January 30, 2015

Cover Coveting(9)

 
Cover art is found from Wicked Scribes, ATUF, Goodreads, social networks, and other sources.
***All cover art may not be final.***

Ah, the end of the week! Time to catch up on some shows. I know a lot of other fellow book worms happen to be TV/Movie addicts. Do you guys have issues balancing both you book and TV/Movie addictions? Because I know I do.

Now let’s look at some covers!


The Void by J.D. Horn

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


the-voide Series: Witching Savannah, book 3

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Ah!!! I love the art for this series so much. Just when I think that the previous cover was the best, boom another beautiful cover.

The Typography, the swirl around the typography. Ah! Just Everything about this cover.

Look at how the author’s name is arched over the title. Not over powering it, and blending into the storm. That’s how you do it!

The Winds of Winter by George R. R. Martin

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


the-winds-of-winter Series: Song of Ice and Fire, book 6

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: High Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

This cover is not official. But this is a clear example of how not to do inanimate objects on covers.

Those Above by Daniel Polansky

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


those-above-daniel-polansky Series: The Empty Throne, book 1

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: High Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Oooooo, what a cool way of mixing up the “fire and ice” theme of fantasy with a sword. Cool!

Oh, and love how the sword is the “O” in Above. Groovy.

Torn by Avery Hastings

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


torn Series: The Feuds, book 2

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi/Dystopian

Shera’s thoughts:

These covers just speak to the ballerina in me. Isn’t it amazing that some octagons artistically placed scream Science Fiction.

Touch by Natalia Jaster

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


touch Series: N/A 

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

The simplicity of the cover is pure perfection. The art style to the typography is wonderful.

My heart soars.

Yes, less is more.

Trailer Park Fae by Lilith Saintcrow

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


trailer-park-fae Series: Gallow and Ragged, book 1

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

This cover has been out for a while, but it is so badass I need to talk about it.

I love how the tip of the spear covers the “N” in the authors name. The cover is so gritty! Reminds me of the White Trash Zombie covers.

Oh, and it’s exciting the prospect of another male lead in Urban Fantasy.

Velvet by Temple West

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


velvet Series: N/A 

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult

Shera’s thoughts:

You know it. The typography has stolen my heart. It’s so gorgeous that the Velvet is twining around her arm.

Wicked Embers by Keri Arthur

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


wicked-embers Series: Souls of Fire, book 2

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Another older release. Again I adore it!

The last cover was awesome, this one is even better! Way to step up their game, and to make fire original.

Looking forward to the next cover.

Witches with the Enemy by Barb Hendee

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Witches With the Enemy Series: The Mist-Torn Witches, book 3

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: High Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Cool! But it makes me a little sad that actual drawn covers are a thing of the past. At least it seems that way. Especially for high fantasy, a genre that used to only have cool artsy covers.

Still fun, matches the covers. I adore having to badass woman on the covers.

January 29, 2015

Review: Written in Red

Written in Red (The Others, book 1) by Anne Bishop

written-in-red

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Written in Red (1)

No one creates realms like "New York Times "bestselling author Anne Bishop. Now in a thrilling new fantasy series, enter a world inhabited by the Others, unearthly entities--vampires and shape-shifters among them--who rule the Earth and whose prey are humans.
As a "cassandra sangue," or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut--a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg's Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard--a business district operated by the Others.
Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she's keeping a secret, and second, she doesn't smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she's wanted by the government, he'll have to decide if she's worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.


Review:

Ohhhhh, yes. You'll have what I'm having. Because Bishop has always been magic with dark fantasy and humor. When I heard she had started up an Urban Fantasy series I was nervous as to how her style would translate over. Plus, for a while I thought it was a young adult series. Bishop is an author I can't ever see doing young adult. After my YA fears where laid to rest I got curiouser and curiouser. It wasn't until some readers expressed that they loved the fresh new world that I took the series seriously. Especially as the praise came rolling in. This isn't an alternate earth, this is a Fantasy Realm and Bishop is a booking boss of creating them. However, the realm she has created definitely falls into Urban Fantasy.

Welcome to Namid a realm where the Terra Indigen (AKA earth natives), or The Others, rule. Humans were more of an after thought when Namid gave birth to all the crazy beings of the world. There are parts of the world that humans have, but much like our world they went exploring across the vast seas to settle in new places and pioneer to new lands. One such place is Thaisia. Humans are not at the top of the food chain, oh no-no-no. Settling any new human territories is hard, and often bloody, work. Humans basically rent the land from the Others, except for actual human owned areas, from the Others.

