Review: Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear

Title: Innocent Darkness
Author: Suzanne Lazear
Series: Aether Chronicles #1
Publisher: Flux
Genre: Steampunk Young Adult
Release Date: 08/08/12
Reviewed by: Sara
Buy the Book:

Summary:

A hoverboard appeared in her rearview mirror. “This is the Los Angeles Air Patrol,” a voice boomed. “I command you to land your vehicle in the name of the law.”

Noli Braddock and her best friend V’s incident with a flying auto have landed them in a heap of trouble. And when Noli is sent to a spirit-squelching reform school in San Francisco, she’s sure that her rebellious adventures are over.

Meanwhile, Kevighn Silver has been ordered by the Faerie Queen to bring a mortal girl back to the Otherworld. The magic requires a blood sacrifice every seven years, and only a mortal girl who shines with the Spark -- a girl like Noli -- will keep the Otherworld from complete destruction.

When an ill-timed wish sends Noli tumbling into the Otherworld, she’s more homesick than ever... until V arrives to save her from an untimely demise. But who exactly is V? And if he helps Noli escape, who will save the realm of Faerie from utter annihilation?

Plot: 4 Stars
I'm really starting to love steampunk novels that also have paranormal elements, and somehow faeries really mix well. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding in this novel, and it was a really big part of the novel since the author intoduced the reader to two worlds: the steampunk world that Noli knows and the faerie world that she falls into. The author had an attention to detail that really made the worlds come to life without bogging the reader down in tons and tons of description. It was a great balance and I loved learning the ins and outs of each.

Pace: 3 Stars
I think the novel was both helped and hindered by the multiple points of view. There were points in the novel in which the POV jumps were needed for the reader to get the full picture. Then there were times that the POV jumped in the middle of a scene, and by the time the novel got back to that POV to finish the scene, it seemed like more time should have gone by. As much as I loved getting all of the information from the different points of view, there were times that it slowed the novel down a bit for me. There was also a bit of repetition in the middle of the novel, but I'm glad I didn't put it down because the ending was a race to the finish.

Characters: 4 Stars
Noli is a fantastic character. She was strong and independent, yet vulnerable. She was a bit of a troublemaker, but had good intentions. She was riding hoverboards and fixing flying cars while most girls her age were learning how to tend to the home. I really enjoyed Noli and all of her layers, and was definitely invested in what happened to her. V, Noli's best friend, was another interesting character. I liked how he complimented many of her qualities, kept her from getting into too much trouble. Kevighn was a mysterious character, and I'm still not quite sure how I feel about him. As much as he came across as the bad guy, there were some moments in which he was sweet and caring towards Noli.

Cover: 3 Stars
There are so many things about this cover that I love. The font choice and the details around it immediately drew my eye. And the zepplin in the background told me immediately that this was a steampunk title and sealed the deal. The buildings in the background and the cover model's outfit just added to the steampunk goodness. The colors worked really well with all of the images and the overall feel. But I just can't get over the cover model's expression. She looks bored as she plays with her hair, and I cannot reconcile this cover model with the lively girl I met while reading this novel. Noli was full of life and spunk and mischief, and I just wish I could've seen a little of that in the cover model's gaze.

Overall: 3.5 Stars

Disclosure: I received an eARC of this novel for review from Netgalley.

Author Interview + Giveaway: Christina Henry

Last November, I read and enjoyed Black Wings by Christina Henry. So I was really excited to find out I wouldn't have to wait an entire year for the next novel in the series, Black Night (it released this past Tuesday 07/26). I hope to post my 4.5 Star review of Black Night very soon. But first, I have Christina Henry on the blog today answering questions about Black Night (and a giveaway at the end of the post)!

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Sara: How would you describe Black Night, for readers who haven’t heard of it before?

Christina: Well, things are not going great for Maddy. Lucifer is manipulating her into a diplomatic mission to the faerie court, and her oh-so-annoying unwanted fiancé Nathaniel is coming along. Unfortunately, the last ambassador was beheaded in front of the entire court for a breach of etiquette and as we know, Maddy has a lot of trouble keeping her mouth shut, especially when she ought to!

Sara: Last time you stopped by I asked you to describe the main characters: Maddy, Beezle, J.B., and Gabriel. In three words, how would you describe some of your other characters?

Christina:
Nathaniel –- Pompous, jealous, well-dressed
Azazel –- Controlling, demanding, powerful
Amarantha –- Vain, selfish, beautiful
Lucifer –- Crafty. Very crafty.

Sara: Can we look forward to any more novels about Maddy and Beezle?

