The Guild - Book Review

The Guild (Guardians of Destiny #3)
by Jean Johnson

What is it about:
For centuries, the mages of Mekhana have done their best to hide themselves and their powers from the rapacious needs of their so-called Patron Deity, Mekha. Greatest of their secrets is the Vortex, a Fountain hidden in the heart of the Hydraulics Guild. But even after the dissolution of Mekha and the freeing of his people, Alonnen isn’t ready to reveal his guardianship to outsiders. Particularly when the remnants of Mekha’s priesthood start looking for a new monstrosity to worship.

Rexei has hidden more than her powers for most of her life; she has also hidden her gender, wary of the hungers of the old priesthood. Only in the safety of the Hydraulics Guild’s innermost secrets can she be herself. While the rest of her people struggle to reinvent themselves and find a deity they can trust, Rexei struggles to trust just one man, the Guardian of the Vortex. Events are moving fast, though; the priesthood is desperate for any new source of power, even a demonic one that requires certain sacrifices to access.

What did I think of it:
I've been in a difficult reading mood lately and had trouble finding a book to stick to after the first few pages. This book at least had me intrigued for the entire first chapter so I stuck with it to the end.

And it's a nice read.

It's steampunkish and doesn't even have an airship in it, so that was a big point in favor of this book. Too many authors seem to think they just have to stick an airship in their book to call it steampunk. At least this book had some actual steampunk elements.

I will confess I thought the bad guy was the most intriguing and could have used more screen-time, but Alonnen and Rexei were both enjoyable to read about as well. There are a few times in this book where talk about guilds and a new God got a bit long winded and boring, but mostly it's a nice story.

The romance was nice as well, although I could have done without the smexy talk: piston, cog-star, nethercheeks... It's like putting in that aforementioned airship: if talk like this is meant to convey a steampunk feel, it's not working for me (and it's not sexy either).

All in all this was an entertaining read though, so I might read another book in this series if I come across it.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice Fantasty-Steampunk read.

Replica - Book Review

Replica (Replica #1)
by Lauren Oliver

What is it about:
Two girls, two stories, one epic novel

From Lauren Oliver, New York Times bestselling author of Before I Fall and the Delirium trilogy, comes an epic, masterful novel that explores issues of individuality, identity, and humanity. Replica is a “flip book" that contains two narratives in one, and it is the first in a duology. Turn the book one way and read Lyra's story; turn the book over and upside down and read Gemma's story. The stories can be read separately, one after the other, or in alternating chapters. The two distinct parts of this astonishing novel combine to produce an unforgettable journey. Even the innovative book jacket mirrors and extends the reading experience.

Lyra's story begins in the Haven Institute, a building tucked away on a private island off the coast of Florida that from a distance looks serene and even beautiful. But up close the locked doors, military guards, and biohazard suits tell a different story. In truth, Haven is a clandestine research facility where thousands of replicas, or human models, are born, raised, and observed. When a surprise attack is launched on Haven, two of its young experimental subjects—Lyra, or 24, and the boy known only as 72—manage to escape.

Gemma has been in and out of hospitals for as long as she can remember. A lonely teen, her life is circumscribed by home, school, and her best friend, April. But after she is nearly abducted by a stranger claiming to know her, Gemma starts to investigate her family's past and discovers her father's mysterious connection to the secretive Haven research facility. Hungry for answers, she travels to Florida, only to stumble upon two replicas and a completely new set of questions.

What did I think of it:
I love Oliver's Delirium trilogy, and very much enjoyed some of her other books, so when I saw this book in my local bookstore I had to give it a try.

And this is a really cool read.

There's two stories that run parallel to each other: Lyra's story and Gemma's story. I decided to start with a couple of chapters from Gemma's story and then to switch to Lyra's story. This is how I read the whole book: switching between both stories every few chapters.

I will confess that although Lyra's story has the more interesting world building in the earlier chapters, and she's been through a lot more than Gemma has, I connected more with Gemma. Lyra grew on me, but it was Gemma who I could understand. Lyra is raised in such terrible circumstances you can totally understand why she wants to escape. Gemma's personality and her insecurities made that I was both surprised and impressed when she goes off to investigate.

