Books: The Cheapest Vacation You Can Buy

{September 6, 2011} Releasing Today: Ashes, by Ilsa J. Bick

From Goodreads: It could happen tomorrow…

A cataclysmic event. An army of “The Changed.”
Can one teen really survive on her own?

An electromagnetic pulse sweeps through the sky, destroying every electronic device and killing billions. For those spared, it’s a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human…

Desperate to find out what happened and to avoid the Changed, Alex meets up with Tom—a young army veteran—and Ellie, a young girl whose grandfather was killed by the electromagnetic pulse.

This improvised family will have to use every ounce of courage they have just to survive.

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Egmont USA has been extremely gracious to allow me to read a copy of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release today, and I have to say that this novel is fantastic! The synopsis drew me in and the novel itself didn’t disappoint. Bick is a very talented writer, creating a unique “zombieesque” novel that keeps readers extremely engaged. I really enjoyed that Bick was able to keep me in the dark throughout most of the novel, creating events that caused me to constantly change my mind about characters and situations as the story progressed. Even after the ending, which leaves the reader with a huge cliffhanger , my mind isn’t completely made up about certain characters, their motivations, or their reasoning. I love books that cause me to really think about, and analyze, the characters, and yes, though some characters are extremely annoying, such as eight year old Ellie, rest assured that they’re not all like that, and Ellie does become less annoying as time goes on (remember, she’s only eight and she’s very scared). So, don’t let her, or other situations within the novel, bog you down. This is definitely a novel to read through to the end. I’m dying to read the sequel already! Four stars.

{September 6, 2011} Interview and GIVEAWAY with Christina Daley–Author of Seranfyll

Christina Daley, author of Seranfyll, has been extremely gracious to stop by the blog for an interview AND to offer a SIGNED PAPERBACK of her novel, which is too kind! So, without further ado, I give you Christina!

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Seranfyll, the first novel in the Seranfyll series, is an awesome debut novel. What led you to write this novel? What were your inspirations for the novel, if any?

Thank you for having me, and I’m glad that you liked it! I can’t rightly recall from where I got the idea. I had a slave girl who was just bought and freed by a handsome, but very drunk, nobleman. I didn’t know anything about these two, so I tried to find out by writing about 20 pages in early 2009. I then ran out of ideas and put it aside to write a different book.

Sometime later, I happened across a biography on William Wilberforce, the 18th century MP who spearheaded the movement to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. He was such a fascinating and eccentric individual, and he ended up being a great base model for the nobleman in my story (but I decided to make Domrey Seranfyll younger, a bit more handsome, and much more immature). I returned to the 20 pages in early 2010 and completed the first draft in about three months.

Was Seranfyll hard to write?

Yes, which was strange because writing is not normally hard for me. Having a first draft in three months wasn’t so bad, but to give you an idea, the book I had written in between was 75,000 words, and it took about three weeks (and I do have a full time job and family and friends whom take precedence over writing). Others that I’ve written at about the same length have taken about a month or two, although one that I wrote in my first year of college took nearly year. With Seranfyll, I think it was mostly the editing with which I struggled, and that took about six months.

What character do you identify with the most in Seranfyll? Why?

It’s hard to chose one, because each have a little of me. I think like Rain does, in the sense that she tends to make mental connections quickly. But I’m pretty impatient like Coal, and I like shoes like Domrey. Each character also has qualities I desire, like Rain’s nearly endless capacity for compassion, Coal’s noble sense of loyalty, Domrey’s carefree nature, Lady Sophia’s wisdom, Spirit’s energy, Quill’s fondness for housework, Snow’s beauty, and even Morgrav’s ambition. The ones that I bare no resemblance or sympathy to are Snevil and his brutes.

Are any of your characters or stories based on aspects of your own life?

While I was editing Seranfyll, I was going through some things (I think I might have had a small quarter-life crisis), and I had a lot of questions. And sometimes, when moments like that happen, I’ll write out a story and hand the situation over to some characters and let them hash it out on the page until a satisfactory answer percolates to the top.

I did that a lot with Seranfyll–maybe not the same experiences, but certainly similar emotions. Of course, I did jazz much of it up with the magic and other fun stuff, because I was personally getting bored without it.

What do you hope readers take away from your novel?

In a word: hope.

I wrote Seranfyll to be entertaining, but I have a note in the back of the book asking readers to be hope for someone else and take some sort of action against slavery and human trafficking. Both are revolting modern practices that stem from the greed of a few, the indifference of many, and the ignorance of nearly everyone else. I didn’t even know that slavery was still around until a couple years ago.

I don’t say what to do (because people can be so amazingly creative!), nor do I endorse any particular organization. But there are some good troops on the ground in the form of law enforcement and humanitarian aid workers, and they need our support and some of our talents to help free our brothers and sisters in bondage. No effort is too small. After all, Wilberforce had the help of a lot of influential friends and the hopes of many slaves backing him. An army by definition is not made of one person.

Why did you choose YA literature as a starting point? Did you always want to write for this age group, or did it just happen?

I don’t read many adult books myself, and I like the adventure of discovery that children go through. Being an adult certainly has its own adventures, but approaching them with that child-like sense of wonder makes them more fascinating, in my opinion. So, that’s how I like to write, and I think the most receptive audience would be younger readers.

What is the writing process like for you? Do you have a special place that you like to write, or any special rituals that you go through before/during the writing process?

Not really. I don’t write everyday, and when I do, it’s mostly at home in the late evenings. I start with a hand written rough synopsis of the story and some notes, along with maybe the first few chapters. I wrote almost half of Seranfyll by hand before I took it to the computer.

Do you have a playlist in mind for your novel? If so, what music would you recommend a reader listen to while reading?

Not really. I don’t always listen to music when I write because I’m usually so into that I don’t hear much else. I currently have some Lifehouse, OneRepublic (I fantasize that if Seranfyll were ever made into a movie, “Secrets” would be Domrey’s theme song), Switchfoot, and a few others on my playlist. But those are what I listen to regardless of writing.

I’ll occasionally listen to classical music. In fact, I’ll let you in on something. If you get the chance, listen to the majestic flowing melody about three minutes into Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter.” Then you’ll know what the song that Rain sings in Chapter 27 sounds like.

