Review of DEMON MARKED

DEMON MARKED
Meljean Brook

Ash couldn't remember, who she was and had been hospitalized in a mental institution for three years.  The fact that Ash isn't human, is an added mystery for her.  Searching for answers to her past, Ash runs into Nicholas St. Croix.  Nicholas knows that Ash must be a demon, because she looks like his girlfriend, who was killed by a demon posing as his mother.   Nicholas decides to use Ash to get to the demon posing as his mother.  Meanwhile, Lucifer and the demon posing as Nicholas' mother, also, have nefarious plans for Ash.

Demon Marked is an intense, enjoyable paranormal romance with multi-faceted characters and plenty of action.  Ash is learning and experiencing life, and, although she is part demon, her goodness shines through.  Nicholas has cut himself off from his emotions, in an effort to combat the demon, who is posing as his mother.  This has made him almost as bad as the demon, whom he seeks revenge upon.  Slowly, almost against his will, Nicholas begins to care for Ash,  and this love saves him in the end.  Demon Marked is a great love story, and I can't wait for the next story in the series, Michael's story.

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

 

Review of FITZWILLIAM DARCY: ROCK STAR

FITZWILLIAM DARCY: ROCKSTAR
Heather Lynn Rigaud

Fitzwilliam Darcy, famous rock guitarist of the band Slurry, has a dilemma. It seems Slurry has a bad reputation, and no top level opening act will work with them. Darcy decides to hire an up-and-coming all female band, called Long Bourne Suffering, but gets off on the wrong foot with Elizabeth Bennett, a member of Long Bourne Suffering, when she overhears him make some disparaging remarks about her band members and herself. Thus, starts a tempestuous relationship between these two.

FITZWILLAM DARCY: ROCKSTAR is a modern retelling of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, which falls short when compared with the original, but is enjoyable, when taken on its own merit. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is my favorite book, and I enjoy reading its retellings, sequels, and mash-ups. With that said, I don't expect any work to equal the original, but I hope to revisit beloved characters and experience an enjoyable read. This book is enjoyable, but some of the characters didn't resemble the original characters much. While Charlotte had some of the characteristics, that I expected, she barely resembles the original. However, I greatly enjoyed the different course Charlotte Lucas' life takes in this version. Wickham is more villainous than ever before, and Mr. Collins is even more creepy. Lizzy is more irrational and temperamental than I expected, and there were times that i wanted to knock some sense into her. Darcy is the character, that most resembles his P&P counterpart, which is a good thing. Darcy makes a sigh-worthy rock god. It is lovely, that there isn't just one romance in this book, but three.

All in all, FITZWILLIAM DARCY: ROCKSTAR is entertaining when taken on its own merits, but it pales in comparison to the original. Also, be warned that this is a story about the modern rock world so expect plenty of sex and a gritter reality.

NOTE: This book was sent to me in return for an impartial review.

Review of SHIFTERS OF 2040

SHIFTERS OF 2040
Ami Blackwelder

Melissa Marn, a scientist for the SCM (Shifters Counterinsurgency Military), is overworked and having second thoughts about some of her research. After a one night stand with a man, who turns out to be a shifter, Melissa discovers that she is pregnant. Melissa, now, has some very tough decisions to face. Because she works for the organization that is trying to exterminate the shifters, an alien race, Melissa is in greater danger than an ordinary person of being discovered. Meanwhile, the shifters and their hybrid children struggle to survive in a harsh, dangerous world.

SHIFTERS OF 2040 is an enjoyable paranormal story with action-packed scenes, great world-building, and a lot of romance. The characters are multi-dimensional and the plot is unique. While I enjoyed the book, greatly, the character of Melissa annoyed me at times, but I can understand her struggles. Since Melissa sought her father's approval and was almost brain washed into a military mind-set, her actions are understandable. I grew to care for the shifters and the hybrids and to root for them to overcome and survive. However, I'm hesitant to read the next book in the series, for fear that many of them won't survive.