Both stories are full of action and suspense, and even when the girls meet both stories tell a different part about the developing events. I really liked how Oliver set these stories up and made them work.

The ending was bittersweet and even though I'd be happy if this was all I would get, I was happily surprised to see there's going to be a second book. I will most certainly get my trotters on it.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool YA read.

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On McPig's Radar - The Tides of Bára

The next book in Jeffe Kennedy's Sorcerous Moons series is releasing this Saturday!


The Tides of Bára (Sorcerous Moons #3)
by Jeffe Kennedy
A Narrow Escape

With her secrets uncovered and her power-mad brother bent on her execution, Princess Oria has no sanctuary left. Her bid to make herself and her new barbarian husband rulers of walled Bára has failed. She and Lonen have no choice but to flee through the leagues of brutal desert between her home and his—certain death for a sorceress, and only a bit slower than the blade.

A Race Against Time

At the mercy of a husband barely more than a stranger, Oria must war with her fears and her desires. Wild desert magic buffets her; her husband’s touch allures and burns. Lonen is pushed to the brink, sure he’s doomed his proud bride and all too aware of the restless, ruthless pursuit that follows…

A Danger Beyond Death…

Can Oria trust a savage warrior, now that her strength has vanished? Can Lonen choose her against the future of his people? Alone together in the wastes, Lonen and Oria must forge a bond based on more than lust and power, or neither will survive the test…



Find pre-order links here

Master of the Opera - Book Review by Voodoo Bride (repost)

Master of the Opera
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:
An aria for lost souls

Fresh out of college, Christine Davis is thrilled to begin a summer internship at the prestigious Santa Fe Opera House. But on her first day, she discovers that her dream job has a dark side. Beneath the theater, ghostly music echoes through a sprawling maze of passageways. At first, Christy thinks she’s hearing things. But when a tall masked man steps out of the shadows—and into her arms—she knows he’s not a phantom of her imagination. What she can’t deny is that he is the master of her desire. But when her predecessor—a missing intern—is found dead, Christy wonders if she’s playing with fire...

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
Even though I love Jeffe's work, I only got to reading Master of the Opera when it became available in print. I blame myself and my aversion to e-serials, because I actually had all 6 acts of this book on my ereader since the last part of it became available in March last year, and still didn't read it.

And I can't believe I didn't force myself over my aversion and just read it, because this book is amazing!

This is a retelling of The Phantom of the Opera, but with a spin on the story, and with other mythology added in as well.

I loved the setting. Both the Opera House and Santa Fe itself feel real. I could easily picture myself visiting the city and seeing the sights that are used in this story. Although I'm not sure if I would be brave enough to explore the Opera House.

The story has a dark, mysterious mood and drew me in from the start. Once strange things began to happen I was eager to find out what was going on. I would have finished this book in one sitting if my brain hadn't decided I needed sleep around 2:00 am.

I loved how Jeffe mixed native mythology in with the ghostly atmosphere of the original story. It was a perfect fit in my opinion. The mystery is compelling and I kept guessing how the story would unfold. And I can tell you I was surprised a few times.

All in all this is a really great read, and you can bet I will be rereading it. I will also set aside my aversion to e-serials next time one of my favorite authors has an e-serial out.

Why should you read it:
It's a delicious retelling of Phantom of the Opera, with a twist.


Buy it here

Prefer ebooks?
Find buy links for the first part of the e-serial here

Memento Nora - Book Review

Memento Nora (Memento Nora #1)
by Angie Smibert

What is it about:
On an otherwise glossy day, a blast goes off and a body thuds to the ground at Nora's feet. There are terrorist attacks in the city all the time, but Nora can't forget.

In Nora's world you don't have to put up with nightmares. Nora goes with her mother to TFC--a Therapeutic Forgetting Clinic. There, she can describe her horrible memory and take a pill to erase it so she can go on like nothing ever happened. But at TFC a chance encounter with a mysterious guy changes Nora's life. She doesn't take the pill. And when Nora learns the memory her mother has chosen to forget, she realizes that someone needs to remember.