Do you have a favorite author or novel that you recommend your fans read? What are you reading right now?

My favorite book is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, but I’m pretty sure every avid reader has read that at one point or another. I’m a slow reader, and my taste in books is rather narrow, so I’m sure whatever I recommend has already been read and re-read.

At the moment, I’m reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I plan on going through the rest of the trilogy in time for the movie next year. And I have a lot of ebooks that I picked up during the Smashwords sale in July, so I’ll be going through those as well.

As Seranfyll is the first in a series, what can readers expect from the next novel and the remaining books in the series?

I wonder that, too, actually. Lol!

I have an idea of how things are supposed to go, but everything in the middle and bits of the end are up in the air. I don’t have it all in my head, which I know sounds odd. Like I mentioned before, I didn’t know anything about Rain or Domrey, not even their names, until I started writing about them. This is an adventure for me as much as it is for the reader.

But I can say that in the second book, Rain is fifteen. She’s not a child anymore, but she’s not yet an adult, and there are a lot of things she’s having to figure out. Domrey, Coal, and many others are back as well. But we’ll also get to meet some fun new characters–like Domrey’s business partners in the spice trade (one of whom has an even more obnoxious wardrobe than he does), a small and loud mage from another country (who thinks that Domrey’s her destined husband), a doctor with an interesting physical trait, and a mysterious people with some very cool talents. There may or may not be a voyage across the sea involved.

For the rest of the books, we’ll all just have to wait and see. :)

Do you have any plans for a new series at this time?

I’ve glanced at some of my previous writings, and I may or may not publish them. I have three and a half books in a sci-fi series that I wrote when I was in college, and they will need some epic re-vamping before I’m confident enough to put them out. They would actually make some pretty cool graphic novels, but unfortunately, I’m not much of an artist.

The book I wrote in between the start and finish of Seranfyll could be cataloged as a paranormal romance, though it has no vampires, werewolves, angels, demons, fairies, goblins, trolls, mermaids, ghosts, etc. It does have series potential (I think I may have part of the sequel to it somewhere). But I’ve only ever read two or three romances, and I’m not very good at them. That one did receive some interest from agents and editors back in 2009, but no one picked it up. I question whether it’s good enough, and I’m unsure if I want to add it to that heavily saturated genre.

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Thank you, Christina, for stopping by the blog and answering some questions about your novel and writing process!

For more information about Christina, visit her blog, facebook, twitter, or goodreads account!

Synopsis of Seranfyll

From Goodreads: For the first time in her life, Rain has a choice to make. The thirteen-year-old slave girl lives in the country of Yoan, where slaves aren’t allowed proper names, let alone anything else. After being sold by a gambler and bought by a thief, she’s freed by an eccentric young noble, about whom many rumors abound. Some say his manor is haunted, his horse can fly, and that he’s actually a devil.

Now that she’s free, Rain must decide what she will do with that new freedom. Her choices will lead her to new friends and many adventures, none of which she could have possibly expected.

Fans of Harry Potter and Howl’s Moving Castle will enjoy this magical tale about choices, consequences, and what it really means to be free.

To read my review of Seranfyll, click HERE.

And now for the GIVEAWAY!

We’re offering ONE SIGNED COPY of this awesome novel–which will be sent out by Christina Daley at the conclusion of this giveaway! All you have to do is enter your name and email in order to win, but there are extra entry options if you’re interested!

To enter you must:

Be 13 years or older (or have parent/guardian permission)
Fill in the required information on the form below (extra entries optional)

Click this ENTRY FORM to enter!

This contest is open INTERNATIONALLY (as long as USPS can send to you), and will end September 20th at 11:59 EST. Please only enter once. The winner will be announced on this page on September 21st, and will receive email notification! Please read my giveaway policy and leave a comment!

Winner: TBA on 9/21

{September 5, 2011} {Review} My Mother, the Lycanthrope by W.W. Lengemen (The Lykoi Chronicles #1)

From Goodreads: Everyone has problems, but Leigh Trinkett is starting to think she has more than her fair share. Leigh has vowed to make the soccer team, but she’s not sure if she’s got what it takes, even with intensive coaching from best friend and budding soccer star, Ashley.

Then there’s Leigh’s family life – and all is not quiet on the home front. Brother Buddy is a would-be ninja who leaves no stone unturned in his quest to annoy Leigh. Crabby old Grandpa Sam came to live with the family when his ranch went under, along with Jerry, a trained dwarf cow who has the run of the house. Leigh’s father is preoccupied with the fate of his business, a shop that specializes in trial-sized products and is suffering trials and tribulations of its own.

Oh, and there’s Leigh’s mother, who hasn’t really been herself lately. Mom’s been sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night, is on first name terms with the local butcher, and just may have something to do with the cooler of meat Leigh finds hidden in the garage.

Will Leigh make the soccer team? Will Buddy drive her nuts? Will her father’s business survive? Is her mother a werewolf?

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Lengeman’s debut novel is a hilarious look into the life of a young teen trying to make sense of her world, a world in which her mother just might be a fabled lycanthrope. My Mother the Lycanthrope follows Leigh as she tries to figure out the truth about her mother, survive the antics of her “ninja” brother, her eccentric grandpa, and the roaming of Jerry, the dwarf cow, all the while trying to remain “normal.” The way Lengeman tells the story will have readers guffawing with laughter; this family is quite dysfunctional, in a good way, and I love it.

This is a wonderful coming of age story and I believe Lengeman really captures the essence of growing up through this charming tale—Lengeman really has a way with words and captured my attention from the very beginning. I am excited that this novel, the first in the series, will soon have a sequel out to continue the wonderful story of the Trinkett family. Four stars.

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

{September 5, 2011} {Review} Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

From Goodreads: Once upon a time there was a girl who was special.

This is not her story.

Unless you count the part where I killed her.

Sixteen-year-old Alison has been sectioned in a mental institute for teens, having murdered the most perfect and popular girl at school. But the case is a mystery: no body has been found, and Alison’s condition is proving difficult to diagnose. Alison herself can’t explain what happened: one minute she was fighting with Tori — the next she disintegrated. Into nothing. But that’s impossible. Right?

