[ARC Review]: "Shadowdance"

Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan

Publisher: Forever (December 17, 2013) 

Series: The Darkest London, 4

Genre: Paranormal/Historical Romance [steampunk]

Once a heart is lost in shadow...

Life has been anything but kind to Mary Chase. But the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals has given her purpose. Now she's been tasked with catching a vicious murderer dubbed the Bishop of Charing Cross. But someone is already on the case—and the last thing he relishes is a partner.

Only someone who lives in darkness can find it.

Jack Talent has been alone with his demons for many years. He never expected to have the willful Mary Chase assist him on the Bishop case. Their age-old rivalry reaches new heights—even as their desire for one another reaches a fever pitch. Though he aches to bring her close, Jack's dark secrets are a chasm between them. With dangerous enemies closing in, Jack must find the strength to face the past...or risk losing Mary forever.

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK | ARe

More Info:

Author's Site 

Add it on GoodReads! | Add the Series

My Review:

[Review]: "ParaWars: Uprising"

ParaWars: Uprising by Caitlin Greer

Publisher: Caitlin Greer (October 15th, 2013)

Series: ParaWars Trilogy, 1 

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

The Paranormal Uprising brought myth and legend out of the shadows and into real life. The war that followed tore the world apart. Two years after the Uprising, twenty-year-old Kendry is learning the hard way that the battle lines aren’t as clear-cut as human versus para. And the hard way means being hunted down by both human militants and para separatists. Trouble is, she has no idea why.

On the run with only her mysterious gargoyle guardian, Kendry knows that finding out why she’s on everyone’s most-wanted list will be no easy task. It means charging headlong into a war she’d hoped to avoid, and is woefully unprepared for. So when she realizes that everyone in her life has been lying to her, discovering that she’s somehow the key to ending the war is the last thing she needs. With both sides tearing up the world to find her, it’s decision time for Kendry—keep running, or stand up and fight.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | BN | NOOK 

More Info:

Author's Site

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

My Review:

[ARC Review]: "Forged in Dreams and Magick" + Excerpt + Giveaways!

Forged in Dreams and Magick by Kat Bastion

Publisher: Kat Bastion (September 22, 2013)

Series: Highland Legend, 1

Genre: Time Travel Romance

The award-winning debut in the Highland Legend Series:

Isobel MacInnes wakes up in present-day California, lunches in medieval Scotland, and by ten days’ end, falls in love with a man and his country, only to lose them in a heart-wrenching twist of fate . . .

Found in the arms of her second soul mate . . .

Forced to balance the delicate strands of time between two millennia . . .

Shocked by revelations rewriting the very foundations of history . . . of everything.

Isobel, a rising-star archaeology student, is dropped into two ancient worlds without warning . . . or her permission. Her fiery spirit resists the dependency thrust upon her. Amid frustration at her lack of control, she helplessly falls in love. Twice.

She struggles to adjust to the unimaginable demands of two leaders of men—a laird in the thirteenth-century Highlands and a Pict chieftain in a more ancient Scotland. Isobel transforms from an academic, hell-bent on obtaining archaeological recognition, to a woman striving to care for those she loves, and ultimately . . . into a fearless warrior risking everything to protect them.

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK | ARe

More Info:

Author's Site

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

Forged in Dreams and Magick by Kat Bastion

Excerpt

[Review]: "Spark"

 

Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher: K-Teen (August 28, 2012)

Series: Elemental, 2

Genre: YA Paranormal

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can't. Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he's not doing it. And no one seems to believe him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Because Layne has a few secrets of her own...

 

 
Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

My Review:

Wow. Just wow.... Spark drew me in from the very first page and I was instantly hooked--I want more! I didn't start the series with Storm, like I should have, but I plan on buying it, as well as the novellas, and read the series in order. And yes, that will including a reread of this book while I wait for the next release! :)

Brigid Kemmerer has become a new favorite author of mine and I look forward to reading more of her work. I enjoy her writing--there's something compelling about it.

Gabriel is a great hero, very tortured and full of problems and I loved falling for him along side Layne. When he started to open up to Layne, and see her for who she really is...*sigh* I melted!

I loved Layne as well, she was a heroine to root for, and I felt for her. Her brother, Simon, was also a favorite of mine. And let's not forget Hunter and Gabriel's brothers--such a lucky town, all these hot guys in one spot! :D



4.5 STARS! Spark is truly a great book, which kept me reading even when I should have been doing other things. Sexy and addicting, I highly recommend this series. I found the paranormal element to be very interesting, but loved that the story was about the characters and their struggles, too, not just their powers. I can't wait to return to this world!



