Haunting Lia by Shannon Eckrich

Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing
Pages: 259

(Release Date: 10/11/13)

From the Cover:

Death is her destiny. But she has other things in mind.

Lia Starr’s life isn’t a fairytale. It’s a reality overflowing with scary monsters, death, and betrayal—a past she left behind when she entered her new foster home. Now, with a loving family, a sister she’s always craved, and relief from the gruesome corpses that tormented her as a child, she’s finally content. Until a freak accident changes everything.

The monsters are back, and their mission is simple: drag Lia straight to their murky hell. When Aiden, an apparition, appears to Lia, she has hope once again. Because Aiden can cross the veil between the spirit world and the earthly dimension, physically fighting off the monsters and sending them back. With Aiden’s determination to keep her safe and his absorbing blue eyes, Lia can’t help falling in love with him. But who is he, and what does he really want? As Lia and Aiden’s relationship deepens, so does the mystery surrounding him. 

Once Lia finds out Aiden has traded his soul to save her, she enters the darker dimension, a dimension where nightmares are reality, ready to kick some serious butt. But surrounded by twenty-eight mutilated monsters and a deranged cult leader intent on bringing his dark world to the surface, isn’t what Lia expects. And even worse, she must face her traumatic past in order to destroy them. If she fails, not only will she lose the guy she loves and face certain death, but she will also risk the one thing she can’t afford to lose: her eternal soul.

Lia is one of the kids who doesn't quite fit in, and she has a secret that not even her foster-sister, Chelsea, knows. Lia can see monsters and the shadows of darkness. Chelsea talks Lia into a visit to the haunted house, Frightland, but rain shortens their terrifying trip. One rainy evening plus a flat tire leads to a horrific accident, separating the sisters, ripping one from the other.

Aiden appears to be this ghostly apparition only Lia can see. The strange skater boy tanned and toned, fresh from Frightland or maybe he's part of it. But, can he be something more? And, if he's alive like he claims to be, where's his body and how can Lia get his spirit to re-attach itself?

Enter into the equation, demented Bianca, driven to the point of insanity by the darkness, filling her head with negative thoughts and the idea that Lia killed her father. She makes it her mission to make Lia pay, the price is Lia's life.

With monsters, shadows darker than night, and a boy who claims to only want to help her, can Lia survive?

Haunting Lia by Shannon Eckrich is the story of an outcast, a girl who has lost her family, subplanting it with her foster family. Until Chelsea is ripped out of her life, and Lia knows, it was all her fault. And, AJ Prescott is just as much to blame. After the accident, Aiden appears, scaring the monsters away, chasing the shadows back to where they belong. But, can Lia trust this strange boy she doesn't even know? Should she?

Haunting Lia is a wonderful blend of paranormal, horror, suspense, and at times, heart tugging warmth. Ms. Eckrich paints vivid pictures of life beyond the realm of normal, of an afterworld I'm not sure I'd like to visit with it's threatening corpses, but it's all in good fun. Haunting Lia is an excellent read, I managed to read it in one sitting. The reader is pulled away into Lia's world, which can be frightening at times, and at other times, the world of an insecure girl, trying to fit in. What she discovers is that not everyone needs to fit into a round hole. I highly recommend this quick little read, at 259 it shouldn't be quick, but the pages flew through my fingers. Paranormal romance lovers, horror fanatics, and lovers of suspense will all want to give this book a try, there's something for everyone.

Five out of five fairy kisses for this reader. 

I received my copy from the author for an honest review. All opinion expressed are my own.

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.

My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent (Prequel to the Soul Screamers Series)

Publisher:  Harlequin Teen / Harlequin
 Pages:  74

From the Cover: 

Kaylee Cavanaugh's trip to the mall ends with a brutal panic attack and a brainscrambling shriek she can't stop. Her secret fear is exposed. It's the worst day of her life.

Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.

But the hospital isn't a safe place for Kaylee, and getting out won't be easy because everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, who has a secret of her own...

SOUL SCREAMERS

The last thing you hear before you die...

Kaylee Cavanaugh is your average teenage with the average problems.  Her boyfriend, Toby, dumped her right before Homecoming to ask her best friend Emma to the dance.  Now together, they plan their revenge on the unsuspecting Toby.  But on a trip to the mall, a panic attack takes Kaylee, one like she's never had before.  She wakes up to find herself strapped to a metal bed, scratches on her neck, and she can't remember how she got there.

My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent is a prequel to her Soul Screamers Series.  In this series, Kaylee is something different, something other, and her aunt and uncle don't know what to do.  When she has the panic attack at the mall, no one can bring her back, not Aunt Val or her best friend, Emma.  To prevent herself from injury, her aunt, who really doesn't like the interruption of her normally placid life, sends Kaylee to a mental facility for observation.  Upon visiting, and seeing the other patients as the facility, Uncle Brendon can't leave her there, she doesn't belong there.  But, just when Kaylee thinks release is in sight, the panic comes again, worse than before, keening threatening to burst from her throat.  Lydia, fellow patient, drags Kaylee away from the mayhem caused by another patient and through her touch, takes Kaylee's pain away.  But maybe at too high of a cost.

My Soul to Lose is an excellent little taste of Ms. Vincent's YA series, and I highly recommend giving it a try.  If you haven't tried this series yet, and you like YA, good story telling and paranormal, it's a free read if you click here.  The next two books in the series, My Soul to Take (Book One) and My Soul to Save (Book Two) are available now, and the three book, My Soul to Keep will be available in June 1, 2010.  I do love the cover art and colors chosen for this series.

I downloaded this book as a free eread.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 533

From the Cover: In the Ichidian Universe, The League and their ruthless assassins rule all.

Expertly trained and highly valued, the League Assassins are the backbone of the government. But not even the League is immune to corruption . . . Command Assassin Nykyrian Quikiades once turned his back on the League—and has been hunted by them ever since. Though many have tried, none can kill him or stop him from completing his current mission: to protect Kiara Zamir, a woman whose father’s political alliance has made her a target.

As her world becomes even deadlier, Kiara must entrust her life to the same kind of beast who once killed her mother and left her for dead. Old enemies and new threaten them both and the only way they can survive is to overcome their suspicions and learn to trust in the very ones who threaten them the most: each other.

Nykyrain will not be the pawn of The League, assassin to the assassins, one of the deadliest creatures that has roamed the galaxies. He will not slaughter the innocent for political gain, not now, not ever, even if it costs him his life. He turns his back on his life, his one-time friends, and his fellow assassins. And becomes the scrounge of the universe, the pirate known as Nemesis.

