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Showing posts with label urban fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label urban fantasy. Show all posts

January 17, 2014

E.J. Wesley's Winter Thrills & Chills Blog Tour



Hey guys! Welcome to my stop on E.J. Wesley's Winter Thrills and Chills Tour for his Moonsongs Series. This tour is running January 6 - 17 and consists of reviews, interviews, top tens, guest posts and of course, giveaways! Be sure to check out the tour page for the full list of stops.    


~Book 1 ­ Blood Fugue~


"Some folks treated the past like an old friend. The memories warmed them with fondness for what was, and hope for what was to come. Not me. When I thought of long ago, my insides curdled, and I was left feeling sour and wasted."

Jenny Schmidt is a young woman with old heartaches. A small town Texas girl with big city attitude, she just doesn't fit in. Not that she has ever tried. 

Life has pummeled her heart into one big, lonely callus. She has no siblings, both parents were dead by sixteen, and her last grandparent - and caretaker - was in the ground before she turned twenty-one. She's the last living member of her immediate family. Or so she thinks...

"We found my 'grandfather' sitting at his dining room table. An entire scorched pot of coffee dangled from his shaky hand. His skin was the ashen gray shade of thunderclouds, not the rich mocha from the photo I'd seen. There were dark blue circles under each swollen red eye. A halo of white hair skirted his bald head, a crown of tangles and mats. Corpses had more life in them."

Suddenly, instead of burying it with the dead, Jenny is forced to confront the past. Armed only with an ancient family journal, her rifle, and an Apache tomahawk, she must save her grandfather's life and embrace her dangerous heritage. Or be devoured by it.      


~ My Thoughts ~ 

My Rating: 5 / 5

In BLOOD FUGUE, we're introduced to Jenny and her best friend, Marshal. Life has dealt Jenny some low blows. The fact that she hasn't buckled under the crap she's dealt with is not only amazing (I totally would not been sane or comprehensible) but shows her strength. She's snarky, fun to hang around with, and I would love to be her bestie! Plus with her purple fauxhawk and my pink hair, we'd make quite the pair!

And can I just say how much I love Marshal? The fact that he and Jenny stand out from everyone else in their tiny town with such confidence and flair makes me adore them even more. Marshal is such a cool guy, and it's obvious how much Jenny cares about him. It's also refreshing they're best friends without a romantic element to their relationship, proving a girl and a guy can be just friends. (You'll find out why they won't ever be more than just friends.)   

BLOOD FUGUE is full of surprises with twists and turns. There's a huge revelation that I'll admit I never saw coming and was happy with the outcome. I think it adds to Jenny's badassery. This novelette is a quick and super fun read with the promise of more awesomeness ahead.       

~ Book 2 Witch's Nocturne ~ 


After receiving an ancient tribal journal from her grandfather, Jenny is sent on a mission of discovery in an attempt to unravel clues to her family's monster hunting past. The journey becomes more than academic when she is asked to confront a coven of dangerous witches who plan to cast an insidious spell on the plains of West Texas.



~Book 3 ­ Dark Prelude~


Jenny Moonsong recently inherited the title of "monster hunter" and an ancient tribal journal / how-to manual passed down by her Apache ancestors. Unfortunately, a lot of on-the-job training is required to be a monster hunter, and unlike her computer repair business, this gig could literally kill her.

DARK PRELUDE finds the feisty protagonist, Jenny, searching for her best friend Marshal's missing father in the midst of a freak, West Texas winter storm. To survive the frigid night, she'll have to deal with a hated town rival, face a monstrous creature no Moonsong hunter has ever encountered before, and undo a mysterious curse. Can she keep everyone alive? If not, who will pay the ultimate price?  




~Book 4: Dragon's Game~

 


Jenny Moonsong recently inherited the title of "monster hunter" and an ancient tribal journal / how-to manual passed down by her Apache ancestors. She has already faced a werewolf, witches, and a troll. But nothing could prepare her for her latest confrontation...