With newfound friends Micah and Winter, Nora makes a comic book of their memories called Memento. Memento is an instant hit, but it sets off a dangerous chain of events. Will Nora, Micah, and Winter be forced to take the Big Pill that will erase their memories forever?

What did I think of it:
Maybe I'm too cynical, maybe it's because I read other YA books like the Razorland trilogy, The Enemy series, or The Hallowed Ones duology (which both tell a great story and manage to tackle important issues without making it too obvious.) but the last few "thought provoking" Dystopians I read didn't impress me.

This book is yet another nice read, but not as gripping and thought provoking as I had hoped it would be.

I liked Nora and the people she meets. I liked how they wanted to do something, but how it all developed didn't hold any bite for me. It all stayed to close to the surface. I had wanted a bit more emotion and soul searching on the side of the main characters. The world building lacked in giving me a sense of looming danger as well, and when people do show up to take our little rebels down I wasn't invested in their problems.

All in all a fast, nicely written Dystopian, that did not succeed in making me want to read the next book.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice Dystopian read

Teasing on a Monday - The Sword

Too lazy to write a review today, so here's a teaser from my next read.


The dogs warned Tobeszijian that something was wrong.
It was only midday, but the sky hung low, as dark as weathered steel.

(page 1, The Sword by Deborah Chester)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Masked Empire - Book Review

The Masked Empire (Dragon Age #4)
by Patrick Weekes

What is it about:
Empress Celene of Orlais rose to the throne of the most powerful nation in Thedas through wisdom, wit, and ruthless manipulation. Now, the empire she has guided into an age of enlightenment is threatened from within by imminent war between the templars and the mages, even as rebellion stirs among the downtrodden elves To save Orlais, Celene must keep her hold on the throne by any means necessary.

Fighting with the legendary skill of the Orlesian Chevaliers , Grand Duke Gaspard has won countless battles for the empire and the empress But has he fought in vain? As the Circle fails and chaos looms, Gaspard begins to doubt that Celene’s diplomatic approach to the mage problem or the elven uprisings will keep the empire safe. Perhaps it is time for a new leader, one who lives by the tenets of the Chevalier’s Code, to make Orlais strong again.

Briala has been Celene’s handmaid since the two of them were children, subtly using her position to help improve the lives of elves across Orlais. She is Celene’s confidante, spymaster, and lover, but when politics force the empress to choose between the rights of Briala’s people and the Orlesian throne, Briala must in turn decide where her true loyalties lie.

Alliances are forged and promises broken as Celene and Gaspard battle for the throne of Orlais But in the end, the elves who hide in the forests or starve in the alienages may decide the fate of the masked empire.

What did I think of it:
Being the Dragon Age fanpiggy I am, I'd most probably picked up this book no matter who wrote it, but knowing this book was written by the same person who wrote some of my favorite Mass Effect and Dragon Age characters and Mass Effect story arcs, I was quite excited to read this book. Even though I am totally not a fan of Briala in the game!

And this is a great read!

I will confess this book didn't manage to redeem Briala - it even made me dislike her more - but I loved the story and extra world building it gave me. I also liked getting to know more about Celine, Gaspard and Briala. (And it makes I'm now even more thorn on what to decide in Dragon Age: Inquisition where it comes to Orlais.)

I loved learning more about life in the cities of Orlais, both for the high born and the elves. There's also a questy trip through the countryside and the woods that I very much enjoyed.

There was one really cool character - Felassan - who was my favorite. Some remarks by Felassan made that the ending wasn't really a surprise for me. Still this was a really cool story!

All in all another must have for fans of the games, and I already ordered the one missing book in this series so I can read that one soon as well.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool Dragon Age novel

On McPig's Radar - Caraval

I saw the Dutch translation of this book in my local bookstore and the cover looked interesting enough to read the blurb, even though I don't read translation anymore. It sounded so cool I immediately looked up the English version, only to discover that the English version will not release until January 2017. You bet I pre-ordered it right away!


