Pale Demon, The Hollows, Book 9 by Kim Harrison

Publisher: Harper Collins/Harper Voyager
Pages:   448

(Release Date:  February 22, 2011)

From the Cover:

Condemned and shunned for black magic, Rachel Morgan has three days to get to the annual witches’ conference and clear her name, or be trapped in the demonic ever-after . . . forever after.

But a witch, an elf, a living vampire, and a pixy in one car going across the country? Talk about a recipe for certain disaster, even without being the targets for assassination.

For after centuries of torment, a fearsome demon walks in the sunlight—freed at last to slay the innocent and devour their souls. But his ultimate goal is Rachel Morgan, and in the fight for survival that follows, even embracing her own demonic nature may not be enough to save her.

Rachel Morgan has been shunned, but she's made a deal with Oliver. At the annual witches conference, she's going to be exonerated. The deal is made, it can't be undone, right?

When has Oliver ever been truthful or trustworthy?

Trent Kalamack needs to get out of Cincy and to the west coast, to retrieve something his ex-fiance has stolen away and refuses to return. Her family will go to any length to keep what they've claimed as theirs. He'll need help to get to Seattle, and who's he going to call? Rachel Morgan.

Rachel plans on flying out, but will the shunned black witch be allowed to climb abroad a plane? So, after being denied access to her flight, she takes up Trent's offer of a job. If she has to drive, she might as well get paid, right? But, Trent has been taking up something too, the art of magic, elven magic, wild and unrestrained, and he just might get them killed.

Pale Demon by Kim Harrison continues Rachel Morgan's adventures in and around the Cincinnati area.  In this story, Rachel has made a deal to have her shunning absolved. But, Al is his deviousness also has made a deal, if Rachel's shunning is taken away, he'll leave her alone, but if her shunning is left in place, Rachel has to come to the ever-after to live forever after. She's sure her shunning will be lifted, the deal is struck. On her way to San Diego, where the conference will be held, adventure abounds. Jenks is pixy-napped by a band of wild pixies. Trent Kalamack calls and releases a day walking demon, powerful enough to not only kill all those around him, but he's demon made, cursed and bound to stone. Trent releases him and then uses him, without taking any of the smut on himself, leaving Rachel to accept the blame and the smut, her soul is already blackened, right? Add to the mix spies from the Council, dirty white witches, one black, and maybe demon born, white witch, and it's a wild ride that just doesn't quit!

Pale Demon is an excellent addition to the Hollows Series. Rachel Morgan finds herself up to her neck in demons, and maybe even more, she discovers that not only can she twist curses, but she can..... well, you're going to have to read the book to find out what else she can do. It's frighteningly foreign and mind blowing too. I will say that Newt plays a big part, and maybe she's not as crazy as everyone thinks she is.... maybe she's hiding instead. Pale Demon and Black Magic Sanction explain a lot about what has happened in Rachel's childhood, things she's been made to forget. Trenton, though he denies the use of black magic, manages to release a sun walking demon and eventually, saves Rachel's soul. If you have an affinity for witches, vampires, pixies, elves, and demons, this is a series not to be missed. There's excellent world building, and with each book, easy to slip back inside the story, take up residence in the church with pixies buzzing around your head and vampire incense permeating the space. No matter what happens to Rachel, she always manages works her way out. Even this time, when I was sure the day walking demon, able to take on Al and Newt, would be the death of Rachel Morgan... Trenton Kalamack somehow saves the day. It's not often that Trent is one of the truly good guys, and he's certain not in this book either, but he does save Rachel with the use of elven magic. I've always wondered what it would be like to see Trent and Rachel together, and in this book we're given a tiny taste... and I have to say, it was delicious. If you haven't read the series before, start with Dead Witch Walking and work your way forward. There are only nine books to date, and each is a fantastical read, page turning quick, filled to the brim with action, excitement, adventure, magic, and romance. The book covers are beautifully done, not disappointing in their depictions. If you're going to read only one urban fantasy series, this is the series to choose, you won't be sorry. It is the one of the best of the genre.


I received this ebook from the publisher, Harper Collins, and Net Galley for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison

Publisher:  Harper Collins
Pages:  487

From the Cover:

Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, werewolves, banshees, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter—and lived to tell the tale. But she's never faced off against her own kind . . . until now.

Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, her best hope is life imprisonment—at worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery. Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom, but trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and an ex-boyfriend turned thief.

It takes a witch to catch a witch, but survival bears a heavy price.

Rachel Morgan is on the run.  She's been shunned by the witch society, branded as a black white, a demon summoner, demon spawn.  The one thing that saved her life as a child, now has made it impossible for her to live.  When she was only a child, Trent Kalamack's father changed her, made her different, so she'd live.  Cursed with the genetic abnormality that caused death, Trent's father "fixed", made her better than before.  But, the thing is, now she can spindle magic, twist curses, just like a demon.

The governing body of the witch society, the Coven, is gunning for her.  Not only have they shunned her, but they want her head on a platter, or at least lobotomized, and her ovaries for experimenting.  And if they kill her in the process, that's okay too.  Top it all off with having Al as her demonic teacher, and Pierce as her demon familiar babysitter, and Newt waiting for someone to screw up so she can claim Rachel as her own, and Rachel one step from insanity. 

The Coven is sending assassins after her, Trent will do almost anything to either tie Rachel to him or get his own demon mark removed, Nick is still selling her secrets and trying to use her to his advantage, and Pierce wants to be her boyfriend.  Ivy is trying hard to keep her vampiric senses under control, still hoping Rachel can save her, and Jenks is mourning the death of his wife, Matalina.  And Rachel is trying to stay alive, one day at a time.

Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison is the eighth book in The Hollow's Series (Rachel Morgan series).  If you haven't try Ms. Harrison's series, this is not the place to start.  Dead Witch Walking is the first in the series, and recently is was an ebook deal on Barnes and Noble.  Start there was working your way forward, each book is an exciting action packed page turning read.  Rachel get herself out of one scrape only to fall face first into another.  Ms. Harrison doesn't fail to please with this addition to the series.  Black Magic Sanction is more than satisfying, and it explores some of Rachel's feelings for her lost love, Kisten (who I will always and forever miss) as well as introduce Pierce more thoroughly, as Rachel's new love interest.  Rachel isn't ready to find love, and she believes Pierce is a short term adventure, a onetime Coven witch himself until they bricked him up in a hole in the ground for using black magic.  He does seems to have Rachel best interests at heart, but so did Nick at first, and we all saw where that lead.  Being shunned has been hard on Rachel, her business has dried up, she can't buy magical supplies, and not even her mother and brother can directly talk to her.  She has always cherished being an Earth witch, and now, it's her curse.

Black Magic Sanction is excellent addition to The Hollow's Series.  It ties up some of the loose ends from the previous books and answers a few of the question left dangling and readers left wondering.  I have to say, Kim Harrison's books were some of the first urban fantasy/paranormal romance books I'd ever read, and I wasn't disappointed, addicted from the first book.  Some series start to feel old and worn out, but Kim Harrison keeps it fresh and lively, draws on your emotions to make you become part of the story, and I've yet to be disappointed.  The ninth book in the series, Pale Demon, comes out on 2-22-11, and I can't wait to read!  For more information about Ms. Harrison or her series, visit her website.

I picked up Black Magic Sanction for my own enjoyment.  All opinions expressed are my own.

His Darkest Embrace by Juliana Stone

Publisher:  Avon/Harper Collins
Pages:  384

(Release Date:  November 1, 2010)

From the Cover:

A solitary hunter with no regard for the human world, Jagger Castille is a shifter living on the edge. A woman who calls him enemy will give him reason to live . . .

Jagger is a creature of the night - Skye Knightly soars in the sun. Natural adversaries, they are now joined in a mission entrusted to Skye's family centuries ago: nothing less than the salvation of the Earth.

