Review of DEMON FROM THE DARK

DEMON FROM THE DARK
Kresley Cole
Pocket Books, September 2010
ISBN:  978-1-61664-885-5

Malkom Slaine, a Trothan Demon, despises vampires, because he was sold to a vampire as a child and became a blood slave.  When Malkom grows strong enough, he starts rebelling against the vampires.  Unfortunately, Malkom is betrayed by one of his comrades and is turned into what he hates most, a vampire.  Now, Malkom is a combination of demon and vampire and is more powerful than either creature.  Malkom takes vengeance on the vampire, who turned him, then escapes and holes up in the water mines for years.  He, now, lives only for vengeance on the demon, who betrayed him.

Carrow Graie, a witch, has been captured by the Order and is being blackmailed to travel to Oblivion and lure Malkom back to her world, so that he can be captured.  The Order has been capturing Lore beings, torturing them, and experimenting on them, and they want Malkom because of his uniqueness.  There are very few vemons in existence, and the Order wants to learn all they can about them.  After the Order threatens Ruby, a newly orphaned member of her coven, Carrow feels that she must go along with the Order, until she can figure out a means of escape.

Ms. Cole continues her Immortals after Dark series, which just keeps getting better.  The characters are fascinating and the world is complex, and with each book, I'm further enchanted with the series.  I didn't think that any other Lore character could come close to the affection, that I have for the Lycae characters, but Malkom did it.  Malkom is a very tortured character, who has known only pain and betrayal.  When Carrow first meets him, Malkom has been alone for so long, that he is almost beyond redemption.  The time spent between Carrow and Malkom in the first part of the book is poignant.   Carrow, who was an irresponsible partier, must grow up, face some harsh choices, and put someone else's needs ahead of her own.  Malkom's distrust of Carrow is perfectly understandable, and the ending is perfect.

DEMON FROM THE DARK goes on my keeper shelf with the rest of the series.  Now, it is way too long before the next book is released.

NOTE:  I purchased this book and gave an impartial review. 

Review of Being Human Season 1

I rented Being Human through netflix, and it is a great paranormal series.  A vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost are roommates and are trying to adjust to their "conditions" and survive in the human world.  The acting is great, and I love the British accents.  I'll be buying my own copy, soon.

Help Save The Gates

The Gates is a show, that I have been enjoying.  Unfortunately, it is about to be axed.  Please take the time to sign the petition to save this paranormal show.  http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/the-gates-petition/

Review of THE STUDY TRAIN

THE STUDY TRAIN:  REUNION OF THE UNTOUCHABLES
Kurt Frenier
Eloquent Books,  July 12, 2010
ISBN:  978-1609118846

Ethan, a teenager, is living a rather dismal life in Switzerland, because he has uncaring parents and does poorly in school.  When a magical train comes to pick him up and Lord Althulos, the master of the train, offers him a place on the train with other special teen, Ethan jumps at the chance.  Master Magician Mikhail Pinlkington III had created the train to fly around the world and teach teens to become great leaders, and Ethan is one of the chosen few.  Unfortunately, there is a dark influence hanging around and tempting Ethan onto a dark path.

THE STUDY TRAIN is a young adult fantasy novel, which does have a few curse words but would, probably, still be acceptable for most teens.  Ethan, who is the central character of the novel, has a great struggle within himself over, whom to choose:  Lord Althulos or the shady character lurking around, offering great power.  While I understand that Ethan, who came from a very dysfunctional family, didn't have a good moral foundation, I, still, couldn't warm to him after some of the choices he makes.  Ethan seems very self-absorbed and easily led astray.  Fortunately, the ending has an exciting, climatic battle scene, which has several surprises and leaves room for more books in this series.

Overall, although I found Ethan something of a brat, THE STUDY TRAIN held my interest and left me surprised by the ending.

NOTE:  I was sent this book, in return for an impartial review.