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Learner Publishing Group has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read of copy of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its recent USA debut, and I am so glad because I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked it up, based on the hundreds of mixed reviews already out from the UK and other countries, but this is definitely a book right up my alley, and once I started it, I was so captivated that I had trouble putting it down and completing the daily tasks of life.

Anderson has done a wonderful job researching medical facilities and conditions that result in people being put into psychiatric hospitals, and the story itself took my breath away. It is nothing like other books I’ve read concerning psychiatric hospitals, and Anderson’s wonderful imagination and colorful characters (no pun intended) have a lot to do with it. As I read, I kept thinking to myself that this novel is “really good,” but there came a point in the story where it switched from “good” to “awesome.” I was reading along, and all of a sudden Anderson adds this completely shocking twist that made me bolt upright and read the text even closer.

Now, this novel is not for everyone. Most of this novel is somewhat feasible and realistic, with scientific explanations for basically everything, but the story definitely takes a turn for the paranormal and I can see where it might ruin the story for some readers out there who really enjoyed the realistic aspect of the book. It is quite a shocker, in my opinion, but that’s what makes me love it all the more. Here we have a really good psychological thriller unraveling, and all of a sudden we’re thrust into a sci-fi, paranormal thriller, which, for me, is absolutely awesome! But, like I said, not everyone is going to like this aspect, especially as it happens very late in the novel and, without some serious flexibility as a reader, it won’t sit well, especially as it’s such a shock and deviation from the rest of the novel. However, I found it refreshing and extremely interesting and I hope there is a sequel coming out soon! Four stars.

{September 4, 2011} {Review} Darwin’s Children by Natasha Larry (Volume 1)

From Goodreads: Life can get pretty complicated for any seventeen-year-old girl, but for a home-schooled telepathic black girl trying to survive in a prestigious private school in small-town Jonesborough, Tennessee, it can be maddening – especially when her telepathic father keeps eavesdropping on her thoughts!

Jaycie Lerner’s family isn’t the usual mom-dad-kid setup. Jaycie’s mom’s MIA, but Allison, her personal live-in ‘trainer,’ is more than a mom, with her own special abilities, like being able to lift cars and run incredibly fast. And Jaycie’s godfather John is more than persuasive – he can literally convince anyone to do anything.

As far as the rest of the world’s concerned, Jaycie’s on the outside looking in. The townsfolk love Jaycie’s pediatrician father, but she doesn’t fit in with ‘normal’ kids, and she doesn’t really want to. Most of her free time is spent training to keep her telekinetic and telepathic powers under control. But there’s one thing she can’t control – and that’s her feelings, especially when her best friend Matt is nearby. If only he knew what she was truly capable of…

Everything seems to be status quo for Jaycie until she receives a cryptic message from a stranger and meets a very unusual girl new to Jonesborough. Then all hell breaks loose!

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Larry has created a fascinating story line with many interesting characters, making this novel a quick read for those interested in the paranormal. Jaycie, intent on being a normal teenager, struggles due to her telepathic abilities that could ultimately destroy her if she isn’t careful, making it extremely difficult to have a romantic relations, or any relationship for that matter, as her emotions can easily get the better of her and cause objects around her to begin moving.

I liked the concept of this novel a lot, especially as it’s similar to one of my favorite TV shows, Heroes. Jaycie’s family is extraordinary and looking to find and help others like themselves. So when Haylee arrives on the scene with a talent of her own and a dark past, the Lerner’s do everything in their power to help her. I really enjoyed the novel up to a point, but I must admit that I think Jaycie and Haylee become a tad bit jaded as the story continues, causing them to enact revenge in a most atrocious manner—one that was hard for me to stomach. As the main character’s disposition began to change, I personally found myself liking them less and less, though by the conclusion they were working themselves back into my good graces. I think I just wasn’t expecting the twists and turns within the novel, including Haylee’s dark past, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense in terms of this coming-of-age storyline. Three stars.

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

{September 3, 2011} ARC Review: The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle

From Goodreads: Anyone who’s had something truly crappy happen to them will tell you: It’s all about Before and After. What I’m talking about here is the ka-pow, shake-you-to-your-core-and-turn-your-bones-to-plastic kind of crappy.

Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss—a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

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HarperCollins has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read a copy of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on September 6^th, and I must say that it was a good read. It was essentially what I was expecting, based on the synopsis, meaning that this novel is extremely sad and gut wrenching at times. Hence, I wouldn’t recommend it for a light summer read or anything like that, but it’s a great read for someone looking for a bit darker read that puts life in perspective.

Laurel is struggling, and her anger is eating away at her as she attempts to cope with the death of her family and the man who survived. Thankfully, I’ve never had an experience as devastating as Laurel’s, but I have lost loved ones before, and I can I imagine the extreme hurt and anger that fills Laurel’s heart, especially as there is a survivor for her to constantly remind her of her losses. The raw feelings and emotions of this novel are very real, and I do suggest having tissues nearby. Three stars.

{September 2, 2011} {Review} After the Virus by Meghan Ciana Doidge

From Goodreads: After the virus decimates 99.9% of the world’s population, and all traces of humanity along with it, Rhiannon and Will are forced to move beyond their past fame, fortune, and personal demons to rescue a mute girl from the clutches of two warring cults.

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This is a very interesting zombie novel, zoning in more upon how disturbing the world has become after a virus wipes out all but 1% of the population. While zombies are a small portion of the novel, the main spread deals with the left over humans and how they are attempting to take over what little is left of the world. This novel is different from all the other zombie/dystopian novels I’ve read, and it was refreshing and attention-grabbing, causing me to read it all in one sitting.

I enjoyed the two main characters, Rhiannon and Will. They are not the norm—prior to the virus, they were well known, Rhiannon having been an actress, and Will having been a sports star. However, once the virus decimates the world, they are reduced to average citizens looking to survive in what is left of the cruel world. I thought these were really unique character choices that made a lot of the situations more believable. Rhiannon, an exceptionally pretty woman, is not used to her new surroundings, especially having to fend for herself. She’s witty, demanding, headstrong, selfish—and in high demand. Having only 1% of the world population left, there are many who would love to have Rhiannon for themselves, and one man, intend on recreating the world in his image, is willing to pay top dollar to have her in his clutches. This makes for a very interesting story of cat and mouse, coming to a head as Rhiannon’s motherly instincts take over after meeting a young girl who is in more danger than Rhiannon herself.