Wounded and bitter, Jagger sought escape in the solitude of the jungle, driven by a need to disappear forever . . . until a mysterious shifter who calls to his soul and feeds a yearning long forgotten pulls him from his dark path. A courageous warrior, Skye's passion is equal to Jagger's - but can she trust a man whose secrets are as devastating as her own?

Each is the other's sole hope for survival. But a dark and twisted truth is leading them toward the ultimate sacrifice for a love they may never live to claim.

Skye Knightly has been fighting the Jaguars for her whole life, the DaCosta family has been the curse to her family's existence, killing all but the handful that survives now.  The Knightlys have been winged warriors, the Eagle Knights, fighting to keep the demons begging to flow through the Earth, right where they belong.  Skye's father hid to portal key, keeping the Earth safe.  But now, Skye needs to find the portal before the DaCostas do, releasing Hell on Earth.

Jagger is a jaguar shifter who has lost part of his humanity.  He no longer cares about what goes on outside of his part of the Belize rainforest.  He has spent many months wandering the forest, learning his territory, becoming one with his jaguar.  Then, this woman happens into his part of the jungle, cold, near death.  After he fishes her out of the water, so tiny, cold, and lost, he feels his heart begin to beat with a purpose again.  This one tiny woman needs him, and he discovers, he needs her.  Her inner strength calls to his cat and the man he was.

While Skye can soar with the day, strongest in the sun, Jagger's jaguar lives for the night.  Can two such individuals so different come together?  Can Skye trust those who've been her enemies?  Can Jagger learn to love the beautiful bird that Skye is?

His Darkest Embrace by Juliana Stone is an unique story of shifters, two clans, so different from each other but they say opposites attract.  But, in the case of Skye and Jagger, the old saying can't be more true.  Skye needs what only Jagger can give her, safe passage through the junlge, and a way into his heart.  Jagger finds he needs for help this woman, no matter what she is, and protect her from the clans he's been fighting as well, the mortal enemies of the Castilles, the Dacostas..  But, can Skye see passed the jaguar to see the man, or will her hatred and fear of her enemy prevent them from ever seeing a way together.  Jagger must find a way to her heart if the man as well as the beast is going to survive, jaguars mate for life, and he discovers his heart is lost to one who lives in the light as opposed to the night where his jaguar thrives.

His Darkest Embrace is a wonderful love story wrapped up in a shifter fantasy.  Skye fights her feelings, fights to love, with the knowledge that if she reaches her goal, she find her death as well.  Only she can either bridge the portal or block it, either way, it'll mean her life.  I loved this story, I had previously read Juliana Stone's Black Legacy short and loved it too.  I'll be reading her first book, His Darkest Hunger, as soon as possible.  I highly recommend this book to lovers of shifters, fantasy, pararomance, and urban fantasy.  It's an excellent read!

I received my copy from Net Galley and Harper Collins.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Sacrifice, Mortal Path, Book Two by Dakota Banks

Publisher:  Eos Books / Harper Collins
Pages:  304

From the Cover:

A demon's enslaved executioner—a ravager of lives and souls—Maliha Crayne has been reborn, willing to sacrifice her immortality for a chance at freedom . . . and salvation. Now she has an opportunity to prevent the death of thousands—perhaps tens of thousands—to make up for the countless lives she has obliterated over the centuries. 

To do so, she must locate and destroy an evil cabal of madmen in possession of a weapon of unspeakable power—and survive the immortal assassins who are now after her blood. But it means reverting to the old ways and surrendering once more to the darkness. And if Maliha dies before the mission is accomplished, the hell she once knew will seem like a picnic compared to the eternal torments awaiting her. 

When we last visited with Maliha Crayne, she was wondering how Jake, her new boyfriend, had entered her sanctum, her safe zone known to few and impenetrable by all, until now. How could Jake have navigated her safety procedures which were difficult even for an Ageless... there could only be one explanation, and Maliha doesn't like it.

Maliha and crew are setting out upon a new mission, and it all starts with a distress call from Maliha's good friend, Hound's wife, Glass. She was on a medical mission in Darfur and went missing. Maliha fears the worst, Sudanese bad guys, the Janjaweed, supplied by the government were known to beat, mutilate, and rape the women they captured, before killing them that is. Hound can only see finding Glass, and not what may be the consequences of her capture. So, into the battle zone they go, and manage to free Glass who has sustained multiple injuries, and just when they think maybe they're all going to make it out, the scales on Maliha chest and stomach balance, causing her to falter. She beaten, kicked, stoned, until a savior appears in silver armor.

Maliha wakes up in the hospital, knowing only an Ageless could have possibly saved her, but why? As they recuperate in a private hospital in the Switzerland, Maliha begins to ponder the attack. When she asks Amaro and Yanmeng, the other members of her extended family to check it out, the town has been burned to a crisp, nothing is left. Curious, Maliha gets the whole story from Glass about people so sick they were dissolving. Again, Maliha sets Amaro on the trail, and he discovers an organization experimenting with nanites, microscopic technology able to work at the molecular level. Suddenly, Maliha's gut is telling her there's more going on, and it could have deadly consequences, for thousands, if not millions of people.

During all of this, Maliha's personal life in knocking on her door, and it's nothing she's happy about. Jake, who could be the love of her life, hasn't been telling her the truth, or at least not the whole truth. The knight in silver armor, Lucius, who saved the day in Darfur; he kidnaps Maliha, wanting to know how she defied her demon. She begs him to join her, but will it be his ultimate undoing?  As an Ageless, he's been working for his demon hundreds of years, can he ever balance his scales?

Sacrifice by Dakota Banks is thrilling urban fantasy at it's best.  Maliha denied her demon when she was asked to do the impossible, kill an innocent. The God, Anu, allowed the defiance, but on the condition of balancing the scales of deaths. For each life she took as a demon's assassin, she must save a life, and with each life she saves, she ages, which in turn reduces her abilities to save additional lives. As an Ageless, she healed in the blink of an eye, moved faster than the eye could see, and trained in the deadly arts.  She's still as deadly, but slower and it takes time to heal, not as much as a mortal, but much longer than an Ageless. And the foe she has to match wits with this time is deadly, probably one of the most deadly creatures to have ever walked the Earth, without scruples or conscious. He wants her death, Jake wants her body and soul, and Lucius wants to gain her love, even at the cost of his immortality. When Maliha realizes what she's up against, she has to grab her extended family, and throw them into hiding, only Hound, Amora, and Yanmeng know her secrets, and now not even they can help her. Without her safety net around her, she feels herself slipping back into the Black Ghost persona, the one she used as a demon servant. Will it be Maliha ultimate undoing?

Sacrifice is an excellent example of a thrilling urban fantasy. There's mondo bad guys, the Sudanese creeps, the evil council members, and demons assassins. Maliha is thrust into a world where she's not sure who she can trust, and it makes her question her friends, the new life she's been leading, the purpose of her life. It even makes her question whether or not she was better off as a demon assassin. Then she meets Lucius, and he wants to defy his demon, how can she help him if she can't help herself? And then there's Jake. Sacrifice is the perfect title for this story, can Maliha ask Jake to sacrifice himself, will Lucius sacrifice himself by defying his demon, will her friends and family sacrifice themselves all to help Maliha in a life she's not even sure about? This book was an incredibly quick read, I thought I start it one evening, just to get a feel for the story, and 74 pages later, I realized I'd have to keep reading. There's action, adventure, excitement, horror, and a fantasy island in the middle of the Mediterranean, and it's all wrapped up as an urban fantasy. I highly recommend this book for all lovers of urban fantasy, even thrillers, there's a great mystery that Maliha has to solve if she's going to save the day and her life. It's an excellent follow up to Dark Time, Mortal Path, Book One.

Once Dead, Twice Shy, Madison Avery Series, Book 1 by Kim Harrison

Publisher:  Harper Teen / Imprint of Harper Collins
Pages:  240

From the Cover:  

My name is Madison Avery, and I'm here to tell you that there's more out there than you can see, hear, or touch. Because I'm there. Seeing it. Touching it. Living it.