Kiara, though the daughter of one of the most powerful leaders in the universe, has had a hard life. She watched her mother being slaughtered before her eyes, then beaten and stabbed, left for dead, and now, she's been kidnapped and marked for murder. Can her life get any worse? As one of the renown dancers throughout the universe, she's been praised for her talent and now she's going to be killed to weaken her politically powerful father. Nothing can save her.

When Nemesis boards the enemy freighter and discovers Kiara on board, his heart goes out to her. He must save her and keep her safe, even if it means that she is to discover his true identity that he has kept hidden all these years. Even if it means his life when her father sets the rest of the league assassins on his tail. Because, he realizes, he has to have her, can't live without her, the only woman who has seen past the scars and into his soul.

With assassins after Nemesis and murderers and thugs after Kiara, will either survive? Will Nemesis learn to truly trust the one person who might complete his life? Will Kiara get to keep the wondrous creature she has come to love?

Born of Night, Book One of The League Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon is a great fantasy read. It takes place of a future galaxy that screams to be explored and I'm looking forward to the next two books in the series, Born of Fire and Born of Ice. Nykyrain (alter ego Nemesis) is a half breed, part human and part Ritadarion (one of the deathliest and strongest species in the known galaxies), but he was been turned out of his mother's family for his humanity, dumped in an orphanage, a stain upon the royal lineage. He's then tortured by his would be foster father and foster brothers. He's beaten, burned, mutilated, and told he's unworthy of love. His humanity is beaten away, and left in it's place is a creature of vengeance. But, children are his weakness, he will not tolerate bringing a child pain, and Kiara has had one of the worst childhoods, besides his, that he's ever seen. Kiara is an insecure young woman who has shut herself off from all but a few close friends. She never knows who will betray her, selling her secrets or even her very life to the highest bidder. She's marked for death not for who she is or what she has done, but because of who her father is. It's the same reason that her childhood was traumatized beyond repair, something she may never recover from and that taunts her, keeps her awake at night and invades her nightmares. But when she in Nykyrain's care, the monsters go away. His strength and powerful presences keeps her safe from the beasts that she alone cannot out run.

Born of Night is an excellent read that will certainly entice the fantasy reader. It has action, adventure, and a sweet romance that bring hero and heroine together with more than mere sparks. I fell in love with Nemesis/Nykyrain, the young boy that endured the horrors of life to become the man who still has the ability to show compassion, love, and wonder. Kiara is an innocent at life who has to learn to trust her better instincts and grow to be the woman worthy of Nykyrain's love. Though Kiara suffered greatly as a child, she has been sheltered and protected since and then put on a pedestal of one of the greatest dancers in the universe. What she has missed is the ability to grow, mature, and to learn to actually live, until she meets Nykyrain who opens her eyes and keeps her safe. When Nykyrain loves, it's for all time. I highly recommend this book for lovers of fantasy and romance. You won't want to miss it.

I received this book from St. Martin's Press. The opinions I've expressed are my own.

Reviewette: Unearthed Anthology: Illusion by Edmond Cheng

Publisher: Midnight Showcase
Pages: 92-171

From the cover: A haunting, a vision, a nasty headache, and a murder…
What’s next? Illusion will distort and re-shape your view.

Author’s Bio
Edmond Cheng, nationality: Chinese currently living in Hong Kong, he
is interested in writing mystery. Illusion is his first story.
Apart from writing, he teaches English as a full time job.

Thomas and Karen are happily married or so he thinks. But could it all be an illusion? When Aunt Wai Ha comes to visit, he becomes disturbed by her allegations. Jonathon and Helen, his best friends, are also concerned, but then again, is it all just an illusion?

As the story continues, it becomes more and more convoluted and confused, reality and illusion mixing until one is hard to tell from the other.

Accusations fly, is Helen having an affair and plotting Jonathon's murder? Is Karen who she appears to be? Is Thomas being haunted by ghosts, spirits, apparitions? As the story unravels, confusion ensues, life and death struggles begin and end. Who will remain?

Illusion by Edmond Cheng is just what the title states, it's all an illusion, the fevered imaginations of the protagonist in the story, Thomas. As Thomas' life ebbs and flows, the reader begins to see that all is not right. His story, his reality contradicts itself as a way of preserving his sanity. Because, instead of seeing what it before his eyes to believe, he chooses to look through rose colored glasses to perceive what he would like reality to be.

Illusion is a fun little read that was confusing at times. The use of American English is not perfect, nor are the speech patterns. It entwines Chinese mysticism and Western ideas, bringing us a story that is unique in it's rendition. I once read a Chinese fable about an attacking army, and while reading this story, I was reminded of the fable in the manner in which it was told. There is strong cultural influences used in the story that increase the enjoyment of the reading, but at the same time, cause to reader to stop and re-reading passage to gain the full impact of it's meaning. It was almost like reading a fast pace action movie filmed in Hong Kong, which just happens to produce some awesome movies that includes some of my favorites. It's a twisting, turning, gut-retching read. This is Mr. Cheng's first attempt at writing and since English is not his first language, it is my opinion that he did an excellent job. I truly enjoyed reading this novella, the story is exciting and a real psychological thriller. The use of imagery was good though sometimes simplistic, and at other times, bold and engaging. I loved the influences of his Chinese culture throughout the story. It was pleasure to read something, though Americanized, retained it's cultural influences. If you looking for an uncomplicated read, try something else. If you don't mind an involving read, give it a try, you might enjoy it, but be prepared for the fast pace and tone.

I received this book in ebook format from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

What Lies Beneath by Charles Bice

Publisher: Wimabi Press
Pages: 201


In the summer of 1976, thirteen-year-old George Moody visits his scientist grandfather. There he is introduced to precocious distant cousin, Liza, who is George’s age and also staying with Grandpa. The other member of the household is Kizzy, the mystical housekeeper who charms animals, possesses healing powers and lives in the coal cellar. George finds friendship and diversion with Sammy Sweeney, the neighborhood oddball. Their numerous misadventures include dodging the local bullies, risking life and limb in Sammy’s tree house and snooping around Grandpa’s off-limits shed, which is at the center of strange occurrences.

A second summer at Grandpa’s will change George’s life permanently as he uncovers the nature of the household in which he has been passing his carefree vacations. And not until decades later will he comprehend the full, bewildering truth.

