Flirt, Book 18, Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Series by Laurell K. Hamilton

Publisher:  Berkley / Penguin Group Publishing
Pages:  192

From the Cover:

When Anita Blake meets with prospective client Tony Bennington, who is desperate to have her reanimate his recently deceased wife, she is full of sympathy for his loss. Anita knows something about love, and she knows everything there is to know about loss. But what she also knows, though Tony Bennington seems unwilling to be convinced, is that the thing she can do as a necromancer isn't the miracle he thinks he needs. The creature that Anita could coerce to step out of the late Mrs. Bennington's grave would not be the lovely Mrs. Bennington. Not really. And not for long. 

For Anita, it's just another day at the office.  Re-Animators, Inc. specializes in raising the deceased, and Anita is strong in her necromancy powers.  She's had a few odd requests before, most just want her to bring back their loved one for one last long goodbye.  All that she can handle.  But, when Tony Bennington walks into her office asking that she raise his wife and that he can take her home and keep her, well, she has to draw the line.  Zombies don't keep well for very long, they are after all the dead, not the undead, not a preternatural, not the living, no matter how much they look like it.  When Anita refuses, Mr. Bennington takes it hard, but reluctantly leaves and that's the end of it, or so Anita thought.

Flirt by Laurell K. Hamilton is probably one of the best of Anita Blake's story I've read in a while.  It was a fast, fun read that I finished in one sitting.  Anita isn't the vampire human servant solely in this book and her role in this book isn't just about the wereanimals.  She's the necromancer, raising the dead for a living.  Jean-Claude is present in this book, but not as a driving force.  Micah, Nathaniel, and Jason enter as supporting characters, but Anita is the main focus of this book.  And it all starts out so innocently with just a little flirting.  When Anita refuses Bennington proposal of raising his dead, she heads to lunch with her bevy of men.  While at lunch, they flirt shamelessly with their waiter.  When Anita returns to the restaurant without her men, the waiter assumes she come back for him, but what Anita doesn't know, is something bigger and badder than flirting and an anxious waiter for waiting for her around the corner, so to speak.  Kidnapped and with the life of her lovers threatened, Anita has hard choices to make.

Flirt started out just as the name implies, an exercise is flirting, becoming comfortable in your own skin and with your sexuality.  It's sweet and fun.  Everyone enjoys a good flirting session, the flirtee and flirter.  But, things are never that simple for Anita Blake and soon the tables are turned.  What starts out as fun and flirty, turns into a deadly need to survive, and what you'll do to survive.  Usually with Anita Blake books, I would recommend reading them in order.  But with Flirt, it's just not necessary.  This is the perfect book to pick up if you just want to try one of Laurell K. Hamilton's books out.  See if they're something you'd like to read, no strings attached.  There enough background information given to provide the flavor of the books, but this is really Anita's story.  Don't let the fact that it's the 18th book in the series deter you or the fact that a lot of LKH's story have lots of sexuality and multiple partners, the sex is very much toned down in this book.  This book can easily stand alone as well as be part of a series.  Maybe that's why Ms. Hamilton wrote it.  She explains in the back to the book where her ideas comes from, why she writes.  She does it so well, I just hope it continues.  There's also a cute comic strip mini story at the end of the book, very enjoyable all about flirting.  I highly recommend Flirt to all lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy readers.  It was fun to see Anita in action and employing those necromancy skills she uses so well.  It was also a little scary when at the end, she wonders if she can put it all away again.  I hoped I've tempted you into giving Flirt a try.

I picked up Flirt for my own enjoyment.  All opinions 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 Take, Soul Screamers, Book One by Rachel Vincent

Publisher:  Harlequin Teen / Harlequin Enterprises
Pages:  384

From the Cover:   

She doesn't see dead people, but…

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

Kaylee Cavanaugh is your average high school student.  She worries about what to wear, where to sit, why her cousin and her crowd are so vile, and why she doesn't have a date on Saturday night.   What she worries about most is going back to the mental hospital and her next panic attack, and when she'll know without being told who's going to die next.

When Kaylee and her best friend, Emma, sneak into one of the hottest dance club, everything's thing great until a gorgeous blonde stands next to Kaylee.  She's shrouded in shadows, and as Kaylee sees the darkness, the scream starts to build in the pit of her soul, claws at her throat for release, as she presses her lips tightly together, hoping against hope that she can stop the panic attack in time.  But she knows the cute little blonde only has moments to live.