Madison's prom was killer—literally. For some reason she's been targeted by a dark reaper—yeah, that kind of reaper—intent on getting rid of her, body and soul. But before the reaper could finish the job, Madison was able to snag his strange, glowing amulet and get away. 

Now she's stuck on Earth—dead but not gone. Somehow the amulet gives her the illusion of a body, allowing her to toe the line between life and death. She still doesn't know why the dark reaper is after her, but she's not about to just sit around and let fate take its course. 

With a little ingenuity, some light-bending, and the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys! Maybe . . . ), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison's ready to take control of her own destiny once and for all, before it takes control of her. 

Well, if she believed in that stuff. 

Madison Avery is your normal rebellious teen.  Her mother, fed up, sends her to be with her father.  Three Rivers is nothing like the Florida Keys.  Not that she's complaining or maybe she is.  She's had to leave everyone and everything behind, and junior prom was a killer.  Now, she exists in the happy state of almost alive and almost dead.  Wearing the amulet of her killer, she's been given the illusion of a body.  Barnabus, the light reaper who was supposed to save her is now assigned to her like homework, and none he's happy to have to do.  The dark reapers are looking for her, hoping to send her soul where is belongs, away from the living.  And wouldn't you know it, now that she's met the Dim Reaper and life continues through his amulet, she meets Josh, someone she really like to have as a boyfriend, if the whole being reaped wasn't an issue.

Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison is the first full length novel of the Madison Avery Series.  The novella, Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper from the Prom Nights From Hell Anthology is the prequel to this novel, filling the readers in how just how Madison ends up somewhere not quite alive and not quite dead either.  Her soul has been taken from it's body, but with the help of her killer's amulet, her life continues with the illusion of her body for the world to see, touch, feel.  The trouble is that all is not what is appears to be and everyone isn't who they appear to be either, and for that matter, who she can trust.  Prom was an awful disaster, ending with the morgue and then alive again.  High school sucks, she's known as Mad-Madison Avery, spread of course by her once prom date/fixer upper, which sucks all by it's self, (who wants to be 'fixed up' on a date by your dad?).  As Madison learns more about light reapers and dark reapers, timekeepers, and seraphs, maybe all that she thought she knew isn't right.  Dark may be good, and the light, who knows?  And only time will reveal the truth, and it's in very short supply.

Once Dead, Twice Shy was a quick read, full of twisting and turning, and just when you think you've got it all figured out, bam, you're wrong.  I've seen mixed reviews, some love it, and some hate it.  The librarian at our local library told me 'she just couldn't get in to it', but I had no trouble at all.  It gives us a tale chocked full of the 'what ifs', what if your life ended tomorrow, and what if you got a weird second chance.  What if you thought your mission was to be a good guy, and what if you found out you might be wrong.  All kinds of 'what ifs' are contained in this book, and even some answers.  It's the perpetual struggle of good versus evil, right versus might.  There's a little teen angst and romance, some teen whining, but I hear that everyday, and it rings true to the situation, because no matter what, life isn't fair.  I enjoyed this preteen to teenage age paranormal/urban fantasy.  And I think most that fall within the age range will as well.  After reading the novella in Prom Night From Hell, I was looking forward to seeing how Madison's story would fall into place, where was going since leaving the morgue.  I wasn't disappointed.  I'm looking forward to reading Book 2,  Early to Death, Early to Rise (May 25, 2010).  I wonder where Ms. Harrison will lead Madison next?

From the Cover:  

Seventeen, dead, and in charge of heaven's dark angels—all itching to kill someone.

Madison Avery's dreams of ever fitting in at her new school died when she did. Especially since she was able to maintain the illusion of a body, deal with a pesky guardian angel, and oh yeah, bring the reaper who killed her to his untimely end. Not exactly in-crowd material. It's amazing that her crush, Josh, doesn't think she's totally nuts. 

Now Madison has learned that she's the dark timekeeper, in charge of angels who follow the murky guidelines of fate. Never one to abide by the rules, she decides it's time for a major change to the system. With the help of some unlikely allies, Madison forms a rogue group of reapers who definitely don't adhere to the rules of the heavens. 

But as she grapples with the terrifying new skills that come with being a timekeeper, Madison realizes she may not be prepared for what lies ahead—unless she gets some seriously divine intervention.

 I picked this book up for my own enjoyment.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Pray for Dawn, The Fourth Dark Days Novel by Jocelynn Drake

Publisher:  Eos Books/Harper Collins
Pages:  384

(Release Date:  6/29/10)

From the Cover:

Pray for salvation . . .

Pray for daylight . . .

Murder has pulled Mira out of the shadows and back into the living world . . .

As the fire-wielding enforcer of the nightwalker coven wrestles with the mind-destroying ghosts of her dark past, the slaying of a senator's daughter in Savannah threatens to expose her kind to the brilliant light of day.

The dawn of chaos has come. 

The naturi have broken free of their eternal prison to feed on the defenseless and unbelieving of an unprepared Earth.

Mira and Danaus-vampire and vampire slayer-must unite to prevent the annihilation of their separate races. But for Danaus the challenge is intensified, for he must also fight the bori who covets his soul. And Mira, the nightwalker he must protect-whose power is the Earth's last hope-is rapidly going insane.

This book is told from Danaus' point of view, flavored with how his eyes see the story.

Mira, Nightwalker, Keeper of her domain, Coven member, Fire Starter.... She's one of the most powerful creatures to have ever strolled upon the face of the Earth and she's is slowly losing her mind.  What happens when one so powerful can no longer be trusted?  What happens to her world and those who existence in it?  What happens to the soul of this being?  

Mira is haunted by her past... the ghosts of those she couldn't protect, the ghosts of her tormentors, the ghost of a life she once knew.  She's lost and only one person can save her, bring her back to her reality.  But does she want to exist in the life she had been forced into more than 600 years ago?  Is her time on Earth spent?

Ryan, warlock and leader of Themis, wants her to believe he is the all powerful force that can save her.  He wants her to become his instrument, to be played and used according to his sick desires.  Another person to pull her strings.

Jabari, her one time mentor, wants Mira to play the role of Coven member, enforcer, his weapon to wield.  He can force himself upon her, but when will he do so, because it's only a matter of time.  Just another puppet master.

LaVina, the witch, sees a great presence with the soul of Mira, is she another who is going to try to steal a piece of this weary Nightwalker's soul?  Another string puller?

Gaizka, bori fae, also wants a piece of the Nightwalker.  Does she have the strength to deny him?  The bori are the ultimate master of the vampire, will she be his marionette as well?

Danaus, vampire hunter and the last person on Earth who should be her savior, is her last hope.  When Danaus and Mira combine their powers, their foes don't stand a chance.  He doesn't want to be the puller of Mira's strings, though he has with devastating results.  But, the bori already owns a piece of his soul.  He can either be her protector or her murderer.  

Danaus has lost the faith he once had in the brotherhood contained within Themis, he's come to realize through Mira that not all nightwalkers are the evil beings that brotherhood has made them out to be.  They're basically the same as everyone else, the good and the bad.  This means the last few centuries of his life have been a lie.  And Mira has become more than just another nightwalker.  She's become a friend, family, maybe even a lover.  Can he destroy the last piece of humanity who has the ability to touch his own tortured soul?

Pray for Dawn by Jocelynn Drake is the story of what happens to a vampire who meets her ultimate creator.  Not the creator that forced her into the vampiric existence, but the ultimate maker of all the vampires, one who can control their bodies while the soul screams for release.  And this is where the next addition to the Dark Day Series takes our story.  Mira, 600+ year old vampire, different from any other vampire ever born, is having her sanity slowly striped away.  The Naturi, Earth fae, are wreaking havoc where ever they go.  Though they're a nasty lot, Mira and Danaus can make short work of them if they have to.  What scares Mira is her inability to sense them and for that she needs Danaus.  What she doesn't know is there's something scarier than the Naturi could ever be and it's trying to make it's home in her Savannah.  It will and has killed, and it will continue to kill unless Danaus and Mira can seal it away, and it's going to start with anyone and everyone important in Mira's life.  Danaus has come to see Mira as part of his life, once he swore to kill her, now he wants to just keep her, hold onto her last piece of humanity, the last shred of evidence that he can and does love.  And he may be forced to kill what has become dear.

