Mini-Review: This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers

Title: This Is Not A Test
Author: Courtney Summers
Publisher: St. Martins Griffin
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 06/19/12
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self. To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up. As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live. But as the days crawl by, the motivations for survival change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life -- and death -- inside. When everything is gone, what do you hold on to?

Mini-Review: This novel was so much more than a zombie book. It was a book about teenagers dealing with life and I wish I had had this novel when I was in high school. The zombies were used in a way to force the characters into situations that they wouldn't normally deal with, and I enjoyed every second. I could not put this novel down. Even when the zombies weren't an immediate threat, the book kept me on my toes. Each character brought his or her own baggage to the high school, and their interactions really made the book for me. The cover was just as stunning as the rest of the novel. The simplicity drew me in, the hair over the cover model's face made me want to know more, and the blood splatter added the perfect dose of morbidity to make me pick it up. All in all, this is a great novel for zombie lovers and overall YA lovers.

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

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

Review: Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Title: Dark Kiss
Author: Michelle Rowen
Series: Nightwatchers #1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 05/22/12
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

I don't do dangerous.

Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha -- that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me... something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing -- and I don't know if I can get it back.

Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me...

Plot: 5 Stars
This is the angel/demon book I've been searching for. All too often, angels are too tied to religion for my liking. I really enjoyed that this novel was based around angels and demons, souls, and the balance between it all. Samantha had no idea that one kiss could change so much when she went to the local all-ages club, but that one kiss had everything spiralling out of control. The author's lore surrounding the grays and their hunger reminded me of the lore surrounding succubi/incubi with a twist to make it age appropriate. I also enjoyed how the angels and demons came into play. It was interesting to see them working together to figure out the problem, instead of being pitted against each other.

Pace: 5 Stars
It's not very often I read a book that has me anxious to finish work so that I can dive back in. Now, I would always like to read instead of work, but I don't find myself thinking about my current read at work too much. But this novel had me counting down the minutes until my lunch break so that I could squeeze a couple more chapters in. I was sucked in from the first chapter, and the story never let me go. The pace of the novel was perfect, and it kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. I cannot wait for the next novel in this series.

Characters: 5 Stars
Samantha was a great character. She felt like a real teenager dealing with the supernatural. Sometimes teenage protagonists can come across a bit too adult for me, but the author gave Samantha just the right balance of independence, maturity, and vulnerability. Bishop was sent to lead a team of angels and demons to figure out who was causing a ruckus by making grays, although some things didn't go as planned and his mind came through the trip jumbled. The fact that Samantha could help clear his mind was a great way to introduce her into more of the supernatural. I really liked Bishop, but Kraven was my favorite characters. He's everything I want in a demon: snarky and cocky, without being completely evil.

Cover: 4.5 Stars
The only thing keeping this book from getting 5 Stars in all categories is the cover model's hair. Not only is the hair style not a good look on him, but due to the shine it looks like his hair could be used as a weapon. But personal taste in hair styles aside, this is a fabulous cover. I love the simplicity of a monochromatic cover. Between the blues hues and the gritty texture and the cityscape at the bottom, the cover conveys a bleak feeling reminiscent in parts of the novel. My favorite part of the cover is the model's wings. They are so unlike any wings I have ever seen on a cover before and immediately grabbed my eye. The wings almost look like ink swirled around water and it's a very striking element.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received an eARC via Netgalley.

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.

Review: By A Thread by Jennifer Estep

Title: By A Thread
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin #6
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 02/28/12
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

When killing people is your job, there’s no such thing as a vacation.

Then again, how often does an assassin live long enough to enjoy her retirement? In this line of work, you either get lucky or you get dead. And since I destroyed my nemesis Mab Monroe a few weeks ago, all of Ashland’s lowlifes are gunning to make a name for themselves by taking out the lethal Spider -- me, Gin Blanco. So I’m leaving behind my beloved barbecue joint and heading south with my baby sister, Bria, to cool my heels in a swanky beach town. Call it a weekend of fun in the sun. But when a powerful vampire with deadly elemental magic threatens an old friend of Bria’s, it looks like I’ll have to dig my silverstone knives out of my suitcase after all. Complicating matters further is the reappearance of Detective Donovan Caine, my old lover. But Donovan is the least of my problems. Because this time, the danger is hot on my trail, and not even my elemental Ice and Stone magic may be enough to save me from getting buried in the sand -- permanently.

Plot: 5 Stars
I feel like a broken record, but I absolutely loved this novel. Although she was supposed to be relaxing and enjoying her vacation, Gin ended up getting into yet another dire situation that left me wondering how she'd make it out alive. Gin always surprises me with the situations she gets in, and then the lengths she must go to to get out of said situations. The author does a great job of putting her in mortal peril, while keeping her escapes completely believable.

Pace: 4.5 Stars
This novel started out with a bang, as Gin takes care of another threat that dropped by the Pork Pit after hours. She finally gives in to Finn's idea of a vacation. Of course, it wouldn't be a vacation for Gin if it didn't involve at least a little bit of killing. I loved how quickly she became involved in the local mob boss problems without even trying. There were a number of times I had to remind myself that Gin would make it (book seven comes out in August), because I wasn't sure she would and I couldn't put the book down.

Characters: 5 Stars
The strong characters and relationships were the best part of this installment in the series. Not only did we get to see more of Gin, Finn, Bria, and Owen, but there were new characters and someone from Gin's past. Gin gets to meet Bria's best friend, Callie, who also owns her own restaurant. After a meal at the restaurant, Gin and company get dragged into the local mob boss' politics when he sends some goons to threaten Callie. And then Donovan makes an appearance. I enjoyed reading as Gin dealt with the reappearance of Donovan, and how she dealt with him. The mob boss of Blue Marsh was a crazy S.O.B. and definitely made for an eventful vacation.

Cover: 5 Stars
This series is totally blessed by the cover gods. Each stands out in its own way, but they all work together and look fantastic on my bookshelf. The bright green of this cover grabs the eye, and also depicts the setting of the novel very well. My favorite part of the cover is how the cover model's jeans fade into the green of the background, but her blue tank top stands out. I'm not sure if I'd be running around in those heels if I was killing people, but they make the model seem like a badass (even without the knife on her belt). I also really enjoy that the cover model is facing forward completely, showing off the rune in her palm, as if to say, "Yeah, I'm the Spider. What are you gonna do about it?" And lastly, I will always enjoy the font choices of this series.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received an e-ARC of this novel for review.