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

Review of Bleeder

Mal, who lives in a rather primitive and dangerous settlement of Garrick, knows long hours of work and endless hunger.  When an emissary from Red City arrives and Mal is determined to be a Bleeder,  Mal's life changes, for she is to be taken to Red City and trained to become a Chalice, a woman who will carry children for royalty.  On the way to Red City, the emissary and her contingent stop at Allel, to determine if another girl is, also, a Breeder.  While there, Mal meets Prince Emund of Allel and Prince Garrick of Garrick, both handsome and destined to play a role in her life.

Ms. Rigel creates a unique and vivid world filled with political intrigue,fantasy, and action, coupled with a great love story.   Mal, who trades a life of poverty for one of luxury, is trapped in a gilded cage, although she doesn't realize it at first.  Forced to bare children for the highest bidder, her life is one of ceremonies and duty, but she, slowly, discovers a need for something more than the duty to which she was brainwashed.  Edmund is a truly great hero, for he is strong, sympathetic, protective, and loving.  I became totally caught up in Edmund and Mal's plight and found myself on the edge of my seat awaiting the outcome.

All in all, Bleeder is a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it, for its imaginative world-building and superb love story.

Review of IT HAPPENED ONE BITE

IT HAPPENED ONE BITE
Lydia Dare
Sourcebooks, 2011
ISBN:  978-1-4022-4507-7

Blair Lindsay, part of a coven of five Scottish witches, travels with her brothers to her mother's ancestral home, a castle in need of a good cleaning.  James Maitland, Lord Kettering, is a vampyre, who has been trapped for decades in the Lindsay's castle.  It seems the previous seer of the coven told the coven members, that James was a danger to Blair, and they trapped him in the castle.  When Blair arrives, James wakes up and isn't a very happy camper.  Neither Blair nor James knows whether to trust the other, but their mutual attraction is evident.

IT HAPPENED ONE BITE is a very entertaining paranormal romance with great characters and an enjoyable plot with several humorous moments.  James is a suave, debonair vampyre used to charming his way through life, but he is thrown for a loop by Blair and more often than not, when around her gets foot-in-mouth disease.  It is great fun watching James struggle against his growing feelings for Blair.  Blair is a warrior witch, used to being in charge, and is blessed with a stubborn streak.  Very protective of her family and friends, Blair seeks someone, who will love her for herself-- as the strong, intelligent woman that she is.  Beloved characters from Ms. Dare's previous books make appearances and charming new characters are introduced.  This reader, especially, likes Brannock, Blair's younger brother, who could be counted on to lighten the mood.

Overall, IT HAPPENED ONE BITE is a marvelous read, which I highly recommend.  I'm on pins and needles to read the next in the series, IN THE HEAT OF THE BITE.

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

Review IMPROPER LADIES

IMPROPER LADIES
Amanda McCabe
Signet Eclipse, September 2010
ISBN: 978-0-451-23108-6

IMPROPER LADIES is an anthology of two previously published regency traditional titles. In "The Golden Feather", Caroline Aldritch is forced to run a gaming establishment under disguise as a masked Mrs. Archer, when her husband dies leaving only a gaming house for support. Will Caroline be unmasked, when the attractive Lord Lyndon arrives on the scene? In "Rules of Love", widow, Rosalind Chase, runs a conservatory for girls and is having problems with her younger brother gambling and getting into mischief. Rosalind blames Lord Morley, her brother's idol, for his bad behavior. These two come into conflict, when Lord Morley arrives to fetch his sister.

I have missed the traditional regency, since they quit publishing them several years ago. IMPROPER LADIES is a reprint of two of Ms. McCabe's traditional regencies. While both stories are enjoyable and charming, I find that I prefer "The Rules of Love". I felt more of a connection between Rosalind and Lord Morley and really enjoyed their love story. "The Golden Feather" is entertaining but a little darker in nature, and the secrets seem to last a little too long.

