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Friday 31 January 2014

Release Day Book Blitz for Lost Souls (DarkWorld #2) by T.G. Ayer


Happy Release Day!


Lost Soul (DarkWorld #2)
by T.G. Ayer
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

With her sister missing and her mother and Anjelo stuck in the Wraith World, Kai must find a way to save them all. But the Wraith poison has brought her to her knees and only Logan's fire can help ease her pain.

Uncertain who to rescue first, Kai's decision is made for her when she discovers her sister Greer is stuck in the Greylands and slowly going insane. Desperate to save her, Kai will go to incredible lengths to obtain a portal key to the land of the dead - and maybe, she’ll go one step too far.


From deathtalkers to demons, trackers to ghosts, Kai must fight against betrayal and evade the clutches of danger to set her sister free. Can she save Greer from a horrific death - and will she ever be able to forgive herself if she can’t?

Teasers

My ears lifted, pointed, flared out. My eyes burned, the particular sensation of my panther eyes coming forth. Another growl and my jaw lengthened, hardened, my nose now picking up every odor surrounding me, including the sickly odor of the poison flowing thick and strong beneath my skin.
My hands transitioned smoothly into paws, my fingernails curving into deadly-sharp claws. I stretched out, lengthened my back, and let the panther take control.


~~~~~


The lab was cold and silent as Logan breathed deep, drawing the fire through his body and centering the molten energy within his mind. The mouse shivered in his hand, its sickly green eyes staring up at him, its expression sad and seemingly pleading. The little, large-eyed white-furred creature had been shaved to reveal its bare skin, enabling Logan and the lab-techs to assess how well the fire was progressing in killing the poison.


~~~~~


As the glass hit the ground, water burst from it like a geyser, spraying droplets all over the kitchen. And all over me.

Good job, Odel. Now who's going to clean up this mess?
Lying where I fell, my face rested close to my poison-wreathed arm. I stared at it as it throbbed and pulsed, as if the poison had taken on a life of its own and was just waiting for the next moment to advance farther into my flesh.
Who knew a tiny piece of Wraith-sword could be this deadly?

Meet the author!

I have been a writer from the time I was old enough to recognise that reading was a doorway into my imagination. Poetry was my first foray into the art of the written word. Books were my best friends, my escape, my haven. I am essentially a recluse but this part of my personality is impossible to practise given I have two teenage daughters, who are actually my friends, my tea-makers, my confidantes… I am blessed with a husband who has left me for golf. It’s a fair trade as I have left him for writing. We are both passionate supporters of each other's loves – it works wonderfully…

My heart is currently broken in two. One half resides in South Africa where my old roots still remain, and my heart still longs for the endless beaches and the smell of moist soil after a summer downpour. My love for Ma Afrika will never fade. The other half of me has been transplanted to the Land of the Long White Cloud. The land of the Taniwha, beautiful Maraes, and volcanoes. The land of green, pure beauty that truly inspires. And because I am so torn between these two lands – I shall forever remain cross-eyed.


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Thursday 30 January 2014

A Review for Three (Article #5) by Kristen Simmons

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Posted by Donna
Release Date: February 11th, 2014
Finished Date: January 16th, 2014
Publishers: Tor Teen
Genre: YA, Dystopia, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eARC
Pages: 384
Kristen Simmons' fast-paced, gripping YA dystopian series continues in Three.

Ember Miller and Chase Jennings are ready to stop running. After weeks spent in hiding as two of the Bureau of Reformation’s most wanted criminals, they have finally arrived at the safe house, where they hope to live a safe and quiet existence.

And all that’s left is smoking ruins.

Devastated by the demolition of their last hope, Ember and Chase follow the only thing left to them—tracks leading away from the wreckage. The only sign that there may have been survivors.

With their high profile, they know they can’t stay out in the open for long. They take shelter in the wilderness and amidst the ruins of abandoned cities as they follow the tracks down the coast, eventually finding refugees from the destroyed safe house. Among them is someone from Chase’s past—someone he never thought he’d see again.

Banding together, they search for a place to hide, aiming for a settlement a few of them have heard about…a settlement that is rumored to house the nebulous organization known as Three. The very group that has provided Ember with a tiny ray of hope ever since she was first forced on the run.

Three is responsible for the huge network of underground safe houses and resistance groups across the country. And they may offer Ember her only chance at telling the world her story. At fighting back.

The Review: Three is here! Three is here! And what an ending it is! 