The Others and humans have never meshed well and Bishop does a wonderful job of showing how human prejudice can kill and that humans forget all to easily. Dooming themselves to repeat the past. In the modern “now” of Thaisia the humans rent the land, pay for water, and resources. If the Others decide that the humans have wronged them, or just want the land back, they can take the land back or bring in new humans. This usually involves death. The Others have no problem eating humans. In fact most of the Other still consider them part of the editable chain. There's Terra Indigene, varieties of shape shifters. Sanguinati, which are some really cool versions of vampires. Elementals which sounds exactly like their name, beings that make other Others nervous.

Then there's the Cassandra Sangue. Bringing me to our lead Meg Corbyn, who happens to be a Cassandra Sangue. A Blood Prophet. Cassandra Sangue are humans that are a bit more Other, able to see prophecy by cutting themselves. Bishop takes the a twist on the basic idea of Greek Mythology and the seer Cassandra twisting it for Namid in a way that is just too pleasing. Like all of Bishops creations she adds a twist of darkness. Showing what happens when humans take care of people who need “help from themselves” and that good intentions go bad fast if there’s a prophet to gain. Meg has never lived out in the real world. She's given images of what things look like and strange classes that are chilling. Her caretakers sell cuts to people with enough money so they can get a glimpse into the future.

I don't want to give it all away but Blood Prophets are a big part of this book and it's chilling how close to home the injustices done to them are. Meg finally has a chance to escape and when readers join in Meg is still on the run looking for a safe haven. Meg is truly a unique and brave character. She's not a warrior woman we’re accustom too from the genre, but she has heart and courage that most UF leads seem to lack. Having a smart mouth is fun, but can get old fast and I enjoyed Meg’s innocence and clever wit.

Written in Red is not just told from Meg's POV. There's a whole list of characters from villains, to a number of the Others, and different humans. Bringing even more of Bishop's magic sauce, the ability to show what motivates each character and their drive. You may not agree with them, but you understand them. Simon Wolfgard is an animal shifter and the main male character POV. Through his eyes and many of the Others readers can gain an understanding for how they see humans and why the Others feel the way they do about them. Which left me at times very conflicted as I saw humans as the bad guys. Where mob mentality would cause the masses to join in human fear creating even more problems for themselves. Their own prejudices blinding them to the fact that they were the ones lynching themselves. The few “good” humans help to balance things out and while they helped it reflects too much on how things in societies can go wrong so fast.

There's no way I can can truly explain how amazing The Others is. Bishop is at the top of her game. Very few Epic Fantasy authors can effortlessly make the jump to a new genre, even if it has fantasy in it's description. The world of the The Others is dark, horrifying, and anyone could get eaten. Which is what truly makes the moments of light heartedness, kindness, and humor so wonderful. Some readers may not enjoy knowing what's going on with other characters. However, it's a huge part of Bishop's writing and it weaves a flawless story. Epic Fantasy readers won't mind it one bit if they're jumping in on this series for Bishop. Urban Fantasy reader may grumble, I know a few other series made it seem so tiring. However, have faith. This is the kind of raw story that readers have been waiting for. The Others shows off what it is about Urban Fantasy that makes it such a hot commodity right now. Which is a good thing since the genre has been slowing down. Just read it! It's well worth tossing aside doubts and taking the chance.

Sexual Content: Sex, violence about sex, hints of rape, sexual humor, and dark material. You’ll need to enjoy realism and dark things to fully respect it.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:

Written in Red (1)
Murder of Crows (2)
Vision in Silver (3)
Marked in Flesh (4)
Untitled (5)

Written in Red (1)
Murder of Crows (2)
Vision in Silver (3)
Marked in Flesh (4)
Untitled (5)

Written in Red (1)
Murder of Crows (2)
Vision in Silver (3)
Marked in Flesh (4)
Untitled (5)

January 28, 2015

Wednesday Wishes

Ah, that magical time is upon me again! Time to share what books I’m fantasizing about owning.


Justice Calling by Anne Bellet

justice-callingGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: The Twenty-Sided Sorceress, book 1

Gamer. Nerd. Sorceress.

Jade Crow lives a quiet life running her comic book and game store in Wylde, Idaho. After twenty-five years fleeing from a powerful sorcerer who wants to eat her heart and take her powers, quiet suits her just fine. Surrounded by friends who are even less human than she is, Jade figures she’s finally safe.

As long as she doesn’t use her magic.

