From Goodreads:  Policing relations between Heaven, Hell, and Earth is messy and violent, but Elise Kavanagh and James Faulkner excelled at it—until coming across a job so brutal that even they couldn’t stand to see one more dead body.

Now they’ve been pretending to be normal for five years, leaving their horrific history a dark secret. Elise works in an office. James owns a business. None of their friends realize they used to be one of the world’s best killing teams.

After years of hiding, something stirs. Bodies are vanishing. Demons scurry in the shadows of the night. A child has been possessed.

Some enemies aren’t willing to let the secrets of the past stay dead…

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This is an original tale concerning demons and exorcism, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Told in a sequence of past and present events, the reader is immediately drawn into the story as James, out looking for his friends’ daughter, Elise, comes across a horror scene so gruesome even he, an experienced demon hunter, can’t stomach it.  I really love Reine’s attention to detail and her ability to not only draw the reader in, but also make the reader a part of the story.  Following James into the woods and coming across the scene as he did gave me chills.  I really felt like I was there, which is a feat in and of itself, since not many authors excel at making the reader a part of the story.

Fast forward 11 years: James and Elise are now good friends, but they’re no longer hunting demons or performing exorcisms.  That’s all in the past.  Now, it’s clear cut business, blending in with society, until things start to go awry in their own city.  I really enjoyed getting to know the characters as they went about their everyday lives.  Although their work is “less demanding” now, they still maintain a “kick butt” persona, making the reader like them all the more.  The fact that this is also a mystery of sorts also made it a fun read as I was constantly questioning the who, what, how, why, etc.  As the story unfolds, we obtain many answers that lead to more questions until it all comes to a head at the end.  I really enjoy novels like this as they allow me to play detective along the way, though I’m usually never even close when it comes to the big reveal.  Overall, I think this is a great story for the older crowds.  Four stars.

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

From Goodreads: After an old college buddy persuades him to guide a group of Americans traveling through Japan, Phil Fletcher’s debut as a tour guide takes his life in unexpected directions. The group includes a high-powered career woman who finds far more than historic sites in the Land of the Rising Sun; a man who discovers a hidden interest in Japanese erotica; a neglected wife and a Southern belle vying for attention on Phil’s futon; and a retired couple facing their deepest fears on the much-anticipated trip of a lifetime. Private dramas provoke crises and life-changing decisions during this twelve-day tour of Japan, as the group travels from the serenity of the ancient Kyoto temples to the towering heights of Tokyo skyscrapers.

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I have always had a love for Japan.  It’s the one place in the world I really want to visit, and one of the places I haven’t yet had the chance to see.  I don’t know if I’ll ever get there, but reading Wood’s novel, Getting Oriented: A Novel About Japan got me there vicariously.  This is a beautifully written novel depicting both old and new Japan as Phil Fletcher guides a group of tourists throughout the land, visiting with people and monuments alike.  However, this novel isn’t really about Japan, per say.  Rather, it’s about relationships and the breakdown of humanity.  The group Phil is guiding is diverse, to say the least, and though they have their ups and downs, watching them grow together was quite interesting.  Even Phil has his own set of problems, and watching him connect with others while managing his own demons was fascinating.  I really want to go on a guided tour, having read this novel, because I think it would be exciting to meet a random group of strangers and find connections with them over the course of the tour.

Now, reader beware, this novel does deal with sex a bit.  I wouldn’t say that it’s erotica, far from it, but the people in the novel do seem a bit obsessed with the concept of sex, though, again, as this novel deals mainly with relationships, some of this can be expected.  On the tour are some couples that are falling apart, couples that have fallen out of love, couples that are looking for rejuvenation, etc., and while some of those on the tour find their connections, others do not, creating a very interesting read as we watch the story unfold.  Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and recommend it to those looking to learn a little about other cultures while learning a lot about humanity.  Four stars.

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

From Goodreads: Sixteen-year-old Trinity Monsour wants nothing more than to live a normal life. But that isn’t as easy as it seems. Trinity is different. She is special. She sees visions, and for those she’s seen, it’s already too late.

Trinity arrives on her aunt’s doorstep in New Orleans with virtually no knowledge of her mysterious heritage. She begins settling into life at a new school and even starts making friends. But all too quickly her dreams accelerate; twisted, terrifying visions of a girl locked in a dark room. And when the head cheerleader, Jessica, goes missing, Trinity knows she has no choice but to step forward with what she’s seen.

But people believe that Trinity has information about Jessica’s disappearance not because of a dream, but because she is involved. She is kind-of dating Jessica’s ex-boyfriend, Chase, and Jessica did pull a nasty prank on Trinity. Revenge seems like the likeliest scenario.

Nothing prepares Trinity for the dark odyssey that ensues while searching for Jessica, including the surprising romance she finds with Chase, or the shocking truths she learns, not just about the girl who has gone missing, but the past that has been hidden from her.

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Macmillan Press has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on December 6th, and I must say I am extremely grateful as this is a wonderful read!  This is one of those novels where you can’t help but wonder whether the main character really does have a special ability, or if she’s just crazy.  Regardless of what the synopsis says, I found myself shifting back and forth as the evidence mounted up against Trinity, going from believing she really could see Jessica in her dreams, to thinking she’s the reason Jessica’s missing in the first place.  In my opinion, James did a phenomenal job piecing together this novel; any book that can keep me on edge and constantly switching allegiances is a keeper. 

Now, I do have a small qualm with the story, and that’s mainly to do with the pacing.  I spent a majority of the read trying to figure out how much time had passed, because Trinity did fall very hard, and very quickly, for Chase, but I couldn’t figure out if they’d known each other for months, or just a week, as the text jumped around a bit and didn’t really make that clear.  I believe, if my reading abilities serve me right, Trinity had known Chase, Jessica, and all the other characters for about two months, but the meat of the story happens within one week, but again, I could be completely wrong.  Does it really matter in the end? I don’t think so; I still found the story extremely interesting, but some readers may have trouble with the timeframe of the novel since some of the aspects do seem a bit far-fetched happening in such a short amount of time.  However, I think the story was very well put together, and I found most of it quite believable, so I enjoyed it very much.  Four stars. 

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