April 28, 2016

Review: Dark Lover

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, book 1) by J.R. Ward

Dark Lover  (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1)

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Dark Lover (1)

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.


Review:

Dark Lover holds a very special place in my heart. It was on of the first Paranormal Romance titles that I actually went out and bought knowing it was a romance title. At that time I didn't think much of the romance genre. I had read a few Romantic Fantasy titles, and that was as far as I was willing to go. Then in my search for Urban Fantasy titles I stumbled across the Georgina Kincaid books, Night Huntress, and a few others that I enjoyed and realized where PNR titles. So I felt emboldened to venture into the foreign land of Paranormal Romance. After extensive research I decided that the Black Dagger Brotherhood was the place to start.

Oh, boy was I nervous. But it soon became apparent this was an Epic Paranormal Romance. The POV didn't just stay focused on the two leads. It changed between them and a multitude of fascinating characters. Not to mention the time spent with Mr. X, the evil villain of the Lesser Society. One thing I've always hated is an underdeveloped villain. I like to know what the bad guys are doing, what makes them tick, and such. Just like other aspects of great characters and a well developed world.

The slang is still something I have to get used to every time I pick up a BDBDark Lover  (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1) alternative book, and I end up looking up a lot of the terms still. Even on this reread. But it helps to flesh out Ward's world and the characters. These legendary warriors of old are definitely modernized guys. Jamming out to rap and pop songs, embracing certain parts of the modern world. They're overly violent, but tenderly sweet. Sure it's unrealistic. There's some sexist issues that need to be addressed in later books. But that's kind of what the genre is about. But what I enjoyed is that while the males are alpha and they can say rude/stupid things they're not jerks. (Which seems to be what PNR leads have to be anymore. Jerks.)

I love that this book isn't just about the coupling of Beth and Wrath. There's a whole cast of side characters that are, well not really side characters. They're just as integrative as the couple of the book. Their stories are developing and I love that about this series. LOVE it. Not to mention that it helps to really flesh out the world. Give the couple of the book depth as we see them from other characters' perspectives.

This is still a unique take on vampires and I love how they don't prey upon humans. Oh, they can drink human blood and can be attracted to their blood. But to really survive they need the blood of a vampire of the opposite sex. Sun does hurt them, but watered down bloodlines can still go out into the sun. They can teleport! Use mind magic to light candles, close and lock doors, mind reading and wiping abilities, and basically move objects. (Which is a little hazy if that's a BDB trick or a vampire trick in general at this point.) Despite all those powers I enjoy that there are civilian vampires, who don't train as warriors and are basically “normal”. They are who the Brotherhood is protecting. Wrath is their King and while he isn't willing, it's nice that he eventually steps up. I enjoy that he doesn't want the role and that the weight of it is a responsibility that he truly understands. Will always strive to be worthy of. Thus starting a grand EPIC Paranormal Romance series.

Sexual Content: Sexual humor, dark themes are presented, almost rape, sexual abuse is talked about, and of course sex scenes.

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:
Dark Lover (1)
Lover Eternal (2)
Lover Awakened (3)
Lover Revealed (4)
Lover Unbound (5)
Lover Enshrined (6)
Lover Avenged (7)
Lover Mine (8)
Lover Unleashed (9)
Lover Reborn (10)
Lover at Last (11)
The King (12)
The Shadows (13)
The Beast (14)
The Chosen (15)
Dark Lover (1)
Lover Eternal (2)
Lover Awakened (3)
Lover Revealed (4)
Lover Unbound (5)
Lover Enshrined (6)
Lover Avenged (7)
Lover Mine (8)
Lover Unleashed (9)
Lover Reborn (10)
Lover at Last (11)
The King (12)
The Shadows (13)
The Beast (14)
The Chosen (15)
Dark Lover (1)
Lover Eternal (2)
Lover Awakened (3)
Lover Revealed (4)
Lover Unbound (5)
Lover Enshrined (6)
Lover Avenged (7)
Lover Mine (8)
Lover Unleashed (9)
Lover Reborn (10)
Lover at Last (11)
The King (12)
The Shadows (13)
The Beast (14)
The Chosen (15)

April 27, 2016

Cover Coveting (12)

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

This is apparently my year of rereads and catch up. The problem is that I've waited so long between continuing series that it's been a good 4 or more years between readings. So I always feel a bit guilty for rereading when there's so many other books that I haven't read yet.