When dark powers threaten her friends’ lives, a sexy shape-shifter enforcer shows up. He’s the shifter world’s judge, jury, and executioner rolled into one, and he thinks Jade is to blame. To clear her name, save her friends, and stop the villain, she’ll have to use her wits… and her sorceress powers.

Except Jade knows that as soon as she does, a far deadlier nemesis awaits.

Justice Calling is the first book in The Twenty-Sided Sorceress urban fantasy series. Readers who enjoyed The Dresden Files or The Iron Druid Chronicles will likely enjoy this series.

This honestly sounds awesome. The tiny page count does not. It’s not even a short story, it’s an official book in the series. Full length. But it sounds like a good idea . . .

Soulprint by Megan Miranda

soulprintGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi
Series: N/A

Alina Chase has spent her entire life in confinement. With the science of soul-printing now a reality, she is 'protected' for her own safety – and the safety of others – because her soul has done terrible things ... or so she's told. When Alina finally breaks out of prison, helped by a group of people with unclear motives, she begins to uncover clues left by her past life that only she can decipher. And she may not be as innocent as she once believed. Can Alina change her future, or is she fated to repeat her past and face the consequences? Perfect for fans of Sophie McKenzie.

OK, there are not enough words to say how awesome this idea is! Please don’t let it turn into a romance. Let’s be better. Do better this year.

The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick

the-ghosts-of-heavenGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Time Travel Young Adult
Series: N/A

A bold, genre-bending epic that chronicles madness, obsession, and creation, from the Paleolithic era through the Witch Hunts and into the space-bound future.

Four linked stories boldly chronicle madness, obsession, and creation through the ages. Beginning with the cave-drawings of a young girl on the brink of creating the earliest form of writing, Sedgwick traverses history, plunging into the seventeenth century witch hunts and a 1920s insane asylum where a mad poet's obsession with spirals seems to be about to unhinge the world of the doctor trying to save him. Sedgwick moves beyond the boundaries of historical fiction and into the future in the book's final section, set upon a spaceship voyaging to settle another world for the first time. Merging Sedgwick's gift for suspense with science- and historical-fiction, Ghosts of Heaven is a tale is worthy of intense obsession.

A Goodreads friend described this as a “Cloud Atlas for young adults”. Which is awesome. While I never could make it through the book, I loved the movie. Plus, her whole review just sold me.

January 27, 2015

Review: Magic Rises

Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, book 6) by Ilona Andrews

magic-rises

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Magic Rises (6)

Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost.

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta.

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap…


Review:

The Andrews team may not have wowed me with the first two books in the Kate Daniels books, but I'm glad I gave them another shot. Because they've won me over, with their other series and finally by book 3 of the Kate Daniels series. They're officially some of the top authors on my list and an instant buy. They've proven that they can write amazing couples (even if they are basic copies/outlines of each other, but lots of authors do that!), children (no really very few authors can do that), and great fantasy worlds. Magic Rises hit every sweet spot I’ve come to love from this series. Feeding the epic connections this series has with it's characters, there are consequences and not everyone makes it to the end of this book. The plot is ambitious and definitely a stronger one for the series. Kate and Curran are amazing together, well kind of . . .

Before I get into the rest of the review I have to say it. It took me until about book 3, Magic Strikes, to actually see Curran as a love interest. By the end of book 4, Magic Bleeds, I was really starting to get into Kate and Curran. Book 5, Magic Slays, turned me into a diehard fan of the couple. Then book 5.5, Gunmetal Magic, was a great look at the couple through others eyes, and I loved it. The warm and fuzzy intenseness of their romance was sweeping me off my feet within a few pages of Magic Rises. Kate and Curran's banter is even better than ever here:

“I elbowed Curran. Their Castle is bigger.”
He winked at me. “Mine is taller. It's not the size of the castle. It's what you do with it.” – Kate & Curran

Then Curran starts sniffing around another woman. I like that they can both admit that despite their love they're not to a point were they can 100% trust each other. Though I find it odd considering they'll die for each other without blinking, but they can't trust each other? While it's true if Kate's dad told her to come with him and he'd leave everyone she loves alive, she'd do it. Thus betraying Curran cause he would want to help her. Curran's betrayal was stupid and pointless. In the end it made me really dislike him. Kate's amazing, she can look after herself. And in the end she still ended up having to save her own ass from the very thing Curran was trying to protect her from. Curran just tossed a huge distraction in front of Kate to deal with. Yeah . . . my Curran enthusiasm is pretty low at this point. Bleep him. Bleep him and his fuzzy mane.