Overall, IMPROPER LADIES is a good read for someone looking for a sweet, charming romance. I recommend it.

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

Review BORN OF SHADOWS

BORN OF SHADOWS
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Grand Central Publishing, April 2011
ISBN:  978-0-446-57325-2

Caillen Dagen, a smuggler, has spent much of his life looking out for his three sisters, but this time one of his sisters gets him into a real mess.  Desideria, daughter to a queen and a member of her guard, seeks to prove herself to her mother but is hampered by prejudice against her mixed heritage.  These two meet up after an attempted assassination throws them together, and the sparks fly-- literally and figuratively.

Ms. Kenyon continues her league series, which is set in a vivid, imaginative world and has complex, intriguing characters.  Let me state up front, that I love Caillen's snarky, irreverent comments and attitude.  The interactions between his friends and him are priceless.  Caillen has been forced to be tough, in order to survive his harsh upbringing, but he loves his family and friends.  Desideria hasn't had a cushy life for herself, either.  Born into a military family and almost, ostracized because of her mixed heritage, Desideria needed to be tough to survive.  However, her toughness is softened and strengthened by a love of family and great core values.  These two make a great couple and it was thrilling to read their story.  The only small quibble, that I have with the book is Caillen's thoughts about not being able to trust people.  These thoughts seemed to be excessive and after awhile, became repetitive and annoying.  Other than this minor point, I greatly enjoyed BORN OF SHADOWS and can't wait for the next in the series.

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

Review of STEALING KATHRYN

Adrian, also known as Sandman, Morpheus, or Bogeyman, receives energy from fears and nightmares from people living in the Earth dimension and transfers it to his people in another dimension. Kathryn Louise MacDonough has been having nightmares about a shadowy figure, while she tries to nurse her family back to health. Adrian keeps treasures, that he has collected in his lonely castle and decides that Kathryn will be his most treasured prize. Unfortunately, Adrian broke one of his peoples rules, when he brought Kathryn over.

STEALING KATHRYN is an enjoyable paranormal romance with intense, erotic love scenes and a complex, exciting world. Ms. Frank takes one of my favorite themes, beauty and the beast, and puts her own spin on it. Drawn to Kathryn's beauty and innocence, Adrian, who has become monstrous because of the negative energy he absorbs, feels he must have her. The once handsome Adrian is a beast, inside and out. He is barely clinging on to the last threads of his humanity and Kathryn becomes a lifeline. Kathryn, at first, is angry but sees Adrian's pain and wishes to help him. Kathryn seems a little wishy-washy, at times, which makes her defense of Adrian, in the end, all the more poignant.

If you enjoy a hot, beauty and the beast themed romance, give STEALING KATHRYN a try.

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

Review of HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS

HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS
Kandy Shepherd
The Berkley Publishing Group, July 2010
ISBN: 978-0-425-23429-7

Serena Oakley, a former model, who is tired of being infamous, dresses down and opens Paws-A-While, an upscale dog daycare and spa in San Francisco. Serena hopes to put her modeling career behind her and use her love for dogs to carve out a new career. Unfortunately, someone is stealing identities and the trail left by the thief leads PI, Nick Whalen, right to Serena's door.

Because I have been feeling a little down, HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS just hit the spot for me. It is a heart-warming, contemporary romance, with likable characters, adorable animals, and a hot hero. There were many humorous moments in this book, and I enjoyed the chemistry between the Nick and Serena. I only have one small quibble with a few of the Serena's choices, which seemed a little irrational to me. Other than this sometimes annoying tendency of the heroine, I greatly enjoyed HOME IS WHERE THE BARK IS and recommend it.