But I'm enjoying myself and actually reading books back to back for series. First with Sookie Stackhouse books and now the Black Dagger Brotherhood. With, wait for it, no burn out! Yeah!

I've been having issues with book burn out, or reader's block, but maybe I just needed to quit making myself feel like reading is a job. That I can read whatever whenever. My ARCs aren't getting done, but at least I'm enjoying reading.


A Very Jaguar Christmas by Terry Spear

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


A Very Jaguar Christmas Series: Heart of the Jaguar, book 4.5

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Shera’s thoughts:

Fits the series.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Caraval Series: Untitled, book 1

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult High Fantasy 

Shera’s thoughts:

I really love it. The gradient on the outline and the star having another more dramatic galaxy in it. Very cool.

Double Eclipse by Melissa de la Cruz

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Double Eclipse Series: Summer on the East End, book 2

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult

Shera’s thoughts:

Fit the first book well. I feel like these cover could very easily be The CW posters for a TV show.

Invincible by Dawn Metcalf

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Invincible Series: The Twixt, book 4

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult

Shera’s thoughts:

I like that it fits the series, but the style is different. Maybe it's assuring in the new style for the next three books.

To be honest I don't feel like it has the same magic as the previous three covers.

Midnight Hour by C.C. Hunter

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Midnight Hour Series: Shadow Falls: After Dark, book 4

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult

Shera’s thoughts:

Pretty enough, it feels well with the series.

Moon Chosen by P.C. Cast

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Moon Chosen Series: Tales of a New World, book 1

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult

Shera’s thoughts:

I don't like that dog head in the magical flames. It's . . . eck.

I do like what they were trying to do with it.

A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


sabaa tahir Series: An Ember in the Ashes, book 2

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult High Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

It's annoying that this is apparently the look they're sticking with. I really liked the ORIGINAL cover of the first book.

Apparently boring and flat is the name of the game.

Starfall by Melissa Landers

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Starfall melissa landers Series: Starflight, book 3

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction

Shera’s thoughts:

Honestly I never thought I'd see a cover with light speed travel on it. Well done right. this looks so amazing.

Landers seems to be really blessed in the cover department.

The Brown Key by Holly Black, Cassandra Clare

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


The Bronze Key  (Magisterium #3) Series: Magisterium, book 3

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

I'm pretty positive this has to be a place holder. Because the title isn't present. Still I like the effort and decided to post it.

The Midnight Star by Marie Lu

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


The Midnight Star  (The Young Elites #3) Series: The Young Elites, book 3

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian

Shera’s thoughts:

Very pretty! It matches the series swell.

The Struggle by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


The Struggle Series: Titan, book 3 

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: N/A

Shera’s thoughts:

I think it's the same cover model so there's a plus.

Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Wayfarer  (Passenger #2) Series: Passenger, book 2

Add it: Goodreads | Amazon
Genre: Young Adult Time Travel

Shera’s thoughts:

Man what a lovely cover. This series has an amazing artist/design team behind it.

Here's to the next book fixing the pacing issues.

April 22, 2016

Review: Club Dead

Club Dead (Sookie Stackhouse, book 2) by Charlaine Harris

club dead charlaine harris

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Club Dead (3)

There's only one vampire Sookie Stackhouse is involved with (at least voluntarily)and that's Bill. But recently he's been a little distant---in another state distant. His sinister and sexy boss, Eric, has an idea where to find him. Next thing Sookie knows, she is off to Jackson, Mississippi, to mingle with the under-underworld at Club Dead. It's a dangerous little haunt where the elitist vampire society can go to chill out and suck down some type O. But when Sookie finally finds Bill---caught in an act of betrayal---she's not sure whether to save him...or sharpen some stakes.