The rest of the book is amazing! It starts of on a dramatic note with some of Julie's friends going loup. They're these sweet little twins and Andrews wastes no time making you feel the pain. It's quickly established that panacea can help young shifters so that they don't go loup. And this is what the whole base of this book about. How important the children are and what everyone is willing to sacrifice to save them by obtaining it.

This book is intense, from the get go it's clear that Kate and Curran are walking into a trap. The trap gets deadlier as the mystery goes on and the real trap setter is revealed. This book is a rush and things are building up to Kate and her dad's final battle. All the ties and advice to the fact that Kate is no where near ready is great for the buildup. Magic Rises is a great entry and the biggest rush yet. Andrews isn't afraid to maim their characters, and this book doesn't just maim it kills off some great characters.

While Curran and Kate's love story ended up turning into a bitter thing for me, and only some amazing stuff can bring me back to feeling good about them as a couple, this book is a great entry. Magic Rises is the biggest adrenaline rush yet for the series. There's fabulous blending of mythologies here. Just what I love about the series. New monsters to feed readers' imaginations. The development of Kate’s place in the pack without Curran as a factor is great, especially seeing others loyalty to her. An overall fantastic book for characters—except for Curran. Oh, I'm ready for the next entry all right!

Sexual Content: Mmmm, the most graphic sex scene I’ve read from these two yet! Sexual humor, talk, and such.

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:

Magic Bites (1)
Magic Burns (2)
Magic Strikes (3)
Magic Bleeds (4)
Magic Slays (5)
Gunmetal Magic (5.5)
Magic Rises (6)
Magic Breaks (7)
Magic Shifts (8)
Untitled (9)
Untitled (10)



Magic Bites (1)
Magic Burns (2)
Magic Strikes (3)
Magic Bleeds (4)
Magic Slays (5)
Gunmetal Magic (5.5)
Magic Rises (6)
Magic Breaks (7)
Magic Shifts (8)
Untitled (9)
Untitled (10)

Magic Bites (1)
Magic Burns (2)
Magic Strikes (3)
Magic Bleeds (4)
Magic Slays (5)
Gunmetal Magic (5.5)
Magic Rises (6)
Magic Breaks (7)
Magic Shifts (8)
Untitled (9)
Untitled (10)

January 26, 2015

Review: Gunmetal Magic

Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, book 5.5) by Ilona Andrews

gunmetal-magic

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Gunmetal Magic (5.5)

After eviction from the Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea is a wreck. She starts work for best pal PI Kate Daniels. Shapeshifters under Raphael Medrano — Clan Bouda male alpha, Andrea’s ex-lover — die suddenly at a dig site. With Raphael, she seeks killer in deep dark Atlanta. Her feelings for him may take a back seat to saving the world…
Bonus: Kate Daniels novella "Magic Gifts"


Review:

Yes! It was everything I had hoped it would be! Sure some of my illusions of Andrea were kind of shattered, but overall I still love her and enjoy her bad ass self. Seeing Kate and Curran from Andrea's eyes was awesome, even more when they both stepped into the story. Raphael actually kind of transformed into a ninny for me . . . but hey.

First off both Andrea and Raphael make stupid mistakes, mainly caused by miscommunications. Though Raphael assuming the worst and being unable to walk in someone else's shoes does not help things. What’s worse is that he brings a “finance” into the equation dragging her into Andrea's place of work, even after Andrea extends the olive branch. What's worse—yes, more—is that I find every move Raphael makes from there on rude, childish, and not in the least bit showing how he feels for Andrea. It takes a while for me to feel love, but Andrea certainly feels it. After each aggressive move by Raphael she keeps promising revenge. She turns him on and makes out . . . but of course she's totally into it and it doesn't feel like any kind of revenge. Not to mention the fact that when she FINALLY makes her move it's more hilarious and she caves right after. Which is fine, but like Andrea states Raphael is sooooo spoiled. Man needed some bones broken.

Still, I loved it! Minor annoying things aside. Because Andrews makes amazing characters. Which we get to enjoy even more by seeing those beloved characters through other character's eyes. The world is awesome seeing from the eyes of a shifter, especially someone who is a “social leper” in the shifter world. Seeing the shifter politics are awesome. Especially as Andrea navigates her way into joining them.