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

Review of WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST

WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST
Eloisa James
Avon, February 2011
ISBN:  978-1-61129-188-9

Miss Lynnette Berry is seeped in scandal after a flirtation with a prince goes awry, and it is bandied about that she is expecting.  Desperate to see her settled, Lynnette's father and aunt decide to contact the Duke of Windebanke, who is equally as desperate to see his son settled.  Because Piers Yelverton, the Earl of Marchant and the Duke of Windebanke's son, is a crippled, bad-tempered, doctor, who lives in a castle in Wales, he is known as the beast by London society.  Lynnette, who is a beauty and used to entrancing men with her looks, may be in for a surprise, when she meets the beast.

WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST is a wonderful historical romance with great characters and amusing dialogue.  Piers is a truly great hero, warts and all.  I loved his bad temper and snarky comments.  Piers is a brilliant doctor, who doesn't suffer fools lightly.  When confronted with Lynnette, Piers sees past her beauty to discover the determined, intelligent woman underneath.  I love the fact, that Piers sees past Lynnette's stratagems and isn't bowled over by her famous male-enticing smile.  Lynette, on the other hand, isn't just a beauty, for she is well-read and able to hold her own with Piers.  These two, flawed, but endearing characters are perfect for each other, and their romance is very satisfying.

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

Review of SHADOW CAT: A STRIPED ONES NOVEL

SHADOW CAT:  A STRIPED ONES NOVEL
Reena Jacobs

Ericson Randall, the CEO of Nora Tech Pharmaceuticals, needs for the scientific expedition to the rainforest of Malayasia to go without a hitch, because his position in the company may depend on it.  Unfortunately, the researchers are thrown out of the country after destroying a section of rainforest.  When his assisstant, Bryan Hayes, suggests that Eric journey with him to Malaysia, Eric sees a way out of a sticky situation at home and a way to straighten out his Malaysian problems.

Berani, a tiger shifter, dislikes the intruders in her forest, but when she spies Eric, Berani is fascinated.  Eric is, also, drawn to Berani.  When Eric gets too close, Berani reacts by scratching him.  Leading to a tumultuous courtship.  Meanwhile, some evil beings pose a danger to Berani's people and the researchers.

Wow!  I loved this book.  Ms. Jacobs creates an imaginative, complex world filled with interesting, multi-faceted characters.  The imagery is vivid and this reader soon became engrossed in the story.  Ericson, who only lives for his business, soon, realizes there is more to life after meeting Berani.  Berani, who tries to help her people, learns she doesn't have to do everything by herself.  Interwoven throughout the book is the message of conservation, which really struck a chord with me.  There are, also, some vicious creatures, which threaten everything, that Berani and Ericson hold dear.  The ending is wonderfully exciting, and action-packed, and I have my fingers crossed, that Ms. Jacobs writes another book set in this spectacular world.

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

Review of DRINK OF ME

DRINK OF ME
Jacquelyn Frank
Kensington Publishing, November 2010
ISBN:  978-1-4201-0985-6

Reule, the Prime of the Sange people, takes his Pack on a hunt for one of their pack members, who has been captured by the Jakals, a race that gets pleasure from the torture of others.  When Reule and his Pack find the Jakals in a dilapidated building, they, also, find a woman, who has been beaten and is in bad shape.  Reule, whose people have been persecuted, doesn't know whether he can trust her but can't seem to help himself from feeling an attachment towards her.  After Reule gives her the name Mystique, they become closer, but is the woman as innocent as she appears?

DRINK OF ME is a marvelous paranormal romance with vivid world-building and compelling characters.  Ms. Frank lured me into her world and kept me entranced throughout the entire story.  She creates a world, which is, at times harsh, but beautiful.  Reule is a great hero, who is the leader of his people and, therefore, has great responsibilities.  He has overcome much and is, almost, afraid to love.  Mystique is fragile, but determined.  I enjoyed the fact, that she overcomes Reule's protectiveness with her fierce need to help.  These two are a wonderful compliment to each other, and their romance makes for a sigh-worthy read.