~ * ~ * ~

I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's Program a few months back, in exchange for my honest review.

~ * ~ * ~

 

Have you read any of the books in this series? I know, I know, it's YA, but don't let that keep you away from trying them! I'm now a die-hard fan! :D

Enjoy!


Until Next Time,


 


*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[Review]: "A Highlander Christmas"

A Highlander Christmas by Janet Chapman

Publisher: Pocket Star (October 26, 2010)

Series: Pine Creek Highlanders, 7

Genre: Contemporary Romance--Magic

Camry MacKeage has absolutely no intention of telling her parents that she left her job as a NASA physicist for the small-town life of a dog-sitter—which is why she's spending the holidays alone in coastal Maine with her furry friends, Tigger and Max.

Unfortunately, her irresistibly handsome rival, scientist Luke Pascal, accidentally spilled the beans. Now he's on a mission from her mother to tempt Camry home for the family's annual winter solstice celebration. But Luke is hiding his own secret, and he'll need a little bit of magic to earn Camry's trust...and a whole lot of mistletoe to seduce his way into her heart.
 

 

 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site

Add it on GoodReads! | Find the Series

My Review:

Janet Chapman has done it once again, weaving a tale of magic and family, miracles and love. Full of wit, not to mention romance and passion, A Highlander Christmas will pull you right back into the crazy but lovely world of Pine Creek, and their infamous family, the MacKeages.

I loved the chemistry between Camry and Luke, it was sweet yet very steamy, playful yet very serious and touching. And not only did we get to watch these two fall in love, but we also saw glimpses of some of our favorite past couples--I love seeing how, even after all these years, Grey and Grace are still just as wild about each other!

"Do ye honestly believe that in all our years together, I haven't known what you're up to when you go all soft and pliable in my arms during one of our little discussions" he asked setting her down on the bed, then quickly covering her damp body with his.

She trailed a finger over his smile. "I prefer to believe that I merely point out a reasonable course of action and, being the wise man that you are you simply see things my way."

"And you've taught this trick to our daughters?"

"All seven of them." she said with a delighted laugh.

"May God have mercy on your soul, woman." he muttered, covering her mouth with his.

 

~Grey and Grace

 

 

Chapman proved to me that sometimes it's the simple things that make me smile while reading a book...like childish fights!

Camry grabbed an orange off the tray to throw at her. "You little brat!"

Luke snatched it out of her hands before she could throw it. "Not the food!"

 

 

And at the opposite end of the spectrum, Chapman makes me giggle and laugh like a crazy woman while reading the more...adult jokes! :)

She snapped her mouth closed, opened it several times, as if she were searching for words, then finally whispered. "Are you for real?"

Luke shifted uneasily, then suddenly flinched when she shot out of her chair and rushed up to him. He sucked in his breath when she just as suddenly pulled out his belt and looked down his pants!

He sidestepped away in alarm. "What are you doing?"

"I'm looking to see if you still have your balls."

"My what?" he yelped, stepping even farther away.

She walked back to her chair, say down, and folded her hands on the table again. "Don't worry, they're still there."

 

 

And this one. It's definitely a new way of looking at, ahem, that time of the month....

 

 "...It wasn't exactly the time or place for slap and tickle. And besides, I thought you were...um, off the market for a few days."

 

Her smiled turned downright cheeky. "Hey, just because the Ferris wheel isn't running, doesn't mean the entire amusement park is shut down, "she said with a laugh, opening her door and hopping out.

 

 

 

Perhaps the one thing I loved most about the scenes between Camry and Luke was their ability to truly have fun during sex. It wasn't so serious, and it made me smile and smirk, while still making my heart beat a little faster....

"Vroom! Vroom!"

 

Luke snapped his gaze to the tent.

 

"Oh my God, Luke, did you hear that? The Ferris wheel is starting without you! Get in here before you miss the rides!"

 

Luke dropped his chin to his chest, the knot in his gut unraveling on a strangled laugh what was he doing standing out here worrying about his lovemaking living up to Camry's expectations when he should be worried about surviving hers?

 

He unzipped his jacket and ran to the tent. "You keep your hands away from the controls, lady!" he barked out, dropping to his knees in front of the tent. "It takes an experienced operator who knows what he's doing to start up that Ferris wheel." He pulled his sweater and long-john top over his head, then unbuckled his belt and shoved down his pants. "If you push the wrong button, it could take me all night to get it running correctly."