Mini-Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Title: Switched
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: Trylle #1
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 01/03/12
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel -- all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken... though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth -- and he’s come to take her home.

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become...

As a special gift to readers, this book contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, “The Vittra Attacks,” set in the magical world of the Trylle.

Mini-Review: I loved everything about the Trylle and their society. It was a very fresh take within the Paranormal Young Adult genre. It was also a quick read, with the perfect amount of twists and turns. I enjoyed the majority of the characters, and hope to learn more about them in the next novel. The cover is gorgeous: the shocking red color, the dark castle in the background, the detailing around the title.

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

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

Review: Beauty Dates the Beast by Jessica Sims

Title: Beauty Dates the Beast
Author: Jessica Sims
Series: Midnight Liasons #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 10/25/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

WANTED
Single human female to join charming, wealthy, single male were-cougar for a night of romantic fun—and maybe more.

Me: The tall, sensuous, open-minded leader of my clan.

You: A deliciously curvy virgin who’s intimately familiar with what goes bump in the night. Must not be afraid of a little tail. Prefer a woman who’s open to exploring her animal nature. Interest in nighttime walks through the woods a plus.

My turn-ons include protecting you from the worst the supernatural world has to offer. Ready for an adventure? Give me a call.

Vampires and doppelgangers need not apply.

Plot: 5 Stars
The back cover copy of this novel is what immediately drew me in. It reads like a hilarious personal ad. Once I found out the main character worked for a paranormal dating service, I was sold. In the beginning, I hoped the dating service would play a bigger role in the story than it did. But as the story continued, I had no problem with the dating service taking a back seat because it was such a great story. The idea of the Alliance and how it tried to organize the paranormal creatures was a creative take. I also liked that there were different kinds of weres, and not just wolves. I tend to really enjoy cat shifters, and I really enjoyed the werecougars in this novel.

Pace: 5 Stars
This was once of the best paranormal romances I've ever read, and the pacing of the story played a big part in that. All too often, I find many paranormal romances stall around page 180 to 200. It's right after the hero and heroine realize they should be together, but before everything hits the fan. In between, many PNRs leave me just sitting there waiting. This novel did nothing like that. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, wondering what was going to happen next. And I couldn't put it down.

Characters: 5 Stars
There was definitely chemistry between Bathsheba and Beau was electric. I don't often say that, because I think it sounds a bit cliche, but I can't think of any other way to describe it. The author made the heat between them almost palpable. There were times I was reading in the breakroom at work, hoping no one could tell I was reading a dirty scene. Bathsheba didn't cower to Beau, even though she was human, and I loved her confidence. I also thought this novel had great secondary characters. Bathsheba's sister added some mystery and suspense with her own problems. Everyone else at Midnight Liasons, the paranormal dating service, really rounded out the novel.

Cover: 4 Stars
I absolutely love the blue that was chosen for this cover. It's dark without making the image murky. I just wish it wasn't so monochromatic. The intensity of the blue leaves the cover models looking just a bit flat. But the pink font totally makes up for any flaw. It stands out great against the blue, and is definitely an underused color on paranormal covers. Plus, it's use on the spine makes the novel stand out even if the cover is not facing towards the shopper. I also liked the placement of the cover models. Their close proximity was intimate without the image coming across weirdly smushed together.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I purchased with book with a Christmas gift card.

Review: Coyote’s Creed by Vaughn R. Demont

Title: Coyote's Creed
Author: Vaughn R. Demont
Series: Broken Mirrors #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 10/11/11
Reviewed by: Sara
Summary:

Always have an ace up your sleeve.

Broken Mirrors, Book 1

If con games were taught in high school, Spencer Crain would be on the honor roll. As it is, he’ll be riding the edge of failure to graduation next month. Then Spence gets the news that his long-gone father is not only dead, but was a Coyote, one of three clans of tricksters in the City.

With a near-catatonic mother on his hands, Spence couldn’t care less about the Coyotes’ ongoing feud with the Phouka and the Kitsune -- until it lands on his doorstep. Suddenly he’s thrown headfirst into a dangerous world he knows next-to-nothing about. His only guide is Rourke, dashing King of the Phouka, plus a growing pack of half-siblings, a god, and Fate herself.

As Spence embarks on a journey to learn the Coyote’s creed, the truth about his heritage, and how to handle his growing attraction to Rourke, he wonders when his life turned from TV sitcom to real-life danger zone. And what price must he pay to survive the next roll of the dice...

Warning: Contains PG-13 rated violence, R-rated language and X-rated hotel scenes. Meta-humor, pop-culture humor, utter disregard for the 4th wall abound.

Plot: 5 Stars
This book was my first M/M, and I'll admit that I was a bit hesitant at first. But I soon learned that it was no stranger than when I read my first romance. What drew me to this book originally were the three trickster clans. Of the three, I have only read about kitsune in a few novels, so I was excited for something new. There were tons of twists and turns, along with tricks, as Spencer's mission leads him all over town dealing with all three trickster clans.

Pace: 5 Stars
I read the majority of this novel in one afternoon/evening, which is unheard of for me lately. This was the first Kindle book that I devoured so quickly, and I no longer wonder if I'll be able to devour great e-books like I can devour great print books. There was never a dull moment as Spencer was thrown into the trickster world head first.

Characters: 5 Stars
I'm always looking for a great male main character, because between UF, PNR, and paranormal YA, there are more than enough female leads. Every now and then, I like being in a male character's head. I really enjoyed Spencer as a main character. True, he was young, but dealing with his mother forced him to grow up a bit. At first I thought it was going to be weird between Spencer and Rourke due to the age difference, but the author did a great job of making sure that everything unfolded naturally. Between the three trickster clans, there were plenty of interesting characters that Spencer met along the way, and I can't wait for book two.