Review of BESPELLING JANE AUSTEN

BESPELLING JANE AUSTEN
Mary Balogh,Colleen Gleason, Susan Krinard, and Janet Mullany
Harlequin, September 2010
ISBN:  978-0-373-77501-9

BESPELLING JANE AUSTEN takes four of Jane Austen's books and gives them a paranormal twist.  From a reincarnation tale of lost love, to a vampire Darcy, and an Emma with witchy powers, BESPELLING JANE AUSTEN has a little bit of everything for the paranormal lover.

Mary Balogh takes the book PERSUASION and makes it a tale of reunited love in different lifetimes.  In "Northanger Castle" Ms. Gleason takes the Gothic feel of NORTHANGER ABBY and adds vampires to the mix and an over imaginative heroine, who likes to read Gothic novels.  "Blood and Prejudice" takes the beloved characters of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and puts them in modern day America, although Mr. Darcy, a more than 200 year old vampire, is probably more at home in a regency setting.  Finally, Ms. Mullany puts Emma in a modern setting and makes her the stand-in owner of a dating agency, who just happens to be a witch.

Of the four stories, "Northanger Castle" and " A Little to Hex Her" have a few chuckle-worthy moments, and although I found Emma a bit annoying at some points, I quite enjoyed both of these.  "Blood and Prejudice" takes my favorite book and reworks it quite well, although Ms. Krinard's Lizzy isn't exactly the same as I imagine a modern Lizzy to be.  While the only similarity between Ms. Balogh's story and the original is the setting and the theme of reunited love, it still makes for an enjoyable read.

All in all, reading BESPELLING JANE AUSTEN is a nice way to spend an afternoon.  I recommend it to the Jane Austen lovers, who enjoy paranormals.

NOTE:  I received this copy in return for an impartial review.

Review of "Here There Be Monsters"

"Here There Be Monsters" in the anthology BURNING UP
Meljean Brook
Berkley Sensation, August 2010
ISBN:  978-1-61664-711-7

Ivy is born into a rather dismal world, in which, the Horde has used nanoagents to control the population of England and much of the world for two centuries.  When pirate captain, Rhys Trahaearn, destroyed the tower, that the Horde used to control the nanoagents, the Horde rule was ended.  For seven years Ivy has known freedom from Horde subjugation, but one night she awakens and is unable to move, and upon further investigation, finds several people in her building have disappeared.  Fearing that the Horde may be returning, Ivy seeks transport out of England with the pirate, Mad Machen.  Unfortunately, Ivy has little to bargain with, and, in desperation, offers herself in return for passage.  Lady Corsair helps Ivy flee Mad Machen, who searches for her for two years.  When Ivy's great blacksmithing skills are needed, Lady Corsair leads Mad Machen to her, because they have a common enemy.

"Here There Be Monsters" is a very entertaining steampunk romance with great world-building and unique characters.  Ivy is a strong, intelligent woman, who is something of a mechanical genius.  Ivy has survived great hardship during the time of the Horde, and, now, barely eeks out a meager existence working with the Blacksmith.  When Ivy thinks, that the Horde is returning, she becomes desperate to escape-- desperate enough to put herself in the hands of a ruthless pirate like Mad Machen.  Mad Machen has done everything in his power to enhance his bad reputation, in order, to help his fight against the Horde and others similar in nature.  Unfortunately, this stands in the way of what he most wants, Ivy's love.  These two make a wonderful couple, and I love the interesting and compelling world, which Ms. Brook creates.  This story is a keeper, and the next in the series, THE IRON DUKE can't be released soon enough.

NOTE:  I own this book and gave an impartial review. 

Check out this great contest.

Go to the link below to enter a 5 ARC contest.


http://ramblingsofawannabescribe.blogspot.com/2010/08/mega-epic-contest-of-awesome-part-one.html

Review of PROPHET OF THE PENTACLE

                                  PROPHET OF THE PENTACLE
Marilyn D. Privratsky
Outskirts Press, 2009
ISBN:  978-1-4327-4301-7

Many years ago, a great evil, Lord Jarden, was defeated and imprisoned by a sphinx, which he had mortally wounded.  Lord Jarden bides his time on the Isle of Ice, until Randye of Corpus arrives and unwittingly, sets him free and becomes his host.  Luckily, five Osarian Knights have been trained by the great sphinx, Farro, to battle this evil, which was foretold.