Christina: Yes, there will be at least six books in the series. The third book, Black Howl, is set to be released in March of 2012. I’m working on the fourth book right now.

Sara: If Maddy could work together with any Urban Fantasy heroine, who would you want her to work with?

Christina: Umm, can we make it a hero? My dream would be for Maddy to meet Harry Dresden, hero of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. The Dresden Files is my favorite urban fantasy series. They both live in Chicago, so it’s possible!

Sara: Beezle is definitely my favorite character in this series. Is there a chance we’ll meet another gargoyle in the future? Maybe a friend or love interest for Beezle?

Christina: I think Beezle is definitely one of a kind. He enjoys feeling superior to humans and he would probably be jealous if another gargoyle showed up on the scene.

Sara: Do you have any other projects in the works?

Christina: I do have an idea for a supernatural mystery series that I’ve been thinking about for some time. Right now I’ve got to concentrate on writing the next Madeline Black book but after that’s done I may have some time to work on this other project and see how it plays out.

Sara: What are you currently reading?

Christina: The Good, the Bad and the Uncanny by Simon R. Green. I’m a couple of books behind in the Nightside series and I’m trying to catch up!

Thanks so much for having me here today, Sara!

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Thanks again for stopping by, Christina! And thanks to Ace, I have one copy of Black Night to giveaway to one lucky commenter! To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment about why you want to read Black Night.

Giveaway Rules:
1. US/Canada only
2. Must leave a valid e-mail address
3. Giveaway will be open until midnight August 12th
4. Winner will be chosen using random.org August 13th

Title: Black Night
Author: Christina Henry
Series: Madeline Black #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 07/26/11
Summary:

Madeline Black is an Agent of death, meaning she escorts the souls of people who have died to the afterlife. Of course, not everyone is happy to see her...

If obstinate dead people were all that Maddy had to worry about, life would be much easier. But the best-laid plans of Agents and fallen angels often go awry. Deaths are occurring contrary to the natural order, Maddy's being stalked by foes inside and outside of her family, and her two loves -- her bodyguard, Gabriel, and her doughnut-loving gargoyle, Beezle-have disappeared. But because Maddy is Lucifer's granddaughter, things are expected of her, things like delicate diplomatic missions to other realms.

Review: Spells by Aprilynne Pike

Title: Spells
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Genre: Dystopian Young Adult
Release Date: 05/04/10
Buy the Book:

Summary:

Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger -- and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.

When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?

Plot: 5 Stars
An interesting part of this novel was how a major plot point was very similar to a lot of YA series second novels, while being wildly different. Instead of the mysterious, paranormal bad boy disappearing for the main character's "own good" (think Edward in New Moon), Laurel leaved David to go learn more about being a Fall faerie. She is not leaving to save David or keep him out of trouble. She leaves for the summer in order to better prepare and defend herself. The plot of this novel definitely takes a couple twists I was not expecting, and the ending had me biting my nails. As much as I fell in love with Wings a couple years ago (before I started blogging), I think Spells was even better and I can't wait to start book three!

Pace: 5 Stars
This was one of those novels I would have gobbled up in one sitting if life didn't get in the way. But sadly I had to put it down a couple times to go to work. And eat, since I didn't want to get any food on the pages. There was never a point in the novel in which the pace slowed down or started wandering off in an off-topic direction. I was glued to the pages until I got to the very end.

Characters: 5 Stars
This novel was all about growth for these characters. Laurel got to learn more about being a faerie at the academy. All of the reading and the notecards and the homework after she left didn't sound like a lot of fun for her, but it was still very interesting to read about. We got to learn more about Tamani and his family, and see him interact with more faeries. The dynamic between Laurel and her parents was different from the first novel, and the way they worked through the difficulties came across very real.

Cover: 4.5 Stars
I love the beauty and simplicity of this cover, although my heart will always love the cover of Wings the most. But the mix of very natural greens and browns in the water with the bright pink of the flowers and title is very eye-catching. The choice of a simple, cursive font fits the story very well. I really love the Paranormal Young Adult series that have these simple covers involving flowers because they allow the consumer/reader to get a feel for the mood of the book without forcing them to visualize the main character a certain way. I don't know about anyone else, but once I've seen the character (either on the cover or the actor playing the character), I lose the image I had crafted in my mind. Plus, the bright colors of this cover really fits Laurel's personality.

Overall: 5 Stars

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

Review: Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

Title: Magic Under Glass
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 12/22/09 (paperback: 05/24/11)
Buy the Book:

Summary:

Nimira is a music-hall girl used to dancing for pennies. So when wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to sing accompaniment to a mysterious piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it will be the start of a better life.