 

"Vroom, vroom," she purred with a giggle. "Oh! I think I found it, Luke. Quick, get in here and tell me if this is the right button!"

 

He had to sit on his jacket to unlace his boots, but instead of undoing them, he ended up with a handful of knots. "Stop playing with the equipment!" He tugged on the mess he'd made of his laces, which only served to tightened them. "That's my job!"

 

 


4.5 STARS! In short... If you haven't tried any of Chapman's books yet, what are you waiting for? I promise you, you will love them! :)



~ * ~ * ~ * ~
I picked this book up for my own personal reading.

*NOTE: All quotes used in this review belong solely to the author, Janet Chapman. TBQ's Book Palace does not claim any of them.*

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

So...have YOU read any of Janet Chapman's books? Which one's your favorite? Personally, I love them all! And if you haven't read one of her books, might I suggest you pick one up ASAP. You *can* read the books out of order, but I think they are better when read together. :)

Enjoy!



Until Next Time,
 
*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[NOR Review]: "Master of Darkness"

Master of Darkness by Angela Knight

Publisher: Berkley (August 7, 2012)

Series: The Mageverse, 9

Genre: Paranormal Romance

In the final book of New York Times bestselling author Angela Knight's Mageverse, two werewolves must save humanity from a madman, despite their mutual distrust--and growing passion...

Miranda Drake is the daughter of Warlock, a werewolf sorcerer and sworn enemy of King Arthur. Like her father, she's a werewolf with magical abilities, but after years of abuse from the Alphas in her family, she is determined to stop Warlock from spreading his poison throughout the werewolf population.

Born to a long line of cops, William Justice thinks that protecting Miranda is his chance to redeem himself for not being able to stop Warlock's manipulation of the werewolves into war. But despite Justice's insistence, Miranda has no interest in trusting another dominant Alpha, even if the sexual tension between them is enough to set her aflame.

As Warlock rallies his forces and sets out to destroy Avalon, Miranda and Justice will need to learn how to trust each other--before the spark between them dies along with all of Magekind...

 

  Where to Buy*:

Amazon | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site | Book Site | Excerpt

Add it on GoodReads! | The Mageverse Series

My Review:

Years ago, Angela Knight created the Mageverse series. Now, after 8 books, it all ends in Master of Darkness. Any fan of this series will be sad to see it end, but happy with the way it turned out. Knight has done it yet again, creating one hell of a sexy novel, one with a fantastic storyline, a magical world (or two) and great characters!

I loved everything about Master of Darkness! I've been a devoted fan since book one, and I look forward to rereading this entire series for years to come—a sure sign of an amazing author!

If you have yet to enter Knight's Mageverse world, you don't know what you are missing! This series is a must read—sexy, unique, any fantasy lover's dream! However, I must warn that this is a series that needs to be read in order; so if you decided to start these books—and you should!—start from the beginning and work your way up to Master of Darkness. You won't regret it!

When your father is Warlock, the evil sorcerer trying to destroy the entire Mageverse world, life is anything but easy. Miranda's been tortured by him her whole life, and at the age of four he even put a spell on here which limits her magic and makes her fear him (and any other Alpha Males). She's nothing like Warlock though, and she wants only to kill him before he finally destroys everything she loves—and then kills her.

Justice may be a Dire Wolf now, but he's still a cop at heart—protecting the innocent no matter what. Miranda has become his life, the one woman he wants to create a Spirit Link with, and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe. Can he save her, defeat Warlock, and come to terms with his new powers—before they kill him?

Master of Darkness may be the finale for this series, but I see a spinoff series starting (soon, I hope!). Angela Knight is a very talented author, and I look forward to her future books, regardless of the series they belong to!

~~~

Thanks to Night Owl Reviews, where I received this ARC for free in exchange for reviewing the book. (Free book does not equal biased review, however!) This review is the property of NOR.

~~~ 

 

I can't tell you enough how much I love this series--it's just so well done, so sexy, and so different from others out there. King Arthur legends, vampires and shapeshifters--yum! If you have not tried this series yet, what are you waiting for? Start with book one though--it's better when read in order!

Enjoy!




Until Next Time,



*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[NOR Review]: "Deadly Descendant"

Deadly Descendant by Jenna Black

Publisher: Pocket Books; (April 24, 2012)

Series: Nikki Glass, 2

Genre: Urban Fantasy

An ancient evil is unleashed in the modern world— unless one fearless P.I. can hunt it down. . . . Nikki Glass, Immortal Huntress, returns in this new novel in the acclaimed series by Jenna Black.