Cover: 4.5 Stars
The colors of this cover are what made it stand out while I was browsing the publisher's site. A lot of the others were very bright, but the subtle browns and oranges gave this cover a grungy feel that called to me. I think the cover model was a good choice for Spencer. I really liked the small detail of the "A" and the club on his jacket, since he often conned people using his deck of cards. I also liked how the animal head over his shoulder almost looked etched into the building instead of just floating in the air. The font choices are a bit simple, but the colors tie in to the rest of the cover very well.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I purchased with book with a Christmas gift card.

Review: Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore

Title: Between the Sea and Sky
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: 10/25/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

For as long as Esmerine can remember, she has longed to join her older sister, Dosinia, as a siren -- the highest calling a mermaid can have. When Dosinia runs away to the mainland, Esmerine is sent to retrieve her. Using magic to transform her tail into legs, she makes her way unsteadily to the capital city. There she comes upon a friend she hasn't seen since childhood -- a dashing young man named Alandare, who belongs to a winged race of people. As Esmerine and Alandare band together to search for Dosinia, they rekindle a friendship... and ignite the emotions for a love so great, it cannot be bound by sea, land, or air.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
I absolutely loved the world that the author created in this novel. Between the underwater world of the mermaids, the high flying world of the Fandarsee, and the humans in between, there was always something new to learn while reading. While the different races interacted at times, they were all very inclusive. I loved how the author worked in all the little details about the different groups of people as Esmerine and Alan were on their journey.

Pace: 5 Stars
This novel was a very quick read. I got home from the book signing really excited to read it and jumped right in. I only put it down to eat and sleep (and possibly work), which I don't do very often anymore. Although Esmerine was on a journey to find her sister, none of the events of the novel came across as rushed. The story unfolded very naturally as Esmerine and Alan first reunited and then began the journay to find her sister, Dosinia.

Characters: 5 Stars
My favorite part of this novel was watching Esmerine reunited with her childhood friend, a Fandarsee names Alandare. I loved watching their relationship change and morph as they got to know each other once again. They were so different, and yet very similar. Between Esmerine's parents and younger sisters, Alan's family, and the humans they meet along the way, there was also a very strong cast of supporting characters. Although some of them had smaller parts than others, the author did a great job of introducing each character.

Cover: 5 Stars
This novel was blessed with a beautiful cover. The image of Esmerine bursting out of the water is very striking, and the wave around her frames her in a great way. You can't really tell where the water ends and the sky begins. The pose of the cover model works well considering that Esmerine becomes a siren. The blues and greens of the cover are very serene and definitely gives the feel of mermaid. The tail fin detail on the title is actually the only part of the cover that actually says mermaid, and does so in a way that doesn't take away from the rest of the cover.

Overall: 5 Stars

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

Review: Spider's Revenge by Jennifer Estep

Title: Spider's Revenge
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin #5
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 09/27/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

Old habits die hard for assassins.
And I plan on murdering someone before the night is through.

Killing used to be my regular gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spider, assassin-for-hire. And I was very, very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly matters: Mab Monroe, the dangerous Fire elemental who murdered my family when I was thirteen. Oh, I don’t think the mission will be easy, but turns out it’s a bit more problematic than expected. The bitch knows I’m coming for her. So now I’m up against the army of lethal bounty hunters Mab hired to track me down. She also put a price on my baby sister’s head. Keeping Bria safe is my first priority. Taking Mab out is a close second. Good thing I’ve got my powerful Ice and Stone magic -- and my irresistible lover, Owen Grayson -- to watch my back. This battle has been years in the making, and there’s a good chance I won’t survive. But if I’m going down, then Mab’s coming with me... no matter what I have to do to make that happen.

Plot: 4.5 Stars
The epic showdown that all readers of this series have been waiting for: Gin vs. Mab. I could not wait to dig into this novel because I've wanted this showdown to happen since I read the first book. I had pretty high expectations going in, and it definitely didn't disappoint. There were some twists and turns before the epic battle that left me gaping at the pages as I read. Even knowing that the sixth book in the series comes out in January, I was worried for Gin and company when the time came. There was a moment near the end that was a bit reminiscent of the last Harry Potter, but it really worked. It gave the reader a bit of insight into Gin. I also loved how this book continued to fill in the gaps in Gin's history.

Pace: 5 Stars
I could not put this novel down. This is definitely my favorite Urban Fantasy series, and the latest installment didn't disappoint. I haven't read a full-length novel as fast as I read this one in months. It was so refreshing to not want to put a book down. Even when the characters were planning their next move, it was anything but boring. Normally, the downtime between action scenes where the characters plan their next move can drag by a bit, but the author definitely has a way of leaving me on the edge of my seat before the action even begins. I also really enjoy how the author weaves in details of previous books. No matter how much time goes by between books, I'm never lost because each new novel includes the perfect amount of details.

Characters: 5 Stars
Although things are still tense, Gin and Bria are making progress. I really enjoyed their interactions in this novel as they tried to move forward. And with Bria hanging around more, Finn also got to know her more. The interactions between Bria and Finn were very entertaining. I was really excited to see more of Owen in this novel, especially when he was helping defend Gin. He was definitely a badass, and it was great to see him as more than just Gin's lover. This novel also involved a bit of growth for Gin. Normally a calm and cool assassin, she had a few moments that led to situations getting a bit out of hand. It was definitely a wild ride as she tried to get out of some sticky situations.

Cover: 5 Stars
My favorite part of this cover is how it embodies the epic showdown between Mab and Gin, fire and ice. It makes the cover stand out in the series. The first four covers were a bit more monochromatic, but this cover is a nice mix of complementary colors. The grayish-blue of the sky and stones really makes the orange of the fire stand out. I also really love the pose of the cover model. I just wish one of her spider runes were visible. This is the first cover in which neither of her palms are showing off the spider rune. This series has some of the best covers around because of the details. The setting of the covers are always specific scenes from the book, and this one is no different.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received an eARC of this novel for review from the author, and also received a finished copy as a gift from my girlfriend.