Review:

Ah. The book. The one that I love despite Bill and Sookie's rocky relationship. Actually I love it because of that reason. It's been clear from the beginning that there has been issues between them. Sookie has always wanted that extra umph from Bill. Bill has never even cared enough to give her a heartfelt, and simple, gift. I truly believe he relies on Sookie's feelings of unconditional love. That because he is her first love and first bedroom partner that she would never truly get rid of him. Not to mention that she runs away and comes back. A lot.

The two are fire! But sadly fire fizzles out. You can stoke it again and again to create another blaze. But you'll have to constantly work at it. It will almost go out, you'll burn yourself from it, it can get out of control, and in the end it's just constant work.

Harris starts up the story really interesting. You get the idea that Bill is tired of Sookie. In the last book I could see he missed other vampires. He wanted to impress upon Sookie that he was not human. Period. Well he succeeded. To be honest if I was Sookie I would have dumped him after book two. Those events, I just wouldn’t want to deal with it. Harris keeps it real. Sookie does love him and she needs a protector from the other vampires who know what she is. It's scary.

That's why no one can begrudge Sookie her temptations. In the form of Eric. Damn you fine Norseman. It was very interesting to see more of Eric. He's mainstreaming like Bill. However, he lives and interacts with other vampires still and is older than Bill. Yet Eric is more . . . real. He's a vampire, but there's an actual person in there. Bill feels cold and aloof. He's a monster with out the fluff. But Eric is oh so fluffy!

Speaking of fluff. Alcide! Yes, a werewolf love interest. (The other temptation.) Sam may be a shifter, but he's not that obligatory werewolf. I'm pretty positive that Alcide is the reason why so many vampire books feature the hot third wheel of a werewolf. Because with every page I felt more confidence in why I always new Alcide was one hot motha—you get my point. Sure we can see some issues, and towards the end Sookie can see that Alcide may not be for her. She's growing. However, he's a warm blooded man—hot werewolf!—who could give Sookie the kind of life she wants. Maybe. Either way I loved Alcide and Sookie in this book. The chemistry! The fact that it actually made me think “forget Eric, Alcide is where it's at” is a testament to Harris's skills as a writer. To not only create man candy, but interesting man candy. Well fleshed out man candy. (Take that however you want.)

Club Dead is a fun fast paced read. I enjoyed the murder mystery, even if I guessed it. The rescue that transpires that sets the whole thing into swing. It was fun seeing other things beside vampires and getting to know the craziness of werewolves. How the mechanics work in the animal shifting realm. Not to mention the foreshadowing, the bigger picture! I adore Sookie and all her quirks. The running jokes are great. (Though the word of the day calendar might get old at this rate.) The man from Memphis was so much fun, and I love that he wasn't just a one time joke. Bubba is too cool not to utilize. It's a great sign that even up to book three, Club Dead, on my reread of this series the five stars are sticking.

Sexual Content: Sex scenes, rape scene (guys let's be honest it really is), dark themes, bisexual and homosexual elements. (Prrrrrrrr Eric.)

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:
Dead Until Dark (1)
Living Dead in Dallas (2)
Club Dead (3)
Dead to the World (4)
Dead as a Doornail (5)
Definitely Dead (6)
All Together Dead (7)
From Dead to Worse (8)
Dead and Gone (9)
Dead in the Family (10)
Dead Reckoning (11)
Deadlocked (12)
Dead Ever After (13)
Dead Until Dark (1)
Living Dead in Dallas (2)
Club Dead (3)
Dead to the World (4)
Dead as a Doornail (5)
Definitely Dead (6)
All Together Dead (7)
From Dead to Worse (8)
Dead and Gone (9)
Dead in the Family (10)
Dead Reckoning (11)
Deadlocked (12)
Dead Ever After (13)
Dead Until Dark (1)
Living Dead in Dallas (2)
Club Dead (3)
Dead to the World (4)
Dead as a Doornail (5)
Definitely Dead (6)
All Together Dead (7)
From Dead to Worse (8)
Dead and Gone (9)
Dead in the Family (10)
Dead Reckoning (11)
Deadlocked (12)
Dead Ever After (13)