DRAGON'S GAME, Moonsongs Book 4, finds Jenny out of her rural West Texas element, searching for an evil witch in an urban Houston nightclub. After attempting to help a handsome and mysterious stranger out of a jam, she finds herself on the run from a ruthless gang who are even more dangerous than they initially appear. 

Forced into a twisted game of life and death, Jenny must navigate the complexity of a budding relationship, and somehow survive a night filled with unexpected horror and paranormal mystery. 

DRAGON'S GAME is approximately 14,000 words or 45 pages of humor, horror and paranormal mystery. It is the fourth volume of the Moonsongs Books, an ongoing series of New Adult, urban fantasy novelettes by author E.J. Wesley.  



~Book 5­ Vampire's Ball~

 


Jenny Moonsong recently inherited the title of "monster hunter" and an ancient tribal journal / how-to manual passed down by her Apache ancestors. Being a girl of action, she has found herself particularly capable when it comes to battling the werewolves, trolls, and other supernatural denizens lurking in the Texas night. Until now. 

VAMPIRE'S BALL, Moonsongs book 5, finds Jenny and her best friend Marshal in their most harrowing adventure yet. Traveling by boat to an extravagant masquerade party located at a Galveston Island mansion, Jenny must parlay with an ancient vampire in order to secure the release of the dragon princes, Isis. The unexpected return of an old "friend" turns the evening into chaos, and leaves Jenny and company once again fighting for survival amidst a sea of supernatural foes.


VAMPIRE'S BALL is approximately 12,500 words of humor, horror and paranormal mystery. It is the fifth volume of the Moonsongs Books, an ongoing series of New Adult, urban fantasy novelettes by author E.J. Wesley.    



~Moonsongs Anthology~


The Moonsongs Anthology 1 collects the first three Moonsongs books - a series of New Adult paranormal-horror-action novelettes in one exciting volume. Follow Jenny and her best friend Marshal on their dangerous quest to unlock the secrets of her past.

Moonsongs Anthology 1 collects the three previously published Moonsongs adventures: BLOOD FUGUE (Book 1), WITCH'S NOCTURNE (Book 2), and DARK PRELUDE (Book 3).

Available in print & eBook via Amazon | Goodreads    



~About the Author~



Growing up in small town Oklahoma, there were limits on the amount and types of entertainment at my disposal. Perhaps that's why I set my imagination free. After collecting degrees in psychology and counseling, life brought me to Missouri, Texas, and Northern California - where I currently read, write, and live. I fill my spare time playing video games, watching movies, planning for the zombie apocalypse, reading graphic novels, and playing with my dogs.

My passion for New Adult literature led me to producing the weekly New Adult Lit Chat on Twitter, and contributing to the NA Alley Blog. I'm also the author of the Moonsongs Books, a series of New Adult, speculative rural fantasy novelettes.   


~Links~

Website | Blog | NA ALLEY (contributor) | Twitter |  NEW ADULT LITCHAT (founder/producer)   Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn   

Giveaway:


This tour was organized and put together by CBB Book Promotions.


December 14, 2013

Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway ~ Path Unchosen by Kim Cleary


Hey guys, welcome to my stop on the Path Unchosen Blog Tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. Click here to follow along with the full tour schedule. :D


Title: Path Unchosen
Series: Daughter of Ravenswood #1 
Author: Kim Cleary
Publication date: September 7th 2013
Genre: Dark Fantasy, New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy


~ Synopsis ~

When eighteen-year-old Judy Hudson discovers she's a necromancer and sees first-hand the pain her powers can cause the dead, she just wants to deny who she is. The zombie plague is long over. She wants to find a more normal life, but that's a challenge when a beautiful otherworldly man, who claims to be her guardian, saves her life. 

Judy tries to set right the harm she inflicted on a spirit she raised, but new zombies attack - zombies raised from among the long-time dead. Someone else just like her is out there, and he's not trying to set anything right. To save her own life, and protect the innocent inhabitants of the nearby town who've become her friends, Judy has to figure out who's raising the dead and why. She must also learn to control the darkness inside her - a seductive darkness that promises her power beyond her wildest dreams.