Will’s story is also a great one as he battles to save the two women he cares the most about in a world where trust is a major issue. I enjoyed that both his story, and Rhiannon’s, are set in the present, and while their past is briefly touched upon on occasion, not much detail is given, allowing the reader to fill in the gaps through their own imagination. While I normally enjoy being told all the details, this was refreshing as Doidge tactfully presents just enough to help the reader begin piecing together the background story on their own.

I am looking forward to a sequel as I’d love to know more about the characters and their plights, especially as, though the novel ends cleanly, there is room for much more. Four stars!

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

{September 1, 2011} Releasing Today: Death Speaks by Tamara Rose Blodgett (Death Series Book 2)

From Goodreads: Caleb’s in high school now and thinks the chaos of last year is behind him. Unfortunately, a serial killer is on the loose and children are his victims. Caleb agrees to help the police apprehend the murderer…until the killer takes notice of Caleb and his paranormal friends.

Carson and Brett remain the bullies they always were and their posse continues to grow. How long can the two groups stay out of each others’ way before there’s a firestorm of retribution…

The Government Graysheets continue to keep tabs on Caleb’s every move while Jade’s family threatens their relationship. Can they still be together even when events threaten to tear them apart?

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Blodgett is an amazing writer. I have had the pleasure of reading three of her novels, and I’ve enjoyed every single one of them, but I really think Death Speaks takes the cake. Not only is the cover absolutely amazing, but the story line itself is so original and intriguing that it glues the reader to the pages from the very first line. I fell in love with the characters in Death Whispers, and Blodgett intensifies that love in this sequel, adding some spicy relationships, a chilling murder investigation, and laugh out loud situations and dialogue.

Death Speaks continues the story of Caleb, a male protagonist, and the story flows through his eyes. I really enjoy this point of view and focus on male characters, which I haven’t really seen in much of the current YA literature, especially coming from a female author. Blodgett knows how the young male mind works; her characters’ actions and dialogue are just like what I observe in the classroom on a daily basis, making this paranormal novel all the more real. That being said, curse words are used fairly regularly throughout the novel, usually just out of earshot of an adult (just like in real life), but not always, and what I truly love is that the adults are always on point when it comes to language and corrections of the young teens struggling to come into themselves.

This novel is very reader friendly and I believe both the young and old will enjoy this story. Five stars.

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This giveaway is now closed.

Winners:

Aeicha — US

Melissa Robles — International

{September 1, 2011} Recently Released Giveaway Goodness #4 September 2011

It’s that time again! For no other reason than that I like giveaways… we’re onto the fourth Recently Released Giveaway Goodness giveaway!

Interested? Of course you are! I’m offering ONE lucky winner one of these novels:

All of these novels have just recently released. I’ve included my reviews below to help you pick the novel you’d like to win.

Dark Parties by Sara Grant
The Poisoned House by Michael Ford
Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
Misfit by Jon Skovron
In Trouble by Ellen Levine
Passion by Lauren Kate
The Raising by Laura Kasischke
Rage by Jackie Morse Kessler

This GIVEAWAY is now CLOSED.

Winner:

FairyWhispers of Intertwining Books

The book chosen was: Misfit by Jon Skovron

{September 1, 2011} Announcing the Winner of my Recently Released Giveaway Goodness # 3

The contest for the second Recently Released Giveaway Goodness has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen using Random.org.

And the winner is…

Melanie S. (The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell)

An email has been sent out to the winner. If I don’t hear from her within 48 hours, I will select a new winner using Random.org. Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winner… but don’t despair if you didn’t win this round!

Enter to win my other great giveaways:

Enter to win one of these great novels

One lucky winner will get an eBook copy of this great novel (P.S. The prequel is currently free (through Sept) on most sites.

{August 31, 2011} {Review} The Vampire Way by Derek Clendening

From Goodreads: Eighteen year old Rick Thompson is a marked man. When Damien Masonite comes to his school, he knows something is up. And when his friends start falling to vampire attacks, he knows that he and his girlfriend Laura are next. The quest to understand immortality, true love and undying friendship compromise his safety even more. Can he keep his best friends, his true love and keep his mortal life?

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Clendening has created a very interesting novel for young adult readers in love with vampires. With an extremely captivating prologue, the reader is pulled into the story as Damien Masonite, a vicious vampire, is introduced. From there, the story begins its focus on Rick Thompson and his friends, jumping from scene to scene between the many characters within the story. I have to admit that these transitions were a little difficult for me to follow, especially as there were a vast array of characters to keep track of as I read.

When reading novels, I need a lot of background information and structure to set the story up in my mind. Without it, I struggle to make the connections I need to make. I’ve always been like this, and that’s why, even though I’m an English teacher, I don’t always like all the classics I teach. Some things work for me, and some things don’t, and excessive background knowledge and characterization are a must for me. Yet, though I struggled some with character details and timeframe, I think that the story itself is an intriguing idea and that many will enjoy this fast paced read, especially as we all have different styles and tastes when it comes to books. Unfortunately for me, this novel just isn’t my forte. One star.

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

{August 30, 2011} Recently Released: Beyond the Grave by Mara Purnhagen (Past Midnight #3)

From Goodreads: I can’t move forward with my life until I know my demons are confined to the past…

Being Charlotte Silver, the daughter of famous paranormal investigators, means my life isn’t like that of other teenage girls. Especially after what happened to my parents. Things changed. I missed prom and deferred my big college plans. But I still have my boyfriend, Noah. He’s everything I could want—if I can figure out what’s up with him. Suddenly Noah is secretive.

I fear it has something to do with what happened to us three months ago. The bruise Noah suffered during a paranormal attack has never completely faded. Now I’ve learned Noah is researching demons. And when he disappears, it’s up to me to find him—before something else does.

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Purnhagen is back with the third installment in her Past Midnight series and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’ve been waiting for it to come out for the better part of a year, since I stumbled upon the series and read Past Midnight and One Hundred Candles—then reading the in-between novellas to tide myself over: Raising the Dead, and Haunting the Night. In my opinion, Purnhagen is a very gifted storyteller, capturing the reader through the fast-paced action that begins on the very first page. The beautiful writing, including imagery and other figurative language, also helps keep the reader immersed in the story, and I love being swept away by a scary, mysterious ghost story.