Three starts where Breaking Point ends, and Ember and Chase are trying to reach the safe house, however upon arrival they find the place has been demolished. The only hope they have is finding tracks leading away from the wreckage, so with no other choice, they follow them which leads to Chase finding someone from his past. Days later, they finally come come across a refugee camp where they find some startling discoveries. It's there, that Ember realises that she needs to be the one who helps take down the MM once and for all - but she will need the help of Three. 

I've been a huge fan of this series from the start and it's no secret that I adore it. I love everything that Kristen Simmons has created, I love everything that she's wrote and I love the direction she's set the series in. Having said that, Three wasn't my favourite in the series - I definitely felt it was the weaker in the trilogy, but still it was an exciting and thrilling finale. 

Ember and Chase have really come a long way. No matter how much they get knocked down, they always try to remain hopeful that their situation will get better. I felt for their situation a lot more this time around because of the events that happened in Breaking Point, it really effects them both - Chase more so, but he tries to be strong for Ember. Their relationship is one built on friendship, love and hope. They make each other better and they can never be apart. I've really enjoyed watching these two grow into the characters they are today - I know their journey hasn't been easy but it's certainly memorable. 

With Three being the finale, I expected it to be more about the MM and trying to over throw them, and it was. There were new characters introduced and it was all so uncertain how things were going to end. There's a lot of betrayal and lies and Ember and Chase really find themselves in the middle of it. There is also some shocking twists that I wasn't expecting at all - mainly surrounding a certain character. I was shocked, but in the end, I really enjoyed the way everything came together - I felt everything was done well. As usual, Kristen Simmons writes beautifully and she always manages to draw me into the story. 

In all, I'm sad to see this series end but I believe Kristen Simmons did a fantastic job. It's a series that I won't be forgetting for a long time, and I can't wait to re-read it in the future. 

Wednesday 29 January 2014

Waiting on Wednesday (#70)

 
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 
Jess's WoW
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Dead Silent (Poppy Sinclair #2)
by Sharon Jones
Release date: February 6th, 2014

A snow angel etched in blood. An elite society. A secret dying to get out.

The second Poppy Sinclair Thriller.

When Poppy Sinclair and her boyfriend visit snowy Cambridge, she doesn't expect to discover the body of a student - arms outstretched in the act of smearing bloody angel wings on the chapel's floor.

Suddenly, Poppy is faced with the possibility that the one closest to her heart might be the one committing the most malicious of crimes.

Dodging porters and police, dreading what she might find, Poppy follows the clues left by a murderer bent on revenge...

Long-hidden secrets are chillingly revealed, an avenging angel seeks forgiveness and red-hot vengeance must be quelled in the amazing new Poppy Sinclair thriller.
 
Jess's thoughts: I absolutely loved the first book Dead Jealous.I forgot that Sharon was doing a 2nd book, and I'm so pleased she is. I cannot wait to read it. I love that the cover is similar to the first but with snow and blood. Awesome. 
Donna's WoW
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Princess of Thorns
by Stacey Jay
Release Date: December 9th, 2014

Game of Thrones meets the Grimm's fairy tales in this twisted, fast-paced romantic fantasy-adventure about Sleeping Beauty's daughter, a warrior princess who must fight to reclaim her throne.

Though she looks like a mere mortal, Princess Aurora is a fairy blessed with enhanced strength, bravery, and mercy yet cursed to destroy the free will of any male who kisses her. Disguised as a boy, she enlists the help of the handsome but also cursed Prince Niklaas to fight legions of evil and free her brother from the ogre queen who stole Aurora's throne ten years ago.

Will Aurora triumph over evil and reach her brother before it's too late? Can Aurora and Niklaas break the curses that will otherwise forever keep them from finding their one true love?

Donna's thoughts: This sounds really interesting!  I've read the authors Romeo and Juliet series and really enjoyed it, so this sounds like another great read from her.

<What's your "waiting on" pick this week?
Want to participate? 
Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine. 
Happy Reading!

Tuesday 28 January 2014

A Review for The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater

15743650Posted by Melanie
Release Date: September 19th, 2012
Finished Date: January 11th, 2014
Publishers: Scholastic
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 416
Blue has spent the majority of her sixteen years being told that if she kisses her true love, he will die. When Blue meets Gansey’s spirit on the corpse road she knows there is only one reason why – either he is her true love or she has killed him.