In Parry's world, long-buried secrets are about to stir. Unsettling rumors begin to swirl about ghosts, a madwoman roaming the halls, and Parry’s involvement in a group of corrupt sorcerers for whom the rules of the living and dead are meant to be broken for greater power.

When Nimira discovers the spirit of a dashing fairy gentleman is trapped within the automaton, she is determined to break the curse. But even as the two fall into a love that seems hopeless, breaking the curse becomes a perilous race against time. Because it's not just the future of these star-crossed lovers that's at stake, but the fate of the entire magical world.

Plot: 4 Stars
The storyline behind this novel was very unique. It was a great mix of magical and paranormal elements with a touch of steampunk-esque elements. There was a lot of history between the sorcerers and the faeries, and while we did get a good amount of information, I hope it is expanded on in future novels. I really enjoyed the way the author tied singing and dancing into the novel. Nimira was a "trouser girl" who performed before she met Parry, who hired her to accompany his automation that played the piano. There were times when it seemed like Parry may have had ulterior motives, but only time (and future novels) will tell if my instincts about him are correct. When strange things start happening within the mansion, Nim keeps her head and investigates, and even figures out a way to communicate with the automaton. This novel kept me guessing throughout with it's twists and turns, and left me wanting the next novel ASAP. The world-building gave me a good feel for how the world worked, but I was a bit confused about the actual setting. It left me wondering if it was a country the author made up, or if I should be able to find it on a map. But as the story hooked me in, I stopped trying to figure it out and enjoyed the ride.

Pace: 4.5 Stars
Although this novel was a bit on the short side, it was the perfect length for this story. I could not put it down, and I finished reading in less than twenty-four hours. The events of the novel unfolded in a winding, twisty way that left me unable to put the novel down. Just when I thought I had figured an element of the plot out, everything was thrown upside-down. It was refreshing to not guess any of the plot lines, whether major or minor, beforehand.

Characters: 4 Stars
Nimira was a brave young woman. She was on her own in a new city, making a living to the best of her abilities. I was slightly worried for her when she left with Parry to live at his mansion and perform with his automaton. I grew up knowing you don't get into a vehicle with strangers. It amazed me that I was so invested in her character after only a few short chapters, that I was worried for her safety. As the story unfolded with the automaton, Nim's compassion really started to come out. All in all, she was a wonderful character. I wish we could've learned a bit more detail about her past and her family, but the details that were included painted an interesting picture. Although he played a very big role in the novel, I felt as though Parry stayed cloaked in mystery and we did not get to know him as well as we could have.

Cover: 4 Stars
This novel has had two covers in the US. For those of you who aren't aware, there was a white-washing scandal when the book first released (see cover below), and the publisher made a second cover (see beginning of review) after the story broke around the blogosphere last year. I personally have a copy of the book that has the first cover. Jaclyn is a local writer and had signed the stock at my local Borders, so I had to grab a copy. I'm not going to use this review as a place to rant about the white-washing over this cover (or any cover). If you take the cover model's skin tone out of the first cover, I think it does a good job of portraying the feel of the novel with her outfit. But the second cover is fantastic. The cover model is exactly how I had envisioned Nimira. And I loved that she was holding a key, since it is such an important part of the novel. The font choice and placement of the title work much better as well. The clockwork detail in the corner is very subtle, but a nice detail to include.

Overall: 4 Stars

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

Review: Chime by Frannie Billingsley

Title: Chime (ARC)
Author: Frannie Billingsley
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 03/17/11
Buy the Book:

Summary:

Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.

Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know.

Plot: 3.5 Stars
This story had a lot of potential: Briony being one of very few to see the Old Ones in the swamp, causing her to think she's a witch, the spread of the swamp cough because the swamp was being drained. But the lack of action in the story left a lot of things underdeveloped. Briony mentions a number of Old Ones throughout the novel. Only a few are described in any detail, and only one or two actually make an appearance. There was also a lot of dwelling in the past on the part of Briony. She has flashbacks of the fire and the flood that took place at their house, and then brings them up multiple times throughout the novel. Even without the flashbacks, time moved very oddly within this novel. There are points in which a week is spread over a couple chapters, and then it would jump a few months forward. The story was enjoyable, if a bit confusing at times, but I just feel like there were some elements that could've been expanded on to make it better.