Pray for Dawn is one of the best of this series I have read.  I have enjoyed each and every one of the books so far, but Pray for Dawn surpassed my expectations, leaving me to hang upon the last word of the last page of the book.  I have always praised Ms. Drake for her imagination, her world building skills, and her ability to weave this dark urban fantasy into twisting, turning tale.  But, in this book, it's all starting to come together, and it's spectacular.  I'm left almost speechless, yes, Pray for Dawn was that good.  While I was reading, I kept coming up with scenarios that would save Mira and Danaus, my mind working overtime trying to capture the ending (and remember, I've already read the blurb for Wait for Dusk), and it caught me by surprise.  I never saw it coming until it hit me between the eyes.  If you haven't tried the Dark Days Series, and you're a lover of dark urban fantasy (and I'm hoping major romance comes into play cause otherwise, I might go insane myself), give this series a try.  I loved, loved, loved Nightwalker (2008), I loved the additions of book 2 & 3 (Dayhunter and Dawnbreaker 2009), and now, we have Pray for Dawn and shortly, Wait for Dusk, and I'm still so engaged with the series, it just gets better and better.  I highly recommend this series to dark urban fantasy lovers, vampire, fae, vampire hunter lovers, it doesn't get much better.

I purchase this book for my own enjoyment.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Cover Alert:: Jocelynn Drake ~~~ Pray For Dawn

Publisher:  Eos Books / Harper Collins

Pages:  384

(Release Date:  6-29-10)

From the Cover: 

Pray for salvation . . .

Pray for daylight . . .

Murder has pulled Mira out of the shadows and back into the living world . . .

As the fire-wielding enforcer of the nightwalker coven wrestles with the mind-destroying ghosts of her dark past, the slaying of a senator's daughter in Savannah threatens to expose her kind to the brilliant light of day. The dawn of chaos has come. The naturi have broken free of their eternal prison to feed on the defenseless and unbelieving of an unprepared Earth. 

Mira and Danaus—vampire and vampire slayer—must unite to prevent the annihilation of their separate races. But for Danaus the challenge is intensified, for he must also fight the bori who covets his soul. And Mira, the nightwalker he must protect—whose power is the Earth's last hope—is rapidly going insane.

Isn't this the best cover??  I love the full bodied cover with Mira standing in the background.  I hope this our first peek at Danaus, it doesn't match exactly with my picture of the mysterious slayer, but it's pretty damn close, lol.  I love both of these characters and I can't wait to get the next in the series into my hands.  Guaranteed to be a must read!

Wait for Dusk (Book Five in the Dark Days Series) to be announced soon.

Cover Alert:: Dakota Banks ~~~ Sacrifice: Mortal Path, Book Two

Publisher:  Eos / Harper Collins
Pages:  304

(Release Date:  8-31-2010)

From the Cover: 

The Mortal Path Series: What if a woman sold her soul to a demon and 300 years later wanted it back?

Sacrifice: Mortal Path Book 2

Available August 31, 2010
 
A Sumerian demon's enslaved executioner--a ravager of lives and souls--Maliha Crayne has been reborn, willing to sacrifice her immortality for a chance at freedom ... and salvation.

Now she has an opportunity to prevent the death of thousands to help balance the countless lives she has obliterated over the centuries. To do so, she must locate and destroy an evil cabal of madmen in possession of a weapon of unspeakable power--and survive the immortal assassins who are now after her blood.

But it means reverting to the old ways and surrendering once more to the darkness. And if Maliha dies before the mission is accomplished, the hell she once knew will seem like a picnic compared to the eternal torments awaiting her.

"Chilling, thrilling, and a page turner!" - HEATHER GRAHAM


"Action packed. Tons of fun. Dakota Banks slams you through a wild tale of mayhem and murder. You'll love every page." - MARIO ACEVEDO



I've been patiently waiting for this book's release. This is a must read for me after reading Dark Time: Mortal Path, Book One. To see my review, click here.

Close Contact, Book Two of An Alien Affairs Novel

Publisher:  Eos, Imprint of Harper Collins
Pages:  336

(Release Date:  May 25, 2010)

From the Cover:  She's the perfect lover-and the perfect weapon-but she doesn't know it yet

GEPs just want to have fun. . .

A Genetically Engineered Person and self-proclaimed "party girl," Echo Adams loves her diplomatic job entertaining alien bigwigs for the Galactic Federation. But the Bureau of Alien Affairs has discovered she's much more than she thinks-that a rogue scientist endowed her with skills and psi abilities dwarfing those of common GEPs. And suddenly Echo's luxury life is over, replaced with a far more dangerous one: a special agent expected to not only chase bad guys, but eliminate them.
Echo's hates being stuck on Madrea-a planet of technophobes off limits to Federation visitors-hunting for a stolen quartz crystal with a powerful alien lifeform embedded inside. She despises the Bureau's restrictive rules-especially the one warning her away from the dangerously seductive Commander of the King's Forces. And if she doesn't learn how to use her alleged super-psi powers soon, her partying days-in fact all of her days-will be over for good.

Inside Cover Blurb: 

"You are a pretty one," he murmured. Then his voice hardened. "Too pretty to be such a good liar." Before I could blink twice, he had my skirt up and my knife in his hand, the tip pressed against my throat.
"Helpless females like you're pretending to be do not carry such weapons. Now I'll have the truth."

The Alien Affairs' instructors drilled us to react to a threat first and think later. With no conscious
decision on my part, my training took over and I was moving before he finished speaking. My left hand
went over his arm and slammed it downward. The move shifted the knife from my throat and numbed his muscles so he loosed his grip. I caught the knife and swung it up in an underhand arc. Suddenly I stopped. Both Reynard and I stood frozen in place, staring down at the knife pressed to his stomach, him in surprise,
me in horror. It's one think to theoretically practice killing a human during training. It's another thing
entirely to realize you'd almost done it for real, and involuntarily at that. Especially when the human in
question was one I'd been lusting after not a second before.

This is the second book in An Alien Affairs Novel by Katherine Allred.  The first in the series, Close Encounters, was a blast!  I can't wait to try this one! 

Promo ~ Juliana Stone ~ His Darkest Hunger (And Contest Alert on Juliana's Blog!!)

Publisher: Avon Books, Imprint of Harper Collins
Pages: 384

(Release Date: March 30, 2010)

From the Cover: Jaxon Castille: jaguar shifter, warrior, assassin. He has long hungered for the chance to make his former lover, Libby Jamieson, pay for her deadly betrayal. After three long years he’s finally found her. The hunt is over…

But the Libby that he finds is not what he expected. She has no memory of their tumultuous affair; of her treachery; of anything beyond her own name. A shadowy and deadly clan has marked them both for death, and in an instant the game changes: the hunter has become the hunted.

On the run, with the ghosts of their past between them and a dark, desperate hunger quickly reclaiming their bodies and souls, Libby and Jaxon must discover the truth behind the dark forces working against them. Together, they must grab hold of a destiny that has the power to either heal them or destroy them.

But the truth is far more shattering than anyone could imagine…


Doesn't this sound great??? Don't you love that cover???

Well, Juliana Stone is giving an ARC of her very first release with Avon Books away (2 copies in fact) one on her blog and as a follower of The Bradford Bunch, she's also giving one away there too. Excellent!! Hurry over to enter and help spread the word about something that sounds pretty darn good! You have until January 16, 2010 to enter.

Coming New From Robin Burcell!!

The Bone Chamber by Robin Burcell
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 384

Robin Burcell has a new novel coming out and I can't wait to take a peek!