Determined to find out the truth, Blue becomes involved with the Raven Boys, four boys from the local private school (lead by Gansey) who are on a quest to discover Glendower – a lost ancient Welsh King who is buried somewhere along the Virginia ley line. Whoever finds him will be granted a supernatural favour.

Never before has Blue felt such magic around her. But is Gansey her true love? She can’t imagine a time she would feel like that, and she is adamant not to be the reason for his death. Where will fate lead them?

The Review: 4.5 Flowers! 

The Raven Boys was one of those reads that really sucks you in and life becomes all about the story.
As the synopsis tells us…Blue is from a family of psychics but is not herself and has lived with this all her life, because of this she has been warned that if she kisses her true love…he will die. When watching the ‘corpse road’ - in which the people who will die over the course of the year are revealed – she actually sees a spirit for the first time ever, she interacts with it and finds out only one thing…his name is Gansey… and there is only one reason she is seeing him – he’s either her true love or she has killed him…or both! – and in her quest to stop this young person from dying, ends up meeting & getting involved with boys who attend the local prestigious school Aglionby Academy aka the Raven Boys. She discovers that the boys are on a quest to find the ley lines & its hidden secrets lead by none other than Gansey…. Because of who Blue is and what her family knows, she feels that she needs to be a part of this, she needs to help them but none of the will be prepared for what they discover.
So, this book was so good, I liked everything about it and for all it may seem like the focus would be on the love aspect of the story, it wasn’t… the emphasis was more on the magical with an adventurous feel and lots of mystery. I thought the book was filled with a lot of great characters, not just the main bunch and I was intrigued by them all. Blue of course was a cool character, I liked her attitude to life and where other books would have a character like her embarrassed or ashamed of her home life.. Blue embraced it, she embraced her individuality and I thought that was a great asset for her character. The Raven Boys are each a character of their own, each bringing something different to the story  - Adam, not what he appears at first and when you do get his story… you want to know more – Noah, quiet & mysterious, strange but again.. you want to know more and when we got it….it was gooooood! – Ronan, bad boy, rule breaker, tattooed, failing school but we glimpse a softer side & a dangerous side… who is he really? Yep, again… need to know more – and finally Gansey, the tie that holds them all together, an old soul, obsessed with this quest, disgusted by his privileged life and wanting to be seen as more than money.. and yes you’ve guessed it, you want to know more. They’re all mysterious in a way and Blue is a brilliant addition to the group, filling a space none of them knew was there.
The storyline for me was full of intrigue, first we have Blue’s family and all of the questions surrounding them, her warning about her true love… that definitely got the curiosity going but then the boys come along and bring along their own intrigue involving ley lines, lost kings, magical power, magical places.. the research they have done into their quest is astounding, it’s everything to them and then when they meet Blue and things start happening, well that adds to the intrigue & mystery. Combining their knowledge they make progress and at times yes, it was confusing but not in a way that you couldn’t still follow the story. I loved all of the history that led to the quest too and how involved everyone got in it. Obviously there are a few twists and turns to keep everyone on their toes but it was sooo good and I never would have guessed some of the reveals, this is just the beginning and after reading it… you’ve guessed it… I need more! 

Monday 27 January 2014

A Review for Jet (A Marked Man #2) by Jay Crownover

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Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 13th, 2013
Finished Date: January 14th, 2014
Publishers: HarperCollins UK
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: 480
With his tight leather pants and a sharp edge that makes him dangerous, Jet Keller is every girl’s rock and roll fantasy. But Ayden Cross is done walking on the wild side with bad boys. She doesn’t want to give in to the heat she sees in Jet’s dark, haunted eyes. She’s afraid of getting burned from the sparks of their spontaneous combustion, even as his touch sets her on fire.

Jet can’t resist the Southern Belle with mile-long legs in cowboy boots who defies his every expectation. Yet the closer he feels to Ayden, the less he seems to know her. While he’s tempted to get under her skin and undo her in every way, he knows firsthand what happens to two people with very different ideas about relationships.

Will the blaze burn into an enduring love. . . or will it consume their dreams and turn them to ashes?

The Review: “Love isn’t perfect. It’s hard work and sometimes it’s more effort to be in love than it is to just run away. If you keep looking for perfect, the real thing is going to pass right by you.”

I really enjoyed Jay Crownover's Rule last year, so I knew I wanted to read the next instalment, but this time it would be about Jet, the tattooed bad boy and the lead singer in a rock band.