~ My Thoughts ~

My Rating: 3 / 5

Drawn in by the cover and plot, I was so excited to begin Path Unchosen. The fact that the main character, Judy, finds out she's a necromancer intrigued me. I looked forward to the mystery of who was raising the dead besides Judy. And most of all, I looked forward to zombies!  

I enjoyed the story, but there were a few things I wanted to know that weren't entirely clear to me such as what happened to modern technology? It's easy to imagine Judy's world as being in the 1800's with reading by candlelight and traveling by a horse drawn cart, but I think the zombie plague wiped out much of the population and along with it, technology. I imagined people had to abandon modern comforts to survive. 

When the story begins, the zombie plague has been over for a long time, yet a zombie is raised the same night Judy raises a spirit. Judy wasn't the one who raised the zombie, and she sets out to find who else is a necromancer along with her guardian, Purah. The zombie begins attacking people, and it's up to Judy to figure out who she can and can't trust as well as who is sending zombies to attack the citizens around Winterhurst. I didn't trust Purah one hundred percent, and I definitely didn't trust Boyce Westall. 

The story intrigued me, and if the framework of Path Unchosen had been clearer to me I would have given it at least another star. As it is, while I didn't quite connect with the characters, the mystery was more than enough to keep me reading and interested.   

~ Purchase Links ~

~ About the Author: Kim Cleary ~ 


Kim writes urban fantasy for anyone who longs to discover they are extraordinary. She writes about hopefulness and determination, and about heroes who push through extraordinary situations and obstacles, one step at a time. Magical friends and gorgeous guys help, or hinder, in one adventure after another.

When not writing, revising, or thinking about writing, Kim gardens, plays with her dog, chats on social media, catches up with friends or cooks an Indian feast. She is a member of Writers Victoria, Romance Writers of Australia, The Alliance of Independent Authors, and a certified chocoholic. 

Kim grew up in Birmingham, UK, studied medieval history and psychology at Adelaide University in South Australia and has worked all over Australia and in London. She now lives with her husband and an adorable Cocker Spaniel in Melbourne, Australia.

~ Social Links ~


~ Giveaway ~
- A signed copy
- 2x $20 Amazon Gift Cards
Open INT 
    





November 5, 2013

Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway ~ The Vesik Series by Eric R. Asher


Hey guys! Welcome to my stop on the Vesik Series Blog Tour hosted by Girls Heart Books Tours. Click here to follow along with the full blog tour schedule! :D


Title: Days Gone Bad
Series: Vesik #1
Author: Eric R. Asher
Publication date: February 8th 2013 
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Review copy

Blog Tour organized by: Girls Heart Books Tours 


~ Synopsis ~

My name is Damian Valdis Vesik. I am a necromancer, an ability feared and hated as much as the powers my master and I set ourselves against. We've vanquished many evils, but now something is releasing an old darkness, forcing us to hunt an enemy beyond anything I've faced before. I was already busy enough with vampires, fairies, witches, Watchers, weddings, and ... damn, I need a vacation.

~ My Thoughts ~ 

My Rating: 5 / 5 

Days Gone Bad is infused with humor and stellar writing. The characters are amazingly well fleshed out - you feel like you really know them. My favorite character is Damian and not just because he's the main character. He talks to you like you're an old friend, he has a great sense of humor, and he's brave. Plus he's a necromancer - a necromancer who isn't evil. He's become one of my new book boyfriends! I also thought it was really interesting that Damian casts spells to fight against demons and rogue vampires.    

Damian's vampire sister, Sam, is a close second as one of my favorite characters. She's full of life (haha), spunky, and beautiful. I love that she has this gorgeous, straight black hair. Damian and Sam have a close relationship, and they get along well. Damian seemed to be protective of his sister, and that's one of the many things I appreciated about him.     

