Cover Coveting (7)

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

As I type this I'm pondering the possibility that my chickens might in fact be chicken ninjas. A fantasy I have long entertained.

Well now I want them to just be regular cute silkies.

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Arcana Rising by Kresley Cole

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon

Series: The Arcana Chronicles, book 4 Add it: Goodreads | Amazon Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Shera’s thoughts: It's so pretty. And it gets me super pumped for what other Arcana cards will be introduced.

Darkest Night by Cate Tiernan

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon

Series: Birthright, book 2 Add it: Goodreads | Amazon Genre: Paranormal Shera’s thoughts: I don't feel like this cover fits the first book. In fact I'd say it was part of Need series by Carrie Jones instead. It looks nice though.

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon

Series: Throne of Glass, book 5 Add it: Goodreads | Amazon Genre: Young Adult High Fantasy Shera’s thoughts: Honestly I thought I had already posted this! Oops. I like it. She looks badass. Though I'm wondering if, and if so when, she gets turned totally white. Is she now albino?

Letter to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon

Series: N/A  Add it: Goodreads | Amazon Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Shera’s thoughts: I am in love with the paper flowers!! Totally awesome.

The Burning Chaos by Melissa Giorgio

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon

Series: Smoke and Mirrors, book 2 Add it: Goodreads | Amazon Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Shera’s thoughts: I think it's a a lovely step up from the last cover. Great "burning" technique.

The Last Beginning by Lauren James

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon

Series: The Next Together, book 2 Add it: Goodreads | Amazon Genre: Young Adult Time Travel Shera’s thoughts: At first I did not think this fit the first cover, but instead of color stripes it has color circle . . . stripes. Cool idea.

The Last Harvest by Kim Liggett

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon

Series: N/A  Add it: Goodreads | Amazon Genre: Young Adult Horror Shera’s thoughts: Well the birds do inspire creepy thoughts.

Review: Struck

****Review copy received for an honest review.****

Struck (Phoebe Meadows, book 1) by Amanda Carlson

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Struck (1)

When Phoebe Meadows gets struck by a strange light in the stockroom of Macy’s, life as she knows it flies out the window. As if being hit by lightning isn’t bad enough, she’s accosted in the subway by a man with a missing hand, arrives home to find a raven on her kitchen counter, and her neighbor, Ingrid, shows up dressed like a gladiator hell-bent on protecting her.

Before Ingrid can shuttle her to safety, Phoebe is kidnapped and tossed into one of the Nine Worlds where she’s quickly forced to come to terms with what she is: A valkyrie. The only problem is, she has no idea what that means.

After a narrow escape, she finds an unlikely ally in Loki’s son, Fenrir. Together the valkyrie and the wolf must battle their way back to New York City and reach the valkyrie stronghold where Ingrid is waiting for her. But with danger and obstacles at every turn, she might not live long enough to learn the full truth about who and what she really is…

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Review:

There is something undeniably addicting about Amanda Carlson's writing. Combine that with her new peppy lead, Phoebe Meadows, who is a new born Valkyrie and you've got a hit. Phoebe kind of reminds me of the FRIENDS Phoebe, not just because of the name but they both are quirky gals. Ones that I like. Though admittedly no one can be as quirky as the FRIENDS Phoebe and Phoebe Meadows is brighter.

I will say upfront that Struck reminds me a lot of Full Blooded. The plot, feel, and pacing is the same. Plot wise it's just shadowing, not copy and pasting. The feel is more like the flavor of an author's writing style, because Struck is admittedly more funny and lighthearted. Though there are plenty of dark elements and themes. Pacing is fast and a wild ride that Carlson is well known for.

Phoebe annoyed me at first, but she quickly grew on me. She's a book bestie now. As she ventures through the realms and comes into her powers I couldn't not like her! Phoebe is hilarious, fun, sweet, and genuine. She's not magically a bad ass. She fumbles, learns, and grows. Which, with the books I've been reading lately, is something I greatly appreciate.

The male love interest was pretty awesome. He's alpha and polite. Well most of the time. I had a few issues with some of his ideas about Phoebe and her blade. (Not some kind of pun.) I feel like Carlson didn't over do it. Fen is relatable and you understand what motivates his actions.

Struck, to me, has enough Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance elements to please fans of both. I love the quirkiness of the story and humor. Not to mention the mythology of the world is steeped in Norse lore, but has Carlson's own magic touches. Oh, my gosh! The characters. I won't spoil anything but I can't wait to meet other mythological creatures/beings of Norse lore. Finally I have a Valkyrie story to look forward to. For years I've been waiting for someone to write a book/series that I would like with Valkyries as leads. (I was starting to think that Valkyries were cursed/jinxed for me.) I look forward to the rest of the books in the Phoebe Meadows series. Not to mention the twists and turns of the plot! Yeah!

Sexual Content: Yeah, I'd say so. Sexual humor, talk about torture and rape. Nothing too scary.