As a living descendant of Artemis the Huntress, private investigator Nikki Glass knows how to track someone down. But when an Oracle shows up, warning the Descendants about wild dog attacks in Washington, D.C., Nikki is afraid it might be a trap. The Olympians believe the “dogs” are really jackals, controlled by a blood-crazed descendant of the Egyptian death-god Anubis. Whatever. . . . If Nikki hopes to muzzle Dogboy, she’s got to catch him in the act. But when she stakes out a local cemetery, she ends up face-to-snout with a snarling pack of shadow-jackals whose bite is worse than their bark. These hellhounds are deadly—even for an immortal like Nikki. “Dog” spelled backward may be “god,” but that won’t stop Nikki from teaching these old gods some new tricks. Like playing dead.

 
Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site | Book Site | Excerpt

Add it on GoodReads!

My Review:

I love the idea of this series—I'm always looking for unique parnormals, especially ones with gods and goddesses. Deadly Descendant definitely fits the bill! Nikki is a tough heroine, yet one who isn't completely sure who she is, what she has to do. I really enjoyed reading her story, and I look forward to future books in this series!

Deadly Descendant is book two in the Nikki Glass series. I knew this when I picked it up, but, not having the first book, I decided to just jump right in—hoping it would work out and I'd catch up later. Overall, I wasn't too lost in the book. However, there were definitely parts where I felt a bit left out, as I hadn't read Dark Descendant. Liberi, Olympians, Descendants—I'm still trying to wrap my head around the differences between them. I think this would have been much clearer to me if I had simply waited to read book 1. I've learned my lesson now!

Who needs another vampire/demon hunter? Come join Nikki Glass as she learns about her godly blood and tries to figure out her future, her destiny. Action-packed, unique and very intense, Deadly Descendant is a great escape from the usual books on the market. This may have been my first Jenna Black book, but it won't be my last.

P.I. Nikki Glass suddenly finds herself searching for more than just your average scumbag. Now she's tracking a murderer, one who uses death magic in the form of jackals to maul the victims. The murderer is a descendant of the old Egyptian god, Anubis. Yes, that god--The god of death, which just makes the situation even worse, if possible. Can she find and stop him before it is too late?

Did I mention Nikki's a descendant of Artemis? Yeah, welcome to her world....

Rating:

4 STARS!

~~~
Thanks to Night Owl Reviews, where I received this book for free in exchange for reviewing the book. (Free book does not equal biased review, however!) This review is the property of NOR.
~~~ 




Enjoy!



Until Next Time,

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[ARC Review]: "Rift"

Rift by Andrea Cremer

Publisher: Philomel (August 7, 2012)

Series: Nightshade Prequel, #1

Genre: YA Paranormal

Chronicling the rise of the Keepers, this is the stunning prequel to Andrea Cremer's internationally bestselling Nightshade trilogy!

Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother's life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world. She also finds herself falling in love with her mentor, the dashing, brooding, and powerful Barrow Hess. When the knights realize Eira, one of their leaders, is dabbling in dark magic, Ember and Barrow must choose whether to follow Eira into the nether realm or to pledge their lives to destroying her and her kind.

With action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality, this book is as fast-paced and breathtaking as the Nightshade novels.

 

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site | Series Site

Add it on GoodReads!

My Review:

For the first time in months, I was drawn into a story, completely captivated by its tale. Rift is a fantastic novel, a work of fantasy and sexy romance, and a book that reminded me why I love reading!

As much as I adored Rift, I will admit that it has a few flaws, a few areas of the book where the story slowed and the pace seemed bogged down. But it wasn't long before the action started again, and for this, and many other reasons, I still loved it enough to mark it as a favorite!

Ember is a great heroine, strong and determined and believable. Barrow was also great, a hero I wanted to meet—and perhaps fall for myself. :)

Even many of the other characters were entertaining. Kael, for example, had a great personality and sense of humor, and I'd love to read more of it in the future!

4.5 STARS! Simply put Andrea Cremer's newest is an amazing read. Filled with action and fantasy galore, it lead me to a world I didn't want to leave! And the romance between Ember and Barrow was sexy, yet sweet, and made me wish for my own Barrow to love. I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel—I am dying to read more of Ember's tale, to see how everything turns out...and yes, to see more Barrow, too! Oh, totally random—but the cover and designs on the pages are simply beautiful! I loved seeing the Stonehenge image before each chapter; it only added to the overall magical feel of the novel.