April 21, 2016

Review: Living Dead in Dallas

Living Dead in Dallas (Sookie Stackhouse, book 2) by Charlaine Harris

living dead in dallas charlaine harris

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Living Dead in Dallas (2)

Cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse is having a streak of bad luck. First her co-worker is killed, and no one seems to care. Then she comes face to-face with a beastly creature that gives her a painful and poisonous lashing. Enter the vampires, who graciously suck the poison from her veins (like they didn't enjoy it).

The point is: they saved her life. So when one of the bloodsuckers asks for a favour, she obliges - and soon Sookie's in Dallas, using her telepathic skills to search for a missing vampire. She's supposed to interview certain humans involved, but she makes one condition: the vampires must promise to behave and let the humans go unharmed. But that's easier said than done, and all it takes is one delicious blonde and one small mistake for things to turn deadly....

The Sookie Stackhouse stories are delightful Southern Gothic supernatural mysteries, starring Sookie, the telepathic cocktail waitress, and a cast of increasingly colourful characters, including vampires, werewolves, and things that really do go bump in the night.


Review:

Living Dead in Dallas is a fabulous follow-up. It's just as fun and sassy! Dark and gruesome. Complex in its characters and the world building. It's been so long since I hungrily devoured a book in one day. (My birthday treat to myself.) I didn't feel obligated, or bored, to do it. I wanted too because it was soooooo good. I miss that feeling.

Sometimes it's hard to remember that Bill is Sookie's first real relationship. Toss in being a vampire and Sookie's telepathic gift you can see why she's willing to tough it out with Bill. Of course there are darker—survival—reasons for it. Not to mention the great sex and the blush of first love. Though I think at times Bill acts just as childish, or more so. Not to mention that he wants all the benefits of modern a relationship where women can have sex out of wedlock and so on. But then he wants to go all old school—read sexist—on Sookie sometimes.

There was this strange moment when it's revealed that Sookie thinks she sees the world in black and white. When I'm convinced many of her thoughts, actions, and feelings support the mindset that she sees those shades of gray. After all she can read people's minds. Not to mention that by the end of the book even Sookie can't stay positive on how dangerous it is being with a vampire. Even if love can make it better. Not to mention that people have been killed by Bill for her. Her whole life has been in grays, and her love life is no exception.

Overall I enjoyed the mystery and the introduction of The Fellowship of the Sun. It was interesting see the hardcore members, the spies, and the polite people who have no idea what they're in for. Also the psychotic people and actions they're willing to take to hurt vampires. Even hurting other people. It's the threat of every religion. To be so over zealous that every action seems justified to meet the end goal.

(On a side note I do see why Godric/Godfrey was actually expanded on in the show. He actually became a more interesting character that way. Not only that but it made both Godric and Eric sympathetic. Especially Godric as he was a murderer and child molester. Not only that but one of the characters who died was one I always wished would have been around for later books. It's fun comparing True Blood and the Sookie Stackhouse books that way.)

There's nothing I love more than solid follow up books. It always feels like book two is cursed as a stepping stone or bridge to build the story for future books. Living Dead in Dallas breaks the mold. Fans will be thrilled by this. As it shows what vampires would want Sookie for, builds up America with vampires out of the coffin and how citizens would react, introduces more supernatural creatures without over doing it. Oh, and keeps Sookie and readers on track in the mindset that Vampires are no longer human. The honeymoon is over, sharpen your stakes! Be prepared to save yourself not only from vampires, but humans.

