, she knows she must rise to the challenge. Adding to the intensity: Chess’s boyfriend, Terrible, doesn’t trust her, and Lex, the son of a rival crime lord, is trying to reignite the sparks between him and Chess.

Plus there’s the little matter of Chess’s real job as a ghost hunter for the Church of Real Truth, investigating reports of a haunting at a school in the heart of Downside. Someone seems to be taking a crash course in summoning the dead—and if Chess doesn’t watch her back, she may soon be joining their ranks.

As Chess is drawn into a shadowy world of twisted secrets and dark violence, it soon becomes clear that she’s not going to emerge from its depths without making the ultimate sacrifice.

What can I say about Stacia Kane, that hasn't already been said or that will do justice to her work! This author is plainly brilliant and with Sacrificial Magic she just proves that once more! Sacrificial Magic was among my most anticipated titles for this year, and now that I read it, I can positively say that I wasn't disappointed in the least.

And how I could ever be disappointed with something Kane writes? Her dark world is a place I would dread to live in while at the same time it fascinates me beyond words. Chess, is the kind of character I can't relate to, that I blame for many of the bad things that happen to her and at the same time my heart breaks for every bad thing that breaks her heart. I don't remember the last time that I invested so much in a fictional character. I mean, Kane has created her characters in such a way that you live through them, that you care about them, even if you don't agree with their decisions or their life choices.

Sacrificial Magic sucks you right into Kane's world and even when you reach its last page, you just don't want it to end. Chess, once again finds herself in the middle of a weird case that connects directly to the two drug lords of Downside.
We get to see how her relationship with Terrible evolves after the things that happened in the end of City of Ghosts, and let me say that I loved every single minute of it! I loved how they struggled through things, how Chess's insecurities played a huge role in how things progressed between them. There were times that I felt so sad about Chess, I can't even describe it and times where I just wished that everything would magically get better, just so she could be content.

Terrible...., well Terrible is amazing once more! Really, I can say over and over again how in love with him I am, but I'm afraid I would tire you. Let's just say that he's so incredible and so worthy of all the female readers' love!
The character that really surprised me in Sacrificial Magic though is Lex's sister. I don't know why I was so surprised with it, but from the moment she made her appearance I really loved her. I won't elaborate the reasons I liked her so much (it will be a bit spoilerish) but she really intrigued me.

All in all, Stacia Kane, delivers once more a book full of angst, passion and darkness that promises to satisfy every fan of this series. Trust me!