~*~*~*~*~*~
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
~*~*~*~*~*~


Enjoy!





Until Next Time,


*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[NOR + ARC Review]: "Chaos Burning"

Chaos Burning by Lauren Dane

Publisher: Berkley (June 5, 2012)

Series: Bound by Magick, 2

Genre: Paranormal Romance

From the “always fabulous Lauren Dane”* comes her new novel of a treacherous family legacy, a temptation just as dangerous, and an evil so depraved it can only be spoken of in whispers…

The life of Lark Jaansen, hunter in Clan Gennessee, has been shaped by violence and unrest—and it defines her future. Well-trained and resilient, she’s met her militaristic match in Simon Leviathan, a warrior not of this world. Locked in mutual admiration, and a desire so hot it burns, Lark and Simon have something else in common: they love the dark, and as a shadow is cast over their world, they’re each coming into their own.

A mysterious war has been waged among the Others. As witches and humans turn against each other, as faes retreat in fear, and as vampires rise, Lark and Simon discover that an unseen force is behind it. A single, hungry entity older than recorded history has returned to gorge on the magick of his victims. He is the Magister, nothing less than the end of time. Finding him is Lark and Simon’s first hope. Surviving him is their last.

 
Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site | Booke Site | Excerpt

Other Books in the Series:
Click on the covers to buy from BN; the title links to the book's page on the author's website.

Book 1: Heart of Darkness

My Review:

Chaos Burning was my first time sampling Lauren Dane's work. I've seen her various books for years, have put many on my list, but this paranormal of hers is the first one I've ever read. My feelings upon finishing the book were a bit...uncertain. In my opinion, it was only an 'okay' read. That is, it wasn't one of those books that you can't put down, but it also wasn't a book that left a bad taste in my mouth. Instead, it was just, well, average. And that's not necessarily a bad thing!

Lark Jaansen, our heroine for this journey, is definitely a tough gal, no doubt about that. She knows how to handle herself, and her job, as well as protect and defend those around her. And that's great—there's nothing I love better than a strong heroine. But it's not just physical strength that I look for, and while Lark had plenty of that, as a character, I personally didn't feel that she was a well-rounded one. She was a bit flat, and while I wasn't ready to kick her to the curb, I also wasn't ready to call her my new BFF. And that's a bit of a disappointment for me.

Simon Leviathan's an alpha male, a Lycian who has been alive for over 600 years. He's turned more than a few heads during his time, but he's never met his mate, the one he wants to mark as his—until he begins to work with Lark. Suddenly the only thing he wants to do is take her, claim her, show the world—and his pack—that she's his, and always will be. But she's not going to give herself over without first getting to know him, including learning what saying “yes” entitles.

Although usually I'm all for sexy alpha males (especially shapeshifters of any kind), Simon was about as flat as Lark, and in the end I wasn't dying to chase her off and take him for myself. Again, another disappointment, as I think falling for the hero is one of the best things that come from reading romance novels. I was simply left wanting more from the characters, Simon and Lark especially. If I don't absolutely love the hero and heroine, it's hard to truly enjoy the rest of the book. Perhaps that's just me though...

The world building and fantasy action going on in Chaos Burning was pretty good. But as this is the second in this series, and only the first one that I have read, I felt like I was missing a lot of critical information, things that make the story smoother and more enjoyable to read. In that case, perhaps if I had simply read the series in order, I may have liked it better and gave it a higher rating—who knows? Either way, I think it's best to start this series from the beginning, just in case.

3 STARS! Although it didn't blow my mind, Chaos Burning was still a likeable enough paranormal romance, one with plenty of fantasy creatures (from witches to shapeshifters to Fae of all sorts) and even a good deal of steamy loving! I can't say that I didn't like the book—I did. But it just didn't grab my attention, and what should have taken me but a day or two to read turned into almost a week. For this reader, it wasn't a hit, but it also wasn't a failure by any means. I will still be recommending this book to others, and I'll still come back and try another Dane novel in the future. But for now, this one was just “okay” and I was hoping for a “wow”.

~~~

Thanks to Night Owl Reviews, where I received this ARC for free in exchange for reviewing the book. (Free book does not equal biased review, however!) This review is the property of NOR.
~~~ 



Enjoy!