Review: Trance by Kelly Meding

Title: Trance
Author: Kelly Meding
Series: MetaWars #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 10/25/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

Kelly Meding’s war-ravaged Los Angeles is ground zero for the ultimate Meta human showdown in this sexy, action-packed new series.
Fifteen years ago, Teresa “Trance” West was a skilled telepath and a proud member of the Ranger Corps. But ever since the Rangers were inexplicably rendered powerless at the climax of the devastating Meta War, she’s bounced from one dead-end job to another. Now her powers have reappeared just as mysteriously as they vanished -- only they’re completely transformed and more potent than ever. And they’re threatening to destroy her.

Trance heads to Los Angeles to track down the surviving Rangers and discover who restored her powers -- and why -- but a phantom enemy is determined to kill them before they can reassemble. As they dodge his deadly attacks and come to terms with their new role as heroes, Trance and the rest of the team set out to annihilate the sinister madman... only to discover their own powers are his greatest weapons.

Plot: 5 Stars
I love a good urban fantasy that mixes in superheroes and superpowers instead of the paranormal. They only comes around every once and a while, and I've been waiting for a great one like this since I read Black and White by Jackie Kessler & Caitlin Kittredge. The powers that the characters had were very interesting, and I really enjoyed how they often had physical characteristics to match. I also really loved the codenames that the author came up with. Codenames are something that could easily become corny or cliche, but the author really made them fit each character and his or her powers. I also loved how the author wove the history of the MetaWars into the novel. It never felt like a history lesson. Instead, little pieces were brought out just when the reader needed them. And the twists and turns in this novel were epic. I was completely flaberghasted to find out who the bad guy was at the end. I totally didn't see it coming, and I totally can't believe the author went there.

Pace: 4.5 Stars
This novel started out really strong and reeled me right in. The first chapter acted kinda like a prologue, giving the reader a glimpse into the past when the MetaWars originally ended. It was great to see Trance as a child, using her powers to help the other kids as they fought for their lives. There were a few moments that seemed a bit repetitive throughout the novel. There were only so many times the remaining Meta humans could be attacked before you started to see the next attack coming. But even if I had a feeling something bad was going to happen, I was still completely shocked by what actually happened. Once the group started making a bit more progress in finding Spectre, the pace picked up and it was non-stop action until the very end.

Characters: 5 Stars
After the MetaWars, the kids were left without powers and shipped across the country to start over with new families. Many didn't have the greatest times, although some could blend in better than others. When their powers unexpected return, these kids that have now grown up are thrown for a loop but now have a sense of purpose. Trance kinda falls into a leadership position as the Meta humans make their way back to headquarters in LA. She wasn't always comfortable with the position, but she did what needed to be done. Gage was there to back her up every step of the way. I really liked how the two of them interacted throughout the novel. They had a past together as kids and just returned powers to bond over, but it was almost like they were meeting for the first time. The author did a great job of reintroducing the Meta humans to each other and allowing them to bond throughout the chaos.

Cover: 5 Stars
My favorite part of this cover is the orange title, and how it stands out against the purple. The two colors stood out against each other without clashing. The purple was a great choice for the cover considering Trance has natural purple streaks in her hair, and the color starts to take over more of her body after she regains her powers. Normally, I'd want the cover model to keep her natural colors, instead of blending in with such a monochromatic color scheme, but this time it fits the plot perfectly. I also really loved the glowing ball of energy in the cover model's hand. Not only does it give you a superhero/superpower vibe, it's also a power that Trance has. The skyscrapers in the background were a great touch, considering the majority of the novel takes place in Los Angeles.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this novel for review from Pocket Books.

Review: Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Title: Touch of Frost
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Mythos Academy #1
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Release Date: 08/01/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

Gwen Frost is an outsider at Mythos Academy, a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword. Gwen is an outsider both to the students of the Academy and the rest of the world. But when her gift of psychometry -- the ability to know an object's history just by touching it reveals dark undercurrents and danger afoot, she has no choice but to get involved.

Plot: 5 Stars
First and foremost, I love a good paranormal boarding school novel. Hands down, it's my favorite trope in Paranormal YA. Also, this novel had less annoying teenage drama than many Paranormal YAs I've read lately. Now, don't get me wrong, there was definitely drama in this novel. But it was a more paranormal, lives-at-stake drama and a lot less does-he-like-me, what-should-I-wear drama. Gwen is dealing with her grief and moving to a new school, and she's not exactly sure what to believe. Everyone around her acts as if all of the myths they're learning about are real, and she's seeing some things that she can't explain. I can't wait for the myths and how these students play into them to be elaborated on further in the next book. The plot took a number of twists I wasn't expecting, and had me guessing until the very end.

Pace: 5 Stars
There was never a dull moment throught this novel. From the moment we meet Gwen as she confronts another classmate in the restroom, it a rollercoaster ride straight through to the end. Even her job at the academy's library is a full of surprises. Definitely more eventful than most library jobs. As Gwen learns more and more about the world she has stepped into, it could've easily become overwhelming and jumbled for both her and the reader. But the author does a great job of showing and explaining all of the details to the reader as Gwen learns new things about her classmates, the academy, and the myths.

Characters: 5 Stars
Gwen's character growth in this novel was fantastic. Not only is she dealing with her grief, but she's also thrown into a new environment. She starts the novel off very isolated, with no friends and no reason to really talk to anyone unless they want her to use her psychometry to find something for them. As the novel progresses, we get to follow Gwen as she gets to know a couple classmates. One in particular is a bit surprising considering the earlier interactions between them. It was nice to see Gwen open up after being a bit of a loner in the beginning. Gwen also starts to believe a little more about the myths she's learning about in class, especially after she sees little things here and there from other classmates that support these myths. Her grandmother was an interesting character that I hope to see more of in future novels. And it was a nice surprise to learn that one of her teachers has a connection to her mother.

Cover: 4 Stars
Although I was a fan of the original cover, I can see the broader appeal of the one printed. I liked the blues and greens of the original, along with the gargoyle being front and center. I'm glad it was included in the final cover because I think it really draws the eye. The cover model is a good representation of Gwen. I just wish she had on a hoodie, because Gwen was barely seen without one. My only small criticism of the final cover is the overwhelming use of black. There just seems to be a bit too much dead space between the images, although the title and author's name cover the majority of it. My favorite part of the cover, besides the gargoyle, is the sword that takes the place of the word "frost" in the title. Not only is it a cool detail, but it also has significance to the story.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received an eARC of this novel for review from the author, and also purchased a copy for my own reading pleasure.