"A late night incident draws George Moody into the dilapidated shed behind the home he inherited from his grandfather, forcing him to confront long-buried family secrets and to relive two extraordinary summers of his early teens. Seasoned with magical realism, What Lies Beneath is a coming-of-age novel for anyone who has ever been a kid."

George doesn't even remember the father that perished in the Vietnam War. All he does remember is the triangle shaped flag given to his distraught mother with his last goodbye. Stewie Nye, the carpet guy, with his garish grin soon came into their lives and became his step-father. George's family was never really close, no hugging, at arms length, he grows up missing what most kids find natural.

Until he gets to spend the summer of 1976 at Grandpa Moody's Durham house. George is thirteen years old, ready to try a little independence and not all that happy to visit Grandpa. Cousin Liza from Aberdeen is the opposite of him and what he has grown with. She hugs, smiles, and though grown up beyond her years, she slowly becomes what George has been missing, companionship. Sammy from next door becomes a constant companion with whom mischief can be found. Too soon, the summer time at Grandpa's is over and George returns home but Liza keeps up with George through letters and phone calls. It becomes something that George looks forward.

The only thing that George is the most curious about is the small shed behind Grandpa's house where Grandpa seems to spend all of his spare time. What does he do in there to all hours of the night? He and Sammy managed to sneak into the shed only to discover it's not exactly what Grandpa said it was.

The next summer comes and though Stewie, with the same vicious yellow grin invites George to work at the carpet store, he chooses to return to Grandpa after talking to Liza. She can't return, but her sister Ann who is seventeen will be there and is dying to meet him. Cousin Ann turns out to be an exact copy of an older Liza and turns out to be just as sweet.

But suddenly Ann becomes sick and must return to Aberdeen where she spends a week and returns still not herself. And as the summer progresses, she becomes weaker and has to return home again. Grandpa seems more and more preoccupied with his little shed. It's not until Grandpa's refugee from a Nazi concentration camp and housekeeper, Kizzy, sends him to the shed that George begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding the small building and what it houses.

What Lies Beneath by Charles Bice is an excellent mystery that put me in mind of something in between Dean Koontz and Robin Cook. Young George never really knew his grandparents and with the death of his father and the remarriage of his mother, he soon loses contact with Grandpa Moody who lost his wife soon after the death of their only son. George is kind of an outsider, a loner, it's the way he's been brought up. What he discovers at his grandpa's is the love he's been missing. Liza, and then Ann, envelop him in their shining light and become an important part of his life. When Ann becomes sick, he is at a loss. Kizzy is a mystery all on her own. She appears to be ancient, older than Grandpa, yet never seems to age, living in Grandpa's basement apartment and strange beliefs about souls. It's all odd to George who is baffled in his youth. It won't be until George reaches adulthood, after the death of his grandpa and Kizzy, that he comes to understand everything that has happened.

What Lies Beneath is an excellent YA coming of age story that brought back memories of my own youth and forgotten times. There are many twists and turns throughout the story that lead to it's eventual conclusion and George's discoveries. It was a short read and it ended being a page turner that I couldn't put down. It was an excellent little thriller that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery and the thrill of discovery. For more information about this author and his books, please visit his website.

I received this book for review from the publisher, Wimabi Press, and Library Thing. All opinions expressed are my own.

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.

Masquerade, Book Two of the Blue Blood Series by Melissa De La Cruz

Publisher: Hyperion Paperbacks
Pages: 307

From the Cover: Schuyler Van Alen wants an explanation for the mysterious deaths of young vampires. With her best friend, Oliver, Schuyler travels to Italy in the hope of finding the one man who can help---her grandfather. Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly under way for the Four Hundred Ball, an exclusive gala hosted by the city's wealthy, powerful, and unhuman---a true Blue Blood affair........

Schuyler Van Alen was introduced in Blue Bloods as a young blue blood, vampire, who has just started to show her true blue blood lines. She attends Duchesne, a prestigious high school for the rich and famous, as well as vampire, in New York City. There have been attacks from the legendary Silver Bloods that the committee no longer believes to exist. With the death of Schuyler's grandmother, Cordelia who has in reality entered her resting cycle to be reborn, Schuyler has been sent to Venice to locate her self-imposed exiled grandfather, Lawrence Van Alen. It must also be remember that these souls, all except Schuyler's, have been reborn many times, reincarnated or recycled, transplanted to America since the original Mayflower Crossing doomed to life on Earth for helping the fallen angel, Lucifer. All Blue Bloods have renounced any allegiance that they once had with Lucifer whose few remaining followers are the master of death, the Silver Bloods. Charles Force (The Angel Michael) and Allegra Van Alen (The Angel of White) were the only two angels who left on their own accord. Allegra because she couldn't bear to part from her parents, Lawrence and Cordelia, and Michael because he couldn't bear to part from Allegra.

Schuyler is reaching the point of depression, she has searched relentless for any sign of her grandfather without luck. Venice has been a disappointment with only one day remaining in Oliver's and her stay. As one last act of desperation, she visits Venice Biennale pavilions to wonder through the darken rooms and corridors where her grandfather may have once frequented. There she meets a young man who asks her why she is looking for the Professor, Lawrence Van Alen. Explaining that she's his grandfather and has a message from Cordelia in the ancient tongue. "Adiuvo Amicus Specialis. Nihilum cello. Meus victus est tui manus." I come to you for aid as a secret, special friend. I have nothing to hide. My life is in your hands. (page 48).

She is taken to a palace where she in fact does meet her grandfather, who is also the young man from the Biennale, able to shift shapes. She explains her dire predicament and that the Silver Bloods have returned. Lawrence either cannot or will not help her. She returns home more frustrated than before she left. Upon her return, it is the night of the Four Hundred Ball. Upon Schuyler's returned, she finds she must attend and Oliver, being a Red Blood, will not be allowed to attend.

Mimi Force (The Angel of Death - Azrael) has also been busy, not only with the Four Hundred Ball, but with planning an unsanctioned Masquerade party following the Ball. Only the best of the blue bloods will be invited which will not include Schuyler Van Alen who Mimi's brother Jack (The Angel of Destruction - Abbadon) seems to have an unreasonable attraction to. She knows that he, in his previous lives, has always been attracted to Allegra (Schuyler's comatose mother), The Angel of White, the light always calls to the dark. Mimi needs to device a way to get Schuyler out of the way if she hopes one day to have a life with Jack.