Sexual Content: Sexual humor, sex scenes, and dark twist in which Sookie is almost raped. Also, some other dark themes are discussed.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:
Dead Until Dark (1)
Living Dead in Dallas (2)
Club Dead (3)
Dead to the World (4)
Dead as a Doornail (5)
Definitely Dead (6)
All Together Dead (7)
From Dead to Worse (8)
Dead and Gone (9)
Dead in the Family (10)
Dead Reckoning (11)
Deadlocked (12)
Dead Ever After (13)
Dead Until Dark (1)
Living Dead in Dallas (2)
Club Dead (3)
Dead to the World (4)
Dead as a Doornail (5)
Definitely Dead (6)
All Together Dead (7)
From Dead to Worse (8)
Dead and Gone (9)
Dead in the Family (10)
Dead Reckoning (11)
Deadlocked (12)
Dead Ever After (13)
Dead Until Dark (1)
Living Dead in Dallas (2)
Club Dead (3)
Dead to the World (4)
Dead as a Doornail (5)
Definitely Dead (6)
All Together Dead (7)
From Dead to Worse (8)
Dead and Gone (9)
Dead in the Family (10)
Dead Reckoning (11)
Deadlocked (12)
Dead Ever After (13)

April 20, 2016

Wednesday Wishes

Finally got around to watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens. And then a rewatch. Despite hearing how it is like the first movie. (Star Wars: A New Hope) I didn't really believe it would be pretty much the first movie with the scenes shifted around at different time points through the new storyline. It's very much a tribute and a launch pad for the franchise.

And you know what? I don't believe that Rey is a Marie Sue. At first I though she was, and to some degree I think she could have got a few cuts and bruising during her fights. But everything is explained and touched upon, we just don't know her back story.

I think that's a treat for a later date. Either way I've very happy to have the franchise back and FINALY not prequel stupidity. (OK, I did enjoy those movies but still.)

With that have you scene the trailer for Rogue One? I love that they're going to be doing these separate stories. And despite it being a prequel, and yet again knowing how it ends for the characters, I find it a fun idea.

 

Cool trailer, huh?

Now let's see what books I'm wishing and hoping for this week.


The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons

The Deep End of the SeaGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Series: N/A

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

This is a book that was supposed to already have been on my TBR pile. Somehow it never got shelved! But I do remember at the time a lot of books with medusa themes were coming out, and I think that it just got lost in the shuffle.

Thankfully going through my Updates from Goodreads reminded me about it, thank you GR friend who was shelving it.

In my mind I always hated the story of medusa and I loved the idea that this book was saying she was wronged and the legends are wrong.

Plus some very picky GR friends gave this high praise.

Withering Hope by Layla Hagen

Withering HopeGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: N/A

Aimee’s wedding is supposed to turn out perfect. Her dress, her fiancé and the location—the idyllic holiday ranch in Brazil—are perfect.

But all Aimee’s plans come crashing down when the private jet that’s taking her from the U.S. to the ranch—where her fiancé awaits her—defects mid-flight and the pilot is forced to perform an emergency landing in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

With no way to reach civilisation, being rescued is Aimee and Tristan’s—the pilot—only hope. A slim one that slowly withers away, desperation taking its place. Because death wanders in the jungle under many forms: starvation, diseases. Beasts.

As Aimee and Tristan fight to find ways to survive, they grow closer. Together they discover that facing old, inner agonies carved by painful pasts takes just as much courage, if not even more, than facing the rainforest.

Despite her devotion to her fiancé, Aimee can’t hide her feelings for Tristan—the man for whom she’s slowly becoming everything. You can hide many things in the rainforest. But not lies. Or love.

Withering Hope is the story of a man who desperately needs forgiveness and the woman who brings him hope. It is a story in which hope births wings and blooms into a love that is as beautiful and intense as it is forbidden.

This cover caught my eye. I'm a sucker for kissing in the rain anything. Then I read the synopsis and imagine my surprise when I shelved a contemporary. But I love survival romances, yeah I know what SPEED quote we should all heed. The emotions always feel way off the charts for some reason.

Plus I love run away bride stuff. While the bride isn't running away, she want to get married, I find the idea of be hijacked off that course just as appealing.