Review: My Life as a White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland

Title: My Life as a White Trash Zombie
Author: Diana Rowland
Series: White Trash Zombie #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 07/05/11
Reviewed by: Sara
But the Book:

Summary:

Angel Crawford is a Loser

Living with her alcoholic deadbeat dad in the swamps of southern Louisiana, she's a high school dropout with a pill habit and a criminal record who's been fired from more crap jobs than she can count. Now on probation for a felony, it seems that Angel will never pull herself out of the downward spiral her life has taken.

That is, until the day she wakes up in the ER after overdosing on painkillers. Angel remembers being in an horrible car crash, but she doesn't have a mark on her. To add to the weirdness, she receives an anonymous letter telling her there's a job waiting for her at the parish morgue -- and that it's an offer she doesn't dare refuse.

Before she knows it she's dealing with a huge crush on a certain hunky deputy and a brand new addiction: an overpowering craving for brains. Plus, her morgue is filling up with the victims of a serial killer who decapitates his prey -- just when she's hungriest!

Angel's going to have to grow up fast if she wants to keep this job and stay in one piece. Because if she doesn't, she's dead meat.

Literally.

Plot: 5 Stars
The zombies in this novel are much more complex than the everyday mindless variety that shambles around looking for "BRAAAINS!" They're coherent and don't seem dead (for the most part). It was hilarious and fun to follow Angel along as she figured out what happened to her and what she had become. As the story progressed, she also begins to grow up and deal with some demons. The pills, pot, and alcohol she used to turn to are suddenly less effective and she starts to see things differently. Plus, she really needs to keep her job at the morgue (for obvious reasons), so Angel is forced to take the job seriously. There are a number of twists and turns near the end that caught me completely by surprise, which made the novel even better. Plus, now I really want the next novel to see how the story is going to continue.

Pace: 5 Stars
I couldn't put this novel down. I don't tend to enjoy zombies quite as much as most paranormal creatures, but this novel has changed that. I've also had a bit of bad luck lately with books from DAW (mostly DNFs), so I was happy to find a novel from that imprint that I enjoyed so much. Normally, I would be hesitant to start a novel from an imprint that I've had such a so-so track record with, but I loved Diana Rowland's Mark of the Demon also, so I had a feeling I would definitely finish this novel. I was a bit hesitant because I was afraid I had played this novel up a bit too much with my anticipation, but it exceeded all of my expectations.

Characters: 5 Stars
Angel is one of the most complex characters I've read in a while. She's much more than a pill addict. Her growth throughout the novel is tremendous, but completely believable. Even when dealing with the tough stuff, she still had a sarcastic sense of humor that really resonated with me. I really connected with Angel, even though I am neither a pill addict nor a zombie. There were a number of co-workers at the morgue and cops that Angel met when she started her new job. Some were nicer than others, some were funnier than others, but they were all interested. The job at the morgue gave Angel a fresh start, and really opened her eyes to life outside of pills, alcohol, her father, and her on-again-off-again boyfriend. There were also a few characters along the way that helped her figure stuff out, but not always in the most productive ways. All in all, it was a great cast of characters.

Cover: 5 Stars
This cover is a work of art. In a morbid kind of way, the zombie chick on the cover is hot. She's also a bit of a hot mess, but I'm okay with that. My favorite detail on the cover is the piercings in her ear. Even though Angel is never described as having any of the piercings, I have a soft spot for industrials since I used to have mine until one side started bugging me (that's the bar that goes through two parts of the ear). The hairstyle, cigarette, and blood are great details that really fit the character. The gray color of the skin screams zombie in a perfect way. And the background color is such a strange pink. When browsing in the fantasy/scifi section, any pink you come across (and it's not much) is hot pink, so this pastel pink instantly sets it apart. Plus, it's so wrong for Angel's character that it ends up being right. The font isn't necessarily what I would've chosen, but it's simple and doesn't take away from the gorgeous cover so I really can't complain.

Overall: 5 Stars

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

Review: Dead on the Delta by Stacey Jay

Title: Dead on the Delta
Author: Stacey Jay
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 05/31/11
Buy the Book:

Summary:

Once upon a time, fairies were the stuff of bedtime stories and sweet dreams. Then came the mutations, and the dreams became nightmares. Mosquito-size fairies now indulge their taste for human blood -- and for most humans, a fairy bite means insanity or death. Luckily, Annabelle Lee isn’t most humans. The hard-drinking, smart-mouthed, bicycle-riding redhead is immune to fairy venom, and able to do the dirty work most humans can’t. Including helping law enforcement -- and Cane Cooper, the bayou’s sexiest detective -- collect evidence when a body is discovered outside the fairy-proof barricades of her Louisiana town.

But Annabelle isn’t equipped to deal with the murder of a six-year-old girl or a former lover-turned-FBI snob taking an interest in the case. Suddenly her already bumpy relationship with Cane turns even rockier, and even the most trustworthy friends become suspects. Annabelle’s life is imploding: between relationship drama, a heartbreaking murder investigation, Breeze-crazed drug runners, and a few too many rum and Cokes, Annabelle is a woman on the run -- from her past, toward her future, and into the arms of a darkness waiting just for her...

Plot: 5 Stars
The fairies in this novel were so completely out of left field. It was fantastic! They're completely primitive, controlled by instinct. The background information about how they came about, why they're all over the bayou, and how the town protects themselves was so intricate in its details. Add in that fairy bites are very harmful to most humans and their waste is used to make an addictive drug, and you've got an awesome plot before the murder is even on the table. Annabelle is unique in that she is unaffected by fairy bites, so her job involves doing things most people wouldn't even dream of.

Pace: 5 Stars
The author did a fantastic job of giving the reader just enough here and there to start to form a conclusion to the mystery. These little pieces were almost like teases, because they weren't enough to put the mystery together, but definitely enough to leave you wondering who had done it. The twists and turns left me dizzy, and I couldn't put the book down. My hunches were vaguely in the right direction, but when I found out the actual events that went down, it blew my mind. I love when a book slaps me upside the head with the conclusion the way this novel did.