(Release Date: 12/29/09)

From the Cover: Mysteriously summoned to Quantico to help re-create the face of a murdered, mutilated young woman, FBI forensic artist Special Agent Sydney Fitzpatrick knows immediately this is no ordinary crime. The hit-and-run death of the forensic anthropologist assisting her—a close friend—and Sydney's abrupt dismissal from the case by covert government investigators only strengthen her need for answers. Now her hunt for a killer is carrying her from Washington to Rome to the hidden chamber of a legendary tomb—on the trail of a fabled treasure of the Knights Templar . . . and a curse.

For buried deep in the mysteries of the Freemasons and the Vatican's Holy See is a secret that could rock the world. Suddenly an ancient map is pointing Sydney toward something the Templars wished to hide away forever—something that could unleash an unstoppable tide of blood and devastation.


Sounds interesting, doesn't it.....for all fans of thrillers, this is going to be an excellent read!

Dark Time: Mortal Path, Book One by Dakota Banks

Publisher: EOS Books / Imprint of Harper Collins Publishing
Pages: 306

From the Cover: Three hundred years ago, she sold her soul to a demon. Now she wants it back.

For centuries, the woman calling herself Maliha Crayne has lived a second life—as an assassin for the malevolent creature who owns her soul. A haunted killer with the blood of countless victims on her hands, she has finally discovered a way to nullify the demonic pact that chains her: If she saves a life for every one she has taken, she will be free.

But if she fails, her punishments will be unspeakable, unendurable . . . and neverending.

As our story opens, Susannah Layhem of Massachusetts (1692) is a healer and works with herbs, but then she's accused of being a witch and sentenced to burn. She has done nothing but bring good health to her community and for it, she is going to gain death and so will the infant she's carrying. The night before her burning, she gives birth in the dirt and squalor of her cell to her stillborn infant daughter; her body too abused and an damaged to continue supporting the life growing within her. She's dragged crying from her cell and placed upon the wooden mound; set aflame. Just as she takes her last breath and utters her final curse, she's snatched from her fiery death, and transported to another place and time. A voice offers her a choice, go back to the flames or becoming his slave. She chooses life and the cursed existence to the demon, Rabishu. She becomes Ageless, continuous life for the rest of eternity.

For centuries, the death that she brings does not burden her consciousness, but when she's told to kill an infant girl, much like her own long dead daughter, Constanta, she has to draw the line. She cannot bring herself to harm the infant who hasn't even had a chance to live. It's the beginnings of her conscious self re-asserting. Over the years, she has come to the conclusion that she can no longer be the demon's killing machine.

After many years of searching for the answer to her release from the Rabishu's service, he reveals that there is an escape clause to her contract. But to escape, she has to set the scales straight, for every life she has taken, one must be saved. She will become mortal again, but with a longer lifespan. She can be wounded, but she'll heal faster. For every life she saves, she'll age faster. And if she is killed, she becomes Rabishu plaything for an eternity of hell. She'll have to re-invent herself over and over again to hide her extended life.

In this incarnation, she becomes Maliha Crayne (alter ego: Marsha Winter, thriller author) and she still trying to balance the scales.

Dark Time: Mortal Path Book One by Dakota Banks was a fast paced thriller/urban fantasy that jumps from the days of early Massachusetts to the present then back again throughout our heroine's existence, showing the trials and tribulations she must endure if she wants to regain her soul from the enslaving demon. When Rabishu released her from his service, he etched the scales of justice into her skin, and with each life earned, the justice scales losses a tiny figure as it marches across her skin with fiery footsteps to create balance. She soon discovers Rabishu doesn't play fair, his assassins will kill her if they're able. But, Rabishu has also trained her well, she is quick and powerful, a force to be reckoned with. She can bring death to even the Ageless. So begins her new life to fight against the wrongs of the world; to the weak, the young, and the powerless, she is their champion. To the cruel, evil, and bloodthirsty, she is their worst nightmare. There are several powerful players in this novel; long time friends, Yanmeng and Amaro, provide a supportive extended family for her as well as back up. New love interest, Jake, may be what he appears to be, DEA agent, or maybe he's something else altogether. If you enjoy a thrilling urban fantasy as much as I do and if you like a kick-ass heroine, pick up this book, an excellent read well worth you time. I loved the qualities that Mahila embraces as she tries to regain her soul. It's a quick read moving through time as Mahila works to right the wrongs. The story leaves me begging for more with one question remaining, who or what is Jake Stackman? To learn more about Dakota Banks or the new series, Mortal Path, please visit http://www.dakota-banks.com/ . Her second book, Sacrifice: Mortal Path, Book Two will released in 2010, I can't wait to read it. For a sneak peek of Book Two, check out SciFiGuy's sneak peek. Thanks TJ Dietderich at Planned TV Arts for my review copy.

Here's a peek at the book trailier. Excellent presentation of the story to follow.

Dark Time: Mortal Path Book One (July 2009)
Sacrifice: Mortal Path Book Two (2010)

Deadly Legacy by Robin Burcell

Publisher: Harper Collins (2003)
Pages: 304

From the Cover: San Francisco P.D. Homicide Inspector Kate Gillespie's investigation into a bizarre apparent murder/suicide is threatening to careen out of control. A dead man might not be dead. The families of the deceased are hiding something. And there are blood-soaked threads reaching into some very lofty places. But most perplexing of all are the shocking revelations of one of the "victims" dark and dangerous history -- the more Kate learns, the less she knows. It's a case that has placed Kate Gillespie on the hot seat as her investigation gets bigger by the moment -- and puts her perilously high on a rabid killer's hit list. Some secrets are murder to keep.

Kate Gillespie is one of San Francisco's finest, knows the difference between right and wrong, good and bad, decent and undeserving. So, when one of her best friends from childhood is found dead, apparently a victim of a murder-suicide, she has to reconsider her values. Eve Tremayne had been her best friend, until Eve had showed Kate the pictures of Kate's father in compromising positions better left unknown. Kate is shocked, what happened to Eve to turn her into someone she didn't know and didn't want to know, why would she be doing this....As Kate looked through the open window of the Mercedes into the face of one of her dearest friends, Eve's dead body not giving the answers Kate long for, reliving every horrible moment of the last conversation she's had with Eve, and when Kate gained the knowledge of her father's infidelity. It was the day Kate grew up.

But now, it's a different time, a different place. There is little doubt that Eve and her passenger are a murder-suicide, not with the ugly bruises on their bodies, as if someone held them down before killing them. With Eve's tawdry sex trade and the pictures that Kate knew were still out there, the search for the killer must begin. As Kate and her partner, Rocky, begin the search of Eve's questionable deeds, Kate comes across a photo album containing all Eve's conquests, including Kate's father. She knew she shouldn't, but the picture was too disturbing, embarrassing. Kate slipped it from it plastic casing and into her pocket. No one needs to know. Almost as soon as the deed is done, Kate knows it's wrong. She's corrupted the investigation into a homicide by trying to protect her family.

When Lt. Andrews finds out about Kate's indiscretion, she's pulled from the case, but the case won't leave her alone, literally. She's pulled back in time and time again. First, by a misidentification of Eve's passenger by his supposed wife, Daisy. Then by Mrs. Tremayne who makes her swear to find the killer. And just when she thinks she can let go, someone kidnaps Daisy's daughter six year old daughter, Bonnie. It just won't leave her alone, and it's a good thing, because someone is out to kill Kate to top off everything else. What can Kate do to find the answers before the killer succeeds? How can she trust? And will it mean her job?

Deadly Legacy by Robin Burcell was a fast paced whodunit that didn't stop until the last page. It has all the makings that all great stories have, corrupt politicians, dirty cops, sex pictures, videos, and sex on CD. It grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. Our intrepid detective, Kate Gillespie, is up to her eyes in dirt and smut; and everyone is willing to kill to make a profit from the illicit activities found within the story. The involvement goes all the way to the FBI, but why shouldn't it. Politicians of all varieties were involved with Eve, which is a perfect name of this character, Eve who couldn't resist the forbidden temptation and all the money it bought with it. And Eve's little sex club is called 'The Garden of Eden'. As our heroine, Kate, makes more discoveries of the perversities that man will stoop to all in the name of pain, the story becomes more involved. Not only was Eve blackmailing people, but Eve's father may have been involved as well. Our hero is this tale is Kate's long time love interest, Mike Torrance, and why these two remain apart is beyond this reader's knowledge. The sexual tension is so great that it oozes out of the pages. Yes, they have a past and words hurtful words were said, but it's nothing that can't be undone if only Kate can get past herself. Mike is the strong, up standing type that knows what he wants, but doesn't quite know how to get it, not without stepping on Kate's toes and maybe scaring her off. He'd like nothing better than to ravish Kate, but is held back by Kate herself.