Until Next Time,

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[Review]: "Fated"

Fated by Alyson Noel

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (May 22, 2012)

Series: Soul Seekers, 1

Genre: YA Fantasy

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Immortals, Alyson Noël, comes Fated—a breathtaking new saga brimming with magic, mystery, and an intoxicating love story that will steal your heart away. Meet The Soul Seekers.


Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter’s sanity, Daire’s mother sends her to live with the grandmother she’s never met. A woman who recognizes the visions for what they truly are—the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker—one who can navigate the worlds between the living and dead.

There on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it’s when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. Now Daire is forced to discover if Dace is the one guy she's meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

 


Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site | Book Site

My Review:

Alyson Noel kicks off a new paranormal series, one that revolves around Native American myths and magic. Fated begins the story of Daire's journey to not only find out who she is, what she can do, but also what her destiny is—to prevent Coyote from throwing off the balance of life and turn their world into chaos. The battle for the souls has begun, and only Daire has the power as Seeker to stop it. But is she strong enough to do it?

First, may I just say that I absolutely love the cover for Fated? I know, I know, covers shouldn't matter, but I'll proudly admit it—I'm a cover whore! :) The prettier/sexier/yummier, the better! And Fated is just gorgeous; I'm tempted every time I pick it up to stroke it....

But back to the book itself. :)

I already knew that Alyson Noel has a real talent for writing fantasy novels, and she proves it yet again in the debut for her new Soul Seekers series. The writing is done nicely, and the story is interesting, allowing the reader to journey into the book easily, not wanting to come out until the very end!

I really loved this book because of the interesting fantasy elements we get. The magic and spirit animals, all based on Native American myths, added a unique spark to the story. I love Native American myths, so needless to say

I knew I was going to like this book!.

Daire's character is likeable, and easy to relate to. She wants to find where she belongs, what it's like to have a home and a purpose—and by the end of Fated she realizes that she's finally found one through the help of her grandmother, Paloma. I was glad to see that Daire never fell for the fake glamor of Hollywood, and she wasn't one of the hundreds of girls that just want to fit in with the popular crowd—by whatever means necessary. Instead, she was proud to be herself, even when that meant being seen as the outcast, the loner. I respected her for that, and enjoyed her story all the more because of it!

4 STARS! A wonderful start to what is no doubt going to be another great series by Alyson Noel, Fated brings a new twist to the YA paranormal genre! I cannot wait to see what happens next, as Daire's journey is only just beginning. She has a lot to learn, a lot to do, and I will definitely be coming back to see how she manages everything. Besides the great fantasy element, Fated also has a good dose of romance, sweet but with the promise for more. I'm curious to learn more about Dace's character, his skills, and his destiny, and to find out more about how and why they are fated to be together!

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I received this ARC from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.
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Enjoy!



Until Next Time,

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[NOR Review]: "Eternity's Mark"

Eternity's Mark by Maeve Greyson
Publisher: Brava (February 28, 2012)

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Sacred blood flows in Hannah MacPherson's veins; she's just too hard-headed to realize it. After losing a husband to the Iraq war, she's squirrelled herself away in a tiny town where she snarls at any man who gives her a second glance. But Taggart de Gaelson knows more about Hannah than she could ever fathom. As her assigned protector, Taggart's grown tired of Hannah ignoring his messages from Scotland - and now he's come to retrieve her. The balance of the Continuum depends on a race of sacred creatures who maintain the strength of the portals. Only Hannah's touch can release the hatchlings from their eggs. Sworn to protect Hannah from others who lust for control of the beasts, Taggart must win her trust. But as he battles at her side, can he protect his heart?

 
Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK

More Info:

Author's Site | Book Site | Excerpt

My Review:

Maeve Greyson's newest release, Eternity's Mark, combines the fantasy world of dragons—excuse me, Draecna—and the wild beauty of Scotland, creating a unique story, and one that will please many!

I was intrigued by the story, the fantasy world created and the Draecnas. However, the book ended up as a bit of a disappointment for me.

The story was not evenly paced. The time-line was a bit hard for me to follow at times, and while the first few chapters did a fair job at starting the story out, by the end it felt rushed, with pieces missing. Still, the premise behind Eternity's Mark was good, and I only wish there had been more to it, as it left me wanting.

The romance, however, was the biggest disappointment. I just didn't see the connection between Hannah and Taggart. The love was too quick to build, and wasn't based on much (that I could see). I wanted to see their relationship develop, not just the one-time lovin' and then they were mated for life. The connection just seemed forced, and also left me wanting.