Characters: 4.5 Stars
Annabelle was a great heroine, because in many ways she wasn't a heroine. She drank to help herself deal with her issues, and sometimes wasn't completely sober when the job called. She got herself into a number of sticky situations, and didn't always come out unscathed. She often spoke without consulting her brain first, and I just all around really enjoyed her character. Cane added some balance and stability to Annabelle's life, even if she held him at arm's length. Her friends were interesting, and I hope we get to see more of them in future novels. The two special agents that swept into town caused a fair share of drama, especially for Annabelle since she had a past with one of them. They added a little extra spice to the plot, since their presence caused Annabelle some problems.

Cover: 5 Stars
The details included in this cover transformed it from a good cover, to a fantastic cover. The cover model was the perfect choice for Annabelle, and the slightly haunted look on her face fits the character and her inner demons very well. I loved the fact that she was barefoot. The bicycle in the background was perfect, since Annabelle does not drive, although I wish it could've included Gimpy the cat and the cooler he liked to snuggle with. He grew on me even quicker than he grew on Annabelle (although I am a cat person). The fairies in this novel are described as being similar to mosquitoes, so the fairy on her arm is a nice touch. I cannot tell if it's a tattoo or an actual fairy, but either way it fits their description pretty well. I also liked that the background of the image hinted at the bayou.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher.

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: Hounded by Kevin Hearne

Title: Hounded
Author: Kevin Hearne
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 05/03/11
Buy the Book:

Summary:

The first novel in an original, back-to-back three-book series The Iron Druid Chronicles—introducing a cool, new, funny urban fantasy hero.

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old -- when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power -- plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish -- to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

Plot: 5 Stars
Normally, male main characters within the Urban Fantasy genre fall a bit short for me in comparison to many of their female counterparts, but Hounded is by far the best Urban Fantasy with a male lead that I've ever read. And it's definitely my favorite read so far this year. This novel was refreshing in it's use of gods and goddesses (and Druids, of course) that don't normally make appearances in Urban Fantasy, while still blending in the normal paranormal creatures like werewolves and vampires. And there was a perfect balance of humor between the action scenes. Some of my favorite scenes were flashbacks in which Atticus' history unfolded and I learned more about what it meant to be a Druid. Everyone that loves Urban Fantasy needs to go out and get a copy right now!

Pace: 5 Stars
When I picked this novel up from the post office, I put down whatever I was reading at the time, and immediately jumped right in. I had been waiting in anticipation for this novel since last year, and it definitely didn't disappoint. I gobbled it up in just a few days, and can't wait for the next installment. Even though they're being released in three consecutive months, the waiting is killing me. I need the next one right now! There was never a dull moment while reading Hounded. Whether Atticus was out for a run with Oberon, working at the bookstore, or fighting against the bad guys, the pace never let up.

Characters: 5 Stars
Although I absolutely loved Atticus, Oberon, his talking dog, really stole the spotlight. From his random obsession with Ghandi to his lusting for a harem of French poodles, Oberon made me laugh on a number of occasions. The author did a great job of making Oberon able to converse with Atticus, without seeming too human. He still looked at the world like a normal dog would, and had all of the instincts. I loved all of the information about Druids weaved into the novel. There was never a moment in which I felt like the author was dumping details about Atticus' heritage or history, which made learning about him that much more interesting. The Morrigan is one of those characters I hope to see more of in future novels because she's a wild card, completely unpredictable. Atticus' Irish neighbor, Ms. MacDonaugh, brought along her own share of giggles too, especially when she said, "A friend will help ye move...but a really good friend will help ye move a body."

Cover: 5 Stars
I'm not gonna lie, my first thought upon seeing this cover was, "I wanna hit that." The cover model is one hot dude, definitely my type. My personal preference aside, I also think he was perfect to depict Atticus. This cover has a simplicity that works really well, while showcasing two important objects: Atticus' necklace and sword. I always enjoy when important details to the story are included in the cover. It makes the cover extra special. My favorite part of this cover (besides the model) is that the title and the series details below it are in relief. I love it when I can run my hand over a cover and feel different elements. I also really like the font choice for the title. It has a spray paint/grafiti feel that fits the novel. I just wish Oberon could've made an appearance on the cover somehow, although it would have become too crowded. I also love that the next two covers work so well with this first one, while still standing on their own through the use of color.














Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I won a copy of this novel in a giveaway at The Spinecracker.

Review: Kitty's House of Horrors by Carrie Vaughn

Title: Kitty's House of Horrors
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 01/01/10
Summary:

REALITY BITES

Talk radio host and werewolf Kitty Norville has agreed to appear on TV's first all-supernatural reality show. She's expecting cheesy competitions and manufactured drama starring shapeshifters, vampires, and psychics. But what begins as a publicity stunt will turn into a fight for her life.

The cast members, including Kitty, arrive at the remote mountain lodge where the show is set. As soon as filming starts, violence erupts and Kitty suspects that the show is a cover for a nefarious plot. Then the cameras stop rolling, cast members start dying, and Kitty realizes she and her monster housemates are ironically the ultimate prize in a very different game. Stranded with no power, no phones, and no way to know who can be trusted, she must find a way to defeat the evil closing in... before it kills them all.

Plot: 5 Stars
I love this series, and this was the best one yet! Kitty just can't seem to keep herself out of trouble. What I love most about Kitty's world is how much the Supernatural has come out of the closet. The general public doesn't just know about them, they're bombarded by them (in comparison to most Urban Fantasy novels). And the plot behind this novel would bring them into the spotlight even more. The beginning of this novel has quite a bit of humor, and definitely pokes fun at reality tv. Then everything hits the fan and becomes a roller coaster ride. Normally, I don't really fear for the main character's safety because I know there are more books to come after so obviously the MC doesn't die. But even though the next novel, Kitty Goes to War, is on my bookshelf I really didn't know how Kitty was going to pull through at some points. And that is exactly why I loved this novel so much. Plus, a special someone makes a special appearance at the end. I won't spoil anything, but readers who have been following this series will be very excited!