Jet and Ayden have had this attraction to one another since they first met a year ago. A year later and they're still trying to fight it. Both come from backgrounds that mean they don't want anything to heavy, especially Ayden that has a brother that always drags her into his messes and then Jet, has a father that is just a waste of space and uses his Jet's mother to get what he wants. When Jet and Ayden decide they can no longer fight their feelings for one another, they're taken on a whirlwind ride where soon their feelings become more than just attraction. But with them both going in opposite directions, can things ever work out for them? 

For any of you who haven't read started the Marked Man series, then I highly suggest you do it now. Jay Crownover's stories are fantastic, that honestly leaving you a hot mess after reading them, because of her ability to write awesome characters that continue to grow and grow through out the entire story. If you've already read Rule, then you and I both know that we first meet Jet and Ayden there, so we already know a little bit about their characters. I guess I had already thought I knew what both characters were like because of already meeting them, but boy was I wrong. I think the most surprising character was Jet. Although Jet's appearance makes him look like the typical bad boy, deep down, he's sweet, caring and alluring. He recognises his feelings for Ayden and knows she's this precious gem that he needs to take care of. However, because of his family problems, he determined to not drag Ayden down and become his father. I loved Jet for that. That he was willing to do anything for Ayden. I guess Jet surprised me because he was a very thoughtful guy, one that was completely not who you thought he was. 

Now Ayden was the same with Jet as he was with her - protective. Ayden has to struggle with herself and often sees herself as two different people. She's had a tough past that she doesn't like to share with anyone and some times she just wants to let loose. Jet is her escape. Her one thing that can bring her back down to earth. Ayden sometimes said things to Jet that you would have expected Jet to say, she would tell him they couldn't have anything more when he wanted more from her. She's scared that her past will get him hurt and again, her protective side comes out. She was a great character, one that was lovable and easy to connect too and I could see why her and Jet made such a good team. 

Another part I love about Jay's work is how close of a group all the guys are with the girls. They'd do anything to help each other out and are always on call for advice or just to be there. Rowdy is fast becoming a favourite. I loved how much he was there for Jet and Ayden and I can't wait for him to get his own story. The only character I'm not completely convinced of yet is Asa, Ayden's brother. In my eyes he hasn't redeemed himself yet but hopefully with the release of more books, we'll see more from him.

It's safe to say I can't wait to crack into Rome's story - which is the third instalment in the series. I have on good authority that his and Cora's story is even better than Jet's, so I can not wait. 

Sunday 26 January 2014

Book Blitz for The Life and Death of Jorja Graham by Brynn Myers




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The Life and Death of Jorja Graham 
by Brynn Myers
Publication date: January 21st, 2014
Genres: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Purchase: Amazon 

A dark paranormal romance.

Jorja Graham was the quintessential southern bell: blonde, stunningly beautiful, and overtly enchanting. That was the face she shared with the world and no one would ever know the hell she had endured.

After returning to Savannah, Jorja had everything she’d ever wanted: a new home, a handsome suitor, and the job of her dreams as an antique dealer. Little did she know that the choice to move on with her life would be the last decision she’d ever make.

THE LIFE & DEATH OF JORJA GRAHAM. Not every romance has a happy ending.


AUTHOR BIO
Brynn Myers is an adult paranormal romance/urban fantasy author. After considering writing a hobby for years, she's finally decided to turn her passion and talent into a career. She came into the paranormal book genre later than most but has always loved fairy-tales and all things magical. She uses that love to create her own charmed worlds by writing stories involving passionate, strong willed characters with something to discover. Brynn lives with her family in the Brevard County, Florida area. 

Author Links:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5391472.Brynn_Myers
http://www.brynnmyers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BrynnMyersAuthor
https://twitter.com/BrynnMyers

Saturday 25 January 2014

A Review for Sunroper (Goddesses Rising #3) by Natalie J. Damschroder

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Posted by Melanie
Release Date: December 31st 2013
Finished Date: January 8th, 2014
Publishers: Entangled Publishing 
Genre: Adult, Paranormal
Source: For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: 352
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

Marley Canton is done being a victim. A year and a half has passed since she discovered her ability to nullify power in those who aren’t supposed to have it. She’s now on a quest not only to stop the brats who’ve become addicted to goddess power, but also to find the source of their addiction.

Like Marley, Gage Samargo is tracking down the goddess who went rogue decades ago. Insane with too much power from the sun, she’s selling that energy to Gage’s younger brother and his friends, who are no longer content to come into power naturally. While they work to find a way to neutralize the goddess, Marley discovers that every time she nullifies someone, she takes on some of the goddess’s insanity.