I don't know, if this is the beginning of a series, but I sure hope it is.  Ms. Frank captivated me, and I really want to return to her world and find out what happens to the other Pack members.

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

Review of HERA: BOOK ONE OF THE GODDESS CHRONICLES

HERA:  BOOK ONE OF THE GODDESS CHRONICLES
Julien Longo
Fire Raven Press, 2010
ISBN:  978-0-9826489-2-6

Hera is living a fairly sedate life in a small village on the island of Atlantis, until her friend, Artemis, becomes injured in a hunting accident, and it becomes evident that she has untapped powers.  Hera's life changes rapidly, and she learns, that her parents have been keeping secrets about her heritage.  To further complicate matters, Hera meets and develops a crush on Zeus, who is rather power hungry.

HERA: BOOK ONE OF THE GODDESS CHRONICLES shows a different prospective of Greek mythology, than the male centric versions, that this reader is used to.  This book is told from Hera's point of view,and while at first, she seemed something of a brat, this book shows her growth and maturation into an admirable character.  I enjoyed Ms. Longo's take on Greek mythology and look forward to the next book in the series.  It was great to get the female side of things, because let's face it, females aren't usually portrayed in a very good light in Greek mythology, especially Hera.

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

Review of DEMON'S FALL

DEMON'S FALL
Karalynn Lee
Carina Press, October 25, 2010

When Kenan, an incubus, comes across an angel for sale at Hellsgate marketplace, he decides to buy her.  Kenan plans to gain her trust, so that he can get close to her and gain her soul for his collection.  Jahel, the angel, has come to Hellsgate trying to retrieve the soul of one of her charges from a Hellhound.  When Kenan offers his aid, Jahel accepts and hopes to return to Heaven soon.

DEMON'S FALL is a paranormal romance with a likable hero and heroine and an interesting premise.  I only have one small quibble, in that, I would have liked the world to have been explained in more detail and expanded upon.  Other than this, I quite enjoyed DEMON'S FALL, especially the characters of Jahell and Kenan.  Kenan, while an incubus, is rather yummy and not so bad in the beginning.  As the story progresses, Kenan begins to fall for Jahell and to change, because of that love..  Jahel, also, begins to fall for Kenan.  During this process, they grow and change, and in the end, must chose to sacrifice for love or continue as they are.

All in all, DEMON'S FALL is a delightful paranormal read, which leaves this reader wanting more.

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

Demon's Fall
                   

Review of IN ENEMY HANDS

IN ENEMY HANDS
K. S. Augustin
Carina Press, June 7, 2010

Dr. Moon Thadin has been through a lot since her former research partner, Kad Minslok, escaped from the Republic and is,now, hunted as a rebel and a terrorist.  Now under suspicion, Moon must watch her every move, and all her illusions about the Republic have been shattered, especially after meeting Sirin, her new research partner.  To keep Sirin, who is a math genius, under control, the republic has erased his short term memory every two days for almost twenty years.

IN ENEMY HANDS is a hybrid of science fiction and romance with well-written, borderline erotic scenes.  Ms. Augustin does a great job of straddling the fence between pure science fiction and romance, without allowing either genre aspect to suffer.  It is evident, that IN ENEMY HANDS is well researched, the science is believable, and the world and characters are complex and multi-faceted.  Moon and Sirin are caught up in an almost impossible situation, but somehow find each other, even through all the turmoil and Sirin's memory loss.  The Republic's despicable policies are highlighted by their treatment of Moon, Sirin, and, even, the Captain of their ship.  I found myself rooting for them from almost the beginning, and by the end, I was on the edge of my seat hoping for them to triumph and be together.  The only problem, that I have is that the ending came a little too abruptly for my tastes-- I wanted more story.  Hopefully, there will be a sequel and maybe a book that tells the Captain's story.

With great world-building and complex characters, IN ENEMY HANDS does a great job in dual roles, as a science fiction and romance read.  I highly recommend it.