Beyond the Grave continues the story of Charlotte, picking up where the series originally left off, and I love that, even without reading any novels prior to this third installment, Purnhagen presents the story in such a way that the reader can follow, and understand, exactly what is happening (though doing it this way will give away some spoilers). This novel is like a rollercoaster ride, moving quickly from action to action, yet not leaving the reader behind, by any means. It is very well written, and I am always shocked by how well Purnhagen is able to make all the details fit, even ones that seem miniscule, bringing them to the forefront later on within the novel. I really enjoyed this novel and recommend the series to everyone, young and old alike as this series is a lot of fun! Four stars.

Harlequin has been extremely gracious to allow me to read a copy of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on August 23rd, 2011.

{August 30, 2011} {Review} An Imperfect Miracle by T.L. Peters

From Goodreads: Nathan Gray has trouble making friends, his alcoholic father ran out on him, his mother is preoccupied with work and finding a new husband and his dog Chewy has just died. So perhaps it’s not surprising that Nate comes to believe that his beloved Chewy has returned from the dead to once again be his best friend. His mother is alarmed, but the therapist predicts that Nate will grow out of his habit of “seeing things” once he comes to grips with his emotional traumas.

But then, on his way to school, Nate stumbles upon what he can only describe as a miracle – a man seemingly healed of a fatal head wound by a smudge on an old, dingy concrete wall. Nate might be on to something that can’t be attributed to his imagination, as many in his small industrial Pennsylvania town, quickly ascribe spiritual significance to the smudge, and healing powers too.

Some of the town’s leading citizens decide to capitalize on the sudden influx of tourists by turning the smudge into a shrine and charging admission. Not everybody is on board with the notion that the miraculous has somehow intruded into their mundane routine, and Nathan soon finds himself at the center of a raging controversy. AN IMPERFECT MIRACLE is a moving piece of literary fiction dealing with love, loss and one boy’s attempts to find substance and clarity in a chaotic world.

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This is an extremely interesting story about a spiritual icon that shows up in a rundown area of a sleepy little town. I’ve never read anything remotely like it, and I really enjoyed how Peters created mystery throughout the story based on Nathan’s character. Nathan, having an invisible dog, Chewy, becomes a suspect characters from the very beginning. As the story is told from the first person point of view, the reader must note that all the information received is coming through Nathan himself—and the fact that he can see his deceased dog ultimately forces the reader to question everything Nathan says—including what he sees in terms of Mary’s spiritual icon and her healing properties. I thought this was an ingenious way to tell the story, especially as it doesn’t force the reader to take a side with either the Catholic or Protestant religion. In fact, the story itself isn’t really about religious sects at all, but rather Nathan’s perception of events surrounding him.

Peters kept me on edge throughout the entire novel, especially as I attempted to analyze Nathan and all that he presents to the reader. I was surprised by the ending and found myself reanalyzing Nathan, especially as information concerning the icon became available, forcing me to change my opinions of him once again. This is a truly interesting look at the inner workings of human beings and I highly recommend it to all! Four stars!

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

{August 29, 2011} {Review} Nephilim: Genesis of Evil by Renee Pawlish

From Goodreads: A dark power described in Genesis revisits the small mountain town of Taylor Crossing. After witnessing an evil presence in New York City, Rory Callahan comes out West in search of answers, and finds a town succumbing to supernatural forces. Now, an evil prophesy may be fulfilled by the Nephilim.

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Pawlish has created a wonderful story that will pull readers in from the very beginning. The Nephilim, children of fallen angles and mortals, have resurfaced in the small town of Taylor Crossing, and Rory’s curiosity lands him in the middle of an epic battle within the town. Watching the story unfold was amazing, and I really came to love the characters, especially Rory as he pieced together the background of the town and realized what the Nephilim truly were.

I really enjoyed this book, especially since I’d never heard the term Nephilim before. It turns out that I’ve been reading a lot of books about the Nephilim lately and just didn’t know it. I am thankful that Pawlish presents them in such a way that I now truly understand what they are, and realizing that the Nephilim are actually mentioned in Genesis chapter 6 was a jolting experience, making this novel all the more scary as it unfolded. Pawlish is a wonderful storyteller, weaving the novel together through both past and present events, masterfully revealing the plot twists and turns. The mystery and suspense of the novel kept me on edge as I read and I highly suggest those interested in fallen angels read this novel. Three and a half stars!

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

{August 28, 2011} ARC Review: Good Graces by Leslie Kagen

From Goodreads: Whistling in the Dark captivated readers with the story of ten-year-old Sally O’Malley and her sister, Troo, during Milwaukee’s summer of 1959. The novel became a New York Times bestseller and was named a Midwest Honor Award winner.

In Good Graces, it’s one year later, and a heat wave has everyone in the close-knit Milwaukee neighborhood on edge. None more so than Sally O’Malley, who remains deeply traumatized by the sudden death of her daddy and her near escape from a murderer and molester the previous summer. Although outwardly she and her sister, Troo, are more secure, Sally’s confidence in her own judgment and much of her faith have been whittled away. When a series of disquieting events unfold in the neighborhood-a string of home burglaries, the escape from reform school of a nemesis, and the mysterious disappearance of an orphan, crimes that may involve the increasingly rebellious Troo-Sally is called upon to rise above her inner demons. She made a deathbed promise to her daddy to keep Troo safe, a promise she can’t break, even if her life depends on it. But when events reach a crisis point, will Sally have the courage and discernment to make the right choices? Or will her false assumptions lead her and those she loves into danger once again?

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Of course, I’ve done this backwards and read the sequel, Good Graces, prior to reading the prequel, Whilstling in the Dark. Do I recommend doing this? Well, I do it a lot, unfortunately, because I can’t always get a hold of the prequels, and while I usually never have an issue with it, what I will say is that Good Graces gives away multiple spoilers to Whistling in the Dark. So, I now know all the main things that happen in the prequel, which is all my fault, so I don’t recommend reading this series backwards as it will ruin some things for you.