Nash Hudson, one of the hottest guy in school and part of in crowd, and someone her cousin would have no problem being with sees Kaylee at the club, he knows what's about to happen, and guides her to relative quiet of the alley where he can whisper and chant the scream away.  Because Nash knows what wrong with Kaylee.  He knows because he's one too, and he's drawn to Kaylee and her need to release the soul song.

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent is an amazingly quick read that had me flipping pages, entranced by one of the best YA series I've read to date.  I loved the short story prequel to this series, My Soul to Lose, it had me begging for Kaylee's continuing story.  Kaylee is an average teenage with one difference.  She's a bean sidhe from the legends of old.  A soul screamer, one who knows when the unthinkable is about to happen and sings for the soul's release, unable to affect the events because if a soul is saved, another must be taken in it's place.  The scales have to be balanced.  Her family has deep roots in Ireland where the legend was born, only this legend is founded in truth.  Nash, her new boyfriend, is also a bean sidhe, he doesn't see the soul before it's demise, he guides the soul to the next place.  He can also guide the soul back to it's body, but the price of doing so is too great.  When he hears Kaylee's song, though beautiful to his ears, it's ear splitting to others around her.  Bean sidhes are destined to be together, to help reach other, and only Nash can help Kaylee through the trying times yet to come.

MSTT is a must read for teens and adults alike, fast paced page turner that I had trouble putting down.  I enjoyed it immensely.  It has all the elements of a good paranormal romance with toned down sexuality needed for a younger audience, but still with enough romance to keep adults coming back for more.  The cover art for this series is amazing well done.  The colors match the tone of the books, bringing the reader into the story before it ever begins.  I can't wait to see where Ms. Vincent takes this series as well as seeing how Kaylee grows into her heritage and her new knowledge.  It also has elements of a great urban fantasy, a whole society of death seers with Reapers and their counterparts.  This series is just starting to unfold, and already I'm hooked, pre-ordering the third book in the series.  I highly recommend this series for readers who enjoy excellent YA, paranormal romance readers, and lovers of urban fantasy.  I know you won't be disappointed, I certainly wasn't.

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

Divine Misdemeanors (Merry Gentry, Book 8) by Laurell K. Hamltion

Publisher:  Random House Publishing
Pages:  352

Following on the heels of the heart-stopping conclusion to Swallowing Darkness, Laurell K. Hamilton and Meredith Gentry are back!

Between dark faerie magic and the deepest desires lies the world of Meredith Gentry, princess, private eye, and powerful player in a game of supernatural sexual intrigue. The tension in this extraordinary saga continues to mount as Merry, pregnant with twins, refuses the throne of faerie and retreats with her bodyguards to Los Angeles in an attempt to protect the new life growing within her. Both the deadly destructive factions of the faerie courts -- as well as those who would worship her -- will be equally dangerous to her attempts to create a peaceful haven for her unborn children. Filled with riveting twists, this new novel adds yet another unforgettable chapter to a story that is both epic and breathtaking.

Princess Meredith Nic Essus is finally bringing Faerie to fruition.  She's the first royal in more centuries than the fey of old want to remember, to bring new life to either court, the Unseelie (Dark Court) or Seelie (Light Court).  She's expecting twins from a multitude of fathers, her Royal Guard, her lovers.  Faerie is slowly being driven mad with it's fading magic and fading numbers as Merry and her men become stronger and more powerful; their magical being reborn.  The Goddess has blessed them, chosen them to bring life.  But the madness in leaking away from Faerie and into the human world.  Someone or something is killing the fey of fairytales and leaving the pretty pictures of the pretty little death behind, and it's up to Merry and her men to solve the crime before it comes to their door.

Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton is the eighth book in the Merry Gentry series, giving us the continuing tales of Princess Meredeth Nic Essus whose father was murder when she was only a child, leaving her the only opposition to the madness Queen Andais and equally insane son, Prince Cel.  Andais has sworn the crown to Merry if she conceives, but Merry realizing she'll never be safe in either Court, abdicates.  She has killed Prince Cel in the battle between good and evil, sickness and insanity versus peace and health.  Queen Andais is more insane than ever with the loss of her son, torturing those she thinks are in alliance with Merry and those who deny her desires, the Queen's favor is not relished.  Assassins will soon claim her life, and then Merry's life may be in jeopardy.  She has left the Faerie Mounds, taking with her all she can claim, her men, the ladies of Prince Cel, Kitto the Snake Goblin, Royal and his twin sister-the demi-fey in alliance with her.  Galen, the green knight, Darkness, Killing Frost, Barinthus, the sea-god, Rhys, the death-god, Nicca and Biddy all have come with her to the lands of Southern California, L.A. and the Gray Agency.

 Divine Misdemeanors is a multi-faceted tale of what can happen when fey reach the breaking point, human and fey alike are their prey and only Merry can stop the killing.  It's twisting tale and just when you think you've discovered the answers, it twists again.  Laurell K Hamilton's very persona comes through in the voice of Merry.  I don't know how closely their personalities reflect each other, but LKH's voice is the voice I hear when reading Merry.  She's strong in her small stature and commanding.  There's a little more sex in the book than I'm usually comfortable with, but fey takes lovers easier than humans, and it brings their magic to life with the power of release.  It's a little more toned down than some of the books in the middle of the series, but if multiple partners and sharing isn't for you, try something else.  I felt it was a good read, a page turner, and recommend for urban fantasy and paranormal romance readers.  I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next in the series. 

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

Swan Song by Jevron McCrory

Publisher: VampLit Publishing
Pages: 62

From the Cover: Katrina Collins isn’t like other musicians, she doesn’t do interviews and no one has ever seen her outside of her musical arena. Her beauty is startling, her effect upon an audience mesmerising. Lewis Morrison isn’t like any other music journalist, as he despises music and loathes musicians. They find each other and their discovery brings hope, redemption, pain, pleasure and death.

Lewis Morrison (no relation to the late great Jim Morrison) is a down on his luck music journalist, one time musician, and he's just about hit rock bottom when his boss requests, no, he insists that Lewis catch the latest up and coming young star, the reclusive Katrina Collins.  What he really needs is to watch another tart who thinks she's the next best thing.

Katrina Collins doesn't have time for the press, record labels, proper venues, she enjoys the seedier side of the town.  She enjoys performing where others might not.  She's happy enchanting the local bar patrons, those who come to hear her vocalizations, immerse themselves, intentionally or not, in her music.  She doesn't need glory, she only needs release.

But something happens when Lewis and Katrina meet, something neither are looking for or can predict.  And it could be deadly.

Swan Song by Jevron McCrory is titled befittingly.  It's the story of a boy who meets a girl, not at all what she seems.  She's waif like, fragile, strong voiced, and magnetic.  The boy has lost it all, not solely his own making, but torn and trodden over by circumstance.  Each could be the other's saving grace.  Each could be the other's executioner.  And only time will tell who will be victorious, love and life, or fear and death.

Swan Song is a gritty telling of a love story.  Of love lost and found. Of hope and hopelessness.  It's the telling of what could be and what cannot.  Jevron McCrory is a fresh new voice in the Urban Fantasy genre, he draws the reader in, let's the reader feel the dirt, grime, and heartache.  I recommend this story to urban fantasy lovers, vampire and paranormal romance lovers, but don't look for the traditional happily ever after, the ending here just might surprise you.  I'll be waiting to see what else this new young author has for us next.

I received this book from the author, Jevron McCrory, for review.  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.

What makes a book good or a great one for that matter?

What makes a story ring true to you? Is it the characters? The genre? The author? I've been wondering about what others see in books and what I may be missing. I read A LOT of reviews and follow A TON of blogs. Why? Partially because I love some of my blogger buddies, but always because I interested in what's going on out there.

My first love is fantasy. What's a better read than a walk through someone's imagination. Science fiction fantasy is a first love because of when I grew up. I was always hoping to see those flying crafts. LOL. What kid doesn't to try a trip through space and time.