Jack and Mimi have been reborn many times, but this is the first time as twins, brother and sister. Maybe this is a sign that in this life, Schuyler will be his chosen one. He is incredibly attracted to her, and although, he realizes it may actually be an attraction to the light, he can't help himself when he stumbles upon her alone at the Masquerade. He does what he has been forbidden to do and steals a passionate kiss from the lips of Schuyler from behind his masquerade mask, with no one the wiser.

Kingsley is a new student at Duchesne and impossibly arrogant. Bliss Llewellyn is attracted as is Mimi Force. Kingsley seems to know the dark secrets that no one is allowed to talk about and he dabbles in the dark arts, spells that are not allowed. As he entices Bliss with how to ward off the Silver Bloods who seems to be drawn to her; he is, at the same time, trying to coax Mimi Force into performing the dark art spells. Only is he everything he appears to be?

With fear for Schuyler, Lawrence Van Alen does return to New York only to find Schuyler has become ill and may fall into a coma like her mother if she doesn't take a familiar to feed upon. Oliver, her conduit, is her only true friend, but when Schuyler asks him to also be her familiar, to feed from him, he cannot agree. Oliver is in love with Schuyler if she could only see. Fearing for Schuyler's death, he reluctantly agrees. But after the feeding is accomplished, Schuyler knows it was wrong; she has seen into his Red Blood soul and knows his secret and his love.

Kingsley tempts Mimi Force to try to call a Silver Blood to kill Schuyler Van Alen. Mimi is almost at the end of her rope with Jack's attraction to Schuyler and the only way to fix the problem is to remove it. She agrees to try to call the Silver Blood. What she doesn't know and apparently Kingsley does that this is an offense that has the highest punishment, death. Not just the death in this life, but never to exist again, blood drain and burned. Will Mimi be put to death? Who is Kingsley really? Who will figure out the truth? Can Schuyler save her one true enemy, Mimi Force? Does she even want to try?

Masquerade is the Second Book in the Blue Blood Series by Melissa De La Cruz. It continues the world of the Blue Blood Vampires as well as the story of the Silver Bloods. Schuyler Van Alen is a very alluring heroine. She's stronger than she thinks after living with Cordelia all of these years and never having a mother. She is strongly attracted to Jack, but knows he will always belong to Mimi as he as for centuries, Death and Destruction. But Jack is a hero that wants to find the light, who desperately wants to leave the darkness behind. I was drawn to Jack's sense of fairness, he appears to have grown and maybe he will find the light this time. It is because of Jack that Schuyler will attempt a blood reading that may lead to her death, not everyone can survive the blood reading. Oliver is the other hero in the story and sadly he is attracted to Schuyler, it is a very confusing time for our young heroes and heroine. Mimi Force is an anti-heroine, one who would take over the story if allowed, she will have to grow and change if she has any hope of keeping Jack by her side. I loved this second installment in the Blue Blood Series. It helped fill in some of the missing pieces and expands from the first book as well as bring the characters to life, showing some of their true personalities. This is excellent YA reading, and I'm looking forward to Revelations. For more information about all of the books in the Blue Blood Series as well as many others, please visit Melissa De La Cruz' site.


Gratuitous Video of Lily Allen ~ The Fear ~ What I'm Currently Listening To --
It just felt right for reading this book.

Reviewette: Bite Anthology --- Biting in Plain Sight --- By Mary Janice Davidson

Publisher: Jove Publishing / Penguin Group Publishing
Pages: 59 -131

From the Cover: Feel the euphoria of fear in the shadow of a reluctant Queen of the Undead.

Betsy just can't get over the fact that she's a vampire. I mean the whole blood thing -- ewww! She's been pronounced the Queen -- Queen Betsy of the Vampires. Even if it does mean the perpetual hot Eric Sinclair is her consort and likes buying expensive shoes....

Sophie has lived in Embarrass, Minnesota on her houseboat for many years. She's known for her moonlight wandering and being the best damn vet in the county. And she doesn't even mind making late night house calls, that's always when you need a vet.

Liam Thompson has been watching Dr. Sophie since he was a boy. Everyone knew Dr. Sophie was a vampire, but no one said anything, not because they were afraid of her, but because they were afraid she'd leave. Liam looks for ill animals, he can always find a pregnant barn cat or two when he needs one, just so he can talk to Dr. Sophie.

When Dr. Sophie stops in to look in on his cats, she catches an odd news story. It would seem there as been as rash of young women committing suicide after their boyfriend calls it quits. It's odd because none of the girls appeared suicidal.

Sophie tells Liam that she must leave immediately. Liam asks if this has anything to do with vampire business. She's shock, how does Liam know her true identity? She asks, and he tells her everyone in town knows, but they don't want to scare her off. Sophie explains that it's vampire business, she has to go see the Queen in Minneapolis...and she's afraid of the Queen (Nostro had been a very cruel King, until Betsy did him in).

After enjoying a night together at the local Radisson, they locate the Queen, she and her consort along with various hanger-ons live in her best friend Jessica's mansion (a hanger-on). Liam and Sophie pop in to let them know they're in town (proper vampire procedure) and that there is something fishy going on. Upon hearing their news, Queen Betsy ready for stake.

Upon locating the dastardly villain and delivering the message "Dude. We. Don't. Want. You. To. Kill. Anyone. Else. Because. It's. Wrong." (p.123) He attacks Liam and then is promptly staked...through the heart...turning to dust...Now the happy couples can get back to what they were doing before...having a wild time.

As many of you know MJ Davidson is one of my favorite authors and the Queen Betsy Series is at the top of re-read stack. Whenever I need an instant pick me up, read MJ. She takes the supernatural and turns it on it's ear. And the beautiful shoes Betsy owns are beyond belief. So, if you need to laugh about life, love, or vampires, read Mary Janice Davidson and visit Mary Janice Davidson's Website for more information about all her great books. I've laughed til I've cried.

Reviewette: Bite Anthology --- One Word Answers by Charlaine Harris

Publisher: Jove Publishing / Penguin Group Publishing
Pages: 35 - 65

From the Cover: Meet a down home southern girl who's found out, much to her chagrin, that vampires are her type.

Meet Sookie Stackhouse, she's just a barmaid who can read minds. She's not psychic or anything, really, this is just her disability. Oh, and one more thing, vampires are like welcome vacation, a quiteness to her overwhelmed mind.....