I really liked how the fairies are bad ass - there is nothing sparkly or dainty about them. Foster, his wife, and his mother Cara are tough cookies - you can tell by the way Cara reacts when she thinks the new employee Damian hired has insulted fairies. They will tear you limb from limb if you aren't careful around them! That's how they should be. ;)   

I liked the gore. That makes me sound demented I suppose, but as someone who's a huge horror fan of both gory horror as well as psychological horror, I like to see the "monsters" get splattered. With all of the supernatural creatures running around wreaking havoc, Days Gone Bad couldn't be told as well without some gore - Damian and his friends are battling for their very lives. There are going to be casualties. Gory scenes are just satisfying, especially when a puppet master rogue vampire is after my Damian! 

Days Gone Bad is packed with action, humor, and some bloody fun. I highly recommend this for readers who enjoyed the Sookie Stackhouse series, or even if you were disappointed by the series. Asher breathes new life into the urban fantasy genre, and I'm excited to see where the next installment takes us.  

~ Purchase Links ~ 
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks  



Title: Wolves and the River of Stone
Series: Vesik #2 
Author: Eric R. Asher
Publication date: October 22nd 2013 
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Review copy 


~ Synopsis ~ 

Philip, Zola's boyfriend from one hundred and fifty years ago, is not nearly as dead as we thought. I really wish he was. Not only has he kidnapped Zola, but he's raising an army to scour humanity from the earth. Hopefully the local werewolf pack will help. What could possibly go wrong?

~ My Thoughts ~

My Rating: 5 / 5

Wolves and the River of Stone starts off with action right away, and you're pulled into Damian's world as though you never left. As a matter of fact, this book starts off right where the first book ended. Asher's style of writing is stellar - I can't stress that enough. His writing skills make me jealous! ;)  

How shocked was I to find out Philip is not only very much alive but also raising an army? And had Zola, his ex-girlfriend, kidnapped? Very! What a shocking and awesome twist that turned out to be. The way Zola spoke of him in the first book, Days Gone Bad, you just wouldn't have thought of him as a bad guy, at least in the beginning. I did have a strange feeling when Zola told Damian in the first book that she found Philip's body two years before - that's the amount of time she disappeared, and Damian didn't know where she had gone. I thought that seemed awfully coincidental and had tucked that away in my memory bank for later. 

I love these characters! The dialogue is natural, and you can tell they care about each other, showing that in their own ways. If their world wasn't so dangerous, I'd want to hang out with them for sure. I loved meeting the new characters, too. They added even more to this story and are just as vivid as the other characters. 

The way Asher blends all of these different supernatural characters together is masterful, and I haven't read a lot of books with characters who are necromancers, which is one of the main aspects that drew me to this series. Everything about this series is amazing - the action, the romance, the characters, the plot...I'll be recommending this series to everyone I know. I'm the go-to girl of my family and friends for book recommendations. ;)

I feel lucky that I was able to read Wolves and the River of Stone right after Days Gone Bad. As much as I wish I had read Days Gone Bad when it was first published, I feel almost spoiled to be able to go right into the second novel. I don't know if I would've been able to stand the wait for this one! 

~ Purchase Links ~ 
Amazon | B&N | Kobo


~ About the Author: Eric R. Asher ~ 


Eric is a former bookseller, guitarist, and comic seller currently living in Saint Louis, Missouri. A lifelong enthusiast of books, music, toys, and games, he discovered a love for the written word after being dragged to the library by his parents at a young age. When he is not writing, you can usually find him reading, gaming, or buried beneath a small avalanche of Transformers.

~ Social Links ~ 


~ Giveaway ~  





October 4, 2013

Book Blitz: Character Interview & Giveaway ~ Fractured Legacy (Darkness Bound #1) by Skye Callahan



Title: Fractured Legacy (Darkness Bound #1) 
Author: Skye Callahan
Publication date: October 22nd 2013
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Blitz organized by: Xpresso Book Tours

~ Synopsis ~ 

Kaylyn Anderson's fascination with abandoned places and dark creatures kindled her work as a paranormal investigator. But when dreams begin to distort reality, she questions what is real and pulls away from everyone she trusts. The opportunity to investigate the Teague Hotel - a long-abandoned landmark that has always piqued her curiosity - provides a chance to redeem herself. Unraveling the hotel's secrets won't be easy, but Kaylyn soon finds herself the target of a dark entity that has been trapped in the building for decades. 