Pace: 3 Stars
This novel was a very slow read for me until around the last five chapters. I will admit, that I got the flu in the middle of reading this novel and took about a week off (from reading in general), but before and after being sick, I still had issues with the pace. I believe part of my issue was the way the characters talked. It took a number of chapters before I was comfortable understanding the dialogue and narration. There also seemed to be a lack of action in numberous parts of the book. There was a lot of talking and thinking and flashbacks, but not as much going on in the present. My biggest problem with the pacing was that after a story that took its time to unravel, the ending seemed very rushed and disjointed, and left me a bit confused.

Characters: 3.5 Stars
Briony was a very strange character. I often had trouble understanding her internal dialogue because she talked in circles and repeated herself. She believed she was a witch and could see the Old Ones in the swamp. Her twin sister, Rose, was the complete opposite of Briony, but I feel like her character wasn't included enough in the story. Briony often talked about Rose and what she didn't like, but Rose herself wasn't in that many scenes. Eldric was a very interesting character. He seemed to understand Briony's illogical way of talking and acting, and the two of them started a "Bad Boy Fraternity" together. A number of the adult characters seemed a bit removed from the story, especially Briony and Rose's father. Their stepmother, on the other hand, is only mentioned in the flashbacks due to her passing, and it seems like Briony dwell on these scenes and repeats a lot of her exchanges with her stepmother for the reader.

Cover: 3.5 Stars
My favorite part of this cover is the tree branches draped across the cover model. They look like hands that are trying to grab her, which really resonates with the story. They also give the cover a darker, mysterious feel. Across the bottom, there are also a trail of what might be stars or glitter that makes me think of magic. The cover model was a good choice for Briony, although the necklace she is wearing is not relevant to the story. Normally, I wouldn't comment on clothing or accessory choices for a cover model, but my eye is drawn immediately to the necklace which leads me to think it's important. So it's a tiny letdown when something like that doesn't come into play. The monochromatic browns and tans of the cover really fit the mood of the book, but the sky blue title contrasts with the brown a bit too much.

Overall: 3.5 Stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this novel from Authors on the Web.

Review: The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

Title: The Iron Witch
Author: Karen Mahoney
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: 01/25/11
Summary:

When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed Donna Underwood’s father and drove her mother mad. Her own nearly fatal injuries were fixed by alchemy -- the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. Now seventeen, Donna feels like a freak, doomed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. Only her relationship with her best friend, Navin, is keeping her sane.

But when vicious wood elves abduct Navin, Donna is forced to accept her role in the centuries-old war between human alchemists and these darkest outcasts of Faerie. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous guy with faery blood running through his veins and secrets of his own, Donna races to save Navin -- even if it means betraying everything her parents fought to the death to protect.

Plot: 3.5 Stars
My favorite part of this whole novel was the introduction to alchemy. It's a subject that I had not encountered yet, in either young adult or urban fantasy. It was a very interesting way of pulling magical elements into the story, but I wanted to learn more. Many parts of this novel felt like an introduction. Although the novel has a climax and resolution, there are still so many areas in which the story only scratched the surface. In a way, it's a tiny bit annoying. But mostly, it leaves me pining for the next novel in the series (which is definitely a good thing). I also liked the element of faerie brought into the story. There were elements to the fae that I had never encountered before, which made the lore very unique.

Pace: 4 Stars
This novel was a little on the shorter side, but it was just the right size for the story. It flew by without feeling rushed, and there were no parts that dragged on with too much information. Everything about the pacing and revealing of information was spot on. It kept me glued to the pages. There was a nice balance between the action and the detail in this novel. I was easily swept up into Donna's quest, rooting for her the entire time.

Characters: 4 Stars
Donna was a very strong character. She had her moments of melancholy, but considering her past, they were warranted. But she didn't let the past get her down. I liked that she didn't absolutely need to fit in. Her best friend, Navin, was my favorite character. He didn't have the biggest part, due to the plot, but I hope he shows up more in future books. Xan was interesting and mysterious, and I was glad he stuck around to help Donna. The members of the Order of the Dragon were smaller characters, but I hope we get to learn more about them as more of the alchemy is demonstrated and explained.

Cover: 4.5 Stars
This is such a gorgeous and thought provoking cover. Tattoos are often used as on covers very arbitrarily, but these tattoos were intricate, beautiful, and (best of all) relevant to the plot. The small bottle in the cover model's hand is also relevant, and the color really pops against the neutral colors that make up the rest of the cover. My favorite part of the cover is the pose of the cover model. Too many young adult novels include a cover model looking at the reader. I like that this cover model is hiding, covering her face. This leaves my imagination to picture Donna however it chooses to interpret the description given in the novel.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment.

Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Title: Paranormalcy
Author: Kiersten White
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: 08/31/10
Summary:

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
There were a few moments while reading this novel that I had to step back. A couple elements seemed a bit out there, and that's saying something coming from a girl that doesn't read anything that doesn't have some sort of paranormal or supernatural aspect. But I kept reading, and I'm so glad I did. Those couple of elements that seemed too fantastical at the time, came together and were explained and really made for a fantasic story. And I love a story that includes all sorts of paranormal creatures, instead of focusing on just one, and this book had everything. I also enjoy when books have government agencies that control the paranormal creature. This is a theme I see much more of in adult Urban Fantasy, so I was really excited to read about a Young Adult novel with such an agency.

Pace: 4.5 Stars
This novel was a light and quick read. The action was non-stop: every time I thought Evie would get a chance to just sit down and breath, something else was thrown at her. There was a twist around every corner, but the story never felt rushed or forced. I really enjoyed reading the story from Evie's point of view because her inner thoughts gave a lot of insight into the world, plus she had a great sense of humor.

Characters: 4.5 Stars
Evie was the perfect balance of good girl and smart-ass, rule follower and rule breaker, and because of this she felt very real. Her power to see through glamours was very interesting because I often think of only faeries as having glamours, but vampires and werewolves had them also in this novel. Lend was a very interesting character. I enjoyed his shapeshifting abilities and his family. And I loved that he helped Evie be a normal go, even though he wasn't all that normal himself. My favorite paranormal aspect of this novel was the use of the faeries to aid agency member in transportation. I hate spoilers and try not to leave them in my reviews, so all I'll say is there is a character that I wish we could've seen more of. Other than that, love this character or hate that character, the author did a great job of really bringing them to life.

Cover: 5 Stars
The moment I saw this cover, I fell in love with it. This is one of the best covers I have ever seen. I'm jealous of Kiersten, and I may never write a novel let alone get published. Normally I'm not a fan of pale pink, but it really worked for both the title and the cover model's dress to bring a bit of brightness to the darkness of the cover. I also think the cover model was a fantastic choice to portray Evie. Overall, this cover looks and feels like a scene straight out of the book.

Overall: 4.5 Stars

Disclosure: I won a copy of this book from a contest at The Allure of Books!.

Review: Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

Title: Radiant Shadows
Author: Melissa Marr
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: 04/20/10
Summary:

Hunger for nourishment.
Hunger for touch.
Hunger to belong.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.

Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.

Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

Alluring romance, heart-stopping danger, and sinister intrigue combine in the penultimate volume of Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
Wicked Lovely will always be my favorite book of this series, but Radiant Shadows comes in a very close second. I absolutely loved the way Ani and Devlin's stories weaved together. I find all of the different faerie courts in Marr's world unique and interesting, especially how the author balances them all. The twist at the end has left me pining for the next book. It took me completely by surprise, but was better than anything I was hoping would happen.

Pace: 5 Stars
I couldn't put this novel down. I was a little worried because both Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity were slow reads for me (they each had a bit of downtime in the middle that I had to push to get through), but this installment kept me on the edge of my seat. The author bounces between points of view with ease. It never feels disjointed and it helps the reader get a better idea of the big picture.

Characters: 4 Stars
Ever since I first read about Ani and Tish in a previous book, I've wanted to know more about them. Although I would've liked to have seen a bit more of Tish, it was great get to know Ani and her troubles of growing up half-mortal. We got to see into a side of the Dark Court that wasn't shown in earlier book. I liked seeing more about Gabriel and the Hounds. My favorite character though was Devlin; I enjoyed following him through the inner turmoil of his balancing act between order and chaos. I just wished Ash and Seth could've had slightly bigger parts because I will always love them.

Cover: 4.5 Stars
I have adored every cover in this series, and Radiant Shadows doesn't disappoint. I love how the cover models are out of focus, while a different element is in focus. It's a very unique idea. I also love the titles in this series. They are very eloquent in their opposites and are always subtlely found in the text. The detailing around the titles is another touch that ties them all together as a series. Although the cover for Radiant Shadows isn't my favorite, the color scheme is my favorite out of the four.

Overall: 4.5 Stars

Disclosure: I won a copy of this book from a contest on Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings.

Waiting on Wednesday (24)

This book blog meme is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: Glimmerglass
Author: Jenna Black
Genre: Young Adult
Release date: 05/25/10
Summary:

It’s all she’s ever wanted to be, but it couldn’t be further from her grasp...

Dana Hathaway doesn’t know it yet, but she’s in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides she’s had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl -- she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.


Soon, Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her newfound friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she’ll never have a chance with… until she does. Caught between two worlds, Dana isn’t sure where she’ll ever fit in and who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again...