As Sookie and Bubba (Elvis in a previous life) are raking leaves at dusk, a limo pulls up. One thing's for sure, there aren't any limos in Bon Temps. Out of town visitors have arrived, and Bubba makes himself scarce, he's shy around new people and Sookie hopes he has gone to fetch Bill Compton, one-time vampire lover and still good friend. She can smell trouble brewing, well see it actually, the limo has vampires and something else, a shifter maybe.
.
When Mr. Cataliades and Waldo alight from the limo, something is up. Mr. Cataliades is a lawyer come to talk about cousin Hadley's estate. Sookie didn't even know she had died. According to Waldo, The Fellowship of the Sun followers staked her at a cemetery, leaving Sookie with her estate. How odd, Waldo - a vampire, couldn't tell there were humans at the cemetery, especially ones with stakes, human heart races, surely he should have felt them, better yet smelled them and their blood.

As Sookie voices these concerns, Waldo tries to attack her, causing Vampire Bill to go into protect mode, staking Waldo with a convenient stake brought by Mr. Cataliades. The Queen of Louisiana wanted to give Sookie the honor, and says so as she leaves the limo as well. She doesn't see anything special about Sookie, doesn't understand the big fuss. Sookie just smiles, sometimes she does that when she's nervous.

This is excellent short story written by Charlaine Harris following the Southern Vampire Series (The Sookie Stackhouse Series for all you True Blood fans out there.) This series started out known as The Southern Vampire Series, but with the growing popularity of Sookie, it has come to known as The Sookie Stackhouse Series. This story continues the Sookie Stackhouse saga loved by many including myself. To find out more about all the Sookie Stackhouse stories, check out Charlaine Harris' website where you can find out about all of her Sookie books as well as her other series: Aurora Teagarden Series, Harper Connelly Mystery Series, and several anthologies.

Reviewette: Bite Anthology --- The Girl Who Was Infatuated With Death --- By Laurell K. Hamilton

Publisher: Jove Publishing / Penguin Group Publishing
Pages: 1 -32

From the Cover: Follow a vampire hunter who can be as deadly as her prey.

This story takes place between BLUE MOON and OBSIDIAN BUTTERFLY.

As Ms. MacKenzie sat weeping in Anita Blake's office at Animator's Inc., Anita wondered why she was here....Her arch enemy...the Human First leader Jeremy Ruebens was now sending her clientele from jail, how lovely. It would seem Ms. MacKenzie's daughter, Amy, was preparing to be turned. She was only seventeen, one year away from the legal limit. Anita is used to dealing with dead people, zombies and vampires, the living were so not in her job description.

Amy was only considering becoming a vampire because cancer was robbing her of her legs. Very important in a teenager's life, well important in anyone's life. Ms. MacKenzie wanted Anita to save Amy before death won over another eager participate. Was this Amy's choice to make or her mother's?

Danse Macabre is the starting point for information where Jean Claude rules as Master of the City. Only Jean Claude knew every vampire in the city, he was Amy's last chance at life, be it what it may be. Life wasn't promising for Amy. But, no luck, until Jean Claude contacts the Church of Eternal Life.

Malcolm, Deacon of the Church of Eternal Life, has agreed to deliver the vampire involved in the deed, unfortunately for Amy, not soon enough. It will cost this vampire his life.

When I was on SciFiGuy's site, he was doing quick little reviewettes for the anthology he was reviewing, "The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance" Edited by Trisha Telep. It looked fun, thought I'd give it a try.

The Girl Who Was....was very short, a very quick read. But you really need to have read the series until at least Blue Moon to understand it because the story is so short, not a lot of background information given, no space for it. It was a decent read and filled in some of the missing pieces between books.

(Here's another peek at Anita Blake with her vampire lover, Jean Claude, Master of the City)

Jailbait Zombie by Mario Acevedo

Publisher: EOS / Harper Collins Publisher
Pages: 353

(all cover art and blurbs can be found at Harper Collins)

Book One in the Felix Gomez Series

From the Cover: The first and only vampire book to be declassified

by the federal government . . .

Felix Gomez went to Iraq a soldier. He came back a vampire.

Now he finds himself pulled into a web of intrigue when an old friend prompts him to investigate an outbreak of nymphomania at the secret government facilities in Rocky Flats. He'll find out the cause of all these horny women or die trying! But first he must contend with shadowy government agents, Eastern European vampire hunters, and women who just want his body . . .




Book Two in the Felix Gomez Series

From the Cover: Felix has survived Operation Iraqi Freedom, being turned into a vampire, and a ravenous horde of nymphomaniacs.

Now he faces his toughest task ever—navigating the corrupt world of Los Angeles politics to solve the murder of a distinguished young surgeon turned porn star.


But both human and vampire alike have reasons to want the secret to stay buried. . .





Book Three in the Felix Gomez Series

From the Cover: Felix Gomez returned from the war in Iraq a changed man—once a soldier, now forever a vampire.

So the undead underworld put his skills to work as a private detective, specializing in the sordid, the sexy, and the supernatural.

After surviving aliens, nymphomaniacs, and x-rated bloodsuckers, it's high time for a vacation. Now the aliens are back in a fiendish conspiracy with the U.S. government, and only Felix stands between them and the Earth women they covet. But when an army hit man attacks Felix and the bodacious vampire sexpert, Carmen, not even the astonishing erotic powers of the Kama Sutra for the Undead may be able to save them. . .




Book Four in the Felix Gomez Series

From the Cover: Vampires versus Zombies, round one . . .

Vampire detective Felix Gomez has seen a lot of weird things since becoming one of the undead—nymphomaniacs, aliens, and X-rated bloodsuckers, just to name a few—but now he comes face-to-face with the worst sort of undead.

To stop a ravenous army of zombies, Gomez must team up with a precocious teen with clairvoyant powers whose cooperation comes at a price: she won't help unless Felix makes her a vampire . . . if the zombies don't get her first.

Felix Gomez has done it all, seen it all, lived it all, until now.

When Felix was in the Iraq war, fighting the good fight - for what, he's no longer sure - he and his squad shot and killed an Iraqi family. Did he want to? No. Did he mean to? No. Did it happen? Yes, to Felix's horror, it did, including a young Iraqi girl who has haunted his dreams since. As his punishment and salvation, Felix was turned for his crime during the war after suffering a mortal injury. As he lie dying on the battlefield, his maker made him what he is today, vampire.

Felix Gomez, supernatural bounty hunter and private detective, has been contacted by the ancient ones and governing body of the vampire, Araneum (where he is required to do pro-bono work that could lead to his death). After the last debacle where he lost Carmen to space aliens, he can't afford another mistake (if truth be told, it wasn't actually his mistake). The Araneum have been known to torture, skin, and kill the disobedient of their species, and use the skin for parchment. Felix would like to keep his skin where he likes it best, on his body.