3.5 STARS! Eternity's Mark had a lot of promise, and I loved reading about this new “dragon” fantasy world, but overall I felt that things were simply missing from the story. While I still liked it, it did lower my rating. I will still be looking for future books by Greyson. I will also recommend Eternity's Mark to other readers who may enjoy this fantasy novel with a slight Scottish flair!

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Thanks to Night Owl Reviews, where I received this book for free in exchange for reviewing the book. (Free book does not equal biased review, however!) This review is the property of NOR.
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Enjoy!


Until Next Time,

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[NetGalley + ARC Review]: "Shadows on the Moon"

Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott
Publisher: Candlewick (April 24, 2012)
Genre: Teen Fantasy

Summary (Amazon.com):
A powerful tale of magic, love, and revenge set in fairy-tale Japan.

Trained in the magical art of shadow-weaving, sixteen-year-old Suzume is able to re-create herself in any form - a fabulous gift for a girl desperate to escape her past. But who is she really? Is she a girl of noble birth living under the tyranny of her mother's new husband, Lord Terayama? Or a lowly drudge scraping a living in the ashes of Terayama's kitchens? Or is she Yue, the most beautiful courtesan in the Moonlit Lands? Whatever her true identity, Suzume is destined to use her skills to steal the heart of a prince in a revenge plot to destroy Terayama. And nothing will stop her, not even the one true aspect of her life- her love for a fellow shadow-weaver.

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | BN.com

More Info:

Author's Site | Book Site | Excerpt

My Review:

Anyone familiar with my review style knows that I often begin a review with a shortened summary of the book. However, upon finishing Shadows on the Moon, I pulled out my notebook...and found myself still staring at the blank paper ten minutes later. As much as I enjoyed Zoe Marriott's newest novel, I simply could not write a summary on it. It's impossible. The storyline is not simple; it cannot be summed up in a few brief sentences—at least not my sentences! If I tried to do so, not only would I ruin the beauty of this novel, but I'd probably confuse you while trying accurately explain it.

So I will limit my “summary” attempt to this brief sentence: Shadows on the Moon is a beautiful story of revenge—and how holding it in can turn hideous.

See? I told you I do not possess the words, nor the skill, to describe this tale. Now you are no doubt wondering what is so special about this book? Well, let me see if I can at least answer that question.

As I've explained before (see my other reviews on Marriott's work, here and here), Zoe Marriott has the rare ability to weave wonderful, relatable stories with a lush, fantasy setting. Though they may be completely make-believe, mere figments of Marriott's imagination, the story seems so real, so vivid, that you would think you were watching an actual scene unfold in front of your eyes. Marriott proves this yet again in Shadows on the Moon, putting enough rich details and flowing descriptions onto the pages to make them come alive in your hands.
However, while I was able to clearly picture the world, characters, and settings in her previous novels, I had a harder time doing so with Shadows on the Moon. It wasn't from lack of talent on Marriott's part (far from it!) but rather from the added complexity that this fantasy world had in it. I didn't have a clue what many of the outfits described in this book actually looked like—it was simply beyond any items I've seen and therefore could connect to the descriptions provided. For other readers, this may not be nearly as big of a problem.
Suzume's character was one that I had a slightly harder time connecting to as well. She was very strong, surviving through everything life threw at her. And yet I couldn't get a solid fell for her true character. She was so obsessed with her plans for revenge, and while I could understand the reason behind it (her father and cousin's murder) I couldn't connect with it. By the end of the book, I was relieved that she finally made it past her all-consuming drive for revenge; it was quickly becoming an annoyance, at least for me. Much longer and I might have put the book aside...

Some of the themes in this book are not common, at least in most novels; nor are they ones to cast aside without much thought. Suzume enjoys causing herself pain, be it from cutting herself (with pins and other sharp objects she has nearby) or burning herself. I couldn't relate to it because, luckily, I have never had these thoughts before. But I know that such problems are far more common that many of us wish to believe, and I applaud Zoe for what she has done in this story. It's not an easy topic, and writing about it can probably be as emotionally draining as actually dealing with the problem. Zoe, you have done a truly wonderful job at explaining this to us, showing us what Suzume is feeling and the troubles she is dealing with. It was hard for me to read it at times, so I can only imagine how hard it was for you to create it.