Pace: 5 Stars
I could not put this novel down. I don't remember the last time I finished a novel in less than 24 hours. (I think it was Hex Hall last March). I almost didn't go into work because I couldn't put this book down. I loved that there were still scenes in which Kitty hosts her radio show, The Midnight Hour, even though it's not the focus of the plot. I love reading about her taking calls. There was no downtime, unneeded scenes, or overwhelming amounts of detail in this novel, and that helped the plot fly by.

Characters: 5 Stars
Although it was great to see Kitty reconnect with a bunch of characters she's met along the way, I missed some of the characters that play a bigger role in her life. As she ventured out to the middle of nowhere to shoot the television show, she left a few awesome characters home in Denver. But that just leaves me anticipating the next novel even more, in hopes that they're back to center stage. Some very interesting relationships were forged at that cabin, and I wish some things could've worked out differently. Kitty's sarcasm and wit really kept the producers of the reality tv show on their feet. It was quite funny, but when it came time to be serious, Kitty became a leader. Somehow throughout all of the mayhem, Kitty stayed strong and was everyone's rock. She kept a level head in the face of danger.

Cover: 4 Stars
Although this is one of my top five Urban Fantasy series, they haven't had the greatest covers. I must've picked the first book up at the bookstore to read the back multiple times and put it back multiple times. I finally bought it, and am so glad I did. But it's proof that covers do matter. While the cover for the first book almost kept me from starting this series, I feel like these covers have definitely progressed. The monochromatic coloring is actually something I like to see in covers when done well. And the font color choices have definitely gotten better over the years. (Book one was royal blue with red text... A little too much for the eye...) This cover specifically is the perfect color; the purple gives it a mysterious feel that definitely fits the novel. My favorite part these covers is the consistency: Kitty is always the focus, and there's always an animal in the background.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment.

Review: Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

Title: Grave Witch
Author: Kalayna Price
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 10/05/10
Summary:

Not even death can save her now.

As a grave witch, Alex Craft can speak to the dead -- she's even on good terms with Death himself. As a consultant for the police, she's seen a lot of dark magic, but nothing has prepared her for her latest case. When she's raising a "shade" involved in a high profile murder, it attacks her, and then someone makes an attempt on her life. Someone really doesn't want her to know what the dead have to say, and she'll have to work with mysterious homicide detective Falin Andrews to figure out why...

Plot: 5 Stars
I absolutely love a novel based around magic in which the use of magic extracts a physical price from the person performing it. In the case of this novel, the use of Alex's grave magic affects her vision afterwards, to the point where she needs light up stones to get to her apartment door after a normal ritual, and is basically blind after a stronger than normal ritual. Another aspect to this novel I really enjoyed was the different kinds of magic, and how the fae were weaved into the supernatural world. It's not very often a novel has only witches and faw; it was a very interesting combination. The twists and turns in this novel kept me guessing until the very last second. And the ending didn't disappoint. It's not very often (knowing there's at least another book in a series) that I seriously don't know how a main character is going to make it out alive.

Pace: 5 Stars
This was one of those awesome novels that I just could not put down. I read at least two-thirds of the book in just one afternoon. And I could barely put it down to watch some of my favorite tv shows. I would pick it up again at every commercial, just for those couple pages I'd be able to read in the break. Every scene in this novel flowed together very well, and all of the crazy events that took place wrapped up very nicely in the end. Time also passed in a very realistic, but still hectic, amount of time. Alex didn't have a lot of time between each crazy twist and turn, but it didn't feel like forty hours worth of mayhem was crammed into a day either.

Characters: 5 Stars
Alex was a very likeable and interesting heroine. Her family was all kinds of crazy, but that didn't keep her down. Plus, she really loved her little dog. Her grave magic was interesting and unique, and the author really did a great job weaving all of the little details of her magic together. Although I wish we could've seen a bit more of John and her roommates, they seemed like great characters and I hope to see more of them in future novels. Detective was fun to hate in the beginning, although I think he grew on me as much as he grew on Alex.

Cover: 4.5 Stars
Normally, I find black and white covers to be a bit boring. But this cover had just enough color splashed onto the cover model's face, hair, and shirt to stand out. Although the scene depicted on the cover takes place during the night, it wasn't too dark. The contrast between all the black, gray, and white layers was enough to keep the details crisp. I also liked the scene depicted on the cover. It doesn't depict an actual scene from the novel, but it still gives a good idea as to what Alex does for a living. The graveyard is a great setting for a Grave Witch, although Alex does a lot of her jobs in morgues and funeral homes. And although Alex doesn't make her ritual circles out of candles, like on the cover, she uses a wide variety of means to make circles throughout the book, so one could assume that a circle of candles would also work. Lastly, I want to point out that I think the cover model looks a bit likea slightly younger Chelsea Handler, but that could just be because I watch Chelsea Lately every night before bed.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment.

Review: Venom by Jennifer Estep

Title: Venom
Author: Jennifer Estep
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 09/28/10
Summary:

What kind of assassin works pro bono?

It’s hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most. To the public, I’m Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland’s best barbecue joint. To my friends, I’m the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker -- Mab’s right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists. At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I’ll take my chances. Then there’s Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland’s finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I’m a cold-blooded killer... who is about to save her life.

Plot: 5 Stars
Finally! Gin faces the bomb that was dropped at the end of Spider's Bite and begins to deal with the fact that her younger sister is alive. I still wanted more to come from this twist, but I understand given the circumstances that it'll take time. I love that Gin's retirement from the assassin game keeps getting interrupted by pro-bono work. Her target in this novel isn't just anyone, it's one of Mab Monroe's top dogs. It was great to watch her go after someone that played into her eventual endgame, and not just some random bad guy. It was also interesting to see how events from past novels shaped the plot for Venom. Without certain events from happening in past books, she wouldn't have had a specific reason to go after Mab's enforcer and get her plan in motion.

Pace: 5 Stars
I couldn't put this novel down. One of my favorite parts about getting into a series (especially when the books are released so close together) is that I get so immersed in a world and a group of characters that I already love. The author doesn't need to bog the novel down with introductions to the characters and setting, and can just jump right into the action. This novel had twists and turns around every corner, many of them catching me by complete surprise. The author is one of the best I've read at composing such intricate and well developed plots that keep me engaged from page one, until the end.