Deadly Legacy was a rockin' ride that any amusement park would be happy to have. It starts out slow and smooth, but soon it has you zipping around corners, upside down, and turned around. What you thought you knew isn't always exactly what it seems to be. It's a classic whodunit that keeps you begging for more. I can highly recommended this book for all fans of mystery, mayhem, and romance. I was definitely satisfied, and if I hadn't already read the next book, I'd be waiting with bated breath to see if Kate and Mike actually make it into bed. But, seeing how I know, you'll just have to check it out for yourself. To find out more information about Ms. Burcell's great books, please check out her website.

Dawnbreaker, Third Book of the Dark Days Series (ARC) by Jocelynn Drake

Publisher: EOS Books / Harper Collins
Pages: 457 (384 pb)
Release date 9-29-09

(all book images and blurbs from Harper Collins)

From the Cover:
"The dawn brinks new terror for the creatures of the night..."

Those off her race fear Mira for the lethal fire she bends to her will -- a power unique among nightwalkers, both a gift ... and a curse.

The naturi despise Mira for what she is -- as they prepare the final sacrifice that will destroy the barriers between the worlds. And once the naturi are unchained, blood, chaos, and horror will reign supreme on Earth.

Mira can trust only Danaus, the more-than-mortal vampire slayer, though he is sworn to destroy her kind. And now, as the day approaches when titanic forces will duel under cover of darkness, destiny draws them toward an apocalyptic confrontation at Machu Picchu. But all is not lost. for a wild card has been dealt to them: a rogue enemy princess who can change the balance of power and turn the dread tide."

"Instant New York Times bestselling author Jocelynn Drake returns with the third action-packed Dark Days novel, as vampire enforcer Mira must stop an ancient coven."

Background Information:

"NIGHTWALKER is an action-packed, stellar debut. Jocelynn Drake will have you coming back for more." (Jeaniene Frost, New York Times bestselling author of Halfway to the Grave )

"An intoxicating mix of jet-setting action and sparkling turns of phrase that let me taste the Nile and feel the British fog. NIGHTWALKER is a must-read addition to the urban fantasy genre, filled both with action and satisfying characters." (Kim Harrison, New York Times bestselling author of For a Few Demons More )

"An unflinchingly self-assured first novel, chiseled with subtlety and irony into a darkly suspenseful and blessedly surprising story. In exacting detail, and with prose as silky and enticing as her protagonist, Drake has composed a love letter to the vampire genre. I wish I'd written it." (Vicki Pettersson )

Mira has returned to her beloved Savannah, but she is being hunted.....Naturi have followed from Venice. And they are a particularly blood thirsty bunch. The lycans are not safe, they're being summoned as foot soldiers for the Naturi, and at every turn the nightwalkers are fighting, if not the naturi, then the lycans. Both numbers of lycan and nightwalker are dwindling and the lycans are ready to pronounce an all out war on the nightwalkers to cleanse the city of the naturi presence.

Amanda, a nightwalker who wants to become part of Mira's new family, has been captured by the naturi and Mira knows what the naturi do to their captives. Danaus arrives from his home base in London just as Mira is set to reclaim Amanda. The naturi have to be dealt with before they open the door, summoning Aurora into the human realm. Mira needs to learn to use the earth magic that has been thrumming through her body, pushing for a place to belong, and also for a release, a need to be used.

As Mira and Danaus try to rescue Amanda, the naturi also have another captive, a young naturi female bound in iron, Aurora's youngest sister and princess to the naturi queendom, Cynnia. Why would the naturi have one of their own bound in iron? What is Rowe planning now? Will Mira and Danaus survive this next encounter with the naturi or will they perish as others have before them?

Dawnbreaker by Jocelynn Drake was a magical ride through the mysteries yet to come in the Nightwalker world. It was an fantastic addition to the Dark Days Series that will leaving you hoping, begging, screaming for more. We're left wondering what could be in store for the future of this series. I tried to stretch out this book, torn between wanting to speed through the pages, yet hanging on every word. Our heroine, Mira, has been put through Hell, but it's not over yet. The naturi want nothing more than to separate her head from her body, bringing the only true death for our Fire Starter. Rowe has sent his minions into her home to hunt her down, nothing will stand his way for releasing his queen-wife. The Coven and the members of the nightwalker society who were hoping for the unclaimed seat of Tabor are hoping for her death as well, but not before the seal is re-made. Mira finds herself as a protector of mankind as well as the Earth. Our hero, Danaus, is growing closer to Mira. It's almost as if he is being drawn to the one thing that brings the worst part of his soul into the open, the monsters that he has been hunting and killing all of his long life. Now, he begins to see that not all of the monsters come in nightwalker form. He realizes that some nightwalkers seek what he has lost as well, the humanity that has been alluding them all.

Dawnbreaker is such as incredible addition to the series that all I have tried to do is to peak your interest, give a small taste of what is to come in this unfolding world of the Nightwalker. It is truly a masterpiece of writing. Please visit Jocelynn Drake's website, it chock full of extras. Ms. Drakes blog as wonderful insights to her writing process and it updated regularly. Eos Books, which offered this very early ARC is a wonderful site full of great information. Thanks to both Eos Books and Jocelynn Drake for making this review possible.

If you have not read Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake, what are you wanting for?? Here is a peek at the blurb for Nightwalker, First of The Dark Days Series.


For centuries Mira has been a nightwalker—an unstoppable enforcer for a mysterious organization that manipulates earth-shaking events from the darkest shadows. But elemental mastery over fire sets her apart from others of her night-prowling breed . . . and may be all that prevents her doom.

The foe she now faces is human: the vampire hunter called Danaus, who has already destroyed so many undead. For Mira, the time has come to hunt . . . or be hunted.

And Dayhunter, The Second Book in the Dark Days Series.



A new day dawns blood red

A master of fire, Mira is the last hope for the world. For centuries she has secretly enforced the history-altering edicts of the Triad. Now she and her unlikely ally—the human vampire hunter, Danaus—have come to Venice, home of the nightwalker rulers. But there is no safety in the ancient city, for the threat of conflict is in the wind . . . with unholy alliances and earth-shattering betrayals taking hideous form in the shadows.

Banished for eons beyond the world's boundaries, the malevolent naturi prepare to feed once again upon a vulnerable earth—and treachery is opening wide the portal that will enable their dread re-emergence. The great battle that has always been Mira's destiny is looming, and she must remain powerful in the face of a shocking revelation: that Danaus, the only creature she dares to trust, is something more than the man he claims to be . . .



Biographical information about Jocelynn Drake:

(image from SciFiGuy's webiste)

By day, Jocelynn Drake is a clean-cut financial analyst writer, but in her free time she writes about a dark underworld where vampires rule. The author of Nightwalker, she lives in Kentucky.

(from Harper Collins)
• Nightwalker was an instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller, spending four weeks on the extended and USA Today lists. This is a fabulous start for a debut author, and gives HarperCollins the perfect platform to build this commercial writer.
• Supernatural fiction is still going strong, as shown by the amazing sales of Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, and HarperCollins’s own wildly successful authors Kim Harrison and Vicki Pettersson.
• With a strong heroine and a sexy vampire hunter, Dawnbreaker is perfect for the many fans of paranormal romance looking for more great reads.
• Jocelynn Drake has a fresh new take on vampires, mixing globetrotting adventure and intrigue with a sexy cat-and-mouse game between the vampire heroine and a hunter—who has his own dark secrets. The heroine is fabulous—Mira is a mix of Jennifer Garner in Alias and Underworld’s Kate Beckinsale—a badass, beautiful, bloodsucking babe with a brain.
• Dawnbreaker will be published in October 2009, just five months after Dayhunter. Given HarperCollins’s great track record with rapid publication, this will continue to build Jocelynn Drake into a bestselling supernatural author.