It would seem there has been a disturbance in near by Morada, just outside of Felix's home base of Denver, Colorado. Felix has already had one run in with a zombie and he'd really like to avoid future zombie exposure. But the Aranuem suspect a reanimator, how and where the zombies have come from is a mystery. It will be up to Felix to sort this mess out and find the source of the zombies, the reanimator. The Araneum have offered help in the form of Jolie, one time lover to both Felix and Carmen, but can he handle the help?

Felix has another problem, hallucinations of the Iraqi girl whose life he took by mistake. The Araneum doesn't believe it's hallucinations, but psychic abilities being used against one of their top agents. Felix will also need to solve this puzzle if he's going to find and kill the zombies, stopping them from running amok looking for their favorite side dish, human brains.

As Felix gets closer to Morada, the hallucinations become stronger, changing to take a new face, calling his name, inside his brain, demanding his attention. He has little choice but to follow the voice, to try to stop it from splitting him apart. Upon arriving in Morada, Phaedra Cavaglogo makes contact with him and he discovers the tiny teenager is the face behind the voice in his head. Phaedra's suffering from Huntington's disease and wants him to turn her, but Felix has taken a vow never to do to another human what has been done to him. She can live if only for a few brief years.

The Araneum have notified Felix that he is to kill Phaedra, but can he kill her or will he turn her? Zombie attacks have started to reek havoc on small Morada... where are these zombies coming from? Who is the reanimator? Why would anyone want to create zombies, they can't think, they smell like garbage, and personal hygiene is something forgotten at death. Of what value can they be? Felix definitely has his hands full with this one.

Jailbait Zombie, Book Four in the Felix Gomez Series by Mario Acevedo is a new author for me. I found his writing style to be reminiscent of the old Hollywood movie genre, Film Noir. Felix is a gritty gumshoe that just happens to be a vampire, and his language, attitude, and way of life reflect this genre. Acevedo's books are paranormal in subject matter, but it's urban fantasy as well. The supernatural community resides not along side humanity, but inside the human society, co-existing in secret. Any human that comes across facts leading to the belief in vampires, shifters (which vampires can do in the novels), aliens, or zombies must be dealt with swiftly. The last thing the Araneums want is to be put on display, hunted down in fear, what humans do to everything they don't understand. At first the language of the novel threw me off, I wasn't sure I was going to finish the book. I was a little lost and I had to search for a little background information about the previous books. Acevedo gives plenty of information throughout the novel, but this series is best read in order. It's definitely a mystery with a twist, but it's the twist that keeps you turning pages. Phaedra, the teenage psychic in the book, is a little bit of a nymphomaniac, trying to live her life before it's over and Felix and Jolie are re-united as lovers, but there is no real romantic element, other than the Noir quality. This series of novels would make an excellent graphic novel series. I can only hope that Harper Collins realizes this potential. As graphic novels, this series would be excellent YA reading. As it stands, a YA audience would still find it appealing and acceptable, but adults may enjoy the series more. If murder, mayhem, and madness are your cup of tea, then Mario Acevedo's Felix Gomez Series is for you. If your looking for romance, please look elsewhere, but that's just my opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I only wish I had read the series in order. For more information about the series Mario Acevedo has an excellent site. EOS Books and Harper Collins also has great information on all of his books.

Here's an incredibility funny book trailer for Jailbait Zombie.


(This book trailer was one of the reasons I picked up the book, too funny.  I knew the humor and snark would keep me reading, and it did.)

Wild Rain by Christine Feehan

Publisher: Jove / Berkley Publishing Group / Penguin Group
Pages: 358

From the Cover: What has she done? With a new identity, a staged death, and a chance to flee the treachery that stalks her, Rachael has escaped from a faceless assassin.....
Where can she hide? In this world teeming with unusual creatures walks the most exotic of them all. His name is Rio.....
Whom can she trust? But as Rachael's past looms as oppressively as the heat of the forest, and as Rio unleashes the secret animal instincts......

Rachael Lospostos has finally succeeded in her ultimate goal, her death....Unseen to others, she slides over the edge of the boat, slips into the mighty raging river that matches the beating of her heart. If she is successful, neither her brother, Elijah, or her uncle, Armando, will know she is still alive......

As Rachael races through the rain forest, she at last feels at home, at one with the forest, teeming with life unknown to her. She knows what she's looking for, a tribal hut, where she can rest and plan the rest of her escape.

Rio Santana has had a successful outing, freeing the kidnapped tourists that too often wander into the rain forest unsuspecting that bandits wait for the unwary travelers, waiting for a chance to make fast money, demanding ransoms often left unfulfilled. His two cloud leopards, Fritz and Franz, give a warning, someone has invaded their tree top home. With small cuffing noises, the two cloud leopards leap into the house, startling the occupant.

Rachael doesn't know what to do, but she is prepared. She strikes out at one leopard only to have the other drag her from the bed by her ankle, mangling her leg. As Rio approaches, with another small sound, she is released, but the damage is done. She is helpless and has becomes a prisoner of Rio's life.

The rain forest is no place for injuries such as Rachael has, it's life threatening, but she begs Rio not to seek a doctor. Rio feels a pull to this unknown woman, a stranger that brings memories of a life lived and forgotten, of the legends of old. Remembered lives lived before in a different time, but always the same, always Rachael. He knows she will be delirious with fever, but he does what he can to follow her wishes. When the delirium hits Rachael, all of her inhibitions fly away and it is all Rio can do to keep their bodies apart. Now, he only hopes that she will survive, because he's come to realize that his life is nothing without her, it is her body that will keep him alive and sane. It is the electricity between them that keeps his Leopard in check. As Rio allows Rachael's soul to reach deeper into his heart, his longings have to be answered, not only with possession, but with the longing of a man too long denied what can keep him alive, love.

Rachael doesn't know what's happening to her, feels the fur beneath her skin, itching, wanting to be born from her body. How can this be, what has happened to her? As Rachael recovers, Rio begins to tell the story of his people, and that she is one of them, Leopard. He has been banished and lives outside his people for killing his mother's murderer. As Rachael begins to understand Rio's life, his desires become her desires, needing to feel him, wanting him not only as a lover, but a life mate. When they come together as man and women, it stirs in Rachael the need to be wanted, desired, loved, possessed by Rio. But Rachael's story is far worse and she is afraid to put Rio at risk. The horrific deaths of her mother and father at the hands of her uncle, Armando, need to be told. He wants her dead above all else. Her beloved brother, Elijah, also would like to see her dead she fears. She knows too much about his life, their lives. He has kept her alive all these years living in Armando's shadow, do his biding, taking his abuse, all because of her. And now Rio and Rachael hear there's a million dollar price on her head.