More god plot lines here and lot's of fun. Namely Roman. Roman. Roman. Roman. While I'm bothered that he got third wheeled in Andrea's little love drama. You can't blame Andrea for wanting to try something with Roman. Roman is a character that I loved to death in Magic Slays, and now I LOVE'EM to DEATH. No really. There has to be more Roman time. If there was a spinoff for him, I'd be all over it. Since there probably isn't going to be, I just hope there will be more book time for him in the future. Because he is all kind of awesome! ****(The authors answered some questions about the future of the series and Roman is a character they wouldn’t mind doing a spinoff for!! Yeah!!)****

Overall another great read from my favorite authors. The Kate Daniels universe is fantastic and with each new entry the series keeps getting better and better. The characters and world are mesmerizing and gritty. Everyone has a past. Each move has a consequence. Oh, and the humor is fantastic as usual. Banter is the name of the game with the couples and Andrews bring their A game. In the end while I want more “Kate” books, I won’t be too nervous if they have to tell the story from another view point again.

Sexual Content: Some making out, sex scene, sexual humor/banter, and some jesting. Overall some good times.

 
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:

Magic Bites (1)
Magic Burns (2)
Magic Strikes (3)
Magic Bleeds (4)
Magic Slays (5)
Gunmetal Magic (5.5)
Magic Rises (6)
Magic Breaks (7)
Magic Shifts (8)
Untitled (9)
Untitled (10)



Magic Bites (1)
Magic Burns (2)
Magic Strikes (3)
Magic Bleeds (4)
Magic Slays (5)
Gunmetal Magic (5.5)
Magic Rises (6)
Magic Breaks (7)
Magic Shifts (8)
Untitled (9)
Untitled (10)

Magic Bites (1)
Magic Burns (2)
Magic Strikes (3)
Magic Bleeds (4)
Magic Slays (5)
Gunmetal Magic (5.5)
Magic Rises (6)
Magic Breaks (7)
Magic Shifts (8)
Untitled (9)
Untitled (10)

January 23, 2015

Cover Coveting: Makeover

 
Cover art is found from Wicked Scribes, ATUF, Goodreads, social networks, and other sources.
***All cover art may not be final.***

Found this new little tidbit in a newsletter. It feels like so many covers are getting some makeovers. Even series that are barely starting out. So what series is getting a makeover?


It’s C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp’s Touch of Evil (Amazon | Goodreads), the first book in the Thrall series (Amazon | Goodreads). It really hasn’t changed that much. We get more of the woman, and a kick butt weapon. Personally I like it! Never realized how bland the original cover was. (Scroll further down for the original.)

touch-of-evil

Even after all of these years, I still really love her braid. Also, love how there’s more city scape. It’s a very artsy/abstract city scape and I love how well it mixes with the cover.

touch-of-evil-original

To be honest I’m not sure if the rest of the series will be getting a makeover,but I’ll be watching for the.

January 22, 2015

Review: Hex Hall

Hex Hall (Hex Hall, book 1) by Rachel Hawkins

hex-hall

Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Hex Hall (1)

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father—an elusive European warlock—only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tag-along ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.


Review:

Wow! What a fun and fast read. Clamoring for dark and gritty paranormal reads is basically my thing. But even I need a nice fun read from time to time, with lot's of lightness to it. Which is exactly what Hex Hall is. Now to be fair, there are some dark elements here no doubt. Even some dark twists. Sadly if you read this genre “dark and gritty”, and “freaky scary” are some of the terms used fondly to describe a good read. So Hex Hall is like the cotton candy fix after being accustomed to the finest chocolates money can buy.

Hex Hall's plot is predictable. You can read it like an open book. (Yeah, I went there.) The dark twists were only surprising because they were a bit darker than the rest of the book, but not because readers can't see them coming. Hex Hall's real power to captivate readers comes from its quirky humor, and even quirkier characters. No really the cast of characters found in Hex Hall are awesome. Even the mean girls get some depth and when bad things start to happens you can feel for everyone. Even if they deserved it.

Warning! Total cliffhanger! And what a brave one at that. Things could get darker from here on out, but I don't think they will. In the end this Hex Hall is a fun read. Thankfully it's no Sabrina—some reviews were making comparisons—but as said before it's fun! The jokes are smart and the characters are very interesting. There's enough going on here that it isn't a fluff piece, but it is still a nice break from some of the darker reads that dominate—at least mine—TBR piles. So happy the rest of the series is already out as I will be moving on to the next book!

Sexual Content: Making out and sexual humor. Overall pretty clean.