Guest Blog + Giveaway: Erica Hayes

Today I'd like to welcome Erica Hayes, who is stopping by to talk about her new Urban Fantasy release, Shadowglass, which released on March 2nd. I have not gotten a chance to read Shadowglass yet, but you can read my 5 review of Shadowfae, book 1 of the Shadowfae Chronicles, here. Her topic for this guest blog is where she gets her ideas. I found it very interesting, and hope you do to! And stick around, there's a giveaway at the bottom of the post.

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Hi everyone, and thanks so much to Sara for hosting me on her blog today. It's a pleasure!

Authors are often asked: "Where do you get your ideas?" With fantasy authors in particular, people are fascinated by that spark of an idea that became a story.

And I always have trouble with that question. Ideas come from so many places, and rarely can I put my finger on the exact time or place that the first inkling of a book idea occurred to me. For me, it's more of a matter of knowing what I like, and creating the stories I want to read – because hey, I can't be the only one, right?

For instance, when I started SHADOWGLASS, I knew I wanted to write a magic mirror story. Ever since Snow White, I've loved the idea of a mischievous mirror that messes with your mind and shows you what it wants to. And I knew I wanted it to be about fairies, just because they're cool and sexy and have a rockin' good time. But how to incorporate fairies and magic mirrors into an urban fantasy story that I'd want to read?

Hmm, I thought. Well, I know I love strong heroines. Not necessarily kick-ass chicks, but girls who make the best of the skills they have, and don't whine when things go wrong. So I made my fairy heroine like that. Ice from SHADOWGLASS makes a really big mistake by peeking into that mirror, and it lands her in big trouble. Everything she does to put it right just makes things worse. But she doesn't complain, or give up. She just tries harder. Ice might not be powerful, but she sure is persistent.

So when she meets Indigo, the sexy metalfairy of her dreams, she isn't giving up. No matter how many times he insists he's not interested. I don't wish to give too much away, but believe me: Indigo has dark and urgent reasons why Ice is the last woman in town he should get involved with…

Stubborn heroine. Equally stubborn, conflicted hero. Magic mirror messing with their minds. Throw in some vengeful demons, a pair of greedy gangsters and a weird bodysnatching angel, and voila! SHADOWGLASS.

And all because I read Snow White as a kid, and like resourceful heroines.

Getting ideas. It's easy :)

Thanks to everyone for dropping by! You can find out about my books, and read excerpts, at http://www.shadowfae.net

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And now for the giveaway. Erica has graciously offered one lucky commenter a signed copy of Shadowglass. All you have to do is leave a comment.

Welcome to a secret world hidden behind shadowy fairy glamour, where thieving spriggans rob you blind, beautiful banshees mesmerize you with their song, big green trolls kick heads at nightclubs and vampire Mafiosi rule the streets. Here a seductive magic mirror lies hidden deep in a demon's lair, with a simple warning: don't stare at the glass... Ice is a light-fingered fairy who can't resist a look at the powerful mirror. The mirror offers her a chance to achieve everything she's ever dreamed of. But when she pilfers it, she discovers that its power comes with a price: the mirror is a gateway to obsession and madness... and it will take every trick in her arsenal just to survive.

Giveaway Rules:

You must leave a vaild e-mail address.
This contest is open to the US and Canada only.
Please, only one comment per person.

Extra entries:
+1 For being a follower (new or old)
+3 For tweeting the contest @sara_UFblog (must leave link in comment)
+5 For a blog post (must leave link in comment)

** This giveaway will end at midnight EST on Thursday 03/11 and the winner will be announced Friday 02/12. Winners will be chosen using Random.org.

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

This book blog meme is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: Spells
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Genre: Young Adult
Release date: 05/04/10
Summary:

Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.

When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?

Waiting on Wednesday (20)

This book blog meme is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: Radiant Shadows
Author: Melissa Marr
Genre: Young Adult
Release date: 04/20/10
Summary:

Hunger for nourishment.
Hunger for touch.
Hunger to belong.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.

Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.

Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: 02/01/10
Summary:

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny -- one she could never have imagined...

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school... or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth -- that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face... and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
I liked how the imagination and wonder of humans fueled the faerie world. It really sets the faerie lore of this book apart from the other faerie books in the genre. I also liked how human inventions and technology affected the faerie world. I don't want to give anything away, but I just have three words to describe my absolute favorite part of the book: the iron fey. The idea and lore behind them is so unique and interesting.