Caraval (Untitled #1)
by Stephanie Garber

Before you enter the world of Caraval, you must remember that it’s all a game . . .

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their ruthless father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

Then, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation to Caraval finally arrives. So, Tella enlists a mysterious sailor’s help to whisk Scarlett away to this year’s show. But as soon as the trio arrives, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nonetheless soon becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with her sister, with Legend, and with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

A Cat, a Hat and a Piece of String - Book Review (repost)

A Cat, a Hat and a Piece of String
by Joanne Harris

What is it about:
'Stories are like Russian dolls; open them up, and in each one you'll find another story.'

Conjured from a wickedly imaginative pen, here is a new collection of short stories that showcases Joanne Harris's exceptional storytelling art. Sensuous, wicked, mischievous, uproarious and wry, here are tales that combine the everyday with the unexpected; wild fantasy with bittersweet reality.

From the house where it is Christmas all year round, to a ghost who lives on a Twitter timeline; from the Congo where a young girl braves the raging rapids to earn a crust of bread, to Norse gods battling for survival in Manhattan; and a newborn baby created with sugar, spice and lashings of cake, these stories will ensnare and delight you with their variety and inventiveness.

What did I think of it:
So far I only read complete novels by Joanne Harris, and I loved those. So when I came across this book with short stories I had to give it a try.

And this is a wonderful collection of short stories. Joanne Harris' style is in itself enough to keep you reading, no matter the subject of her stories. I loved the flow of her prose: it's vivid and imaginative.

But her style isn't the only thing to love in this book. The stories themselves are beautiful as well. Some are funny, some deep, some touching, while yet other stories are all of those things in one.

As in all collections there were stories I liked more than the others, and stories I liked less, but overall I very much enjoyed this book and I look forward to getting my hands on more books by Joanne Harris.

Why should you read it:
It's a well-written collection of short stories.

Black Diamond - Release Day Review + Giveaway

Black Diamond (Wilds of the Bayou #2)
by Susannah Sandlin

What is it about:
For some people, the untamed beauty of the bayou is a place to hide. For Louisiana wildlife agent Jena Sinclair, it’s a place of refuge—one where she can almost forget the tragedy that scarred both her skin and her soul. But when the remains of yet another fisherman turn up, Jena realizes that Bayou Pointe-aux-Chenes is not safe for her…or anyone else.

The mysterious deaths aren’t her only problem. A dangerous drug known as Black Diamond is circulating through Terrebonne Parish, turning addicts into unpredictable sociopaths. Jena’s investigation leads her to Cole Ryan—a handsome, wary recluse struggling with his own troubled history—who knows more than he’s willing to admit. If they want to stop the killer, Jena and Cole must step out of the shadows of their pasts and learn to help each other…before the evils lurking in the bayou consume them both.

What did I think of it:
I've loved everything I've read by Susannah Sandlin/Suzanne Johnson so far, so you bet I pre-ordered this book.

And it's yet another great read.

The way Sandlin describes the bayou makes that I could easily picture it and imagine I was there. I loved the mood and atmosphere in this book, just as I loved it in the previous one.

I liked Jena in the first book, so I was rooting for her from the start. Events from the first book had a serious impact on Jena, and the drugs flooding the parish aren't her only problem. Cole is an intriguing character as well, and I had to keep reading to find out what would happen to both of them.

Another thing I love about this series are the minor characters. They play an important role in the story and seeing these recurring characters makes that you feel for not only the lead characters, but the entire Parish. (And I so want to read a book with Paul as the lead character!!)

All in all this is a gripping and suspenseful read, with a fast developing, but believable romance, great characters and writing, and gators! I can recommend it to anyone who's looking for a great Romantic Suspense read.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome Romantic Suspense read. And did I mention the gators!



Giveaway:

Time to spread the book love!
One reader of my blog can win either Black Diamond or Wild Man's Curse (book #1) in print.

giveaway closed
winner = Linda Herold

Open to everyone who is legally allowed to enter and lives somewhere bookdepository ships to.