If Kaylyn stands any hope of defeating the spirit, she'll have to accept that her fears are real and convince fellow investigators that she hasn't lost her mind. 



~ Meet the Author: Skye Callahan! ~


Skye Callahan was born and raised in Ohio and has seen enough unbelievable stuff to feed a lifetime of paranormal stories. When not writing or working at the dayjob she hangs out with her ethnomusicologist husband and pet ferrets, reads, and takes long walks through the cemetery. 

~ Social Links ~ 

~ Skye Interviews Jonah ~ 

Skye: Hi Jonah, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed.

Jonah: I don't recall having much of a choice in the matter.

Skye: Um... well, tell us a little about yourself.

Jonah: I'm originally from Minnesota, I moved around a lot and now I do research for Aicil and manage the office in Ohio. 

Skye: Can you be more specific? Tell us about some of the creatures you've tracked down for aicil! 

Jonah: *Grimaces* I'm not at liberty to openly discuss our work. 

Skye: Fine, are you at liberty to discuss your tattoos? 

Jonah: You've been talking to Kaylyn again, haven't you? You shouldn't listen to everything she says. 

Skye: Hah, I'm the one person in the world she can't lie to. 

Jonah: We'll see. 

Skye: (He looks like he's holding back a smile, but I can't really tell. Hmpf) You're just as bad with cryptic statements and secrets as Kaylyn. 

Jonah: Yes, but unlike Kaylyn I'm willing to concede when I know a secret could get people seriously hurt. Any more questions? 

Skye: *pauses* Are you ever wrong?

Jonah: *smirks, then his face hardens and becomes unreadable* Yes. I was wrong to let Kaylyn take the Teague Hotel case, and because of that, I risked both of our careers and her life. 

Skye: Any thoughts on what will happen with you two?

Jonah: I'm sure we will continue to berate each other for the foreseeable future. She and Cole seem to have a knack for attracting trouble. Whoever decided that assigning those sisters as partners should have his head examined. 

Skye: Wasn't that Carlisle? 

Jonah: Case and point. Are we done?

Skye: Fine. Go back to work.  

   



September 30, 2013

Blog Tour: Excerpt & Giveaway ~ Red Threads (The Fateliner Series #1) by Stacey J. Mitchell


Hi guys! Welcome to my stop on the Red Threads Blog Tour hosted by Irresistible Reads Tour. Click here to follow along with the blog tour. :D 


Title: Red Threads (The Fateliner Series #1)
Author: Stacey J. Mitchell
Released: 2013
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Blog Tour organized by: Irresistible Reads Tours


~ Synopsis ~

Twenty-six-year-old Lily Robinson has her dream job in a museum, a great boyfriend, and is happy with her life - until the day she starts seeing red threads growing out of the chests of those around her. 

That same day, Lily meets a stranger who seems to know her and understand what she is seeing. Lily doesn't believe him when he says she has a special ability, and it's only when he saves her life that she accepts something very strange is happening to her.

Lily's life is rapidly turned upside-down when she gets thrown into the world of fate and meets the beings who influence it. 

Can she learn to control her ability to help herself and those around her who need it most? 

Will she actually want to when she finds out what she has to do?


~ Excerpt ~ 

"I'm here, and I've got supplies." Lily took a step back from the speaker, released the intercom button, and waited for her best friend's head to appear at the window. 

The window opened, and Georgia's head poked out, her highlighted hair dangling in front of her eyes. "You know no one's allowed in without Ben and Jerry's." 

Lily rolled her eyes and pulled a carton out of the bag on her shoulder. "Well, I have two flavours - Half Baked and Phish Food. Now let me in before it melts."

Georgia grinned and her head disappeared back into her flat.

"I hope you've kept your side of the bargain," Lily said when Georgia opened the door and stood aside to let her in. "I'm expecting films with Channing Tatum or Gerard Butler. Or both together, if such a thing exists." Lily walked through the living room and into the kitchen area, where she dumped her bag on the counter. 