Characters: 5 Stars
Not only did we see even more development in Gin's character, but we're also introduced to her younger, long-lost sister. We get a good taste for Bria and how the death of their mother and oldest sister shaped her into the young women we're introduced to. Gin did a great job of keeping Bria at arms length without driving her away or causing too much suspicion. Owen Grayson was a very interesting character. After getting quick glimpses of him in Web of Lies it was great to get to know him better. Especially when he inadvertantly got himself tangled up in Gin's mess throughout the novel. And of course, I loved seeing more of Finn, JoJo, and Sophia.

Cover: 4.5 Star
I love the colors of this cover. It really matches the emotions and setting of the novel. The details in the background are fantastic. I love the details on the riverboat. This series has been gifted with great cover art. The attention to detail is some of the best I've seen in the genre. The covers always include an actual place and scene from the novel, instead of just a random cityscape. My only complaint, and it's quite minor, is the positioning of the cover model. The pose seems a bit forced and unnatural. I understand that the spider rune on the model's palm is a big part of Gin's character, but I feel like a different pose could've shown it off and felt more natural.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received an eARC of this book from the author and also bought a copy of this book for my own enjoyment.

Review: The Darkest Edge of Dawn by Kelly Gay

Title: The Darkest Edge of Dawn
Author: Kelly Gay
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 08/31/10
Summary:

It takes a strong woman to keep the peace in a city of endless night...

Deep beneath Underground, a cunning bid for power and revenge has begun -- one that threatens to make Atlanta the new battleground in the ultimate confrontation between good and evil. The powers of hellish Charbydon have the upper hand after plunging the city into primordial night. And under the cover of darkness, a serial killer targets the most powerful Elysians in the city, the angelic Adonai. For Detective Charlie Madigan and her siren partner Hank, tracking deadly predators is all in a day’s work... but this case will test the limits of their strength and friendship as it draws them into a deadly world of power plays, ancient myths, explosive secrets, and a race against time that risks all that Charlie holds dear.

Plot: 5 Stars
In this sequel, we're introduced to new characters and delve deeper into the politics of Elysia and Charbydon. Between the investigation and the power plays, you would think Charlie didn't have time for anything else. But she also has to juggle with the aftermath of her ex-husband's decision, a partner acting strange, and a kid who is growing up. Any normal person would be overwhelmed, but Charlie handles everything thrown at her. I just hope in future books we get to visit Elysia and Charbydon, I think they'd be very interesting.

Pace: 5 Stars
This novel never stopped. Kelly has a way of writing that keeps you on the edge of your seat, bouncing with excitement for the next scene. It picked up not long after the first novel, and didn't skip a beat. I didn't remember too many details from the first novel since I read it nine months ago, but I had no problem jumping right in. There was just enough details here and there to jog my memory and bring it all back. The author also did a great job of showing time pass throughout the novel. What could've easily been packed into 48 hours, like many novels do, was a little more spread out without slowing down.

Characters: 4.5 Stars
When The Better Part of Darkness ended, Charlie had a lot she was going to have to deal with, and The Darkest Edge of Dawn really showed how much her character had grown to accomodate the changes her body was put through. She had a lot of her plate throughout the book, and she handled it all really well. Her daughter, Emma, was once again a great addition to the book. She showed real maturity for her age and was full of surprises. Hank, a character I really enjoyed in book one, was kind of all over the map in this book. I'm hoping he'll calm back down in the future since his voice-mod problem was taken care of.

Cover: 5 Stars
This cover was lighter than its predecessor, while still keeping the dark and gritty feel that suits the novel so well. My favorite details of the whole cover is the bullet hole right above the title and the green flash coming from the cover model's gun. It's a nice touch since Charlie carries three weapons: one for humans, one for Elysians, and one for Charbydons. I also really like the facial expression on the model. It's a very angry expression, but it feels true to Charlie. I don't think she would want to have a seductive expression, it's not her style.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Review: When Blood Calls by J.K. Beck

Title: When Blood Calls (ARC)
Author: J.K. Beck
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 08/31/10
Summary:

Attorney Sara Constantine is thrilled with her promotion -- until she finds out that she must now prosecute vampires and werewolves. The first defendant she’ll be trying to put away? Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she recently shared an explosive night of ecstasy.

When Lucius kisses a beautiful woman sitting next to him at the bar, he’s hoping only to avoid the perceptive gaze of the man he’s planning to kill. But what starts as a simple kiss ignites into an all-consuming passion. Charged with murder, Luke knows that Sara is determined to see him locked away -- unless he can convince her that he’s not a monster. And that might mean making the ultimate sacrifice.

Plot: 5 Stars
This novel really showed off the author's knowledge of the court system. In a way it was reminiscent of Diana Rowland's Mark of the Demon, and her knowledge of police procedure. I really enjoyed the detail the author brought to the novel, both within the paranormal court system, and in the characters' lives. I also enjoyed the paranormal lore in this story, particularly the vampires and how they must stay in control of their demon in order to keep from becoming homicidal maniacs.

Pace: 5 Stars
I really liked that this novel was from multiple points of view, including a few that were not the main heroine and hero. It was a pleasant change from so many paranormal romances I've read lately. It gave a fuller picture to the story being told. And I think it also helped move the novel along because you got to witness more scenes, as compared to just being told about them. The twists and turns in this novel were intense, and the ending blew my mind.

Characters: 5 Stars
I felt a real connection to Sara, and not just because we share the same name (and it was spelled right). She was very passionate for her career and her beliefs, and just came across as very personable. Lucius wasn't your typical hero in some ways. Although he was completely badass, he wasn't cocky about it. He showed compassion, both towards Sara and towards his ward, an girl who was a bit addled when he changed her and never quite in control as a vampire. The detectives involved in the case had interesting powers, and I loved to hate them.

Cover: 5 Stars
I'm not normally a fan of the bare-chested male on a cover, but for some reason this cover really attracted my eye. I enjoyed not seeing the cover model's face so that I could imagine my own image of Lucius from only the descriptions given within the novel. I like the color combination of black, gray, and red. The choice of using two fonts for the title is very interesting and unique, and definitely makes this title stand out next to other titles in the genre. My favorite part of the cover is the attention brought to the ring, because it does play a part in the story.

Overall: 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author.