City of Souls (ARC) ~ The Fourth Sign of the Zodiac by Vicki Pettersson

Publisher: EOS Books, Harper Collins
Pages: 352

Release date: 6-30-09
(image and blurb from Harper Collins)
From the Cover: In Sin City, a little girl suffers from a strange and terrible malady. If she dies, the Light will die along with her.

Warrior, avenger, Joanna Archer has survived countless otherworldly terrors—and has found her rightful place among the agents battling the all-pervasive evil of Shadow . . . even as she struggles against the darkness within herself.

A war is raging for Las Vegas—a city without a heart—one that catapults Joanna into a new world hidden from mortal sight. In this lethally seductive alternate dimension the lines blur between good and evil, love and hate, and here lies the last hope for the Light. But Joanna's price of admission is a piece of her own soul—and the odds of her escaping are slim . . . to none.

Joanna Archer, the Archer of Light and Shadow annihilator, is called into action once again. In this incarnation, she has taken the form of her beloved lost sister, Olivia. It's the only way Joanna can remain alive with the Tulpa hot on her tail, Joanna must be thought of as dead. The Warriors of the Light are trying to maintain their hold over Las Vegas as the Shadow scum seem to know their every move...safe zones are gone. Only the Kairos can save them now. Joanna is the Kairos of the legends, but a simple mistake may cost not only her life, but may others. In an attempt to save the changeling, Jasmine, Joanna split her Chi causing the balance between the Light and the Shadows to become unsteady, now the fourth sign of the zodiac remains hidden. She must figure out how to right this wrong all while staying one step away of the Shadows who would love the opportunity to exploit the imbalance. It is Jasmine's turn now to move to adulthood, and her younger sister, Li, to become the new changeling, to allow the legends to be written. Manuals to continued, power to be given. But Jaz doesn't want adulthood and Li is dying....

According to Warren, the squad leader of the Las Vegas warriors, the only way to right the balance is to head to Midheaven, but it's a very dangerous seductive place where the strong become weak and the weak go to die. Entrance can only be bought with a piece of your soul. As Joanna/Olivia makes her way to this god forsaken place, she begins to wonder who is helping her and who is trying to kill her...and why. She has been given orders to find Jaden Jacks, but who is this mysterious agent with the ability to move through Midheaven and the knowledge to correct this imbalance. Hunter, the weapons master of the Light, seeks the truth as well, but he is also living with a lie...but it the one the Joanna has learned of or is it something far worse. But Joanna knows about lies, she hiding one of her own.

City of Souls by Vicki Petterson is paranormal fantasy at it's best. All the agents of the Light are Superheroes and the agents of the Shadow are dastardly villains. Charlaine Harris has a blurb across the front of this beautiful cover "Read at your own risk" and she's right, but it's worth the risk and then some. As the story unfolds for the reader, enough background information is given that although it's preferable to read this series in order, you can pick up any of the books and read. Once you do, I know you'll want to pick up the rest of the series. Vicki Petterson moves the reader through the pages and into her world where Light and Shadow have been battling, and so far, it's a draw. But with the balance upset, the Shadows begin to make advances. The Manuals that are being written are graphic novels or comic books read by mere mortals that give the legend and life as it is occurring in the secret society. The problem is that until the balance is set right, the Light legend cannot be completed, but the Shadow legend is trying to come to fruition, overcoming the Light to bring despair, chaos, death and destruction in it's wake. Joanna/Olivia, our heroine, has lost everything that she at one time valued. Her mother, Zoe, is gone, hiding from Tulpa as he desires her death as well as being Joanna's true father. Her sister is dead and Joanna has to live Olivia's life to hide from Tulpa. Xavier, not a nice person, is dying but he's Olivia's father and Tulpa's soul giver. Ben, her one time love, has had his memory cleansed and no longer remembers her. The fourth sign of the zodiac cannot be release due to Jaz not relinquishing her changeling status. Our hero, Hunter, is a mystery. Jo's one time lover which she left for Ben, is distant, secretive, almost untouchable. He knows something that Jo does not. He should know Jaden Jacks, but no one seems to know him. Hunter is tortured by his past, by his present, and by what may or may not be his future. He wants to believe in the Light and Warren, but too many things have come unraveled for him. In fact, Jo begins to wonder if anyone knows the truth or if Warren is making them all believe what he wants to be the truth. City of Souls was an excellent read. I'll give you a warning, read in the morning because at night, you won't be able to put it down. This was a fast fun read, urban fantasy and paranormal rolled into one tasty little package. To find out more information about Vicki Pettersson's great books, please visit her website or her blog.

Here's a peek at Vicki Pettersson talking about the Signs of the Zodiac Series.

Dayhunter by Jocelynn Drake

Publisher: EOS Books, Harper Collins
Pages: 356

From the Cover: Nightwalkers and Naturi battle:

A new day dawns blood red.

A master of fire, Mira is the last hope for the world. For centuries she has secretly enforced the history-altering edicts of the Triad. Now she and her unlikely ally—the human vampire hunter, Danaus—have come to Venice, home of the nightwalker rulers. But there is no safety in the ancient city, for the threat of conflict is in the wind . . . with unholy alliances and earth-shattering betrayals taking hideous form in the shadows.

Banished for eons beyond the world's boundaries, the malevolent naturi prepare to feed once again upon a vulnerable earth—and treachery is opening wide the portal that will enable their dread re-emergence. The great battle that has always been Mira's destiny is looming, and she must remain powerful in the face of a shocking revelation: that Danaus, the only creature she dares to trust, is something more than the man he claims to be . . .

Mira and Tristan slam into an alley, bloody, battered, and battle weary. Thorne has been killed by the Naturi before Mira could save him. It was a wonder that any had made it from the London bar. She has sworn to try to free Tristan from their maker and to keep him alive if possible. It will be a daunting task, considering his youth and the fact that most of the Nightwalkers will consider him chum...easy pickings for the more powerful and greater hierarchy.

Now, Jabari is demanding her return to Venice, somewhere she really doesn't want to be. But does she really have a choice, both Jabari and Danuis have proved that they can easily wield her as a weapon. Better to go on her own and forced by a will not her own. Mira's maker, Sadira has also been summoned to explain the unexplainable, the death of Tabor and the Naturi's ability to break the seal which separates the evil fae led by Rowe to release his wife and Queen to seek revenge and reek havoc upon the humans and vampires alike. The Naturi wish to kill both species and rule the Earth as they feel the fae are destined to be.

Venice is the stronghold of the vampire council, now missing one member of the council of four with the death of Tabor. That was the whole point of going to London, to seek out one of Tabor's bloodline, Thorne. The Naturi poisoned him, but Mira and Danuis were able to avenge the death. Who knew that together Danuis and Mira would yield enough power to destroy the Naturi, not only in the immediate vicinity, but for miles around. Mira, best known as the Fire Starter - the one true death that vampires feared, and Danuis of the Brotherhood - vampire hunter and the holder of a power so great - to make the blood boil from the inside out. Together, they are force to be reckon with by only the ancients.

When Mira and Danuis arrive in Venice, it is only to find that Weres are also present as well as some of the Naturi, what would the evil fae be doing in the vampire stronghold?

To make matter worse, Mira discovers Sadira's plot to sacrifice Tristan to the wannabes of the vampire council to make up for the loss of Tabor. She is his maker and he is her toy, but Mira has given him her vow of protection. She must go against her maker and claim Tristan as her own, marking him as part of her family; something she has avoided for 600 years. She has also vowed to make sure Danuis leaves Venice alive, will she never learn? Now she is responsible for two lives.