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Struck (1)	Struck (1)	Struck (1)

Urban Fantasy, Gone Self-Pub Part 2

 

Here we are again. Ff you missed my first post and explanation of self pub you can click here.

This will be my last post—for now—for my Urban Fantasy, Gone Self-Pub feature.

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Jenna Black

Red Hot Rain (Nikki Glass, book 4) 

Grab them: Amazon| Goodreads

Is this author going Self pub/indie or small?

Self published!

Important information or news?

To be quite honest I can't find an official post, and I'm not that handy at twitter. There's a goodreads page, a cover, an amazon preoder for 1.99, and both sites confirm May 16th, 2016 as the release date.

So that makes me keep the faith. I hope this bad boy sells well. I've pre-ordered. If it goes well I'm praying for Faeriewalker and Morgan Kingsley to get a revival.

What do we think of the cover(s)?

It fits the series perfectly! I like that the woman's hair is a different style, more wavy. Also that Nikki has her back turned away. (In my mind it's very symbolic.) the cover fits perfectly into the series! Bravo! 

Lisa Shearin

Wedding Bells, Magic Spells (Raine Benares, book 10)

Grab them: Amazon| Goodreads

Is this author going Self pub/indie or small?

Self published.

Important information or news?

Officially released February of 2016!

Okay, okay. This is High Fantasy more than Urban Fantasy. However, I'm interested in this series, it appeals to UF fans, and—hey—I couldn't help myself.

I'd really like to know how it sold, and if the author is encouraged to continue the series. Hmmm, it looks like it's priced at $7.99.

Black's book above is set at $1.99 for a pre-order. Man my need to get a conscis on which sells more, and if the higher or lowever priced books wins is tickling my brain.

What do we think of the cover(s)?

filler

Cornelia Funke

The Petrified Flesh (Reckless, book 1)
Living Flesh (Reckless, book 2)
The Golden Yarn (Reckless, book 3)

Grab them: Amazon| Goodreads

Is this author going Self pub/indie or small?

Self published.

Important information or news?

Self-pub, however, I think it's just for the English release of her books. Apparently she refused to make the suggested changes that the American publisher wanted her to make.

After reading this article about that changes the publishers wanted her to make, all I have to say is bravo to her for sticking up for herself.

It's always annoyed me how foreign things are edited so that they are more appealing or less shocking to an English speaking audience. Stop it!

She will be publishing them through her own publishing company, Breathing Books.

What do we think of the cover(s)?

Well first off the fact that the titles are sooooooo different makes it so tough to search and find! The first books are Reckless, Fearless, and The Golden Yarn. However, now the all say Reckless and then have whole new titles! At least the Golden Yarn is The Golden Yarn no matter what. (Now that I've looked for the proper links I think it means the US version series name is Reckless? Either way it's really hard and I'm wondering if it has something to do with rights.)

Now about the art. I LOVE it! Way better than any of the other releases.

Ilona Andrews

Clean Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles, book 1)
Sweep in Peace (Innkeeper Chronicles, book 2)
One Feel Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles, book 3) 

Grab them: Amazon| Goodreads

Is this author going Self pub/indie or small?

Self Published.

Important information or news?

The series, and each book, actually started as a free online serial. Readers can actually leave comments to the authors, and chapters/parts are released periodically.

Then when they're done with the book, they self pub it. But the serials still stay up for free online. I think it's awesome, and it happens to be one of my favorite series from the pair.

What do we think of the cover(s)?

So no cover for book 3 yet. However, I've always enjoyed the art. I get why people don't like it, but it looks much better to me than some of the covers they've had for their other series. Way better. Besides Sweep in Peace's cover is lovely.

Erica Hayes

Demon Chained (Shadowfae Chronicles, book 5) 

Grab them: Amazon| Goodreads

Is this author going Self pub/indie or small?

Self published.

Important information or news?

There really hasn't been any news on this series whether it officially wrapped up the series or not. Or if Demon Chained wrapped it up.

It's been since 2013 so I'm not sure if any more go out.

What do we think of the cover(s)?

Some people have thought this cover is smoking . . . but there is something off about the guy's chest.

Lara Adrian

Midnight Breed Series 

Grab them: Amazon| Goodreads

All right I'm tired, so I'm phoning this one in. This series has moved to self pub at some point. And the covers are pretty consistent so you can't tell when it went self pub that way. Overall I've heard really great things from fans of the series about it.

Wednesday Wishes

Well I'm watching Regression, a movie about the satanic cases in the 80s/90s, while working on my posts. It's so creepy about the idea of how people can transplant ideas and you can give them  a life and power over you. Events can become real.

So creepy.

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Shadowbound by Bec McMaster

Get it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Steampunk 
Series: The Dark Arts, book 1

When a powerful relic goes missing from a secret society that dabbles in the occult, Miss Ianthe Martin is charged with finding it at all costs. She needs help, but all clues point to someone on the inside being the thief. The only sorcerer she knows that can't possibly be involved, is the very man she saw locked in Bedlam a year ago...