That aside, I thought this novel was pretty good. My main issue is with Sally as she seems to have a very unhealthy relationship with her sister, Troo. Sally is obsessed with her sister, mainly due to the traumatic experiences in her life, but Sally’s entire existence seems to dwell around protecting her sister, Troo, and Troo is hell bent on getting away from Sally and rebelling. I did find myself getting upset with the redundancy of Sally, constantly talking about keeping an eye on Troo, and I found Troo’s actions appalling on more than one occasion, but overall, I enjoyed the mystery of the novel. One thing I will say for Kagen is that she kept me guessing! The way she set up the story made me think it was going in a completely different direction and I was shocked when I finally realized what was really good on. Three stars.

I received an ARC of this novel from Penguin Group (USA), via Netgalley, prior to its release on September 1st, in exchange for an honest review.

{August 27, 2011} {Review} Everlost by Neil Shusterman (Skinjacker #1)

From Goodreads: Nick and Allie don’t survive the car accident…but their souls don’t exactly get where they’re supposed to get either. Instead, they’re caught halfway between life and death, in a sort of limbo known as Everlost: a shadow of the living world, filled with all the things and places that no longer exist. It’s a magical yet dangerous place where bands of lost children run wild and anyone who stands in the same place too long sinks to the center of the Earth.

When they find Mary, the self-proclaimed queen of lost kids, Nick feels like he’s found a home. But Allie isn’t satisfied spending eternity between worlds. Against all warnings, Allie begins learning the “Criminal Art” of haunting and ventures into dangerous territory, where a monster called the McGill threatens all the souls of Everlost.

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I have read a lot of Shusterman’s novels, such as Unwind and Downsiders, but this is the first novel of his that I really struggled to get through. I don’t know what it is about Everlost, but I never got into the story. I began reading it back in October of 2010 and it’s taken me eight months to finish the novel. I was surprised it took me so long, especially since I really like Shusterman’s writing style , and I tend to start and finish books in the same day. It’s very rare that I put one aside for any length of time, but that’s what happened with this novel. Perhaps this novel is too MG for me, or maybe the characters didn’t sit just right; I don’t know, but this story, overall, just isn’t for me.

While the synopsis drew me in, causing me to pick up the novel in the first place, the characters weren’t memorable, and while I thought the idea of Everlost, a world in between, was a great idea, I found my attention wandering as I read—I had a difficult time staying focused and, honestly, I can’t pinpoint why. However, this just goes to show that not all stories interest people in the same way—it doesn’t mean the author did a bad job by any means because, as I already stated, Shusterman has written some great novels that I really like. That being said, I can only give this novel, personally, one star.

{August 26, 2011} Releasing Today: Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace (Vampire Born #1)

From Goodreads: Brooke Keller is a high school junior who has never spent much time living in one place. She is finally in a town long enough to almost snag the boy of her dreams, until her life is threatened after killing a fanged man in his attempt to kidnap her. Brooke begins a dangerous journey in an effort to find out who is after her and how to stop them. In a world with powerful and prejudiced vampires, Brooke must tap into the side of her that she never knew existed at the risk of losing her life in order to save it. _______________________________________________

Kace’s debut novel, Descended by Blood, is an exceptional story that held me captive from start to finish. The novel begins as a traditional high school drama, complete with a young, budding relationship between Brooke and Jaren, but everything quickly spirals out of control as Brooke learns the truth about her heritage. Kace has written an extremely engaging, fast paced novel with multiple twists and turns, creating a riveting read that kept me up late into the night to finish it all in one sitting; it was so good I couldn’t put it down! The novel honestly had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation.

I absolutely loved the character development within the story, and I truly felt like I personally knew the characters. The relationships were believable, and I highly enjoyed the love triangle that developed within the story. Both Jaren and Mirko, Brooke’s love interests, are dreamy in their own right, and just like Brooke, I honestly can’t choose between the two. This is perhaps the first time I haven’t been able to choose a side within a novel, and I think that is a testament to Kace’s sheer writing and characterization abilities.

I am extremely excited to read the sequel, Enemy Within, especially as Kace leaves the reader hanging at the conclusion of her epic novel, Descended by Blood. Five stars.

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

Check out the book trailer below:

See the trailer for book TWO: Enemy Within HERE!

{August 25, 2011} Recently Released: In Trouble by Ellen Levine

From Goodreads: Jamie and Elaine have been best friends forever, and now they’re finally juniors in high school. Elaine has a steady boyfriend, and Jamie could have one—if she’d just open her eyes and see Paul. But Jamie has a bigger problem to worry about.
Then Elaine gets “in trouble”—something they thought only happened to “other” girls. Are there any good choices for a girl in trouble?

In Trouble is a novel born of author Ellen Levine’s interviews with women who came of age in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including those who knew what it was like to be a teen facing a horrible choice.

In the decades before Roe v. Wade, a young woman “in trouble” had very few options—and all of them meant shame, isolation, and maybe much worse.

Jamie and Elaine’s stories are just two among the thousands of stories of teenagers facing unplanned pregnancies.
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Lerner Publishing Group has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its recent release, and I must say I really enjoyed this novel. I know it’s been getting very mixed reviews, but I absolutely loved the narrative style Levine uses to tell the story of two girls facing a terrible choice. It’s not the most happy topic in the world, this is true, but this novel is very well written and explains what life was like in the 1960s. The story is told through the voice of Jamie as she struggles to come to terms with not only her father’s political imprisonment, but also with something devastating that happened to her (no spoilers). This first person narrative explains her thoughts and feelings about her father, her friend’s predicament, and love in general, all the while interspersing the narrative with Jamie’s personal demons coming to the forefront as she tries to push them back. Hence, she’ll be in the middle of explaining something to the reader and will suddenly veer off with a thought that pops into her head, very quickly coming back to the original topic at hand. While I can see how some readers may be annoyed by this tactic, I found that it really helped show Jamie’s psyche, especially as she deals with the trauma of having a father accused of communism, and a secret that haunts her. She is a very devastated being, closing in on herself, allowing her secret to tear her soul apart. She stops herself from giving the advice, and saying the things she needs, and wants, to say to her pregnant friend all because she has lost the ability to stand strong. This is a very powerful novel and I recommend it to all ages. Four stars.