Who will reach her first, her desperate brother, Elijah, or her murderous uncle, Armando? Who will spill her blood and end her life? How will Rio protect the one he can't live without?

Wild Rain by Christine Feehan is an amazing ride. The hero of this story, Rio, is a loner, but one who has grown sick of his own company. He longs for the acceptance of his people, but knows it will never happen. Into his life walks Rachael Lospostos, with wild eyes, spicy and fierce tempered, riotous dark curls, and a curvaceous body, a woman that demands every ounce of his attention. Can he trust her with his heart and soul, because he really doesn't have a choice, she has taken over his mind and body, her spirit has become his, his life has become hers. The heroine, Rachael doesn't trust anyone, she has had to live that way for too long, and she has given up hope of finding love and acceptance, but as Rio works his way into her heart, she finds that it no longer beats for her, only for him. These two together start a wondrous journey into love and longing, never to be a part, entwined together as one, body and soul. Christine Feehan writes a story of wonderment, a paranormal romance where the Leopard people live on the outskirts of humanity, guarding their secret with their lives. Wild Rain, published in 2004, is the second book of the Leopard Series. I had no trouble following the story, it would be fine to read as a stand alone. Wild Rain provides all the excitement of an amazing adventure with a love story that tears at your heart, with love that could be lost and battles left to be fought. It provides a new world to explore and I highly recommend it. For more information on Christine Feehan's books and series, please visit her webite at http://www.christinefeehan.com/.

Here's a peek at the trailer for Wild Rain by Christine Feehan.


Wild Rain - The top video clips of the week are here

Anita Blake - Vampire Hunter Comes to TV

From SciFi Wire @ http://scifiwire.com/2009/03/laurell-hamiltons-vampire.php

The Independent Film Channel is teaming with Lionsgate for a TV movie based on the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter books, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The project is the network's first-ever feature-length production and could be the basis for more Blake projects if successful.

In the books, Blake is a vampire hunter with a lousy dating life who also works as a police consultant investigating supernatural crimes. She attempts to come to terms with her own abilities and navigate romantic and political relationships within the vampire community.

The 16-books-and-counting Blake novels by Laurell Hamilton include elements familiar to fans of True Blood (vampires are part of regular society) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (tough young female fights supernatural forces). The project will be adapted by Glen Morgan (X-Files, Final Destination), who also serves as executive producer along with Courtney Solomon (Dungeons and Dragons). IFC is targeting the movie to its core base of men ages 18-34 and plans to air the movie next year.

"The popularity of the network in this demographic indicates that there is a clear demand for films that delve into provocative topics, and nothing is more classically provocative than vampire lore," said Jennifer Caserta, executive VP and general manager of IFC. "Anita Blake fits perfectly with our successful original programming."

Laurell K. Hamilton's site has confirmed this information as true as well.



Okay, I am a huge Anita Blake fan!! I love all those vampire hotties and sexy shifters with hair so long and silky you could curl up in and Anita gets involved with each and everyone, and when the ardeur overcomes Anita--look out!! LKH writes fantastic paranormal/urban fantasy with a kick-ass herione, Anita Blake, and Jean Claude as her hero. But many characters have their own stories and books in which their stories are told, they all involve Anita as the heroine. And the Anita Blake graphic novels are just as good as the books.

The downside is that I read on SciFiGuy.ca's blog @ http://www.scifiguy.ca/ (also where this great graphic can be found) that the series will be targeted to 18-34 year old males and it's confirmed in SciFi Wire as well! I would question if this is the correct target audience, unless it's going to be an anime. I'll just have to wait to see.

Thanks to SciFi Wire and SciFiGuy.ca for relaying the news!

I hope the movie is as great as the books.

Dottie :)

White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison

Publisher: EOS Books / Harper Collins Publishing
Pages: 504

From the cover: Some wounds take time to heal.....and some scars never fade. Rachel Morgan, kick-ass witch and bounty hunter, has taken her fair share of hits, and has broken lines she swore she would never cross. But when her lover was murdered, it left a deeper wound.....

As the story opens, Kisten has been dead, truly dead, for six months. Rachel cannot get passed the fact that she can't remember that unforgettable night......

Kisten's boat rocks gently on the waves of the Ohio River. Rachel stands in his bedroom drinking in the atmosphere, remembering Kisten's touch, his lips, his eyes, his quirky little accents, everything, but the thing she most desires, his murderer remains a mystery. Ford, the FIB psychic assigned to Rachel, encourages her to let go, maybe it's better not knowing than knowing too much.

But Rachael can't let go--Ivy, she needs Ivy to come to the boat to pick up the scent of the undead vampire that killed Kisten. But can she do that to Ivy, make her relive Kisten murder too? She has to move on with her life or Kisten's death will kill her. Ivy and Jenks are worried and guilty, Ivy because she can't figure out the killer and Jenks because he hit Rachel with a forget spell after Kisten was killed. Now, they find they have been co-habituating with one of Rachel almost boyfriends, Pierce, a ghost that Rachel accidentally conjured when she was eighteen and he hasn't like any of Rachel's boyfriends.

When Edden's son Glenn is attacked by a banshee, Rachel is pulled into another FIB investigation. His aura has been shredded and it's a wonder he's alive. Auras helps to keep the soul intact, and his has been severely damaged. When Rachel, Ivy, and Jenks become involved in the investigation, Rachel is also attacked by the banshee, Mia, who is just trying to keep her daughter alive. When Rachel touches the child, Holly, she happily drains Rachel's aura as well, leaving her clinging to life and time in the hospital. When the witching community becomes aware of another brush with black magic, she is shunned. No witch will speak to her, sell her ingredients to make charms, how will she live?

To make matters worse, it's time for her weekly demon curse twisting lesson with Big Al, but when she calls Al, but instead of taking her, he snatches Pierce. Before his death, Pierce was a demon hunter and he's been trying to make contact with Rachel, waiting in the ley lines for her to appear. Now, Rachel has to retrieve Pierce and gain Al's respect if she's going to have to continue working with him.