The mad, bad, dangerous Earl of Rathbourne.

When the seductive Miss Martin appears in his Bedlam cell, Rathbourne fears he's finally lost his mind. The devilish sorceress played a hand in his incarceration, and now she comes asking for help? Perhaps she should begin by begging for mercy...

But Ianthe's offer of freedom is one he can't refuse, although he has a clause of his own to add. She may bind him with her power–the only way to still the demons haunting him–but for every day spent under her command, the nights will be his... to wreak delicious revenge on her willing flesh.

I'm confused if this self pub? I don't think so, but when I google the publisher I can't find anything. Though some of the later steampunk books also have the same publisher posted. *shrugs* If you caught my Monday post you'll understand why I was so curious about it.

Off topic babble ending.

I really love the idea of this book. Not to mention that I finally got around to reading the first book of McMaster's London Steampunk series. So I'm curious what a second steampunk series will be like from her.

This book just released in May. It's crazy I didn't see any other sites catch the cover release or news about this book coming out. Though I do see that McMaster has been talking about it. Bad PR.

Review: Sailor Moon Volume 6

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Vol. 6 (Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon Renewal Editions, book 6) by Naoko Takeuchi

Genre: Manga
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Sailor Moon Volume 6

Just when all seems well again in the world, another enemy appears. Two new figures from the private school Mugen Academy appear and take a special interest in Sailor Moon and company. Who are they, and do they have anything to do with the strange occurrences that are suddenly taking place? Meanwhile, the appearance of two new Guardians takes everyone by surprise as our favorite Sailor heroes must once again face off against new enemies to save the world.

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Review:

Meh. To be honest this took me a long time to read. Each time I picked it up I'd get maybe 10 pages in, become bored and drop it. Then repeated that process for about a year. The problem within those first 10 pages was that it had become apparent things were not going to develop how I'd hoped volume 5 had teased. Deep down I knew volume 6 would not pickup.

In a way I was right to a degree. After the lackluster of the Black Crystal arc, it's time to move on. A lot of new characters, ideas, and new villains are introduced. Reminding me what I don't enjoy about certain Shojo works. Basic ideas with no development.

The promise is here, but sadly not truly explored. And considering how fast these volumes go—and arcs—the likelihood of any of it developing beyond more than just an idea is slim.

Usagi at the beginning seemed to be the same. Especially the whole relationship between Mamoru, Usagi, and Chibiusa. AT first Usagi is frustratingly jealous of her daughter and Mamoru's relationship again. There are subtle changes with Usagi showing a bit more affection towards Usagi, so that's something. Mamoru and Chibiusa don't seem as incestuous, thank goodness. (That's a big something for me.) In fact I'm finally seeing Usagi and Mamoru as more big siblings, which is a relief. Though I do find some of Mamoru and Usagi's romance cold at times, they do have some very warm moments that make up for it later.

This issue shows that Takeuchi has definitely mastered her skills as a manga artist and her style. It's beautiful and I love it. In fact, I can see how it influenced A LOT of manga visually.

Also, I like what this volume is doing with gender bending. The real questions aren't answered, and I fear won't be developed and it will act as more of a gimmick for the series. In the end I can only hope that the next volumes can do more. The core Sailor Senshi feel like puppets, and while used here, are clearly getting left behind. They're falling victim to side character neglect, and being left behind for new characters. Even the cliffhanger felt boring because I called it in my last review. Trudging on.

Sexual Content: Hmmm, I suppose gender bender is here. Woman dressing like a guy. The lesbian/homosexual themes are very minor and probably hard to pick up. Some smooching.

  
1/5- I couldn't finish it or wish I hadn't.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Sailor Moon Volume 1 Sailor Moon Volume 2 Sailor Moon Volume 3 Sailor Moon Volume 4 Sailor Moon Volume 5 Sailor Moon Volume 6 Sailor Moon Volume 7 Sailor Moon Volume 8 Sailor Moon Volume 9 Sailor Moon Volume 10 Sailor Moon Volume 11 Sailor Moon Volume 12	Sailor Moon Volume 1 Sailor Moon Volume 2 Sailor Moon Volume 3 Sailor Moon Volume 4 Sailor Moon Volume 5 Sailor Moon Volume 6 Sailor Moon Volume 7 Sailor Moon Volume 8 Sailor Moon Volume 9 Sailor Moon Volume 10 Sailor Moon Volume 11 Sailor Moon Volume 12	Sailor Moon Volume 1 Sailor Moon Volume 2 Sailor Moon Volume 3 Sailor Moon Volume 4 Sailor Moon Volume 5 Sailor Moon Volume 6 Sailor Moon Volume 7 Sailor Moon Volume 8 Sailor Moon Volume 9 Sailor Moon Volume 10 Sailor Moon Volume 11 Sailor Moon Volume 12