{August 24, 2011} {Review} DreamKiller 2: Fight or Flight by Heather Hildenbrand (Specials #2)

From Goodreads: In the last thirty-six hours, Marlena’s entire world has shifted. She trusted her gut, and the word of a stranger, defied the only parental figure she’s ever known, and went up against the most powerful tracker the ‘Specials’ had ever seen.

Now Korian is dead and Azura has named Marlena the number one suspect. She has no choice but to hide. In a seedy apartment in the slums of downtown, Lukas tells her the truth about how she became an orphan.

It’s time to decide where Marlena will place her loyalty and whether the truth warrants a fight or flight…

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The second installment in the Specials series, Hildenbrand continues the story of Marlena as she must decide whom to trust in this fast paced sequel to “DreamKiller: The Longest Day.” I really enjoyed this short story—Hildenbrand is a very talented writer and I cannot wait for the rest of the segments in the Specials series. Both segments have been extremely captivating and, while this segment ends on a cliffhanger, I have a feeling that the wait will be well worth it in the end. Four stars.

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

{August 24, 2011} Guest Post and GIVEAWAY With Heather Hildenbrand–Author of Across the Galaxy, Dirty Blood, and DreamKiller 1 and 2

In honor of her giveaway of DreamKiller 1 and 2, two shorts from the Specials series, Heather Hildenbrand is sharing a short story from the point of view of Lucas, one of the main characters in the DreamKiller stories. Check it out below!

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Lukas pulled the curtain closed with a grand flourish and smiled wide at his two female customers. They were a little young to be here on their own, especially with darkness falling fast over the big top. He knew better than most what sort of evil lurked between the tented alleyways of this circus, and it wasn’t pretty. But the girls giggled at his dramatics and appeared completely wrapped up in watching Lukas perform for them, unaware of the dangers that awaited them outside, should they overstay their welcome. Lukas slipped into character and let the smile fall away until it was only a hint of a secret about to be spilled. He earned more tips from his friendly demeanor than he did for being accurate, though he sometimes fudged the details a little so he wasn’t too precise. It wouldn’t do to have people thinking he really was precognizant.

He walked back to the table with wide, flourishing steps and slid into his chair with arms spread wide like a performer; for that’s what he was. He might not have a stage, or a place in the big top, but he was a performer through and through.

“Ladies, welcome,” he said in a low, booming voice.

The girls giggled again. They both had a similar shade of blonde streaks in their dishrag hair, and one was huddled up to the other in a protective stance. He knew without even opening his ‘sight’ that they were sisters. The oldest looked to be about seventeen, the youngest fifteen. He bit back a frown. They really shouldn’t be out here alone. Where was their escort? He knew it was a new fad in society: you women no longer required an escort for every outing. He thought it was a little too progressive and dangerous. But then, it wasn’t up to him. At least he could look ahead, make sure they’d be safe when they left.

“You are here to know your future, yes?” He waggled his eyebrows dramatically, playing up the character.

“Yes,” they said in unison. The oldest was watching him with a small smile and piercing blue eyes. It was almost sad how unaware she was of the impossible age difference between them.

“Well, then. Sit back and relax and let Hocus Pocus have a look.”

“Hocus Pocus? That’s your name?”

“It is tonight.” He winked, to the sound of more giggles. “Now, close your eyes and ask me what you wish to know.”

The girls complied and he wasn’t surprised to find they weren’t the type to peek. So many of his clients were and he was always herding them back to obedience. If nothing else, so he could properly concentrate without worrying about the mask of his character falling away before their eyes. If he caught sight of a particularly unexpected vision, his eyes were likely to glaze over and become unfocused, and that would most certainly give away the truth of his gift. As long as they thought it was all in fun, his position here remained secure.

“What would you have me see?” he asked.

“My future,” said the youngest, after a nudging prompt from her sister. “There’s a boy…”

“Ah, I see,” he said. “A boy…” He squinted in concentration, eyes on the girl, and let his mind wander over her.

Seconds later, he felt the web of his mind open a connection and he went through it without hesitation. Suddenly, he was seeing beyond this room, this moment, into another night. A night where the young girl before him wore white and soft lavender as she was led through an archway and into a room full of smiling faces, on the arm of a man who had a forehead way too large for his small face but otherwise, looked happy as a clam to be where he was. People cheered and toasted. A couple that were, no doubt, her parents were grinning from ear to ear and the robust man was crying and claiming allergies. It bothered him only vaguely that he didn’t see the older sister in the room and then he was being called back by the sound of the younger girl’s voice.

“Can you see him? I mean, can you see anything, Hocus Pocus?”

He blinked and refocused on her. She still had her eyes closed, but he could tell she was straining to open them and have her answers. “I see a boy, my dear. Open your eyes.” She did and watched him expectantly. Not for the first time, he felt like Christmas morning personified and was always grateful when there was truly good news to deliver. Nothing harder than trying to lie to cover up a gruesome future. He smiled at the girl and spread his arms wide, going for the theatrical again. “He is yours,” he said. “’Til death do you part.”

“Oh,” she said, her eyes going wide. “You’re sure it’s him? I mean, you don’t even know what he looks like, this boy.”

Her words were rushed, and he couldn’t bring himself to find out if he’d seen the boy she was hoping for, so he said, “I see you happier than you’ve ever been. In the meantime, let destiny have its secrets.”

She looked a little put off by his vague answer, like she might argue, so he turned to her sister and hurried on before there could be a rebuttal. “And you, dear. What do you want to see?”

“Um, well… I mainly came here for my sister, Justine.” Justine, the younger sister, snuggled closer. “I guess… can you tell me if my scholarship comes through?” She didn’t sound overly skeptical of his ability to see it; more like she wasn’t used to putting herself first. He appreciated what that meant for her character and smiled a genuine smile at her.

“Of course. Close your eyes and let Hocus Pocus work his magic.”

Both girls settled in again to wait, eyes closed, and he worked quicker this time, opening the web of connections and finding hers before stepping through. He was met by a wall of darkness and for a second, he floundered, unable to get his bearings. His eyes adjusted to the darkness and he was able to make out shadows. Odd shaped buildings and crude alleys came into focus. He looked around, trying to figure out where he was, but it was too dark.