(www.hemmy.net/images/arts/fantasyart02.jpg)

I want to know what everyone else feels about what they read. I've heard it said that Urban Fantasy is dead, that it's old, bloated, fat, and unattractive. Why? What makes people feel that way. UF is one of my favorite reads, and when I find a new author, I research, read reviews, see if shorts are available, and try out the book. I'm never afraid to try a new author, what have I got to lose, a few precious hours of my time? I have a few to spare. I really like the heroes and heroines of the genre, always tough, alpha males and kick-ass females. To go along with this, I've started picking up Manga Books or Graphic Novels. I love them, they're like adult comic books, so colorful, graphic, and hot.

(marvel.com)

Laurell K. Hamilton has some of the best graphic novels with some amazing art work.

I love paranormal romance, there will always be room on my plate for a supernatural love story. Again, I look for new authors in the genre, a new twist on my favorite read. How could that be bad? I love vampires, weres, and supernatural beings (remember, I love fantasy). UF has paranormal romance involvement, so two for the price of one.

( http://filmstudiesforfree.blogspot.com/ )

And of course, where would all of this be without a good solid romance? Romance is involved in every genre; mysteries, thrillers, horror (sometimes it's a scary romance that you're not sure should work or even if you want it to work. Remember the love between Mina and Dracula). Not very often can an author spin a tale without a romantic involvement of some kind. All heroes and heroines need a little love.







So what does everyone else think? Am I alone in my ponderings? Should I seek help? Just my thoughts thrown out there in the big pond.

(psst...don't forget to check out Lea's kissage contest, since I'm leaving off with kissing....)

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.

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 --- Galahad --- by Angela Knight

Publisher: Jove Publishing / Penguin Group Publishing
Pages: 135 - 218

Cover the Cover: Step closer to the hot blood edge of passion as a mythology of the night is unveiled.

How would you liked to be ripped from everything that you knew and transported to a different place and then the loser who tricked and turned you, up and leaves? That what happened to Carolyn Lang and the story only gets better.

Carolyn Lang finds herself in the land of Avalon, a newly made Magae, a witch. Dominic her loser boyfriend and who she was sooo over, found her professing love, only to turn her into a witch with endless visions and a Magae. He then dumped her in Avalon without so much as a See You Later and took off for green pastures. Now she having visions of a swordsman and she could kill Dominic for leaving without any instructions.

Galahad is a vampire and errant knight for King Arthur and one time lover of Morgana. He has nothing better to do, having just completing his mission, but to sit and wait for the next one to occur. That's where Carolyn finds him, sitting in a vampire bar, waiting. And that new mission would be Carolyn.

Carolyn tells him of her vision, causing him to spring into action, contacting Morgana. Merlin's Grail has been stolen and is being used to manufacturing Geriolf's (a demon like creature) dark vamps, there are battles raging all over Avalon. Galahad sees that Carolyn is flushed and has seen the symptoms before; inquiries when was the last time she 'milked' or fed on by a vampire. She has never fed a vampire. Magae are meant to feed Magi, vampires. Dominic should have made sure she knew all about Magae and Magi before he left to seek another. It's the only way that each can exist for the other. If the Magae refused to feed the Magi, the Magae will die. Merlin's magic, which keeps Avalon alive, demands it.

Carolyn and Galahad thrown together in the battles, fighting side by side. Unknowingly, she has chosen Galahad's armor as her own for battle and he finds this incredibly cute. After the battle, he takes her to his castle to rest and recuperate, the dragon Soren takes human form to impart a spell that will finish the battles, but it can only be imparted with a kiss. Galahad never thought he would hate Soren, but Soren had never kissed Carolyn before. As Soren leaves, he tells Galahad that Carolyn will be his mind-fusion mate, to be a Truebond.

To be a Truebond mate means that Carolyn will be able to use magic though him. After spending a few nights together, Galahad and Carolyn are called back into serve. As they re-enter the battle, they are trapped and to be sacrificed. The only way out is to Truebond, becoming one, and stopping the evil priestess before she can sacrifice them. It takes all of their energies but the deed is done, and Carolyn and Galahad are bonded for life, and also destroy the evil priestess.

This was an action packed short that felt more like a book! It was a page turner that introduces the reader to an alternate Avalon. One that never died, but continues to exist on another plane. The knights aren't so gallant and all are vampires. Galahad is a sexy vampire who finds the lovely Carolyn and makes her his mate. Fun, short read! Visit Angela Knight's site to find out more about her great books.

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.)

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