PROPHET OF THE PENTACLE is a short, fantasy story, which has some exciting moments and shows promise.  Unfortunately, there isn't enough detail to get a real feel for the world or the characters within it.  Just as I was beginning to become involved with a character or situation, the resolution came about much too quickly and left me feeling slightly disgruntled.  That is not to say, that there is no redeeming qualities to this work, because it has the makings of a great epic fantasy.  All that is required, is more world-building and editing, and this could really be a great tale.

NOTE:  I was sent this book in return for an impartial review.

Check out this contest

Go here and enter the great contest.  While there, check out a great blog.

Check out this great contest.

There is a great follower contest going on at exlibris.  Just click the button below and go enter.  Lots of neat books are be given away.

Check out this great contest.

While you are there, look around and wish Larissa a very happy birthday.

Review of THE UNCLAIMED DUCHESS

THE UNCLAIMED DUCHESS
Jenna Petersen
Avon, September 2010
ISBN:  9780061934995

Ann Danvers has been betrothed to Rhys Carlisle, the Duke of Waverly, since they were children.  This arranged marriage means more than that to Ann , because she has loved Rhys since she first met him.  Unfortunately, a secret about Rhys' family threatens their marriage and their happiness.

THE UNCLAIMED DUCHESS is an enjoyable historical  romance, which focuses on the relationship between Rhys and Ann and could almost be considered a cabin romance, even though they are in a cottage.  Rhys, who was raised by an emotionally distant man, is something of a snob, who was taught to uphold the superiority of his bloodlines.  Because of his upbringing, Rhys keeps his emotions in check and steers clear of scandal.  When a secret is revealed to him, Rhys has an identity crisis and flees London and his very new marriage.  Ann, who has been brought up to be a proper duchess, makes a momentous decision and follows Rhys, in order to fight for her marriage.   Ann is a wonderful heroine, who is warm, compassionate, determined, and strong.  The growth of Rhys' character is wonderful to see-- it is almost Darcy-like.

Overall, THE UNCLAIMED DUCHESS is an entertaining read, which I recommend.  However, sticklers for historical accuracy may find the dialogue a little too modern for their tastes.

NOTE:  I won this copy of THE UNCLAIMED DUCHESS and gave an impartial review.

Review of JEWELS

JEWELS
Lakisha Spletzer
Create Space,February 2010
ISBN:  9781449502072

     King Renten Load Roar and Crown Prince Dex Load Roar, Gatoan royalty, are traveling with a delegation to Earth.  Renton hopes to find out whether the Earthlings will make good allies against the Lupines.  The Lupines, a wolf-like race, have been encroaching on the Gatoan worlds and causing much death and destruction.  Because of this, the Gatoans, cat-like aliens, hope to find allies among the Earthlings. Special Lieutenant Jewels Enbran, a psi ops operative, is sent to determine, if the Gatoans have any psychic abilities.  This goes badly and Jewels almost dies, but Dex helps save her.  There is a connection between
Jewels and Dex, but the government, the Lupines, and, even, Renten might stand in their way to finding happiness together.

     JEWELS is a very enjoyable futuristic with interesting characters and an intriguing plot.  Jewels and Dex are trapped in a situation, which is not exactly what it seems.  There is much subterfuge and many characters have hidden agendas, and unfortunately, Jewels seems to be the key to many of the plots.  Jewels, who is very young but has a great inner strength,is tired of being a pawn.  Meanwhile, Dex, who is very protective of Jewels, is torn between his need to be diplomatic for his people and his need to protect Jewels.  I love the whole concept of the cat-like aliens and really didn't see the interesting twist at the end coming.  Hopefully, Ms. Spletzer will write another book set in this very imaginative world.