"In that case, you'll love this," Georgia said, holding up two DVD cases. "Magic Mike and 300. Am I the best friend ever, or what?" 

Lily whistled under her breath. "We're in for a treat tonight." She knew her way around Georgia's flat almost as well as she knew her own house, and she grabbed two spoons and two wine glasses and cracked open the bottle of red that Georgia passed her. 

"So what's new with you, then?" Georgia asked, as they carried the wine and ice cream through to the coffee table in front of the sofa. She switched the television on and held the two DVDs up, prompting Lily to choose. 

"300 first." Lily took a sip of her wine. "Not a lot really, work's the same as ever, Nick's fine. Things are just ticking along nicely, you know." She shrugged indifferently. "Come on, you must have some news for me." 

"Me?" Georgia had put the DVD into the machine and was now settling down on the sofa. "Little old perpetually single me?" She rolled her eyes.


~ Meet the Author: 


I am a tea drinker and history geek who lives in south Wales. I love reading, being outdoors, cooking, and stand-up comedy - but I don't like bananas and insects. 

I have been writing stories ever since I could hold a pen. I have a degree in Egyptology, and I love writing so much that I even enjoyed my university coursework.

~ Social Links ~ 


~ Tour Giveaway ~ 




February 28, 2013

review ~ hotblood (house of slide #1) by juliann whicker


Hotblood (House of Slide, #1)Title: Hotblood: A House of Slide Novel
Author: Juliann Whicker
# of Pages: 298
Published May 10, 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal
My Copy: Kindle edition
Average Rating: 3.94 / 5.00
My Rating: 4.00 / 5.00

Add to Goodreads

Goodreads Synopsis

He stole a kiss from the wrong girl…
Left without a soul, 17-year-old Dariana Sanders waited to die. There was nothing left to live for, nothing to feel besides the aching cold that never stopped. Her parent’s marriage was in shambles, and her brother, the only one who understood, the only one who knew how to make the cold go away, was gone forever. The only thing Dariana knew with absolute certainty was that nothing could possibly be right again. Enter Lewis Axel Nialls. Luckily for her, impossible is right up his alley. He can save her from the forces that wish to destroy her. Of course who’s going to save him, from her?


My Thoughts

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through a read and review group on Goodreads.

From the very start, I knew this was going to end up being one of those books I absolutely adore. The premise was different, and I couldn't wait to begin reading it! Right away, I was drawn right into the story. Darianna is a character with whom I immediately connected. She has an interesting family, to say the least, and is facing not only realistic everyday problems but supernatural ones as well. I loved how Darianna became kick ass, going out to hunt and discovering a dark side of herself.

I didn't like Darianna's uncle, Satan, at first, but he grew on me and ended up becoming one of my favorite characters. He was in a foul mood quite a bit in the beginning and is completely reckless, but he's hilarious! It became obvious to me how much he loves and cares about his niece. The dialogue he had with Darianna and other characters was a riot--completely hysterical!

I was ambivalent towards Darianna's mother--I don't understand how she can be okay with what Darianna's brother did to her. She didn't know how to deal with her daughter and came across as cold and unfeeling. Darianna's father seemed to be an absentee dad who didn't care about his daughter, but then you find out why he wasn't able to stay. I didn't agree with his decision to leave, but I understood why he did it. I only wish he had been in the book more.

I don't know what to think of Lewis--was he a good guy? Was he a bad guy? There was so much action with twists and turns around every corner. I absolutely cannot express enough how much I loved this book! I'm excited to find out more about him in the next installment of this series. With the way the book ended, I have no idea what to expect for the next one, and I'm dying to find out what happens next!

Purchase the book: Amazon    Barnes & Noble    IndieBound


Juliann WhickerFrom Smashwords:

Juliann Whicker was raised with chickens, goats, and a cow named Mrs. Mooley who everyone (neighbors included) chased down the street in a small college town. She now lives in Southeastern Ohio with her four children, husband, and all the ticks and poison ivy a soul could crave.

Find the Author