Teasing on a Monday - Replica

Her eyes stung from the sudden vapor of dust, which seemed to rise all at once and everywhere, like a soft exhalation. People were screaming. An alarm kept hitting the same high note of panic, over and over, without end.


(page 68, Replica - Lyra by Lauren Oliver)




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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Asunder - Book Review

Asunder (Dragon Age #3)
by David Gaider

What is it about:
A mystical killer stalks the halls of the White Spire, the heart of templar power in the mighty Orlesian Empire. To prove his innocence, Rhys reluctantly embarks on a journey into the western wastelands that will not only reveal much more than he bargained for but change the fate of his fellow mages forever.

What did I think of it:
Yes: I got my trotters on another Dragon Age novel.

And this is a very enjoyable read especially for fans of the Dragon Age games.

Not only are there a couple of characters from the game in this book, it also delves into the reasons the mages rebelled. A rebellion that leads to the events in Dragon Age: Inquisition.

Gaider's writing is much better than it was in The Calling and the story feels less like a written rpg as well. There are still some scenes that do remind you of typical gameplay scenarios, but not enough to annoy, in my opinion.

Rhys does have all the characteristics Gaider seems to love in his male leads, but he's different enough that he wasn't a bad Alistair clone, like Anders was in Awakenings. I also really liked Evangeline, an honorable templar, and Shale, the Golem from Dragon Age Origins. I had more trouble with Wynne (DAO) and Cole (DAI), but then I don't like them much in the games either, so that's probably not surprising. This story did give me more insight in Cole though, and I liked learning more about his past.

All in all I had a great time with this book and next I'll pick up The Masked Empire to learn even more about the world of Dragon Age.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool read for fans of Dragon Age.

McPig is Curious - Good or Bad?

When looking for new books to add to my wishlist I came across this one. The blurb is so vague that now I'm curious if the book is good or as bad as the blurb. Anyone read it?


The Sword (The Sword, the Ring, and the Chalice #1)
by Deborah Chester

Two men. One is a prince of royal blood. The other is a half-breed, part human, part elf. But the part that is human is also royal. Two women. One is a princess, pampered and protected. The other lives in the forest, the leader of a band of rebels. She too has elven blood.

This is their story -- the tale of love and hate, courage and cowardliness, and magic both dark and light.

Grave Mercy - Book Review (repost)

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)
by Robin LaFevers

What is it about:
Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

What did I think of it:
I have tried reading this book back in 2012, but the present tense really put me off. Now two years later I'm getting more and more used to authors using present tense, and I've learned to not let it drag me out of the story (although I still am no fan). So I decided to give this book a second try, because the premise is cool.

And this time I managed to ignore present tense long enough to get hooked.

I will confess I had my doubts about the convent and how the nuns decide who should die. I really loved it when I discovered this played a large role in the story. It's not black and white, but shows how things are much more complex than just good vs. evil.

Ismae had to grow on me. She's a bit too cocky and sure of herself at first. Even when I thought she was blundering, she thought she was a marvel of perfection. Luckily she did change a bit and I could root for her. There were times she did jump to obvious wrong conclusions to create some tension, but that's a trick I've seen used before by authors, and can't be held against Ismae.

And then there was Duval!
Ismae is send to court in the role of Duval's mistress, to both their displeasure. Duval doesn't trust the convent and Ismae, with good reasons, for Ismae is told to spy on him. I loved Duval. He seemed a bit condescending at first, but when I learned more about him, I could understand his aloof manners much better. And it was a pleasure to read how he and Ismae grudgingly start to like each other.

There's also lots of intrigue, mysteries and dangerous situations. Who can Ismae trust? Can she fulfill her duty to the convent without losing herself in the process? I was totally engrossed in the story and finished in almost a single sitting.

This book is part of a trilogy as I understand it, but each book has a different lead character. The lead characters of the next books have been introduced in this book, and i can tell you I'm looking forward to reading the next book, because I want more!