NOTE:  I reviewed this book for the PNR group.  I gave an impartial review.   http://paranormalromance.org/reviews/

Sizzling Summer Nights Giveaway

Sizzling Summer Nights Giveaway

Check out this contest

Go to the link below to enter a contest for Infinite Days, The Eternal Ones, and swag.  While there check out  a great blog.


http://book-mac13.blogspot.com/2010/08/august-contest.html

Check out this contest

Go to the link below and enter for some great prizes.  While there check out the blog.  It is a great book blog.


http://book-lovers-inc.blogspot.com/2010/08/450-followers-contest.html

Review of DEMON BLOOD

DEMON BLOOD
Meljean Brook
Berkley Sensation, July 2010
ISBN:  978-0-425-23547-8

Rosalia, a Guardian, was raised by a demon and has known great heartache and great evil, but she continues to fight the good fight.  Rosalia has a plan, which if successful, will result in the demise of many demons and all of the nephilim, who are responsible for the deaths of many vampires.  However, the main person in Rosalia's plan is Deacon, a vampire, who betrayed the Guardians, in an attempt to save his people.  Convincing Deacon to go along with her plans and keeping her heart safe seem like impossible tasks for Rosalia.

DEMON BLOOD is a wonderful addition to Ms. Brook's Guardian series.  Ms. Brook's has magnificent world-building skills and her characters are multi-faceted.  Rosalia, who is a marvelous tactician, has great responsibilities, yet feels alone.  She has great faith and continues to fight, even when the odds seem insurmountable.  Deacon is basically a good man, who was faced with a horrible choice, and, now, lives only for revenge.  Rosalia sees through Deacon's uncaring facade, but he thinks himself unlovable, since his betrayal of the Guardians and his inability to save his people.  These two tortured characters struggle to overcome the evil demons and nephilim, but must, also, overcome their own emotional barriers to love.

Filled with action, adventure, and many familiar faces from previous books in the series, DEMON BLOOD is a spectacular read.  I highly recommend it.

NOTE:  This book is owned by me and I gave an impartial review.

Great 100 follower contest

Go to Leilani's blog and check out her contest.  While you are there look around and comment.  

My Review of Walkabout Lite Four-Wheel Rollator

Originally submitted at CSN Stores

Features:

• Epoxy-coated aluminum frame
• Locking loop brakes
• Removable wire storage basket

Adjustable handle height

6" wheels for indoor or outdoor use

Includes laminated color o...

Walkabout Lite Four-Wheel Rollator

Great Product

By Marlene from MS on 7/25/2010

 

5out of 5

Pros: Safe, Supports Weight, Well Constructed, Stores Easily, Easy To Use, Lightweight

Describe Yourself: Long Term User

Best Uses: Short Distances, Indoors, Outdoors

Because I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, I can't stand for very long at the time. Before I got this rollater, I had to limit myself to stores with motorized carts. Now,I can go more places, get out more, and get more exercise.

(legalese)

I'll never be a writer

I'll never be a writer, because of the whole procrastination problem.  I start books and, well, don't follow through.  Here is a sample of one of my works.  What do you think?

Percival Reginald George Markham, 9th Earl of Ravenshire and heir to a dukedom, was the darling of the ton but he had a deep, dark secret.  No Percy wasn't a drunkard, nor a gambler, and he didn't associate with loose women.  These qualities were often overlooked by the ton.  Unfortunately, Percy's secret was likely to make him a subject of ridicule and cause his family embarrassment, for it seems that Percy was a great scholar and his library was used for something other than show.  In his spare time, Percy conducted scientific experiments and held archaeological digs on his outlying properties.  Percy dreaded the season, when he must again become what society expected for the sake of his family.
 
 When Percy's secret was discovered by his family, Percy's father blamed his mother's side , for, after all, she had an uncle who thought he was Caesar's horse.  Percy's mother responded that his father had a great aunt, who saw fairies.  Both parents made it clear, that society need not know of his "little hobbies".