He tried pushing past this moment, into something more future, but nothing would come. His mind was uneasy, not only with his surroundings, but the inability to move forward from the vision. He never got blocked like this. Unless…

He swallowed a lump and looked at his surroundings more closely. If he strained, he could hear panting nearby. He whirled in every direction. There. Crouched behind a crate was the older sister. He moved closer, knowing she couldn’t see him here in this reflection of what was to come. Her clothes were torn and her eye was swollen and leaking. She was crying so softly, he almost missed it. He wanted to bend down and comfort her but she wouldn’t feel his touch. A scuffle sounded from the mouth of the alley and he looked up at the same moment she did. It was too dark to make out anyone specific, but he knew there was someone there; several someones. They were drunk. He knew it without needing to see them. He could feel it in the air, in the way they carried themselves. And they were heading this way. He swallowed another lump.

“Well? Do you see?”

The sound of her voice wrenched him out of the dark vision, and he blinked at her. Her eyes were open and she was watching him with curiosity and a little confusion. His eyes must’ve been milky again. He should really start making them all wear blindfolds. Or at least dim the lights.

“I didn’t get it, did I?” she asked.

He collected himself and pasted an open smile on his lips. “Easy as pie,” he said. Madame Bellfast had trained him in the art of talking in clichés when the answer was unclear or unflattering. He reverted to it only when he really floundered for answers. When the visions he saw were particularly gruesome.

“So, I got it?” Her eyes went wide, like her sisters, but it seemed more disbelief than excitement.

“You needn’t concern yourself,” he said, which was, unfortunately, true. The scholarship was the least of her worries.

She smiled, transforming her features from anxious to pretty. “Thank you… Hocus Pocus,” she said.
The girls rose, and he took his cue, rising as well and motioning them towards the curtain with a flourish of his hands. “Ladies, it has been a pleasure. Come back anytime and enjoy the show.”

They smiled and slipped past him, out the curtain he held open for them, and into the fluorescent night. The yellow lights danced off their hair as they made their way down the causeway, arm in arm. He watched them until he couldn’t see them anymore and then let the curtain fall back into place with finality. He couldn’t see any more customers tonight. Madame Bellfast would understand. He’d never come out and admitted his gift to her, but he saw the way she watched him and he knew she knew.

He sat back down at the table and removed the heavy cape he’d draped over himself. Partly because it lended him to the character he played and partly because it covered up the ketchup stain on his button-up shirt underneath. He dropped his head into his hands and, without really knowing why, went back into the web to look for the girl. His visions weren’t always accurate when he tried for the distant future. He should try for something more immediate, make sure he wasn’t missing something.

The web opened and he stepped through. Over the next few minutes, he let the vision take him, completely wrapping himself into the moment. At the end, his head shot up and his eyes swirled back into focus with jolting clarity. He jumped up, knocking the chair over, and ran from the tent.
He found the alleyway with the ease of someone who’d been there a thousand times. It was the alley between the groomer’s tent and the bearded lady, and he knew the sort that hung out there. They were lower than the low. Not even worthy of the company of the ‘lifers’; these were the temps. Short for ‘temporary’. They were so unpredictable, you never knew who would still be here the next day, or who’d be passed out in the ditch as the circus party headed for the next town, leaving the drunk behind.

He heard the sounds before he saw them, and his insides clenched. Was he too late?

Grunts and guffaws echoed out from the darkened alley, and he recognized the scene from his vision with revulsion. A body came hurtling towards him from the back of the alley and slammed into him. It was the youngest sister and she must’ve recognized him because even through her sobbing she clung to him with a desperate grip.

“My sister,” she managed, before reverting back to indistinguishable sobs. “My sister,” she repeated.

He peeled her off him and set her aside, under the bright lights of the menagerie tent. “Stay here,” he said. He didn’t wait for an answer because she was still sobbing. Instead, he headed into the unlit alley.

He did quick checks with his gift while he walked. Ten seconds out. Clear. Fifteen. Clear. Twenty. Not so good. There was going to be a guy just ahead, behind that crate. Lukas reacted a split second before his attacker and caught him around the throat. He squeezed and slammed the guy on the ground without a word. His would-be attacker struggled against him, but Lukas held firm. Physical strength was another of his gifts and he rarely used it for violence; unless it was unavoidable. His attacker ceased his struggles and fell silent. Lukas rose, still checking ahead with his gift. He saw what the three men up ahead planned on doing to the oldest sister and shut his visions off after that. Even if it alerted him to an attack, he couldn’t bear to watch the possible future unfold. He had to stop it.

He walked right into the group of partiers, and they were so far gone they didn’t even recognize him as an outsider until he’d punched the closest one square across the jaw, sending him sprawling backwards.

“Hey,” the other two shouted. They lunged towards him but it was like slow motion. The stench of alcohol that clung to them was revolting. Lukas held his breath and waded into the fight with both hands. He was dimly aware of the frightened girl, crouching behind some crates, and whimpering. He ignored her and focused on the fight. On the meeting of his fists to the men’s faces. Then their ribs. Then their throats. When he finally stood and wiped the sweat from his brow, none of them were moving. He hoped they stayed unconscious until the tents were rolled and loaded and they were halfway to the next town. Otherwise, he’d have to face them again. And he wasn’t sure he could leave them alive if that happened.

“You okay?” he asked, turning back to the girl.

He couldn’t see her face, even this close, but he could see the silhouette of her arm, and he took it gently in his hand and pulled her to her feet.

“I think so,” she whispered. He could hear the fear and panic in those three words, but she managed to hold it together and let him lead her out of the alley.

Justine, the youngest, was waiting under the lights. She ran to her sister and they clung to each other in a fierce hug. Lukas stood aside and waited as long as he could before breaking them apart with a hand on the eldest’s shoulder.

“You should get going,” he said quietly. “Get home.”

The eldest nodded at him. “Thank you,” she said.

“Yes, thank you, Hocus Pocus,” said Justine, tears still streaming down her face. She sniffled and clung to her sister but she was smiling at him.

“All in a day’s work,” he answered, going with the cliché again.

He nudged them forward and followed them all the way to the parking lot. When they got in their car and drove off, he stood there, smiling, as he watched the vision of the oldest sister’s life play out before his eyes. It was long and full.

He’d saved another one.

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Want more? DreamKiller 1 and 2 are up for grabs in a GIVEAWAY sponsored by Heather Hildenbrand. To enter, click HERE (ends 9/7/11)