On McPig's Wishlist - Winter Tide

Winter Tide (The Innsmouth Legacy #1)
by Ruthanna Emrys

After attacking Devil’s Reef in 1928, the U.S. Government rounded up the people of Innsmouth and took them to the desert, far from their ocean, their Deep One ancestors, and their sleeping god Cthulhu. Only Aphra and Caleb Marsh survived the camps, and they emerged without a past or a future.

The government that stole Aphra's life now needs her help. FBI agent Ron Spector believes that Communist spies have stolen dangerous magical secrets from Miskatonic University, secrets that could turn the Cold War hot in an instant, and hasten the end of the human race.

Aphra must return to the ruins of her home, gather scraps of her stolen history, and assemble a new family to face the darkness of human nature.



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Jinxed - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Jinxed (Toxic Bitchcraft, #1)
by K.B. Everly

What is it about:
Never cross a Craft witch...

Christi Craft is the name and being witchy is my game!

I own a little shop in rural Salem, filled with all manner of fun things; priceless heirlooms, cursed artifacts, bath bombs, Spills (magically spelled pills, if you get my drift). You know, harmless things.

However, Milo James, a sexy AF Warlock Warden, disagrees. He's always giving me citations and fines for selling my cursed artifacts to humans who don't know any better. I’ve known him most of my life, and he sees me as a little sister – at least, that’s how he treats me. Dang it…

If that's not enough, Orrin, my Incubus lover, suddenly wants more from me than just an occasional roll in the sheets. On top of that, I have to deal with this poltergeist I unknowingly acquired with a recent purchase. He's demanding I solve his murder. What he doesn't seem to grasp is that I suck at being a witch.

But things aren't what they seem when it comes to this spirit, and I'm not sure I can help him on my own. With or without my power.

**This is a REVERSE HAREM romance filled with laughs, lust, and a whole lot of foul language. You’ve been warned.**

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
First: Yes, my print copy says K.B. Ladnier, but the author recently changed her pen-name to K.B. Everly, so I thought I'd mention her new name.

On to the book: I do not read a lot of reverse harem romances, but this one sounded fun and it had such a gorgeous cover I couldn't resist. (It is about 122 pages long in print, btw.)

And I was not disappointed. This is a fun and snarky read. I liked Christi and her sidekick, the pixie Turk. I liked getting to know Christi, her shop, her friends, and potential harem. And let me tell you: Even while being a total klutz at magic and other things, Christi sure does know how to attract some hotties. I especially drooled over Orrin (he has a beard!).

This first book sets up the main suspense storyline for the rest of the series and introduces you to at least two men of Christi's future harem. There are some hot scenes in this book, but no harem just yet. I can tell you I'm looking forward to things getting even more cozy.

All in all a delightful read that was everything I hoped for when I bought it. I'll be keeping an eye out for the next book.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and snarky paranormal reverse harem romance.


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Teaser Tuesdays - Daughter of the Burning City

Kahina is unable to see the future of my illusions because they aren't entirely real.
But apparently they're real enough to die.

(page 66, Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody)


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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!

Reading Rivalry: How Well Did We Do?

Untamed - Book Review

Untamed (House of Night #4)
by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

What is it about:
As if it's not enough to lose her friends and all three boyfriends, Zoey Redbird, the most powerful fledgling the Vampyre world has ever seen, knows that great trouble is coming to the House of Night.

Despite her nightmares, Zoey finds herself distracted by the new kid Stark, brought to the House by Neferet, who clearly has something she wants from him. There's something between Stark and Zoey that she never imagined - but disaster is awaiting them all, and she doesn't know if she can fight the approaching evil alone any more...

What did I think of it:
It probably says something about me that I like Aphrodite (who was the big bad girl in book 1) the best of all the characters. But over the last few books she has been slowly becoming friends with Zoey. I do hope she will keep her edge.

As always Zoey is slutshaming and judging people left and right, while she is already on the lookout for a new boy toy herself, sipping her brown pop. That being said: I think this is the best book so far. The slow going plotline that meandered through the first three books is finally gathering speed and serious danger is coming for The House of Night.

With Aphrodite taking charge at times Zoey and her friends are acting smart in this book. I liked that Zoey's grandmother wasn't so judgy as Zoey towards Aphrodite, and that there seems to be a cool love interest for Aphrodite as well. As for Zoey: her taste in men seems to be 'as many as possible' so we will see what's next in her love life soon I suspect.

All in all yet again an entertaining read. I'll be picking up the next book soon.

Why should you read it:
It's a very entertaining Paranormal YA read.