Note:  I received this book in return for an impartial review.  

Review of Call of the Wilds

CALL OF THE WILDS
Gale Stanley
Siren Publishing, Inc. (August 12, 2010)
978-1606018019


Veterinarian, Karin Stone, moved to the Wilds of Pennsylvania to be a wildlife manager and care for a wolf pack.  A big city girl, Karin, decides to leave the city after a traumatic attack and start a new chapter in her life.  Unfortunately, a hiker is found dead from a suspected wolf attack and the locals are gunning for the wolf, and Karin is trying to protect her.  When things get out of hand during a confrontation with some locals, Malcolm Connor steps in and aids Karin.  Karin and Malcolm are attracted to each other, but Malcolm has a secret, which could tear them apart.

CALL OF THE WILDS is an entertaining shapeshifter romance with a yummy alpha hero.  Shapeshifter romances are my favorite genre, and Ms. Stanley doesn't disappoint with this exciting tale.   Karin is trying to be strong and overcome her fears after a violent attack.  There is only one small quibble, that I have with Karin's character-- she seemed to be a little too trusting at times.  Other than this, Karin is a great heroine, who finds the strength to conquer her fears and overcome the many dangers surrounding her.  Malcolm is a wonderful hero, who is very protective, but somewhat tortured.  After the murder of his family by humans, Malcolm goes a little wild, but soon realizes, that he must allow both aspects of his being freedom.  Even so, he is still a bit of a loner.  Because of Malcolm's secret and lies told by others, Malcolm and Karin's relationship has some rocky moments, which makes the finale all the more satisfying.

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

Mini Review of "The Screaming" by J. A. Konrath

"The Screaming" story within the anthology THE MANY FACES OF VAN HELSING
J. A. Konrath
Ace, April 6, 2004
ISBN:  978-0-441-01647-1

Two junkies desperate for a fix, go to an abandoned mansion, hoping to steal something of value.  Unfortunately, they get a lot more, than they bargained for. 

I, really wish, that I had found this book before Halloween.  "The Screaming" is the first story in this anthology, and it is a very good short story.  It has the requisite creepiness but isn't too scary.  I really loved the ending, which isn't quite a HEA, but is satisfying all the same.  

Review of THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE

THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE
Caroline Clemmons
Wild Rose Press, 2010
ISBN:  1-60154-799-4

Dallas McClintock awakens to find himself shot, with three angry men pointing guns at him.   Luckily, the beautiful woman, whom he just saved from being raped, explains the situation before Dallas passes out again.  When Dallas wakes again, he is amongst a group of Travelers, or Tinkers, and the O'Neils, whose daughter he saved, are nursing him back to health.

Cenora Rose O'Neil, the woman Dallas saved, has been trying to avoid the advances of  the brutish leader of the Travelers, but her parents fear, that, soon, she might be forced to marry him.  Desperate to save his daughter from a man, whose previous two wives died under suspicious circumstances, Cenora's father sets up Dallas, so that he will be forced to marry Cenora.  Between a rambunctious family, a vengeful Traveler leader, a secret that tortures Dallas, rustlers, and Cenora's insecurities, the course of their marriage doesn't begin smoothly.

THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE is an entertaining historical romance filled with vibrant characters.  While Cenora is a lovely, strong-willed heroine, I found her a little bit naive for someone raised among the Travelers.  Dallas, on the other hand, makes a wonderful hero.  Dallas is strong, generous, honest, supportive, and has the patience of Job.  Because only a very good man would put up with some of Cenora's family's antics, especially her younger brother, Mac,  Dallas has the makings of a true hero.  There is humor interspersed throughout the book, which lightens the mood.  On several occasions, I found myself chuckling.

All in all, THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE is an enjoyable read, which is filled with action and tension but, also, has some humorous moments.

NOTE:  This book was sent to me by the author, in return for an impartial review.  

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 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.