As much as I enjoyed reading about all the customs that make up this fantasy world, I was more interested in the magic that Suzume and Otieno were suppose to have (shadow-weaving). Yet it was this aspect of the story that was pushed aside for the most part, and only the basics were explained. I wanted more, and I kept hoping for it, but I was left wanting by the time I reached the last page. I was also hoping for more of the romance between Suzume and Otieno, but again, I was left unfulfilled. Although I will say that what was there, for both the magic and the romance, was well done.


4 STARS! Another wonderful fantasy by a truly talented author, one whose writing seems to flow like beautiful music from the pages. While Shadows on the Moon is not my favorite book by Zoe Marriott, it was still a very good, solid read, and one that I will return to in the future. For anyone that loves a good fantasy novel, this one is the perfect choice. Well-written, entertaining, and complete with a touch of romance, Shadows on the Moon is one of those rare novels that will transport you into the very pages of the story!



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I received this e-book ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
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Enjoy!

 


Until Next Time,

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[Review]: "Illicit Magic"

Illicit Magic by Camilla Chafer
Publisher: Audacious (May 1, 2011)
Series: Stella Mayweather, 1
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance

Summary (Amazon.com):
More than three hundred years after the most terrifying witch hunts the world has ever known, it's happening again.

Racing from attack by the ruthless Brotherhood in London to the powerful witch council in New York, twenty-four-year-old novice witch Stella has to put her faith in strangers just to stay alive but she might not be any safer in their midst than from the danger she is running from.

Sent to an extraordinary safe house by the sea to learn her craft, Stella finds there is more than one dark secret in her new family: Étoile’s sister is spoken of in fear and sadness; Marc is supposed to be a powerful witch but is missing his magic; where does the owner of their safe house vanish to every day and why does Evan have the eyes of someone not quite human? There is only one secret that someone will do anything to keep quiet, but whose secret is it and will Stella have to pay the price for silence?

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | AllRomance

More Info:

Author's Site | Book Site | Excerpt

Other Books in the Series:

Click on the covers to buy from BN.com; the title links to the book's page on the author's website.

Book 2: Unruly Magic

Book 3: Devious Magic

My Review:

Illicit Magic begins the story of Stella Mayweather, who has just found out that she's a witch. As she slowly starts to learn the craft, as well as how to perfect her gifts, she finds herself running from the Brotherhood, a group that is scouring the world, burning witches alive. As if that wasn't enough, while staying at a safe home with other magic weavers, someone close to the group comes after her, ransacking her room and attacking the entire household, all in the hopes of getting hold of Stella. Can Stella learn to control her powers, help solve her parents' murders, protect her new friends, AND figure out what her relationship is with her sexy “teacher”, Evan, before it's too late?

While I liked the story that Illicit Magic told, as well as some of the characters, I felt like there was something missing from the book. I can't put my finger on it, exactly, but whatever it was took a book that could have been a “wow” for me and turned it into only a “meh”. And although “meh” isn't a bad rating, it's obviously not the kind of review that anyone wants to write—and surely not one that an author wants to read! But I have to be honest in my reviews, and, for me at least, this story fell short.

I was a bit annoyed by how some things were repeated over and over again in the book—perhaps not word for word, but still repetitive all the same. I was also a bit put off by the fact that I knew what was happening in the story before even Stella—either she was slow or blind, I'm not sure which, and since this was told from a 1^st person POV, that's saying a lot when the reader connects the dots before the heroine!

Yet there were plenty of things I liked about this book. Evan was great, and though I wanted to know more about him (I guess I'll just have to wait for the next two books), he was a pretty good hero. I was happy to see him and Stella get together, though it did take some time (and they have yet to reach a HEA by any means). I really enjoyed how he distracted Stella while he was helping her to practice with her powers. I think that scene was my favorite, both for it's subtle sexiness and slight humor.

3 STARS! A good, quick read, Illicit Magic begins the Stella Mayweather series with a kick! I'm curious to see what happens next (as this one ended with a cliff hanger big enough that I was tempted to throw the book against the wall), although I won't be picking up the sequels right away. While I enjoyed parts of the book, there were still enough flaws and rough patches in the story to take my overall rating of the book down a few notches. Still, this book turned out to be pretty good, and I don't regret reading it one bit. If you're looking for a new series to get behind, one filled with magic and action and even a good dose of romance, then Chafer's books may just be what you need!

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I received this e-book from Bewitching Book Tours, in addition to joining the blog tour for this author. In exchange, I agreed to give my honest opinion on the novel.

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Don't forget that Camilla Chafer will be back on March 30th with a guest post!

Enjoy!




Until Next Time,

*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!