Gage falls for Marley’s sharp wit and intense desire to right wrongs. But once he discovers she’s turning into her enemy, is it too late to back away?The Soul Cutter is hunting again.

The Review: 4.5 Flowers! 

 Sunroper was a great book and I thought it was a step up from the first two so I was shocked when I got to the end and found out that there will be no more L
A few months after the events of book 2, we join Marley and now knowing what she can do, she takes it upon herself to nullify any ‘flux’ users, ridding the Numina of their stolen power and their capacity to take more. When she finds out that a rogue goddess is bestowing power on these people, it becomes her mission to stop it once & for all. Gage Samargo is also on a mission, his brother was sent undercover to find out about the Goddess that is dealing flux and he hasn’t been heard from since he decided he wasn’t seeing the mission through a few weeks ago, so Gage has been sent to find out what’s going on, has his brother been kidnapped by these people, what do they want him for? Did he get too close? When Gage sees Marley in action at a nightclub, he assumes she is the Goddess dealing the ‘flux and sets about investigating her….. only things aren’t what they appear to be and it quickly becomes clear that Marley is not who he thought she was but that she is his only lead. They cautiously trust each other knowing they can be mutually beneficial to both of their causes… but what happens when the chemistry kicks in? when Marley’s well constructed walls start to fall & Gage takes on a protective role hoping that history is not about to repeat itself and when Marley takes a turn for the worst…. Can he save her from herself?
I was thrilled to be getting Marley’s book, she’d been in it from the beginning and turned out to be Quinn’s sister. I knew she would blossom into someone great considering how her past had affected those she loved and she had practically created the leech, so it wasn’t surprising that she would want to right those wrongs…. What was surprising is who she decided to do it with! I liked what she became in order to shed herself of the ‘victim’ tag, it’s understandable that she viewed herself as such but nice to see her change for the better and not wallow in self pity. I connected with her really well through this and I routed for her more than any of the other Goddesses. Gage…. Now he is definitely ‘Protectorate’ material (even if he isn’t one) Marley brought that out in him, he was HOT! Everything about him, I loved his story, his background, what he was trying to do and he was totally perfect for her, the chemistry was great, the little moments got your heart pounding and that’s without everything else going on …a perfect love interest.
As I mentioned above, this story was a step up from the first two books (and I did love those too) and I loved seeing two Goddesses face off, it gave this book something different because previous books had been about men leeching from the Goddesses where this one had turned away from her sisters and put them all in jeopardy. I liked how the Numina were brought into it too and became very believable that this could happen because of their ambition & sense of entitlement. It felt very much like an investigation and I loved all of the covert missions they did & use of spy stuff (they could have set up their own PI business). The action was amazing, all heading towards a final showdown to finally put a lid on the danger posed to both Goddeses & Numina and the series definitely goes out with a bang! Everything about it was really great from the atmosphere when you’re reading about them in scary situations with your anxiety raised, smexy situations when your heart is pounding, action scenes that steal your breath right up to the pacing that keeps your interest and need to turn the page. I am really sad it’s finished because in my opinion, there is still more to be told, it was just getting started with the introduction of the Numina & rogue Goddesses and still has so much potential but I did love what we got and have enjoyed this series a lot! 

Friday 24 January 2014

A Review for Immortal Sacrifice (The Curse of the Templars #4) by Claire Ashgrove

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: January 24th, 2014
Finished Date: January 16th, 2014
Publishers: Self Published
Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eARC
Pages: Unknown
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

In the wake of an Italian mobster’s death, the archangels charge Immortal Templar Knight Caradoc of Asterleigh with protecting a necklace that contains Christ’s tears. He vows to bring the relic home, never imagining he’ll have to battle Isabelle Speranza, the only woman he’s ever loved and whom he left in a futile attempt to protect her heart.  Discovering she’s his fated seraph changes everything.  For the dark lord Azazel is hunting the Templar mates.

Isabelle lost her heart to Caradoc in a whirlwind affair abroad, only to be abandoned in the middle of the night.  When she encounters Caradoc in Sicily three years later, her buried anger fuels desire that won’t be denied.  Yet a dark shadow threatens their reunion.  Azazel has discovered her greatest weakness, and her dreams promise unspeakable horrors if she fails to procure the sacred necklace. 

As danger stalks her, Isabelle reveals an unbelievable secret.  To save them both, Caradoc must accept her truths, even if it means turning from everything he’s sworn to uphold.