Pace: 3.5 Stars
The novel itself read at an enjoyable pace: not too quickly and confusing, not to slowly and uninteresting. But sometimes it felt like everything that could possibly go wrong, did go wrong, along with even more things going wrong. It was kinda like the author felt there needed to be more and added another problem. A few little scenes here and there could've been left out, and the story would've read smoother but still ended the same.

Characters: 4 Stars
I loved Meghan as a main character. Her family isn't as well off as others in the area, but it doesn't get her down. Instead of whining about everything she can't have, she saved up and bought herself an iPod. I also loved how much she cared for her little brother, Ethan. Robbie and Ash brought a nice balance to her journey while still causing chaos. And Grimalkin made the book for me. This cait sith was absolutely hilarious.

Cover: 4 Stars
I liked the cover model chosen (she fit the description of Meghan given in the book quite well) and the placement. The teal color that dominated was a very good choice. And I loved the swirly design that dominated the cover. The only thing I had a problem with was where the forest was overlayed over the model's face. Kinda weird, but overall, not that big of a deal.

Overall: 4 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment.

Teaser Tuesday (19)

This weekly book blog meme is hosted by Misb at Should be Reading.

Here are the rules:
- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
- BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away. You don’t want to ruin the book for others.)
- Share the title & author too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

Title: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: 02/01/10

Grimalkin, or whatever his name was, continued to observe me as if I was a particularly interesting insect. I eyes him with new feelings of suspicion. Sure, he looked like a enormous, slightly plump house cat, but horses weren't generally meateaters and normal trees did not have little men living inside. -- pg. 94

Cover Art: As Lie the Dead by Kelly Meding

I found this cover via Kelly's Blog. It's book two of her Dreg City series.

As Lie the Dead by Kelly Meding

Waiting on Wednesday (17)

This book blog meme is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: Shadowglass
Author: Erica Hayes
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release date: 03/02/10
Summary:

Welcome to a secret world hidden behind shadowy fairy glamour, where thieving spriggans rob you blind, beautiful banshees mesmerize you with their song, big green trolls kick heads at nightclubs and vampire Mafiosi rule the streets. Here a seductive magic mirror lies hidden deep in a demon's lair, with a simple warning: don't stare at the glass... Ice is a light-fingered fairy who can't resist a look at the powerful mirror. The mirror offers her a chance to achieve everything she's ever dreamed of. But when she pilfers it, she discovers that its power comes with a price: the mirror is a gateway to obsession and madness... and it will take every trick in her arsenal just to survive.

Review: Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding

Title: Three Days to Dead
Author: Kelly Meding
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 11/24/09
Summary:

She’s young, deadly, and hunted—with only three days to solve her own murder...

When Evangeline Stone wakes up naked and bruised on a cold slab at the morgue – in a stranger’s body, with no memory of who she is and how she got there – her troubles are only just beginning. Before that night, she and the other two members of her Triad were star bounty hunters — mercilessly cleansing the city of the murderous creatures living in the shadows, from vampires to shape-shifters to trolls. Then something terrible happened that not only cost all three of them their lives, but also convinced the city’s other Hunters that Evy was a traitor... and she can’t even remember what it was.

Now she’s a fugitive, piecing together her memory, trying to deal some serious justice – and discovering that she has only three days to solve her own murder before the reincarnation spell wears off. Because in three days, Evy will die again – but this time, there’s no second chance...

Plot: 5 Stars
There were so many twists and turns, and little details that you forgot about but came back to be a really big deal. All sorts of random details ended up equalling one crazy plot. I never had this story figured out. I also liked how the beginning of every chapter (except for the few flashbacks) had the time remaining at the beginning. It kept the story in perspective and helped make the timeline believable.

Pace: 4 Stars
The pace of this story never lets up, and it's definitely because Evy has a seventy-two hour timetable to figure everything out. There's no time for rest when the clock is ticking, and the mayhem never stops. There were a few moments when I wished Evy or Wyatt would shut up and keep moving, but other than that, this story never let up.

Characters: 5 Stars
I loved the numerous races of Dregs, or paranormal creatures, in this story. It was a fresh take on many, such as goblins and fae, and the first time I've read a book with gremlins and gargoyles. I really enjoyed Evy as a main character, and I also liked how little bits of Chalice (the body she is resurrected in) broke through. Wyatt was also a character I enjoyed. I liked how he put himself on the line for what he believed in. I just wish we could've seen more of his gift.

Cover: 4 Stars
At first glance, the cover doesn't really stand out against others in the genre. But on closer inspection, there is so much detail in the cityscape background. It really helps you picture the feel of the unknown city featured in the story. The only thing I don't love about the cover is the title: the font choice isn't my favorite and the bright red doesn't quite fit for me.