Mira has been an enforcer for the Triad (the keepers of the seal and law enforcers for Nightwalkers), seeking out those you have broken the vampire code to meet their end. Now, the Triad must be remade to keep the Naturi at bay. The Bori, evil fae of demon origin, have also been locked away. But they're not Mira's consideration at this time, the Naturi are the danger.

Danuis feels it's only fair to reveal the origin of his birth to Mira, to explain his longevity and his need to destroy evil; they have battled together and will be forced into a continued alliance. Mira cannot believe what he tells her, and she knows he doesn't understand to truth of his origins as she does. Now she has another secret to hide or the council will kill them both.

As the time draws near to the magical hour when Rowe will try to break the seal that will lead to the eventual release of his Queen, Mira begins to wonder who can be trusted. Surely not Jabari, her once mentor, friend, and teacher who wants nothing more than her head on a spike. Valorie, possibly as they had wondered Italy for years. Sadira, never, Mira has stolen one of her children. The other two members of the council want Mira dead just because of her ability as a Fire Starter. Mira knows the battle must be fought, but who will remain standing...Nightwalkers, Naturi, the Brotherhood? All have reasons to kill her even if she does survive.

Dayhunter by Jocelynn Drake is the second book in the Dark Days Series. Nightwalker, the first in the series, was one of my top picks for 2008 and Jocelynn Drake is one of the best up and coming young authors in urban fantasy. I was not disappointed by her ability with this second installment. She continues to weave a world beyond the knowledge of the human reality. I am enthralled with her series and I hope it continues for many more books. Mira is a heroine who has been tortured in life. She was born of Crete heritage but stood out with vibrant red curling locks, pale skin tones, and jewel green eyes, so unlike the ruddy brown of hair, eyes, and skin tones of her ancestors. She was born with the ability of the fire starter; it did not come as a gift of vampirism. Sadira stole Mira from her family and kept her for many years before offering her the choice of vampire or death. Mira choose life of a vampire over a certain death. She chooses to live alone, with no one but her Angels (her guards) to watch over her resting body during daylights hours. She seeks the humanity lost to her, protecting those whom she preys upon. Even as she needs to feed, she never drains her victims, only taking what she needs to survive. Danuis, our hero, is a supremely tortured individual who has been hiding the origins of his soul for more than thousand years. He has been alive since the Romans controlled the civilized world. He has sought out the evil to destroy as his self imposed punishment. He doesn't understand fully what he is or knows the exist of the evil that could be unleashed by his presence. Mira feels an almost unreasonable attraction to this vampire hunter. She knows it can never be, as he does with his uneasy need to protect her and the vampire that she is. Each has vowed to kill the other. I loved the way this story flowed so seamlessly, the pieces fitting nicely together. Book Two starts almost on the last sentence and thought of Book One. The description of Venice was amazingly well done down to describing the smells associated with a city that has lived under water and the crumbling architecture that surrounds the vampire stronghold. This is Jocelynn Drake's first foray into published writing and she has been rewarded with a second contract. The series in order to date is Nightwalker (7-29-08), Dayhunter (4-28-09), Dawnbreaker (to be released 9-29-09), as well as Unbound, an anthology with Kim Harrison, Melissa Marr, Jeaniene Frost, and Vicki Pettersson that will be available 8-25-09. For more information about Jocelynn Drake and her fantastical books, please visit her website or her blog.

Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake

Publisher: EOS Books / Harper Collins Publishing
Pages: 370

From the Cover: For centuries Mira has been a nightwalker -- an unstoppable enforcer for a mysterious organization that manipulates earth-shaking events from the darkest shadows. But elemental mastery over fire sets her apart from others of her night-prowling breed.........and may be all that prevents her doom.

The foe she now faces is human: the vampire hunter called Danaus, who has already destroyed so many undead. For Mira, the time has come to hunt.......or be hunted.

Mira is a 600 hundred year old vampire, merely an infant compared to some, but a controller of one of the vampire's deadliest enemies. She is a fire starter. There is no coming back from flames. Her territory is the Savannah, where she is master. Who is this human, this hunter that has entered her territory. So far he has slain at least two of the fledglings. They were new without a master vampire to help them, but not her problem. The one called Riley she was going to kill anyway because of his tendency to increase his family like it was his territory.

Danaus is a hunter, a killer of the Nosferatu -- the undead or vampire. He belongs to the Brotherhood, the keepers of the holy, working for the greater good. Why doesn't he carry a silver cross? He's already damned, no one or thing can protect him. He has been stalking Mira, trying to draw her out. Well tonight he has succeeded.......

As Mira and Danaus face off in an abandoned house, Mira realizes this is no ordinary human, he may not be human at all. Who is this Danaus and what does he want in her territory? As they struggle against one another, Danaus reveals he has not come to destroy Mira, but to gain information. Mira suspects if she lets him live, he will prove to be her nightmare, but Danaus, whatever he is, is very strong and she has been weakened. She should destroy him here and now, but then she'll never know what brought him into her territory.

Mira and Danaus meet again, this time in a crowded lycanthrope bar. He's still pushing for information. What type of information? If he desires Mira's information, he will have to accept her assistance. His gut says to kill her, but can he afford to? The decision is made, he is seeking information about the naturi; guardians of the Earth, the Third Race, known as the Seeley Court, Sidhe or Fae.

Mira has no love for the naturi; they are no guardians. They would destroy both humans and vampires, to take over the Earth for themselves. Mira was held captive by the naturi; a fate she has no wish to repeat. The naturi hold magical weapons, ones that can be used to torture the vampire, cause extreme pain before death is delivered. If it hadn't been for the Triad all those long years ago, Mira's existence would have ended. They are dead, only a fairy tale now. Why would Danaus seek information about them?

Danaus has information of the naturi's return. He has seen them, has one held captive. Mira must see with her own eyes this naturi...if he is naturi. And if he is naturi, then the Earth is in trouble because they are truly a wicked force, one that must be dealt with if humans and vampires are to exist.......

This is just a small taste of Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake. It is an amazingly well told story of the vampire existence. Ms. Drake weaves a world where magic exists, where vampire and lycanthropes walk with humans without their knowledge. Where the naturi or fae are violently evil, a blight against all the mankind holds dear, their very lives. As I began my stroll through the world of Nightwalker, I was gripped by Mira's ability to see the humanity she has lost. Danaus is an unknown factor, I was left wondering what he was. Danaus feels lost, his humanity lost, but he wishes he could regain it. He is heartsick with the loss. He feels a tenderness towards Mira. He is beyond being human and appears to be centuries old, as well as the Brotherhood that he serves. Mira and Danaus are drawn to each other, the hunter and the hunted, but which is which. Will they kill each other and become joined as one against a force that neither one can allow to win.

Nightwalker was one of my top picks for 2008. It was an excellent read, which I have re-read since and I highly recommend this book for all urban fantasy/paranormal lovers. It is my personal opinion that Jocelynn Drake is one of the best new writers of fantasy that the genre is producing. Her books are fascinating for the imagination. Well worth reading.

From the Cover: A new day dawns blood red....... A master of fire, Mira is the last hope for the world. For centuries she has secretly enforced the history-altering edicts of the Triad. Now she and her unlikely ally - the human vampire hunter, Danaus—have come to Venice, home of the nightwalker rulers. But there is no safety in the ancient city......

I am waiting the release of Dayhunter, Book Two in the Dark Days Series which will be released in five short days, 4-28-09. Ms. Drake will also be releasing the third book in the series, Dawnbreaker, Book Three in the Dark Days Series on 9-29-09. Ms. Drake will be releasing an anthology, Unbound on 8-25-09 with fellow authors Kim Harrison, Vicki Pettersson, Melissa Marr, and Jeanine Frost as well.
(all images and blurbs can be found at Harper Collins.)

Jocelynn Drake talks about Book Two of the Dark Days Series, Dayhunter.



To read an excellent review of Dayhunter, Book Two of the Dark Days Series, please see SciFiGuy.ca.

Also, I had like to give a shout out to Marta @ Vampire Wire for the linkage.
Thanks Marta!!