(Pretty sure I will have already bought this before this post even goes up.)

Broken Skies by Theresa Kay

broken skiesGet it: Amazon | Goodreads
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Series: Broken Skies, book 1

Thirty years ago, civilization collapsed. Few survived.
Ten years ago, the aliens arrived…and stayed.
One year ago, I killed two men and went a little crazy.

Today, the aliens took my brother and I will do anything to get him back.

In seventeen-year-old Jax Mitchell's world, humans are nearly extinct and alien settlers have arrived.

Until recently, the E’rikon have remained segregated in their city and ignored the few humans who have tried to engage them… but now they have taken Jax’s brother. To rescue him, she forms an uneasy alliance with a teenage E’rikon left stranded in the woods. She agrees to guide him to the city if he sneaks her past the human-proof barrier. Too bad it’s not that simple.

Jax, who cannot stand to be touched, finds that she’s drawn to the alien boy with bright green hair and jewel-like scales on his back. And he’s equally affected by her, the courageous redhead with haunted eyes. But she doesn’t know the alien’s true motives and he has no idea that she is much more than she seems.

With the aliens and the humans at odds, the connection forming between the two teens has consequences. What started off as a rescue mission sets a chain of events in motion which threatens not only the remaining humans and the growing alien society, but Earth itself.

This sounds amazing, and it's been popping up on my feed like crazy. Lot's of readers are comparing it The 5th Wave, or even The Host. To be honest I can see that . . . but humans already were on their way out when aliens decided to settle. Or is that what they want us to think?

Who knows at this point and I don't want to be spoiled. Either way the synopsis sounds amazing and I can't wait to read it! (Yeah I already bought this one.)

April 19, 2016

Review: Feed the Flames

Feed the Flames (Steel & Stone, book 3.5) by Annette Marie

feed the flames

Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Feed the Flames (1)

In this short story addition to the Steel & Stone series, discover the fate of Seiya and Lyre following the conclusion of YIELD THE NIGHT (Steel & Stone #3).

Seiya wants nothing more than to disappear with her brother, safe from all the enemies that would tear them apart. But now she, along with Lyre, has been taken prisoner. Separated from Ash, his fate unknown, and tormented by memories of her imprisonment in Asphodel, she must put her faith in Lyre and his carefully guarded secrets. To have any chance of escape, they’ll have to work together to find a way out before they learn what fate their captors are planning for them.


Review:

“You're right, because if not for her, Ash would be dead and you'd still be in Asphodel, pregnant with the next generation of Samael's slaves.”

That's right Seiya! Ugh! You tell her Lyre.

Honestly I did not want to read from Seiya's point of view. By the end of Yield the Night all I wanted was to strangle her and weigh her body down somewhere so she wouldn't sully any more page time. Sleep with the fishes you annoying SOB. It also ticked me off to see the whole hate was part jealousy despite what Lyre told Piper. Lyre new it too, and I enjoyed that he confronted Seiya about it.

It was really cool seeing what happened to Lyre and Seiya after they returned through the portal. I think there's some discord in the Raas' clan. I think this will signal the turning point for Seiya's characters, and I actually would suggest reading it for the series. Especially since despite this being told from Seiya's POV it is very much a Lyre book. As he finally divulges some information about himself. OMG!!!

Sexual Content: Actually, I don't think Lyre worked any of his flitateous magics. (Much to Seiya's annoyance.) A mild dark theme is referenced (see quote above), but honestly this book is clean.

  
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.


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

Chase the Dark (1)
Bind the Soul (2)
Yield the Night (3)
Feed the Flames (3.5)
Reap the Shadows (4)
Unleash the Storm (5)

Chase the Dark (1)
Bind the Soul (2)
Yield the Night (3)
Feed the Flames (3.5)
Reap the Shadows (4)
Unleash the Storm (5)

Chase the Dark (1)
Bind the Soul (2)
Yield the Night (3)
Feed the Flames (3.5)
Reap the Shadows (4)
Unleash the Storm (5)

April 18, 2016

Cover Coveting (11)

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

The magical Goodreads showed me more pretty covers! It's funny how I go looking for release date info and then there's "Oooooo, a new shiny cover" and I'm led down the slippery slop of obsessing about finding more covers!!