Ancient Prophecy:

Whence comes the teacher, she who is blind shall follow.
The one who digs in dust precedes the finding of the jewel.
And she who understands the sword precludes the greatest loyalty.
When darkness rapes the land, the seraphs shall purify the Templar
and lead the sacred swords to victory.
- Ancient Prophecy of the Knights Templar

The Review: Three years ago, before the seraphs arrived, Carodoc of Asterleigh spent a blissful three weeks with a woman that he thought would always hold his heart. With the arrival of the seraphs came the knowledge that one day, his would come and he would have to give up this lady – Isabelle Speranza – and rather than drag out the inevitable, with a heavy heart, he chose to leave her. Little did he know, that she wasn’t all he left behind….
Fast forward three years and along with Gareth & Tane, Caradoc is in Sicily to attend an auction event that holds many holy relics that the church wants back in its possession and none more so important that a diamond necklace that holds the tears of Christ. He isn’t the only one interested however; Isabelle Speranza is in Sicily on business too, acquiring antiques for buyers is her livelihood and knowing she has unlimited funds for one specific purchase is going to make this a piece of cake…..until the phone call that changes everything, until the dreams that have been plaguing her for months, until she casts eyes on him again…..Caradoc, the man who broke her heart.
Carodoc is stunned to see Isabelle again, not a day goes by that he doesn’t think of her and he’s about to find out why…. Because Isabelle is his Seraph….but will this revelation change things when Isabelle can’t let go of the past or reveal the secrets closest to her heart?

As I mentioned above, I seriously loved this instalment, it’s like Claire Ashgrove actually went in my head and plucked some of my favourite plot details and stuck them in this book. At the prologue - I was interested…chapter one - I was amused….chapter two – I was hooked! In a big way because what happens is one of my favourite plot lines EVER and guaranteed to be a page turner, I can’t even mention it because it would spoil the surprise but let’s just say, something very special has been kept from someone & is put at risk as Azazel ups the stakes again and proves why he holds his crown as evil incarnate. It was great to finally get to Carodoc’s book, he has made an impression from book one and was on my list of favourites so when I saw his name, I read it with a smile and that just got bigger as the story went on especially when we meet Isabelle and find out that he knew her and they had already had a relationship. It brought something new to the book that hadn’t been done in previous books and there was no awkwardness about getting the lady to love the Knight because the history was already there so it was just a matter of discovering each other again and reconnecting, not that that came without complications because Carodoc did a lot of damage when he left. I always love the clash of old fashioned views & modern ways but I didn’t even feel it this time, Carodoc came across as well adjusted to women of the modern world with only minor problems. They made a lovely couple though, it was so easy to connect to their characters, particularly Isabelle because of the turmoil she was going through and as always, I was routing for them at every turn.

The storyline was awesome! Yes, it was about protecting the relic from reaching Azazel’s hands and yes, it was about the pairing of a Knight & his Seraph to save his soul but the getting there was fraught with a rollercoaster of danger, risk & emotion that made one hell of a ride. It’s so hard not to spoil it for anyone because this plot is very much based upon one huge secret, so to give that away would really spoil it. I will tell you that I loved that the danger became more sinister, that the stakes were more personal, I loved that our couple had history, I loved Isabelle’s gift and how that played into the story and even though she had some huge skeletons in her closet, I loved that too because they were the best kind of secrets and she wasn’t the only one keeping them. We are even kept up to date with all of our favourite Knights & Seraphs, revealing some happy insights and some startling insights which will definitely be felt throughout the whole order and we even get to see the Knights & Seraphs working together in the field, which I had been hoping for since the Seraphs arrived.  It definitely had a different feel to it, like things are changing, it feels like the Knights are ‘finding their feet’ and gaining ground against evil – tentatively - but at the same time, evil is upping the stakes and you can feel it all heading towards a critical point where the prophecy becomes real and Azazel’s power play is thwarted and I personally cannot wait! 

PS - It always amuses me how all of the Knights retain their original accents and even though it’s centuries later I can personally attest to the fact that people still do talk similarly, particularly when Caradoc says ‘aye’ for yes because that’s what I say where I’m from and also Declan, a lot of his broad Scottish words are still used today so for all it may seem old, it has stood the test of time.
Excerpt for Immortal Sacrifice.

“I can’t do this right now, Caradoc,” she managed through a tightening throat.  “You need to leave.”

Slowly, he rose to his feet and brought his free hand to the side of her face.  His touch carried the same gentleness he would afford a fragile doll.  Yet the tender caress of his fingertips offered strength Isabelle desperately needed.  It took every last drop of willpower she possessed not to turn her head and press a kiss into his palm.  To not erase the foot of distance between them by stepping forward and taking shelter in his embrace.  She dragged in a shaky breath, willed her weak knees to hold.

Caradoc tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear.  “Is what plagues your dreams the same fear that brought you to tears?”

“No,” she whispered.

At least she hadn’t thought so.  Now that Caradoc raised the possibility, a whole new fear surged down her spine and threatened to buckle her legs.  Paul had taken September—what if the nightmare was true?  It had held the same orangish halo all her prophetic dreams did.

But accepting that possibility meant September was in very real danger.  Isabelle wasn’t ready for that.  She couldn’t allow herself to believe she might fail to secure the necklace, or even worse, have it taken from her before she could return it to Paul.

“Are you certain?”  Caradoc tipped his head, as if he sensed her self-doubt.

“It’s just a dream.”  It must be a dream.  Paul Reid had no reason to kill September.  Certainly not in some decrepit old garden with statues of eerie angels.

Caradoc’s body heat soaked into her, making her painfully aware of how little distance separated them.  Nerve endings, rubbed raw from too many months of separation, arced upright, seeking the comfort of his warmth.  She inhaled sandalwood and sage that flipped her heart wildly into her ribs.  He smelled so good.  She’d always associate that old world aroma with him, no matter how much time passed.  It contented some unnamable part of her soul.  Against her will, her gaze pulled to the soft contours of his mouth.  How easily she could forget…

“Caradoc, you have to go,” she whispered.  Before she did forget.


“Aye.”  His mouth moved, but he showed no sign he intended to follow through.  He remained otherwise still, his only motion, the subtle rub of his thumb against the sensitive underflesh of her bicep.

AUTHOR BIO

Claire Ashgrove
Building on a background of fantasy game design, a fascination with history, and a lifetime love of books, award-winning author Claire Ashgrove brings to life action-filled, passionate journeys of the heart. Her paranormal series, The Curse of the Templars (Tor), marries the history of the Knights Templar with the chilling aspirations of the most unholy--a must-read for speculative fiction fans. She also writes darkly arousing espionage novels as the National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire and historical romance as Sophia Garrett.
In her non-writing time, she’s runs Finish The Story, a full-scale editing house co-founded with Bryan Thomas Schmidt.  She lives in Missouri and enjoys cooking, studying ancient civilizations, and spending downtime with her two sons and too-many horses, cats, and dogs.
To learn more, visit her at:
Twitter: @ClaireAshgrove

Thursday 23 January 2014

A Review for Flame (Sky Chasers #3) by Amy Kathleen Ryan

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Posted by Donna
Release Date: January 16th, 2014
Finished Date: January 18th, 2014
Publishers: Macmillian UK
Genre: YA, Sci-fi
Source: For Review
Format: Paperback
Pages: 336
In the thrilling conclusion to the Sky Chasers series Waverly, Kieran, and Seth struggle to survive on-board the New Horizon—and take down their enemies before it's too late.

Waverly and the other members of the Empyrean have scattered, and their home ship has been destroyed. Their mission to rescue their parents didn't go as planned, and now they're at an even greater disadvantage: trapped with their enemies on the New Horizon, trying to find a way to survive. Kieran has been pulled under Anne Mather’s wing, but is she really trying to make peace, or just using Kieran to build her own power? Meanwhile, Waverly is taken in by a mysterious old man who wants to help her bring Anne Mather down—but the more Waverly cooperates with him, the more dangerous her position is, and the more at odds with Kieran she becomes.

Seth's situation is even worse. After setting out from the Empyrean on his own, with only a vague strategy to guide him, he is a fugitive aboard the New Horizon. He's doing what he can to challenge the power of Anne Mather, but he's badly hurt, and getting sicker.

Will Seth ever see Waverly again? Will his health hold out long enough to help her topple their enemies? And will Waverly find a way to unite with her friends before they all fall? Nothing is sure and every moment is a risk in this explosive finale of the Sky Chasers series.

The Review: Flame is the highly anticipated finale to Amy Kathleen Ryan's explosive Sky Chasers series, and this time we see Waverly, Kieran and Seth trying to take down their enemies aboard the New Horizon in completely different ways. With Anne Mathers trying to organize peace on board, things don't exactly smooth when the people of the Empyrean find it hard to forget. They've lost so much - their home, their friends and their families and starting over on the New Horizon with people that rule with an iron fist, is not what they had in mind. Can Waverly, Kieran and Seth help their people get back all that they lost - or will they forever be under the rule of Anne Mathers? 

As soon as I started Flame, everything I adore about Amy Kathleen Ryan's writing came flooding back to me. From the very first page of this series, I've been completely at Amy's mercy because of her addictive storyline and with each book she's wrote it's been even better than the last, so Flame certainly didn't disappoint. I'm always worried when I head into a final book to a series because you just never know what to expect, and with Amy throwing in so many shocking twists, in all, it was a fantastic conclusion. 

I've always been a fan of Waverly's and this time around, she was just as good. She's clearly had a rougher time because she couldn't see anyway out of the mess her and her friends were in, and the fact that she felt so alone didn't help either. I think she's a very strong character, one that always tries to do the right thing, even though the right thing was not done to her. Her connection with Seth is as strong as ever and I was glad the story didn't focus on the love triangle - if anything, there isn't one any more. All three players - Waverly, Kieran and Seth all know what they want, and I was glad there was a happy ending for all. Seth and Kieran, by the end, I loved both of them. In the first two books I was on one team and then another, but like I said before, I'm glad Flame was more about the plot and not the romance. 

There are many players in the plot of this book, it's exciting to unravel whose really the 'good' person and who deserves to be the leader the most. Old faces pop up and new faces, and the whole story is a really driven plot. It's full of suspense and quiet emotional in parts. So as you can see, there's nothing that I didn't like about this story, there's nothing not to like. I think what stood out for me was the ending. I believe Amy really took the time to deliver an ending that would be unforgettable and do her readers proud, one that if I'm honest shocked me - but in such a good way. I honestly never would have thought about ending it the way she did, but I loved the idea and what she did for the characters was fantastic. 

I'm glad I decided to pick up the Sky Chasers series because it's one of my favourite science fiction series and I honestly don't have many, because I don't read much of the genre. But Amy has created a great series and I'm exciting to see what she writes next! 

Wednesday 22 January 2014

Waiting on Wednesday (#69)

 
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 
Jess's WoW
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Twisted (Tangled #2)
by Emma Chase
Release date: March 25th, 2014

 There are two kinds of people in the world. The ones who look first, and the ones who leap. I’ve always been more of a looker. Cautious. A planner. That changed after I met Drew Evans. He was so persistent. So sure of himself – and of me.

But not all love stories end happily ever after. Did you think Drew and I were going to ride off into the sunset? Join the club. Now I have to make a choice, the most important of my life. Drew already made his –in fact, he tried to decide for the both of us. But you know that’s just not my style. So I came back to Greenville. Alone. Well, sort of alone....

What I've come to realize is that old habits die hard and sometimes you have to go back to where you began, before you can move ahead.

TWISTED picks up two years after Tangled’s end, and is told from Kate’s POV.

Jess's thoughts: Book one was sooooooooooooo funny. And good obviously. I'm a little disappointed this is in Kates POV I was hoping for more Drew, but hey ho! Look forward to reading it anyway! If you haven't picked up Tangled (book 1) then you should! 
Donna's WoW
18746504On India Place (On Dublin Street #4) 
by Samantha Young
Release Date: June 3rd, 2014

The New York Times bestselling author of On Dublin Street and Down London Road returns with a story about letting go of the past and learning to trust in the future…

When Hannah Nichols last saw Marco D’Alessandro, five long years ago, he broke her heart. The bad boy with a hidden sweet side was the only guy Hannah ever loved—and the only man she’s ever been with. After one intense night of giving into temptation, Marco took off, leaving Scotland and Hannah behind. Shattered by the consequences of their night together, Hannah has never truly moved on.

Leaving Hannah was the biggest mistake of Marco’s life, something he has deeply regretted for years. So when fate reunites them, he refuses to let her go without a fight. Determined to make her his, Marco pursues Hannah, reminding her of all the reasons they’re meant to be together.…

But just when Marco thinks they’re committed to a future together, Hannah makes a discovery that unearths the secret pain she’s been hiding from him, a secret that could tear them apart before they have a real chance to start over again…

Donna's thoughts: I just finished Before Jamaica Lane and absolutely loved it and I can't wait for more from Samantha!

<What's your "waiting on" pick this week?
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