After the fight with the banshee, Rachel's memories become stronger. The banshee has been living underground and has the same scent as Kisten's killer. This event triggers Ivy's memory to a dispute at the I.S. (Inderlander Security). Who was Kisten's killer? Was it Piscary as everyone assumes who bartered away Kisten last blood on a whim or as a punishment? Does Skimmer know who had access to Piscary while he was in prison? If Rachel is to have a successful and peaceful life all these questions and more must be answered.

Kim Harrison's White Witch Black Curse was an excellent read. As the book continues Rachel's story from the point of Kisten's death and works its way forward, it leads Rachel to the only possible conclusion. Along the way, Rachel is sidetrack time and time again, and I started to wonder if finding Kisten's killer would be possible. I couldn't help but feel for Rachel, she tries to help where she can, but Kisten's death has left her drained. Top that off with a banshee attack and shunning, and Rachel is at the end of her rope. She needs hope and is able to find only hopelessness. It's as if the gods are conspiring against her. When her memory is finally jostled by the scent of old concrete on Mia's body, it's all she can do to relive the memory. Even with Ford there as a buffer, it drains Rachel worse than the banshee attack. But with the return of those forgotten moments, she is able to let herself, Ivy, and Jenks move on the next step in their lives. Rachel character is so stronger that she pulls you into the story, making you feel her emotions. Watching Kisten die with Rachel brought tears to my eyes, and when she remember his death, it brought tears again. He forgot who she was, why she was there, and until the moment of his true death, all he could remember was that she used to be someone he loved. WWBC is the seventh book in the The Hollows Series center around Rachel Morgan. If I were a first time reader, Dead Witch Walking would be the place to start. The books are best when read in order. I highly recommend this series to all who love paranormal/urban fantasy. For more information about all Kim Harrison great books please visit her website @ http://www.kimharrison.net/.

Dottie vv

Pan's Labyrinth (2006) -- A DVD Review

Running Time: 112
Writer/Director: Guillermo del Toro
Rated: R
Starring: Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller


From the Poster: It's fairy tale.......It's like Alice in Wonderland for grown ups.......

Opening Scene: Ofelia lies panting on the floor...the forgotten Kingdom has awaken...

As the movie opens, the year is 1944....the setting in fascist Spain World War II, Franco has won, where it is the duty of all the peasants to follow Franco's government or die....Ofelia's mother has remarried to a Captain in the Franco's Army, pregnant with his son. Ofelia's father has been killed and she has retreated into her only safe haven, her books.

Ofelia's mother is afraid her daughter will not meet Captain Vidal's stringent standards, and she must, they both must, if they are to survive. The pregnancy has not been an easy one, she is ill all the time and survival is doubtful.

The Captain requires that their family live in the country where he has been fighting rebels, no one can be trusted, torture is his way of life. He is horrible and wicked, reveling in his treatment of others. Ofelia dreads having to live in close contact with him, she can see the pure evil that he is.

Ofelia retreats further into her books, discovering the opening to a labyrinth where she meets Faun and Fairies who claim to be waiting for her, Princess Moanna, and if she can completes three simple tasks before the full moon, then she will be granted passage back into the forgotten Kingdom where once she lived.

The three tasks are appear simply enough:

1) Retrieve a key from the belly of a toad
2) Use the key to open a hidden drawn and retrieve a dagger
3) Escape the evil Captain with her newborn baby brother and enter the labyrinth

But, in the meantime, her mother has become very ill, she overhears the Captain tell the doctor that if it's choice between mother or child, save the child. Ofelia must try to save them both. The Faun comes to her and tells her to place a mandrake root in a bowl of fresh milk under her mother's bed and to feed it two drops of blood each day, it will revive her mother.

The first task is easy, she tricks the toad into giving up the key. The second task is harder, she must travel underground to retrieve the dagger, and not eat any food though she has been barely surviving on bread and milk, temptation overcomes her and she eat two grapes--awakening the beast that wants to eat her. She barely escapes with her life and two of her fairies are eaten in her place.

As she completes the second task, her step-father discovers the bowl of milk under the bed and burns the root, killing her mother during childbirth. The Rebel forces are gathering and are attempting to take Spain back. Ofelia's only friend is Mercedes, the house maid, who cares for her after the loss of her mother.

The Faun comes to her again, telling her to take the baby and come to the labyrinth that night. Mercedes has been caught trying help the rebels, and Ofelia knows she must leave if she is to live. The Captain is happy, there will be torture tonight, but unknown to the Captain, Mercedes has hidden a knife with which she slices the Captain and makes her escape.

Just when the Captain's men are about the recapture her, the rebel forces strike, and she is saved. While the Captain is distracted caring for his wounds, Ofelia sneaks in and steals her brother, she has drugged the Captain, but not enough. He chases her back to the labyrinth, but losses her in the maze.

The Faun comes to Ofelia, showing her the dagger. For the price of her brother's blood, he can open the door to the labyrinth and together, they can return to the Kingdom. Ofelia refuses to sacrifice her brother and the Faun leaves her to the Captain. Captain Vidal finds her and takes the baby as she is crying. The evilness oozes from his body and he shoots Ofelia, leaving her on the labyrinth floor to die.

In that moment the rebels arrive, take the baby, kill the Captain, and find Ofelia, but it is too late. Mercedes holds Ofelia while her spirit slips away. As she lies dying, the Kingdom awakens to open for her revealing her true mother and father. They praise her for saving the baby's life and sacrificing her own. She can return to the Kingdom of her birth and take her rightful place on the throne.

Pan's Labyrinth is suppose to be an adult fairy tale. If you remember Alice in Wonderland, then you know of all the horrible tricks that were placed on Alice to the point of almost losing her head, as in many fairy tales, and there is the happily ever after only the hero/heroine has suffered. The same is true for Pan Labyrinth, Ofelia is put to many tests to try to gain her freedom and happiness. The country side where the movie takes place would have been beautiful if not for the destruction the viewers had to witness. The sadist Captain is always looking for an opening that will allow him to use the skills he takes pride in practicing. I feel this is an important movie in that it expresses the fears and doubts present at the time, and I fear it was an accurate presentation of facts. There are many barbarians throughout history, but World War II showed them at their best. I'm not sure there was a moral to this movie other than to be thankful for your life and those that you cherish. I don't believe I would have chosen this movie to watch, but my son's film class has it as a required movie, and I was watching it with him. I was horrified, but impressed by this movie. I cried for the young Ofelia as her plight was undeniable one that was not going to see the happily ever after, only in her after life was this possible.

Dottie