Overall: 4.5 Stars

Disclosure: I received a signed copy from the author after winning a contest at Dark Faerie Tales.

Waiting on Wednesday (13)

This book blog meme is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: Wicked Enchantment
Author: Anya Bast
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release date: 01/05/10
Summary:

When the Summer Queen of the fae orders Aislinn Finvarra to act as a guide for a half-incubus who is known to possess dark magick and sexual power, she must protect not only her heart, but her very life.

Review: Shadowfae by Erica Hayes

Title: Shadowfae
Author: Erica Hayes
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Published: 10/13/09
Summary:

Imagine a secret world veiled in fairy glamour and brimming with unearthly delights. A city swarming with half-mad fairies, where thieving spriggans rob you blind, beautiful banshees mesmerize you with their song, and big green trolls bust heads at nightclubs. And once you’re in, there’s no escape…

Enslaved by a demon lord, Jade is forced to spend her nights seducing vampire gangsters and shapeshifting thugs. After two hundred years as a succubus, she burns for freedom and longs to escape her brutal life as a trophy girl for hell’s minions. Then she meets Rajah, an incubus who touches her heart and intoxicates her senses. Rajah shares the same bleak fate as she, and yearns just as desperately for freedom. But the only way for Jade to break her bonds is to betray Rajah—and doom the only man she’s ever loved to a lifetime in hell.

Plot: 3.5 Stars
I really liked the plot, although I felt it sometimes got drowned in all of the sex. If Jade wasn't having sex, she was almost having sex. And if she wasn't almost having sex, she was thinking about sex and her body was reacting to the possibility or thought of sex. Now, I don't dislike a good sex scene or two, but I don't need it around every corner. I think the only reason it didn't actually bother me was how tastefully it was all written. And once you get past all of the sex, the plot is actually a very creative puzzle that Jade needs to solve.

Pace: 3.5 Stars
Almost all of the action was in the last couple chapters. Except for a few scenes here and there, the first two-thirds of the book was mostly just sex, sex, almost sex, sex. Right when I would go to put the book down and take a break, the plot would come back around drag me back in.

Characters: 4 Stars
I really liked the faeries that the author brought to life. There was a lack of Celtic or Irish mythology of faeries that I found refreshing. They were brightly colored and a little wacky. Jade and Rajahni were very easy to understand and root for. And the villians were very easy to root against, as charming as some of them may have seemed.

Cover: 3.5 Stars
I loved the red, metallic design swirled around the title. It really stood out and grabbed my attention. But the title itself was a weird, slightly pale yellow that didn't quite blend with the rest of the cover. The cover model really gave you a succubus feel with the way she's dressed, but her face was cut off.

Overall: 3.5 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment.

Review: Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire

Title: Rosemary and Rue
Author: Seanan McGuire
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Published: 09/01/09
Summary:

October "Toby" Daye, a changeling who is half human and half fae, has been an outsider from birth. After getting burned by both sides of her heritage, Toby has denied the Faerie world, retreating to a "normal" life. Unfortunately for her, the Faerie world has other ideas...

The murder of Countess Evening Winterrose pulls Toby back into the fae world. Unable to resist Evening's dying curse, which binds her to investigate, Toby must resume her former position as knight errant and renew old alliances. As she steps back into fae society, dealing with a cast of characters not entirely good or evil, she realizes that more than her own life will be forfeited if she cannot find Evening's killer.

Plot:
The plot had a lot of promise, but was really bogged down by the details. I read 199 pages (15 chapters), and maybe 75 pages worth of action had happened. The rest was just unneeded details and dialogue. I also found that for all of Toby's talk about wanting to be strong or take action, she never really did anything. While I would have liked to know what happened to Evening, I just couldn't force myself to keep going.

Pace:
The pace was too slow, mostly because the reader is bogged down in details. Plus, for all the places Toby ventured to in 199 pages trying to figure out why Evening was killed, some of it didn't feel relevant. Maybe it comes around full circle in the end, but it just seemed like useless wandering.

Characters:
The thing that really bothered me was that for all the details and dialogue, I didn't really learn much about anyone but Toby. I would have liked to have a little more information about some of the characters Toby came in contact with because it seemed like they were important, but I couldn't always figure out why.

Cover:
I actually loved the cover of this books. The bright orange text is a real eye catcher. Even if I hadn't already known I wanted to buy this book, I would've been intrigued had I seen the neon orange title while browsing. I also liked how subtle the cover model's pointed ears were. I didn't realize there was any point to them for a couple days.

Overall: DNF

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment.