From Goodreads: Hell comes home to Jersey. The seven Fallen have returned. Ancient demons with a taste for human flesh are reborn in Newark, New Jersey. Ann, a PhD student, and Mike, a local traffic cop, are all that stand in the Fallen’s way. Trapped in a hospital filled with monsters, there appears to be no way out. That is until they stumble on a crazy patient who claims to be an immortal demon hunter from a century ago. Now they must unravel the mystery of the “Cursed” and battle to escape with not only their lives but their very humanity.

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This novel has a little bit of everything, and I think that many readers, across all spectrums, will really enjoy it.  There are werewolves, vampires, zombies… but these are not the traditional type we’re used to.  Instead, Laube has taken these entities and created a much fiercer, scarier group of monsters, and I loved the explanations and details provided as the monsters multiplied within the novel.

I enjoyed the plot of the story, though at times I did feel like I was missing some information—nothing to the point where I couldn’t follow the story, but I feel like I was left with a lot of questions that weren’t answered, though, as this novel is the first in a series, I think it is natural for readers to feel this way. In terms of characters, I enjoyed most; however, Ann was a little difficult to stomach at times.  For me, she’s a little too naive and her neediness was a little overwhelming.  Yet, she pulls through in the direst of situations, making her a likeable character in the end.  I did thoroughly enjoyed both Mike and Miller, especially as the battle scenes unfolded and Miller attempts to protect those around him from the Fallen.  Overall, I think Laube did a great job putting this novel together; this was a good read.  Three and a half stars. 

 I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven’t given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians.

And now their most threatening enemy yet – the chaos snake Apophis – is rising. If they don’t prevent him from breaking free in a few days’ time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it’s a typical week for the Kane family.

To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished.

First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?

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Earlier this year, when I read The Red Pyramid, I found myself extremely interested in this new series by Rick Riordan.  But, I have to be honest and state that I actually didn’t care for this second novel at all.  I feel like Throne of Fire will be a hit with MG and below, and perhaps some young teenagers, but it definitely rubbed me the wrong way.  Our two narrators are back, Sadie and Carter, and they’re once again up to their antics, but this time I found their banter to be somewhat trite and obnoxious.  Now, it was written for the younger crowd, and I’m an old lady (according to my students) so I think that plays a part in my reading of the novel, but at the same time, I just feel like the banter is a little too childish in this novel.  I didn’t feel that way in The Red Pyramid, though on occasion the banter in that novel was a bit taxing, but this novel really got to me. 

While I did enjoy the Egyptian gods and goddesses, especially as I haven’t read/learned much about them aside from this series, Riordan painted them in a different light than he paints the Greek gods in his Percy Jackson series.  On multiple occasions I felt like the gods and goddesses in this novel were portrayed in an extremely juvenile way, coming across a bit foolish, though I didn’t notice it as much in the first novel.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I think Riordan is an exceptionally talented writer, but this series is not for me.  Two stars.

I suppose I should probably start by setting the scene…

(ahem… cough… cough… mi-mi-mi-mi…)

Okay, here goes…

This is the city of Saint Louis. I work here. There are a million potential stories in this city. Crime. Romance. Late fees at the video rental store… Even rotten produce at the supermarket. Somebody has to make up all of these tales. That’s where I come in. My name’s Sellars; I carry a pencil.

Now that we have THAT out of the way… You may or may not have heard of me. If you have, then this is a good thing (I hope.) If you haven’t, well that just makes me “have a sad,” so let’s see if we can change that.

The long and short: My name is M. R. Sellars and I write. Some of what I write actually makes it to bookstore shelves, and that’s how I afford beer. However, taking that side road would just lead us into the LONG, and I should really stick to the SHORT…

The SHORT being this: I have been writing a long running series of paranormal thrillers called THE ROWAN GANT INVESTIGATIONS since the late 90’s. At present, there are 10 books in the series with more on the way. However, most recently I took a left turn at Albuquerque, so to speak, and ended up writing a spin-off novel featuring one of the supporting characters from the RGI Series, and that has, in effect, launched a second series.

Yeah, I know. I’m a glutton for punishment. Just ask my wife; she’ll be happy to verify that fact.

And so, this latest novel, the first in the Special Agent Constance Mandalay Series has just been released, and that’s the topic of the day. The question put to me was, “What is the nature of the story and from where did the idea originate?”

Well… You might want to hit the restroom, then grab a snack and get comfortable. This could take a few minutes.

The novel in question, IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER actually had a humble, and very tongue-in-cheek beginning. To be perfectly honest, it started literary life as a pun looking for a place to happen, even though it didn’t end up that way. Seriously… I’m not kidding.

So there you go: pun, book, the rest is history… ‘nuff said.

What? Not enough info? Umm, okay… You’re correct. I suppose I should explain a bit more.

The short answer is that I blog. However, I’m sort of the odd-man-out as far as writers who blog are concerned, because I don’t write about “writing.” If I do it is generally a bit of satire, because that’s how I decompress from the business of word slinging for fun and paycheck. In short, I write satire for the purpose of amusement – even if I am the only person it amuses.

So, to make a long story even longer (we writers call that padding for word count) I was thinking up silliness about which to blog and came up with the idea that I could write a satirical holiday blog series for the Christmas season about an ax murderer named Merrie Axemas – sort of horror/thriller/pun-filled comedy serialized story. I made some notes about the idea, and then managed to lose them on my desk, which in itself isn’t surprising since my desk is sort of an unregulated landfill of notes and scribbled upon cocktail napkins. However, since Christmas was still several months away the whole thing completely slipped my mind.

Until several months later…

I had myself another idea… That happens sometimes. Actually it happens more often than not, and some of the ideas should never see the light of day because they’re just plain silly, but we won’t go there. So, anyway, the idea was this: After writing a mess of novels that folks had to buy I thought, “Hey, why not write a quick novelette and give it away as a Christmas gift to readers as a thank you for buying all those other novels?”

Little did I know where such a thing would lead, especially when I ran the idea past my editor and she liked it… A lot…

So, that’s what I did. As it turned out, the holiday ax murderer idea popped back into my head, so I quickly penned a short novella titled – MERRIE AXEMAS: A KILLER HOLIDAY TALE. It featured Special Agent Constance Mandalay – a supporting character from the RGI series – out on her own as the protagonist with no “Rowan Gant Safety Net” to help her deal with paranormal. However, instead of being satire, it was dark, twisted, and a bit gut wrenching – no big surprise given the way my mind works and the serial killer / thriller aspect of the other books I write.

And now, to make a long story just a little longer, my publisher loved it as well, as the idea of giving it away worked not only as a gift, but as a bit of good will marketing, too. It was released in e-format in time for Christmas 2010, and the response from my readership was great, but with one caveat. Well, two actually. One, they wanted more of the story. Two, they wanted more of Constance out on her own.

Since the e-novella was open ended, and had plenty of room to fill in details about the back-story as well, IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER was born – as was a whole new series built around SA Mandalay. And now, the rest is history for real this time…

Except that I should probably explain that whole gut-wrenching aspect, eh?

Okay, so here’s the thing…

The crime that starts – and drives – the whole story is a child abduction and molestation. In all honesty this is a subject about which I had told myself I would NEVER write. Child abuse, and any of its associated aspects such as molestation – are the epitome of evil in my mind. Always have been, always will be. When I became a father, well let’s just say my view on it became even more intense. I think the “Special Hell” is too good for such people. However, as writers we need to push our own boundaries, because that is when we do our best work. So I gave in to the idea for the story, even thought to write about those subjects was more than just pushing my boundaries – it actually went several steps further outside my comfort zone than anything else I had penned.

With IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER being a full-length novel, the back-story became a big part of the overall arc and had to be expanded. I was not about to write graphic details of the abuse, so I elected to approach it from the standpoint of the young victim. Because of that I had to do a huge amount of textual research on abuse, and even more importantly, spend time interviewing a member of the Children’s Advocacy Centers who trains child abuse investigators. One of the ways they do that is to have actors play the part of abused children for mock interviews. Believe me, I gained some rare insights that I will never forget.

When my source with the Children’s Advocacy Centers read the draft, she sent me an email and the comment that stood out was that the story was “disturbing,” in that it seemed real. She went on to explain that she felt as if she was actually listening to a real ten-year-old victim internalizing the horror. That meant that I had accomplished my mission, which was to portray a believable character without actually getting into sickening details of the abuse. I was, of course, elated that I had been able to evoke the sought after response with prose, but at the same time I was disturbed as well – for that very reason. Because I succeeded in writing such a convincing character, I found myself mourning for her loss of innocence, and I had to remind myself that she was, in fact, a character on the page and not real. I know that sounds a little crazy, but hey, I write fiction. I have to be a little crazy.

As to the rest of the story, almost all of my writing contains an aspect of the paranormal or the occult. Such things have always held a fascination for me, probably because they are an embodiment of the unknown. Anything that keeps us tense, on the edges of our seats, gets our hearts racing, and/or has us waiting for the next shoe to drop is enough to scare us – as it very often has that “U Word” inextricably attached to it; and that is something that frightens – and, in effect, thrills – me personally. Sort of like a roller coaster in the dark, I suppose.

And I have now written way more than I probably should have, and Shana is never going to invite me back… So, if there are any questions feel free to ask. I’ll be more than happy to swing by, check the comments, and give you an answer. If I don’t have one handy, I’ll make one up.

Don’t worry… Making stuff up is what I do.

–M. R. Sellars

From Goodreads:  For the people of Hulis, Missouri, the Christmas holidays are Hell.

On December 22^nd, 1975, something unthinkable happened in the small northern Midwest town of Hulis, Missouri—something so heinous that it turned the holidays into a waking nightmare.

Now, 35 years later, it’s happening all over again, and for those involved, Christmas will never be the same…

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Willow Tree Press has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, and I must say I am in awe of M.R. Sellars.  This is a riveting read, and I highly enjoyed it, especially the many twists and turns in this “whodunit” murder mystery. 

The first section of the novel deals with events as they are happening in 1975, yet most of the novel is spent in 2010, and I thoroughly enjoyed that the novel remains in the present tense throughout both timeframes.  This allows the reader to actually become a part of the story, becoming privy to background knowledge that not all the characters in 2010 are privy to.  It also allows the reader to make pertinent connections between the past and the present as much of what happens in 2010 revolves around what happened in 1975. 

Constance and Clovis are two wonderful characters that really add to the story.  I enjoyed them very much, especially as Constance is such a strong female lead, and Sheriff Carmichael is a modern day Sherlock Holmes.  Watching FBI agent Constance unravel the mystery was a lot of fun, and I’ll admit that at times I had chills; Sellars is able to transport the reader to Hulis through his prose, and at times it felt very real; almost too real…

I also thoroughly enjoyed that this novel is a true murder mystery.  While we quickly learn what really happened to Merrie in 1975, the fact that it’s happening all over again, without the key players, creates an eerie foundation for the novel; one that I enjoyed very much.  The story itself flows very well and is extremely believable, though Sellars does throw in some supernatural aspects at the end, which caught me off guard.  As it was such a believable novel for the majority of the read, I have to admit that I struggled a bit with comprehending the ending, but in retrospect, so do Constance and Sheriff Carmichael , so I almost feel as if this were intentional on Sellar’s part. 

All in all, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.  Yet, reader beware, this story does deal with a pedophile, which I wish I had known going into the story as I thoroughly dislike reading about things such as that.  However, while this portion of the story has strong bearings on the novel as a whole, it’s thankfully not flaunted in the face of the reader.  In other words, the pedophile’s actions aren’t explicitly written into the text, which is great, because I honestly wouldn’t have been able to read the story otherwise, and I’d have missed out on a fantastic story!  Four stars.

From Goodreads: It’s the near future, and society is government controlled.  Technology tracks everyone, personal privacy does not exist, and even food supplies are being monitored. The hope for freedom lies in the operations of an underground organization, GOG, which fights against worldwide oppression. Their most powerful weapon is Ann Torgeson, a paranormally-gifted operative, who unseals The Prophecies with her powers. With the government doggedly pursuing her, she goes underground, fleeing the Pacific Northwest, but not before leaving three murders, one suicide, and an explosion behind her. Will she and her companions survive to change the world after everything twists and turns upside down?

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This modern day 1984 is just as riveting as Orwell’s novel, but if I had to choose, really choose, I’d take Hawley’s series over Orwell any day.  Why?  Not only has Hawley created a unique futuristic novel, but she’s also done much research into current events of our time, weaving them into her story and making it even scarier than 1984 ever was.  The future Hawley represents isn’t that far away; 2015 will be here before we know it and the multiple references to current leaders, epidemics, and catastrophes makes this all the more real for the reader.  Multiple times, as I read, I pulled up short and thought to myself, “that’s right, the U.S. is trying to pass this law,” or “That just happened,” causing me to wonder what the real outcome will be if certain laws are passed, etc.  Books that cause me to question my own here and now are one of my favorites, and Hawley really doesn’t disappoint in this sequel to Dreams Unleashed.

I actually liked this novel even more than the first, partially because its main focus is the future, whereas much of Dreams Unleashed concentrates on the past and the future, jumping back and forth a bit.  I highly enjoyed this main focus of Guardian of Time as the events are much more continuous and, as I’ve said before, scary.  I also feel like it was a bit easier to read since it mainly stayed in one timeframe, though, don’t get me wrong, I loved Dreams Unleashed as well! 

I really enjoyed the paranormal aspects of this novel.  Hawley has added this one twist to our future—and, in my opinion, it’s paranormalcy at its best.  I love the fact that Ann can invade dreams and change events, both past and future, by adding or taking away key elements within the dream.  I may be the minority here, but I’ve always wished I could make my dreams a reality, and Ann’s dreams actually are, which is just too cool.  Honestly, this novel really will take your breath away.  I can’t wait for the third installment in this series, especially as this novel ended on such a cliffhanger!  Five stars. [Scroll down for the giveaway of Dreams Unleashed]

Read what Linda Hawley had to say about her usage of current events within the series.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Haven’t started this series yet?  Check out the trailer for these awesome books:

From Goodreads:  David meets Goliath in the law courts of England in the 1990’s. The advent of the Internet is leveling the playing field as a multinational corporation tries to silence two young political activists in a riveting court case that captivates the political and business world’s attention.

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Set in the 1990s when the internet is just emerging, Shalev has created a really interesting, fictional novel based on the events of a McDonald’s libel trial in England during the same time period.  Focusing on a multinational corporation dealing in oil, the novel revolves around two young activists, Suzie and Bill, who find themselves sued for libel.  The novel quickly heats up as the narrator, Matt, decides to use the internet to raise awareness and help for Suzie, the woman of his dreams, after he meets her one evening, starting a whirlwind romance neither of them expected.  I found this to be a very well written novel dealing with the court systems in England and, being an American, it was quite interesting to see the differences between the two systems. 

Shalev has created thought-provoking characters that are quite deep, though they seem a bit shallow in the beginning of the novel.  I have to admit, in the beginning I was a little concerned that this novel might not be for me, especially as there was a sexual encounter and the characters seemed a bit trite.  However, Shalev quickly bypasses the introductions of the characters to the reader and begins to round them out as they fight for their beliefs.  This is one of those novels where you can’t help but route for the underdog.  I have never thought about it before, but multinational corporations have an extreme amount of power and ability to cover their tracks.  Watching Suzie and Bill take on the court system and represent themselves was riveting; I was reminded of John Grisham novels as the proceeding wore on—the attention to detail and readability/explanations helped put the reader right there in the courtroom alongside the cast of characters that Shalev has created.  This was a great read, and anyone interested in court proceedings and the underdog really needs to read this book.  Four stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tour Dates (and GIVEAWAYS):

From Goodreads: How far would a villain go to help a friend? Lord Arkus of Blackriver Castle thinks doing three heroic deeds is a bit too far. Not only it’s plain detestable, it can ruin his reputation and get him in trouble with the Villains League. On the other hand, it’s not like he’s got friends to spare. And losing the League’s membership isn’t the end of the world, one can always work independently.
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When I read books like this, I’m always in awe of the sheer amount of imagination that authors must have in order to create such captivating stories, and Lond doesn’t disappoint in this sequel as its full of magical creatures, quests, and new companions.  In fact, this sequel to My Sparkling Misfortune was just as much fun as the first!  Lond brings back our favorite characters, as well as adding some new ones along the way, making for a spectacular, witty read.  Poor Lord Arkus must decide whether it’s worth it to perform heroic deeds in order to help his Sparkling, Jarvi, but once he’s decided, we’re off on another fabulous quest, this time dealing with witches, mermen, sea-creatures, and even magical berries.   Lond never ceases to amaze me as her story takes on many twists and turns, creating an highly imaginative tale that the whole family will enjoy.  I highly recommend this series to all.  Four stars!

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: Lord Arkus of Blackriver Castle readily admits that he is a villain and sees no reason why it should stop him from being the protagonist of this book. After all, Prince Kellemar, an aspiring hero, has defeated him in a rather questionable way. Bent on revenge, Arkus attempts to capture a powerful evil spirit who would make him nearly invincible, but a last-minute mistake leaves him with a Sparkling instead—“a goody-goody spirit that helps heroes, watches over little children, and messes up villains’ plans.” Bound to Lord Arkus for five years of service and sworn to act in his best interests, the Sparkling is not easy to get rid of, and of course his understanding of “best interests” is quite different from what Lord Arkus has in mind.

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Lond has created an extremely fun read in her novel, My Sparkling Misfortune.  Although Lord Arkus is a “villain” of sorts, he is exceptionally funny, and Lond’s sheer wit and storytelling ability will have the reader glued to the story from the very first page.  I was surprised how much I enjoyed the story, especially because I thought it was going to be for MG and below, since it’s illustrated (for some reason I associate illustrations with childhood books).  Yet, not only are the illustrations great, but the story as a whole grips the read and doesn’t let go until it’s over. 

This is a hilarious novel.  I’m not one to laugh aloud when I’m reading; it’s a very rare feat, but Lond had me going with her portrayal of Lord Arkus and the other loveable characters throughout this epic tale.  I absolutely adored this novel; it’s great for all ages, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cute novel that will make them laugh.  I can’t wait to read the sequel, My Royal Pain Quest! Four stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: It has been an extraordinary summer for archaeologist Curt Lohan.  First, he discovered a magnificent manmade cave in the Canary Islands off the African coast.  Then, while exploring a newly-found gunpowder magazine inside a 300-year-old stone Spanish fort in St. Augustine, Florida, a man emerged.  The man is killed by police before his identity can be ascertained. All evidence indicates that the man had been sealed in the room for centuries.  When Curt uncovers a link between the Canary Island cave and the unidentified man, he realizes that he has stumbled upon a secret lost in history; the catalyst for the Fountain of Youth legend.  But the revelation holds terrifying consequences.  And there are those willing to murder to guard the truth.  As Northeast Florida braces for a deadly hurricane, Curt and his friends are drawn into a monumental conspiracy which could alter the balance of power…and destroy humanity.

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Religious or not, most people know the story of Noah’s Ark.  But, what if we don’t have all the facts?  What if the animals we know today weren’t the only animals Noah took onto his boat?  What if one of those animals was not from human realms, but a paranormal entity more powerful than anything we’ve ever seen before?  Intrigued?  So was I as I embarked on this riveting read!  

I was highly impressed with the storyline, writing, and characters as Williams and Knerly piece together this enchanting story full of mystery and intrigue.  Although the connections between characters and events are not explained immediately, allowing for much speculation on the readers part, Williams and Knerly do a fantastic job aligning all the pieces of the puzzle while opening the scenes to the reader and making him/her a part of the story.  The “aha” moments in this novel really made it a fun read, especially with its fast paced, event driven prose.  And, while I will admit that, on more than one occasion, I wasn’t sure where certain events were leading me as I read, Williams and Knerly knew exactly where they were taking me and left no stone unturned, paying explicit attention to detail and bringing it all together in the end. 

This fast paced novel is extremely gripping; I was spellbound from the very beginning, and the characterization was excellent.  All the characters, but especially Curt and Sherri, were well rounded and poignant.  Watching them come together and work out the clues for themselves was exciting, and I highly enjoyed them throughout the story. All in all, this is a great read for YA and beyond.  Four stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exhange honest review. 

From Goodreads: Rose McKenna volunteers as a lunch mom in her daughter Melly’s school in order to keep an eye on Amanda, a mean girl who’s been bullying her daughter. Her fears come true when the bullying begins, sending Melly to the bathroom in tears. Just as Rose is about to follow after her daughter, a massive explosion goes off in the kitchen, sending the room into chaos. Rose finds herself faced with the horrifying decision of whether or not to run to the bathroom to rescue her daughter or usher Amanda to safety. She believes she has accomplished both, only to discover that Amanda, for an unknown reason, ran back into the school once out of Rose’s sight. In an instance, Rose goes from hero to villain as the small community blames Amanda’s injuries on her. In the days that follow, Rose’s life starts to fall to pieces, Amanda’s mother decides to sue, her marriage is put to the test, and worse, when her daughter returns to school, the bullying only intensifies. Rose must take matters into her own hands and get down to the truth of what really happened that fateful day in order to save herself, her marriage and her family.

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This novel is interesting in that it starts out as a drama, but later becomes a mystery as Rose embarks on a quest to find the truth while protecting her daughter and clearing her name.  Honestly, I didn’t know what I was going to think of this novel when I picked it up.  Originally, I was excited, but as I read the many reviews out there, across all the spectrums, I began to wonder if I would like it at all.  What I found, upon reading it, is that I truly loved it, but it is for a certain type of reader… one who is able to look past far-fetched scenarios and timelines and just enjoy a work on the whole.  If that doesn’t sound like you, you may not care for this novel, but I highly enjoyed it.

The novel starts out very real.  The situation Rose finds herself in, choosing to help her own child, or the bully who constantly picks on Melly, is one no one would ever relish.  It’s a very tough decision, one that need to be made in a split second, and I truly agree with what Rose chose—trying to save them both.  This is a very real depiction of a mother’s worst nightmare, and though I believe Rose made the right decision, it haunts her as Amanda ends up hurt anyway.  Though the town doesn’t know all the facts, a mob mentality quickly takes over, and watching as Rose runs the gauntlet of her peers was gut wrenching at times.  Throughout it all, I sided with Rose and what she did, but it is her choices after the fact that made me want to shake her.  Understandably, she is under a lot of stress, as any parent would be in this situation, and I love that Scottoline keeps this very real.  This situation really could happen.  Yet, while I realize Rose is not always thinking clearly, the fact that she repeatedly makes stupid mistakes drove me insane, especially as her husband and lawyers do give her great advice, but her stubbornness gets in the way of heeding it.  In this circumstance, it is Rose that digs her own social grave within the township.  Again, this is very real, and though Rose occasionally made me angry through her asinine decisions, I can’t say I’d be any different if my child’s life, and my family, were on the line.   

When the story gives way to mystery, I became extremely excited as it added to the drama of the township, however, things began to become a little far-fetched as it progressed.  For instance, the entire story takes place within one week and Rose comes upon all the conclusions on her own.  While I guess this could happen, the chances of this being real begin to diminish, and so I can see where many readers may have lost fervor when reading—taking a story that could be real, and then setting it outside reality, tends to have this effect.  Although I enjoyed the story on the whole (it’s a true rollercoaster ride), the fact that some of it is beyond reality did have a slight impact on me, which is why I’m rating this novel as a four star read, and not a five star one.

I won a copy of this novel from Goodreads First Reads.

From Goodreads: It’s Christmas Eve, and Vera Coffey is on the run. She doesn’t know the men who are after her. She has never seen them before, but she has seen the horrors they visit on people who don’t give them what they want. Vera has something they want badly. She’d give it up if it weren’t the only thing keeping her alive.

The Larkins have known the toll violence takes on a family ever since they were trapped in a madman’s shooting rampage. They’ve been coping with the trauma for nearly twenty years. Now, on a cold and lonely winter morning, Vera collapses at their roadside motel. And she’s brought something with her. Together they’ll have to make one last stand against an evil that has followed them further than anyone could’ve imagined.
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I honestly don’t know what I think of this novel.  I mean, I’m still trying to figure out what exactly happened.  I think the premise for the novel was there, but I got lost somewhere between the multiple characters and the fantastical situations within the story.  While I understand both the Larkins’ and Vera’s situation, the connecting force between them, the box, the man staying at the motel, and the Pitch was a bit blurry.  There were so many characters and I really had a hard time connecting with them all; I would have liked them to be a little more fleshed out as I think it may have added to the suspense of the novel had I cared more about what happened to the characters. 

While this novel is classified as horror, I wouldn’t say it is scary as much as it is bloody.  This isn’t something I’d give my kids to read, that’s for sure, as the murders and scenes within it made me a bit ill.  I think this novel might be enticing for those who enjoy gore and such, perhaps those who enjoy the Saw movies will like this novel, but it’s not for me.  Two stars.

I won a copy of this novel from Goodreads First Reads.

From Goodreads:  Matthew and Bracus of the Band travel alongside eighteen-year old queen, Clara Williamson, as she journeys to the sea to unlock the puzzle of her lineage.

Trouble strikes when the fragment absorbs Prince Frederic and undertake plans that involve Clara and her home sphere in a dangerous scheme of coercion.

It isn’t long before Clara discovers the Guardians terrible secret through horrible circumstances she must escape from.

Can Clara protect herself from her own destiny?

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If you ask me, I’d have to say that Blodgett’s writing keeps getting better with time. Although I really enjoyed the first novel in this series, The Pearl Savage, I absolutely adored The Savage Blood.  Blodgett has fleshed out her amazing characters even more in this sequel, giving the reader new insights and explanations regarding Clara’s background, as well as the world in which the characters all thrive.  This really is a riveting read, and I can’t explain enough how mind-blowing this novel really is.

I love that this novel is set in the future, but feels much more like the past, and there’s a reason for this, but I can’t give away any secrets.  One of the ways Blodgett is able to make this novel feel like it’s in the past is through maintaining a more archaic dialogue throughout the novel.  This, to me, is amazing and shows just how much time and thought Blodgett put into writing this series.  The dialogue never slips into more modern lingo in terms of the main characters, and while more modern colloquialisms do end up playing a part in the novel, Blodgett explains their appearance within the story very well. I thought this usage of proper archaic language versus modern slang was fascinating and really love the way Blodgett brings them together both inside, and outside, the sphere.

Though this story isn’t real, and neither are the circumstances, Blodgett is able to create such a riveting world that it becomes real for the reader.  I felt as if I was a part of the story throughout the entire novel, which is an absolutely awesome feeling, but also a little disconcerting as some of the characters, such as Prince Frederic, have a bit of a violent streak.  Blodgett has made her characters and setting so real that I felt the same terror, pain, anger, and anxiety that Clara felt through much of the novel, yet I also felt the love, joy, peace, and happiness that permeates throughout the novel as well.  Blodgett does a phenomenal job with this story so that it is fast paced and exciting, but doesn’t overwhelm the reader either.  I love novels that make me feel a part of the action, and if you do too, then this is definitely a series for you!  Five stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

NOOK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1036484851?ean=2940013485884&itm=4&usri=tamara+rose+blodgett

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Savage-Blood-post-apocalyptic-novel-ebook/dp/B006978WMQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1321680097&sr=1-4

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/104509

From Goodreads: Wendy kills vampires just to get by. But do they really exist? Or is Wendy simply mad?

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First of all, the cover… fantastically creepy!  I love it!  I also love that this is a really cryptic short story concerning Wendy and her vampires.  It was a quick read and I had a good time trying to figure out what Wendy was really up to.  I feel like this would be a great story for my AP students to sit down and analyze.  It’s isn’t terribly long, and it leaves itself open to multiple interpretations, perfect for a student learning to use Formalism to dissect a text.  I can just imagine the debates we could have with this well written, interesting text, especially as it’s nothing like the dry materials we are currently reading and analyzing.  I may just have to try this, if I can come across paperback copies. 

I especially enjoyed that, while this is a “vampire” novel, it’s not dealing so much with vampires than with the stability of Wendy’s own mind, and the ending, which, as I said before, is open for interpretation, really leaves the reader breathless.  This is why I think it would be so much fun to analyze and debate this with a group of people.  Three stars.

From Goodreads: When a trio of academics research documents that point to a class of beings they classify as zombies for want of a better word, Nancy Palmer meets Basil who turns out to be 144 years old. As the evidence mounts that there actually are such “living dead,” Nancy and her colleagues struggle with the difficulty of making that knowledge public. Nancy’s relationship to Basil brings her into mortal danger in the form of Exiter, a serious criminal zombie. Nancy’s brief affair with Basil ends when he disappears. A female zombie who befriends Nancy volunteers to be used as a demonstration to invited scientists in order to prove that zombies exist but not as they are usually portrayed.

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This novel started out really, really good, but, sadly, I feel it went downhill from there.  Now, keep in mind that I’m somewhat old fashioned, and certain things within novels, such as explicit sex scenes, really turn me off from a book.  I think that’s part of what happened in this novel, but let me back up a bit and start from the beginning.  Hamilton draws the reader in through a series of short excerpts in which people mysteriously disappear, or die, only to be seen roaming naked about the countryside by a lone witness a few days later.  This element of storytelling always draws me in, especially because they’re short stories with a definite connection, but the ending for each one is left up in the air.  Hamilton doesn’t finish these short excerpts with any conclusive evidence, but rather strings them together, somewhat like a magazine of strange sightings, forcing the reader to make sense of the information on his/her own.  I love things like this… it’s like Unsolved Mysteries all over again!  However, in this novel, all these short excerpts do have a purpose, and as the story unfolds, the reader finds out, alongside Nancy and her colleagues, that these urban legends are actually a reality.  

I loved how Hamilton strung all this information together, keeping the reader’s interest peaked; however, as the plot thickened, I felt like the story became a little choppy at times, jumping from place to place, and scene to scene.  I also felt that the last quarter of the novel was a bit too rushed for my taste.  The novel had a great, slow start, explaining everything to the reader, but as the story went on, I felt like the plotline began to break down in some areas, becoming choppy and losing its flow.  There were a few times that I had to re-read sections as new characters were introduced and the story went off in a completely different direction, leaving me a bit confused as to what had just happened.  Yet, regardless, the novel did keep my attention and I think Hamilton had a great premise for his novel, so it is unfortunate that I did find that my love for the novel begin to dwindle. 

My main issue, of course, is with the sexually explicit scenes within the novel.  I, personally, don’t stomach these scenes very well and, honestly,  I was shocked by their inclusion in the novel.  As the book had been so clean and precise for the entire first half of the story, I wasn’t expecting it to become rated R in a matter of moments.  I, personally, don’t see the need to throw detailed sex scenes into novels, and I tend to shy away from that type of writing, so I have to admit I was thrown for a loop when the scene hit.  Once it was over, however, it went back to be a great story and I thought to myself that it was over and it wouldn’t happen again.  However, there were more sexual encounters within the novel after that, and I was really put off by it.  Now, it doesn’t bother many people, and that is fine, but I’m biased and I have to admit that it does bother me and, therefore, does affect my feelings for the novel.  I wish I could say it doesn’t, because the writing was relatively good, and the plotline was good for the most part, aside from some of the choppiness, but I have to be honest with myself, and for me, the explicit scenes undermined a lot of the text.  So, it is with great sadness that I can only give this novel two and a half stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads:  For young Joanna, an invitation from the enigmatic fashion designer 5 to visit his opulent studio seems like a dream come true, but all is not as it seems in the secluded Victorian mansion 5 calls home. Like an unholy combination of a fever dream and a traditional gothic thriller comes The House of Thirteen Doors.

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This is a fairly short read, one that’s good for those evenings when you’re looking for a substantial piece that you can finish in one sitting.  It will make you think, though.  This fast paced piece keeps the reader thoroughly engaged, and the creep factor is definitely there as Joanna seeks out 5 within the realms of his own home.  I read this novella right before bed and, reader beware, I had some very weird dreams that night…

The House of Thirteen Doors isn’t what I expected at all, and I must commend the author on the fact that his story does emulate the gothic novel to a tee.  I really love gothic novels, and although this one has a little more sinister sexual relations than I am used to in my reading, I think the author did a great job putting it all together.

I will admit that, at times, I had to re-read paragraphs because there is some really weird stuff that goes on within the novella.  I also had to be on my toes the entire time, just like Joanna, so I didn’t miss any morsels of information, especially as everything happens so quickly.  All in all, it’s a good, short read with a kicker ending that I think most will highly enjoy.  Three stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: Kaia’s entire life has erupted in flames after an assassin appears and burns her village down. She’s rescued by a god from another planet who requests her help because she’s the descendant of their last savior. Together with Reeze — the only other survivor from her village and her appointed guardian — they set off on a quest to find the treasures of the gods in hopes of preventing a dire prophesy. Kaia and Reeze quickly meet the Tueors, a group of people many thought extinct, who are searching specifically for Kaia. Their intention: to protect the truth. As Kaia discovers more about the truth and her family’s past, she also learns of the Tueors’ bloody secret. Will Kaia be the savior the gods have been waiting for? Or will she let the prophesy come true?

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This was a very interesting novel, especially as it deals with different worlds, complete with mermaids/mermen, gods and goddesses, and even vampires.  Although I didn’t always agree with, or like, Kaia’s character, I must say that she has spunk!  She has the world pulled out from under her, in a way, as everything she ever knew, and everyone she ever loved, is taken away from her in one foul swoop, yet she remains strong and is able to quickly overcome feelings of despair.  I really liked her based on this aspect alone, and though I thought some of the decisions she made were not the best, per say, I think, overall, that Freitas did a great job creating a round main character in Kaia. 

Reeze is another interesting character, and though all the foreshadowing within the novel pointed in one direction, I remained stoutly by his side, even as he was cast into doubt by others around him.  He’s a quiet brooding type, handsome and reclusive, yet caring just the same.  Just like with Kaia, although I didn’t always agree with him or his actions, I truly enjoyed him as a character.

Freitas has created a great novel for MG and YA, and although it can be a little slow at times, the plotline and characters are interesting enough that it keeps the reader bound to it.  I really enjoyed reading about the many different types of heroes that Freitas has strung together in her novel, and watching this unlikely crew, humans, mermaids, vampires, Tuoers, and demigods all work together to save and protect Kaia was a real treat.  Three and a half stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: Natalie Watson doesn’t believe the reports about the way her parents died. In fact, she’s not sure she believes in much of anything these days. But after moving from her home in Georgia to her aunt’s boarding school in Maine, solving the mystery of her parents’ deaths is just one of several things on her mind. When she’s not fending off attacks from the popular kids or taking refuge in the pages of a novel, she ponders the rumors circulating about a certain boy in her math class… a boy with fiery red hair who never speaks to anyone.

Despite suspicions that he may have murdered his sister a year earlier, Natalie finds it impossible to stay away from Liam Abernathy – especially when he confesses to knowing something about her parents. Soon she’s following him into the forest, where things happen she doesn’t understand… things that shouldn’t be possible….

As Liam’s story unfolds, Natalie realizes she’s more connected to him than she ever thought – and not everyone she counts as a friend can be trusted.

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This is one of those novels that I just happened to stumble upon, thanks to Amazon.  I really love the recommendation feature on sites like Amazon and Barnes and Nobel, but I’m going to be honest, I am the reader that looks at the covers of books and, if it is appealing, will pick it up and read the synopsis.  Then, if the synopsis is interesting, I’ll read the book.  I know, I know, we aren’t supposed to judge books by their covers, but let’s be honest here: we are an aesthetic people.  We like things that are pleasing to the eye, or things that peak our interest, grab our attention.  That doesn’t mean there has to be a hot girl or guy on the cover; there doesn’t even have to be color on the cover!  But it does need to be alluring enough that I’ll pick it up, and though many readers won’t admit this, it’s true for a lot of us, and especially true for younger adults (at least, it’s true for the ones I teach).  A bland cover never cuts it for me, and I’ll walk right by the book because it didn’t strike my fancy.  I’m not saying that always happens, but it certainly does if I haven’t ever heard of the book before…  Now, looking at the cover of The Clearing, my interest was sparked, and by sparked I mean I looked at it and clicked the book right away.  That’s it, a split second decision.  I like the cover.  I like the woods, weird things happen in woods, so my interest has been peaked.  Of course, upon reading the synopsis, which you’ve now read above, I was sold.  It’s the second paragraph that really did it for me, a boy who might have killed his sister… a girl running off into the forest to see what he’s doing… wow!  This is right up my alley.  And so, I read it, and I loved it. 

Riley has done a phenomenal job creating an intense piece that keeps the reader’s interest from start to finish.  Natalie is a wonderful character.  She’s caring, concerned, smart, yet struggling with the death of her parents.  She’s not a push over, and though her roommate and school peers taunt her for being the new girl, she takes it with stride and doesn’t let it ruin her life.  I really liked that about her.  It was refreshing to see a character so sure of herself that bullying didn’t cause her to crumple to nothing.  I also really enjoyed the strong adult presence throughout the novel—Natalie doesn’t suffer alone, and she has a wonderful relationship with her aunt, confiding in her and letting her aunt know about the bullying.  Yet, the novel’s main focus isn’t as much dealing with bullying as it is with Liam and the secrets he holds.  Yes, Liam is the mysterious redhead suspected of murdering his own sister, though no evidence has even been found.  He’s a very cryptic character, and though we don’t get to know him right away, as the novel progresses, we learn a lot of interesting information about him as a character and, through him, we learn the connection between the alternating stories within the novel.

Okay, let me back up.  This novel really drew me in because there are alternating stories.  The novel actually begins 317 years in the past, and the scene we first witness is quite chilling.  Yet, Riley doesn’t give the reader all the facts just yet, and the next chapter jumps into present day, where we first meet Liam and Natalie.  I was intrigued by both stories, but didn’t make the connection until halfway through the book.  When I finally did make the connection, I’ll admit I was flabbergasted.  I can’t divulge any secrets, but I can say that it threw me for a loop and actually made the story even more powerful, in my opinion, as Riley made some awesome connections between the past and present.

Honestly, this is a phenomenal story, and I really enjoyed it.  The main characters are fleshed out and real, and while I would have liked to know a little more about some of the other characters, like Ethan, as they’re not the core characters, I feel Riley did a great job.  She is an author to watch, and she’s made a true fan out of me!  I cannot wait for more novels!  Four and a half stars!

From Goodreads: For the young boy, Ali, growing up in Iram, the City of Pillars, one of the most important cities on the Incense Route, life is filled with both wonder and pain. His mother died when he was a babe, protecting him from the ravages of a desert haboob. His brother, Hassan, has been his guardian and guide during his childhood. Saad, his best friend, has been his fellow when it comes to getting into trouble.

Now, this one night will bring about an incredible miracle as the legendary Tower rises from the depths of Iram’s oasis and opens its gates, spilling wonders and treasures. The tower comes only once a century and all the people of the known world anxiously await its arrival.

It is said that wishes might well come true on the Night of the Tower. What is never said is that horrors may be born from the heights of the tower as well. Chasing his elder brother, Hassan, into the tower, Ali and his friend, Saad, climb to heights they were never meant to see and uncover things they were never meant to know.

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This short story has a very interesting concept. Once every hundred years, the Tower ascends, bringing with it riches and wealth… as well as horrors that none have seen and lived to talk about.  This story, while starting off like any typical story, quickly becomes anything but as Beineke releases the horrors of the Tower upon the reader.   

While I enjoyed the story overall, I do have to admit that I didn’t really care for the sexual aspects within it.  I’m a little old fashioned; I know.  And, while the story is not completely filled with erotic images and the like, there is some substantial sexual activity, in my opinion, which I wasn’t banking on when I picked up the story.  It does, of course, go hand in hand with the creep factor the story produces, and while there are many other horrific things going on in the story, I think, for me, the fact that Saad and Ali see these relations was the most unsettling part of it all.  However, by the end of the story it becomes obvious that the Tower needs these types of things to happen in order to thrive, though I can’t say anything more in that regard without giving anything away. 

This is a really unique story in and of itself, and I recommend it for the older crowds looking for quick, creepy story.  It will definitely make you think about it long after it’s over.  Three stars.

From Goodreads: Two deadly adversaries, one horrific conspiracy against Middle East peace. Disillusioned with the continued killing in the agency, Jordan Kline resigns to take up hotel management studies. Now the General Manager of the Sands Eilat hotel, Jordan enjoys life with his girlfriend Irit in the Red Sea resort town. An ex colleague is taken out on the Arava road, the long desert road leading from the Dead Sea to Eilat. On his way back from Tel Aviv, Jordan witnesses the dying man’s last words. They are words that will push Jordan reluctantly back into the world he had turned his back on. Jordan unravels a deadly conspiracy that threatens to engulf the Middle East in war. He becomes the most hunted man in Israel. Forced to use all his cunning, Jordan must stay one step ahead of men that kill to fulfill their deadly ambitions. The only problem is that Jordan does not know who they are, and time is running out as the historic date of The Taba Convention approaches. The Taba Convention is filled with surprising twists and turns, and interesting insights into the world of hotels interspersed in the suspenseful action. The future of the Middle East is in doubt right up until the climax at the Taba Hilton Hotel in Taba Egypt. The Taba Convention is a political action adventure thriller that will keep you turning the pages faster and faster.

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Ayers blew me away in this action packed thriller dealing with the Middle East.  I’m not always enamored by novels dealing with terrorism and the peace issues in the Middle East, but Ayers’ beautiful prose and sheer writing abilities thread a very unique and pointed story, making me an instant fan.  The vast amount of knowledge Ayers holds, as well as the amount of research he had to do in order to create a convincing piece, is phenomenal, and I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an action packed thriller.

Although there are multiple characters to keep track of through this extensive novel, Ayers presents them all in such a way that I didn’t have any issues, which is a feat in and of itself as I usually become lost quickly when too many characters are present.  I love that the main character, Kline, isn’t the normal killing machine you see in so many political thrillers, but rather a retired, peaceful man running a hotel in Eilat.  This is completely different from many of the books I’ve read along the same topic, and I enjoyed this respite in character.  Kline is not the run of the mile protagonist and I highly enjoyed him and the blossoming love story Ayers also adds to this climactic read.  Four and a half stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From Goodreads: Graham Douglas doesn’t do romantic relationships, but he was knocked for a loop when he met Emma Pierce on the set of his last film. As they grew closer, he did everything in his power to keep from falling for a girl being pursued by superstar Reid Alexander. Now home in New York, his life is once again under control, until Emma appears and shows him how not over her he is.

Emma Pierce is forsaking an up-and-coming Hollywood career to embark on a life she’s only dreamed of—the life of a regular girl. After spending months burying her feelings for the two night-and-day guys who vied for her heart while filming her last movie, a twist of fate puts her in a coffee shop in the middle of Manhattan with the one she still misses.

Brooke Cameron was a fresh-faced Texas girl when she arrived in LA. Now she’s a beach sitcom star turned conceited heiress on the big screen. Having just survived three months on location with her ex—Hollywood’s reigning golden boy—she’s older and wiser and has set her sights on her close friend Graham. The only thing standing in her way is the girl he can’t forget.

Reid Alexander can sum up his life in one word: boring. Between film projects, there’s little going on outside of interviews, photo shoots, and the premiere of the film he finished last fall. The next-to-last thing he expects is to get a second chance with Emma, the girl who rejected him. The last thing he expects is for his still-bitter-ex to be the one to offer it to him on a platter.

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Webber is a master storyteller, engaging her readers from start to finish as she relays the story of teen celebrities in this sequel to Between the Lines.  This is the second novel of Webber’s that I’ve read, and it’s the second time that I’ve been transported into her characters’ world, making vast connections and figuratively becoming a part of the story.  Webber utilizes a first person, multiple narrator style in her novels, allowing the reader to make deeper connections as he/she sees each situation from all sides.  This allows the reader to make informed decisions about characters, while also increasing the anxiety and tension the reader feels as the story unfolds.  I love having this connection with characters, and though I spent a majority of this novel angry at two of them, I loved every minute of the experience, especially as it all came to a head at the end.

When I read one of Webber’s books, reality falls away and I become enraptured in her fictional worlds. While reading Where You Are, I felt like a fly on the wall, able to see the intricate workings of the whole story from each character’s point of view, while also feeling the tension and passion along with them.  This novel is a great follow up to Between the Lines, picking up exactly where the first novel left off, and the reader is given much more background information about the characters, especially Brooke and Graham, which gives readers much food for thought as the story unfolds.

Although the novel was a rollercoaster ride of emotions for both me and the four characters within in the novel, I will note that I am happily satisfied with the conclusion of this novel.  I am also extremely excited to read the next book in the series, Good For You, which will deviated from the storyline of both Between the Lines and Where You Are, following only one of our beloved characters as he/she moves on (no spoilers).  It is also my understanding that a new character will be introduced, which is intriguing in and of itself!  I’ve read the sneak peek of this third novel, which is thankfully located at the very end of Where You Are (past the acknowledgements) and I’m really looking forward to it.  And, though I don’t necessarily want to see the Graham, Emma, Reid, and Brooke chapter close, I am ready to follow other characters on new adventures, mainly because Webber is just that phenomenal when it comes to writing books and giving them sound, perfect endings.  December can’t come fast enough! Five stars!

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Check out all the books in this awesome series!

Between the Lines (#1)

Where You Are (#2)

Good For You (#3)

Here Without You (#4)