That's OK. I found the shinies.


Jilo by J.D. Horn

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


27417840 Series: Witching Savannah, book 4

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Genre: Urban Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

AHHHHHHH! I love the typography for these titles. The over dramatic.

OM-FREAKING-G! There's a rooster on the cover. I can die happy.

Really I love this cover! Everything is placed just right. I love how the trees dramatically fit with the gorgeous stylized artwork.

Oh, and it fits perfectly with the other covers.

A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Previous book(s) in series:

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A Promise of Fire  (Kingmaker Chronicles #1) Series: The Kingmaker Chronicles, book 2

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Genre: Romantic Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Weeeeeee-we-we-we!! Love it.

What a fierce cover, and I love that it's for a Romantic Fantasy.

The synopsis sounds interesting enough, and I was interested in the female lead.

As a cover sucker this just blew me away. I am looking forward to this series!! *_*

Bionic by Suzanne Weyn

Previous book(s) in series:

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Bionic Series: N/A 

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Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi

Shera’s thoughts:

The gradient of colors looks so beautiful and makes the contrast of light and shadows perfect.

I love the overlay of a computer motherboard lines.

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova

Previous book(s) in series:

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Labyrinth Lost  (Brooklyn Brujas #1) Series: Brooklyn Brujas, book 1

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Genre: Paranormal Young Adult

Shera’s thoughts:

Bam! Another stunning cover. I adore this cover. The girl looks so gorgeous with her face paint!

I love the echo of her eye paint in the background.

Seriously Shifted by Tina Connolly

Previous book(s) in series:

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Seriously Shifted (Seriously Wicked #2) Tina Connolly Series: Seriously Wicked, book 2

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Genre: N/A

Shera’s thoughts:

It's really pink and peppy. I love that again the striped tights are the "pop" piece. Very fun. Fits well with first book.

The Legend of Me by Rebekah L. Purdy

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


The Legend of Me Series: N/A 

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Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Um, wow. This doesn't come out until 2018!

I love this cover. Especially since the beautiful white dress not only has blood on it but it's bleeding down on what is apparently human skulls!

What a bad ass cover. It's a shame the weight is so long. Between the synopsis and the cover I can't wait.

The Lost Codex by Heather Lyons

Previous book(s) in series:

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The Lost Codex  (The Collectors’ Society #4 Series: The Collectors’ Society, book 4

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Genre: Paranormal Historical

Shera’s thoughts:

Well it doesn't scream Wonderland, but it gets the idea across.

The Midnight Sea by Kat Ross

Previous book(s) in series:

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The Midnight Sea  (The Fourth Element #1) Series: The Fourth Element, book 1

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Genre: Young Adult High Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

It's so pretty. Bzzzzzzz.

No really! I love how all that . . . . sparks? Is sparking!! It looks stunning.

Love the textured and layered quality of the covers.

The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu

Previous book(s) in series:

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The Wall of Storms (The Dandelion Dynasty #2) by Ken Liu Series: The Dandelion Dynasty, book 2

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Genre: High Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Holy cow. This is gorgeous.

Simply stunning. Bravo.

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


Wintersong Series: N/A 

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Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Shera’s thoughts:

Interesting. The rose is very much photoshopped in. I like the idea. I think maybe having the leaves gone or places elsewhere it might have helped? I don't know it just looks out of place.

Maybe if the warped it a little to look like it's really behind glass.

It's cool though. (Ha. Ha.)

Blood Vow by J.R. Ward

Previous book(s) in series:

Goodreads | Amazon


bloodvow Series: Black Dagger Legacy, book 2

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Genre: Paranormal Romance

Shera’s thoughts:

What a dramatic flare!! I love the tattoo and the fact that he's dressed.

Oh my! A PNR male cover model with a shirt on.