Why should you read it:
This is a really cool Young Adult Fantasy read with intrigue and murder.

Teaser Tuesdays - Barefoot on the Wind

We are not willing to die for him.
But then who would? Who would, if not his friends, his neighbours, his family in all but blood? Who else would risk their lives for him if not them?

(page 73, Barefoot on the Wind by Zoe Marriott)




===

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Dark Light of Day - DNF Book Review

Dark Light of Day (Noon Onyx #1)
by Jill Archer

What is it about:
Armageddon is over. The demons won. And yet somehow…the world has continued. Survivors worship patron demons under a draconian system of tributes and rules. These laws keep the demons from warring among themselves, and the world from slipping back into chaos.

Noon Onyx grew up on the banks of the river Lethe, the daughter of a prominent politician, and a descendant of Lucifer’s warlords. Noon has a secret: She was born with waning magic, the dark, destructive, fiery power that is used to control demons and maintain the delicate peace among them. But a woman with waning magic is unheard of, and some would consider her an abomination.

Noon is summoned to attend St. Lucifer’s, a school of demon law. She must decide whether to declare her powers there…or to attempt to continue hiding them, knowing the price for doing so may be death. And once she meets the forbiddingly powerful Ari Carmine—who suspects Noon is harboring magic as deadly as his own—Noon realizes there may be more at stake than just her life.

What did I think of it:
There was so much that I liked about this book.

The setting and world building is very cool. I like Noon and two of her friends. There's a boarding school! There were lawsuits! With all these things you'd think I'd love this books.

But there were also the love interests...

There's Peter, the friend from childhood who wants Noon to change instead of letting her know she's perfectly fine as she is. I did not like him!

And there's Ari, who is pushing himself on Noon from the start and who I didn't like much either.

For the sake of the story - and all those elements I did enjoy - I kept reading, but when Ari did something jerkish to make sure Noon couldn't spend time with Peter I had enough and I put down the book. The good parts of the story weren't enough to put up with the annoyance I felt over Peter and Ari.

Why should you read it:
Maybe it's just me, and you'll like the love interests as well as the rest of the story.

Release Alert - Teeth, Long and Sharp

This anthology released yesterday!


Teeth, Long and Sharp
by Grace Draven, Antioch Grey, Aria M. Jones, Jeffe Kennedy and Mel Sterling

A collection of tales sharp and pointed.

IVORIES by Aria M. Jones - Eleanor resents the afternoons sacrificed to piano lessons and a disagreeable teacher who gloats over her failures and humiliations. Today, it’s Mrs. Lundemann’s turn for a sacrifice of a very different nature…

NIGHT TIDE by Grace Draven - Something hunts the surf at night, luring villagers to their deaths with a lullaby of sorrow and the torture of nightmares. Blessed with the gift of water-sight, Zigana Imre senses the presence of an ancient predator possessing a taste for human flesh sweetened by grief. With the help of a child of earth, she will battle a spawn of the sea to protect a loved one and save a man who will one day save a world.

THE NOISE OF FUR by Jeffe Kennedy - The first time, it came at night…

In the forest, a Thing prowls, picking off members of young Raven’s tribe. If they flee their home, they face starvation. If only Raven can answer the question of what kind of fur makes that noise.

VENETRIX by Antioch Grey - A merchant and a poet come to the City, seeking justice for the murder of a relative, and if justice cannot be found, they will have revenge. They collude with vampires, negotiate with mermaids, share ale and meat pies with gargoyles and navigate the prisons, waterways and court system of a city ruled by a Master possessing long life and even longer teeth.

The City will make you a fortune, or it will kill you, but it will always change you.

THE VAMPIRES OF MULBERRY STREET by Aria M. Jones - Living the simple life in small town Indiana, Mrs. H has everything she could possibly ever want: a cozy house, peace and quiet, and a garden that is the envy of Mulberry Street. But when sinister outsiders disrupt the tranquility of her neighborhood, it might be time for her to come out of retirement and take up tools more deadly than pruning shears and a trowel.

