Review: Black Howl by Christina Henry

Title: Black Howl
Author: Christina Henry
Series: Madeline Black #3
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 02/28/12
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago's dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Agent of Death Madeline Black's exasperating boss wants her to figure out why. And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems too. Now that Gabriel has been assigned as her thrall, their relationship has hit an impasse. At least her sleazy ex-fiance Nathaniel is out of the picture -- or so she thinks...

Plot: 5 Stars
This series just keeps getting better and better. The storyline that involved the wandering ghosts was very unique, and of course, Maddy ended up in the middle of it without even trying. The plot was an emotional rollercoaster with all of its twists and turns, and was heartbreaking at times. I really enjoyed how the different plotlines twisted together more and more as the story progressed. I wouldn't describe the ending as a cliffhanger, but there was definitely a detail that has left me anxious for the next installment.

Pace: 5 Stars
There was never a dull moment during this novel. Maddy had more than enough on her plate. Between tracking down the missing werewolves, trying to figure out what was making certain ghosts act so strangely, trips to both Amarantha's and Lucifer's court, and hopping through numerous portals, there was barely time to breathe. And get Beezle more junk food.

Characters: 5 Stars
Maddy has gained a bit of confidence as this novel progressed and started commanding a bit more attention from those who had previous waved her off. This novel had even more Beezle. He went everywhere with Maddy, instead of staying home to guard the place. He complained for junk food and warned against falling into horror movie tropes constantly, and I loved it. Gabriel and Maddy's relationship continued down its complicated, hot and cold path. JB grew on me a little more, even if he was still a bit insufferable when it came to paperwork.

Cover: 4.5 Stars
The covers for this series have also gotten better and better. I like that there's still a vague reference to Maddy's wings, but it's not as noticable. Instead, your attention is drawn to the abstract shapes in the background, which are very intriguing. They blend into the background enough not to draw too much attention from the background, but stand out enough to catch the eye. The cover is a bit more purple than blue, when compared to the previous installments, but the blue titles draws the three together. The cover model is standing with more and more confidence with each cover, and she really looks like she could kick your ass on this cover. The sword comes across as more of an extension of her arm, which is reminiscent with the novel.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received a copy of this novel for review.

In My Mailbox (121)

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Review:
Knight's Curse by Karen Duvall (signed!) [Buy now]
Darkest Knight by Karen Duvall (signed!) [Buy now]
(Thanks to Karen Duvall!)

Bought:
Fever by Lauren DeStefano [Buy now]
Cinder by Marissa Meyer [Buy now]
Embrace by Jessica Shirvington [Buy now]

Free Reads:
A Peyton Family Christmas by Moira Rogers
Two Weddings (and One Near Funeral) by Moira Rogers
Zola's Pride by Moira Rogers

Mini-Review: Isle of Night by Veronica Wolff

Title: Isle of Night
Author: Veronica Wolff
Series: The Watchers #1
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 09/06/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

Is life offering fewer and fewer options? Then join the dead.

When Annelise meets dark and seductive Ronan, he promises her a new life -- if she has the courage to chance the unknown. Now, she's whisked away to a mysterious island and pitted against other female recruits to become a Watcher -- girls who are partnered with vampires and assist them in their missions. To survive and become a Watcher, Annelise has to beat out every other girl, but she's determined to do so, because to fail doesn't mean dishonor -- it means death.

Mini-Review: I really enjoyed the Florida setting in the beginning of this novel, because I know where these places are! I'm always looking for a good paranormal book in which the main character is in college, so even though it doesn't work out for Drew, that little touch of college grabbed my attention. I really enjoyed how creepy this novel was, overall. The vampires were scary, the students learned strange things, many came from questionable backgrounds. It all added up to a very dark and creepy tale. Drew was a great characters, and Ronan kept me on my toes. Although I really enjoy the color scheme of the novel and the building at the bottom, the floating heads are a little weird. Something about their composition just puzzles me a bit.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
Pace: 4.5 Stars
Characters: 4.5 Stars
Cover: 3.5 Stars
Overall: 4.5 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own reading pleasure.

Mini-Review: Hexed by Kevin Hearne

Title: Hexed
Author: Kevin Hearne
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 06/07/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn’t care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty -- when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.

With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor’s rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.

Mini-Review: After enjoying book one so much, I don't know what took me so long to pick up book two. The plot of this novel was just as intriguing as the last, with many twists and turns along the way for Atticus and Oberon. The humor was definitely still there, especially where Oberon is concerned. The pace of this novel slowed down just a touch compared to book one, but nothing to make me put the book down. There was a lot of development for many of the characters Atticus interacted with, and I enjoyed learning more about everyone. And for those keeping track, the cover model is still gorgeous (and I'd still hit that). The greens and yellows contrasted well against the browns of the first cover, while still keeping a great continuity for the series.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
Pace: 4 Stars
Characters: 4.5 Stars
Cover: 5 Stars
Overall: 4.5 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own reading pleasure.

Giveaway Winners

There was a total of 8 participants in the Leap Day Giveaway. Using random.org, I randomized the list of entries, and then random selected the winners. The winners are...

First Place: Blood of the Wicked by Karina Cooper & Ascension by Sable Grace goes to Barbara E.!

Second Place: ARC of Legacies by Mercedes Lackey & Rosemary Edghill goes to Greytfriend

There was a total of 21 participants and 51 entires in the Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire Giveaway. Using random.org, I randomized the list of entries, and then random selected the winner. The winner is...

Van Pham!

Congratulations! Please respond to the e-mail I sent with your mailing information within 72 hours.

Didn't win? You can pick up a copy from The Book Depository and have it shipped for free! Just click one of these links: [Blood of the Wicked][Ascension][Legacies][Discount Armegeddon].