  
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:
Hex Hall (1)
Demonglass (2)
Spell Bound (3)
Hex Hall (1)
Demonglass (2)
Spell Bound (3)
Hex Hall (1)
Demonglass (2)
Spell Bound (3)

January 21, 2015

Cover Coveting(14)

 
Cover art is found from Wicked Scribes, ATUF, Goodreads, social networks, and other sources.
***All cover art may not be final.***

Found a whole slew of yummy covers! And the best part is I wants all the books attached to the covers!! So that’s why I’m posting this in lieu of Wednesday Wishes.


5 to 1 by Holly Bodger

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


5to1 Series: N/A 

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian

Shera’s thoughts:

I love this cover so much! Even more is how I love that it screams India to me! The fish, and the girls in those fish and the overall design is epic.

The Typography is tacky, but it still fits well enough that it’s probably only me (the picky font girl) that doesn’t like it.

A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


a-curious-tale-of-the-in-between Series: Pram, book 1

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Middle Grade

Shera’s thoughts:

Usually I don’t really bother with Middle Grade books, but this cover is so creepily awesome! Oh, and I love the title typography.

Bridges Burned by Chris Cannon

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


bridges-burned Series: Going Down in Flames, book 2

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult

Shera’s thoughts:

While both covers did not scream dragon, I love that they’re keeping the glowing hair theme going.

Very pretty.

Energized by Mary Behre

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


energized Series: Tidewater, book 3

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Shera’s thoughts:

Oooo, I love it when PNR covers have a gritty urban fantasy feel to them.

Lion Heart by A.C. Gaughen

Previous book(s) in series:

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lion-heart Series: Scarlet, book 3

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Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Ah, so gorgeous!! Love. It. This cover is beautiful, and I love the lethal touches with the dagger.

The Cage by Megan Shepherd

Previous book(s) in series:

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the-cage Series: The Cage, book 1

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Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi

Shera’s thoughts:

At first the filter they put on is too bright, it distorts the bars of the cage. But after a while I realize that it’s really cool. I think that’s the idea.

The title of the book needs more contrast though. Just enough pop so that it’s not a struggle to read it.

Exile by C.T. Adams

Previous book(s) in series:

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the-exile Series: The Fae, book 1

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Genre: Urban Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

This cover is awesome! The thing on her right is a bit puzzling.

The Hanged Man by P.N. Elrod

Previous book(s) in series:

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the-hanged-man Series: Her Majesty’s Psychic Service, book 1

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Genre: Urban Fantasy (Historical)

Shera’s thoughts:

It screams ghost and London. Well done.

Honestly I do like this cover.

The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows

Previous book(s) in series:

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the-orphan-queen Series: The Orphan Queen, book 1

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Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

This kind of reminds me of the cover for the Fallen books, but especially Teardop (the original cover).

While I’m not into the “CGI” feel the covers have been going lately. This one isn’t too bad. Or I should say over use of effects that are poorly put together. Gosh I miss good old fashioned hand drawn art.

The Replaced by Kimberly Derting

Previous book(s) in series:

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the-replaced Series: The Taking, book 2 

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Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi

Shera’s thoughts:

At first I thought this was a asteroid disturbing outer space. But then when I look at it again, it’s not. it’s a really cool eye tease using type and space.

The hint of twilight or dawn. Is that a planet up there?

The Sea King by C.L. Wilson

Previous book(s) in series:

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the-sea-king Series: Weathermages of Mystral, book 2

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Genre: Romantic Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Well, definitely not as cheesy as the last cover. Actually I kind of like this.

At least there both looking at each other adoringly. It still feel like those cheap 80s/90s historical romance covers.

The Shattered Court by M.J. Scott

Previous book(s) in series:

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the-shattered-court Series: A Novel of the Four Arts, book 1 

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Genre: High Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Almost didn’t see that dude on the left!

So I’ve been saying that people need to step away from the dress covers, but then they keep doing them over and over again.

I really like this cover, it’s so beautiful.

The Sin Eater’s Daughter by Melinda Salisbury

Previous book(s) in series:

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the-sin-eaters-daughter Series: The Sin Eater’s Daughter, book 1

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Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Love! Love! Love! This cover. It’s so cool that she is the poison in the bottle. While I just got done complaining about over use of effects on covers, this one is done well.

Everything about it just sings with my book cover loving soul!

The Veil by Chloe Neill

Previous book(s) in series:

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the-veil Series: Devil’s Ilse, book 1

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Genre: Urban Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Well, the woman is nicely covered up. Really it’s not a wowizer of a cover, but I still really like this cover.