VOICE OF THE KNIFE by Mel Sterling - Biologist Charles Napier doesn’t mind getting lost in a Florida swamp—it’s part of a scientist’s job. Logic and training will get him out safely. Except lurking in this swamp, there’s a monster Napier’s science can’t explain...a lonely, exquisite, desperate monster.

Foreword by Ilona Andrews


Buy from Amazon

On McPig's Wishlist - The Drowning City

The Drowning City (The Necromancer Chronicles #1)
by Amanda Downum

Symir -- the Drowning City. home to exiles and expatriates, pirates and smugglers. And violent revolutionaries who will stop at nothing to overthrow the corrupt Imperial government.

For Isyllt Iskaldur, necromancer and spy, the brewing revolution is a chance to prove herself to her crown. All she has to do is find and finance the revolutionaries, and help topple the palaces of Symir. But she is torn between her new friends and her duties, and the longer she stays in this monsoon-drenched city, the more intrigue she uncovers -- even the dead are plotting.

As the waters rise and the dams crack, Isyllt must choose between her mission and the city she came to save.

The Masked Truth - Book Review (repost)

The Masked Truth
by Kelley Armstrong

What is it about:
Riley Vasquez is haunted by the brutal murder of the couple she was babysitting for.

Max Cross is suffering under the shadow of a life-altering diagnosis he doesn’t dare reveal.

The last thing either of them wants is to spend a weekend away at a therapy camp alongside five other teens with “issues.” But that’s exactly where they are when three masked men burst in to take the group hostage.

The building has no windows. The exits are sealed shut. Their phones are gone. And their captors are on a killing spree.

Riley and Max know that if they can’t get out, they’ll be next—but they’re about to discover that even escape doesn’t equal freedom.

What did I think of it:
I usually stick to Fantasy, Paranormal and SF, but once in a while a contemporary story sounds so intriguing I want to give it a try.

And this book is so good!

This book is full of suspense and action. Once I started reading I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. I kept trying to guess where things would lead to. There were some clues along the way that I picked up on, but other events came as a shock. All in all this is an intense and cool read.

The story is told from both Riley's and Max's viewpoint, and I liked how it gave insight in both of them. I really liked both of them, and cheered both of them on. Armstrong doesn't make things easy on them, but that is what makes this book such a gripping read.

The book has a very satisfying ending, and you can bet I'll be rereading it in the future. I wouldn't mind at all if Armstrong decides to write more contemporary suspense.

Why should you read it:
It's a really intense and cool, Suspenseful Contemporary YA read.

TBR Orphans - Update

We read two orphaned books in September!

The Fire Lord's Lover had been in out TBR pile since July 2015
Kill or Cure had been in there since March 2016.

How did your challenges go?

Cell 7 - Book Review

Cell 7
by Kerry Drewery

What is it about:
Should she live or die? You decide

An adored celebrity has been killed. Sixteen-year-old Martha Honeydew was found holding a gun, standing over the body.

Now Justice must prevail.

The general public will decide whether Martha is innocent or guilty by viewing daily episodes of the hugely popular TV show Death is Justice, the only TV show that gives the power of life and death decisions - all for the price of a phone call.

Martha has admitted to the crime. But is she guilty? Or is reality sometimes more complicated than the images we are shown on TV?

What did I think of it:
Although a nice read I think this book could have been harder.

The premise of this book is a good and current one: How much are we manipulated by what we're shown on TV? How much freedom will we give up just because we think it doesn't concern us (yet)? How much power lies with those with money?

With issues like these I expected a bit more bite from this story, but instead it explores the misery of Martha vs. what the public gets shown, and the half-assed attempts of those who care for her to get her declared innocent. People who should know better let themselves be taken on a ride, people who are devious are being shown as devious, and the general public is shown as one big lump of uninformed and uninterested mass who just wants to be entertained.

So yeah, it's a bit black and white, and the overall story isn't strong enough to deliver the message this book wants you to receive. Maybe it works for those who haven't really thought about issues like these, but for me a read that could have been thought provoking turned out to be just an entertaining read.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice near future YA read.