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What We've Been Reading, and What's Being Read Next

Chosen - Book Review

Chosen (House of Night #3)
by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

What did I think of it:
Dark forces are at work at the House of Night and Zoey Redbird’s adventures at the school take a mysterious turn.

Her best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead and struggling to maintain a grip on her humanity. Zoey finds herself in the very unexpected and rare situation of having three boyfriends. Mix a little bloodlust into the equation and the situation has the potential to spell social disaster.

Just when it seems things couldn’t get any tougher, vampyres start turning up dead. Really dead. It looks like the People of Faith are tired of living side-by-side with vampyres. But, as Zoey and her friends so often find out, how things appear rarely affects the truth…

What did I think of it:
I'm starting to dislike Zoey more and more with each book. She's immature, judgmental, and her vocabulary is super annoying.

That being said: the story is quite entertaining. There are things you can see coming from miles away. I mean: yes, there was one love interest I thought was the most interesting, but I also knew he was too good to be true, as it turns out of course. Still these books are fun to read when you're in the mood for something uncomplicated.

All in all the entertainment value is still higher than my annoynce of Zoey and her brown pop, so I'll pick up the next book soon.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable Paranormal YA read.


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On McPig's Wishlist - #Murdertrending

#Murdertrending (MurderTrending #1)
by Gretchen McNeil

WELCOME TO THE NEAR FUTURE, where good and honest 8/18 citizens can enjoy watching the executions of society’s most infamous convicted felons, streaming live on The Postman app from the suburbanized prison island Alcatraz 2.0.

When eighteen-year-old Dee Guerrera wakes up in a haze, lying on the ground of a dimly lit warehouse, she realizes she’s about to be the next victim of the app. Knowing hardened criminals are getting a taste of their own medicine in this place is one thing, but Dee refuses to roll over and die for a heinous crime she didn’t commit. Can Dee and her newly formed posse, the Death Row Breakfast Club, prove she’s innocent before she ends up wrongfully murdered for the world to see? Or will The Postman’s cast of executioners kill them off one by one?


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The Unbound - Book Review

The Unbound (The Archived #2)
by Victoria Schwab

What is it about:
Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Last summer, Mackenzie Bishop, a Keeper tasked with stopping violent Histories from escaping the Archive, almost lost her life to one. Now, as she starts her junior year at Hyde School, she's struggling to get her life back. But moving on isn't easy -- not when her dreams are haunted by what happened. She knows the past is past, knows it cannot hurt her, but it feels so real, and when her nightmares begin to creep into her waking hours, she starts to wonder if she's really safe.

Meanwhile, people are vanishing without a trace, and the only thing they seem to have in common is Mackenzie. She's sure the Archive knows more than they are letting on, but before she can prove it, she becomes the prime suspect. And unless Mac can track down the real culprit, she'll lose everything, not only her role as Keeper, but her memories, and even her life. Can Mackenzie untangle the mystery before she herself unravels?

With stunning prose and a captivating mixture of action, romance, and horror, The Unbound delves into a richly imagined world where no choice is easy and love and loss feel like two sides of the same coin.

What did I think of it:
This book is just as cool as the first book.

I was hooked from the start and wondering and theorizing what was going on. Mackenzie soon gets in over her head, and I liked that Schwab didn't shy away from making it very hard on Mackenzie to keep her job as Keeper, by letting both the Library and her parents crack down on her. Luckily she has Wesley to help her out at times.

There is a bit of a love triangle thing going on, but not serious enough to annoy me. Mackenzie has too much problems to solve to get too deep involved in love triangle dramas.

The story was suspenseful and compelling once more. I could guess at some things, but there were other things going on that had me puzzled. I kept cheering Mackenzie and Wesley on to figure things out and to save the day.

The ending was satisfying, still I was glad there was a short story included at the back of the book, because I needed more. The short story was everything I needed to feel content, even with the knowledge there might not be more books coming in this series.

All in all an awesome read.

Why should you read it:
It's a wonderful and suspenseful Paranormal YA read.


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Reading Update & Wishlist

Teaser Tuesdays - Chosen

'Crap. Then she really can't go out in the sunlight,' I said.
'You didn't already know that?' Aphrodite said.

(page 109, Chosen by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast)


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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 Archived - Book Review

The Archived (The Archived #1)
by Victoria Schwab

What is it about:
Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was: a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous—it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost, Da's death was hard enough, but now that her little brother is gone too, Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself may crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

What did I think of it:
I read The Archived back in 2013, and somehow never got hold of the sequel. So when The Dark Vault was announced (both books + a short story) I pre-ordered it. I will be reviewing each book separately. I first reread The Archived as I wanted to have the story clear in my mind before starting on The Unbound.

And The Archived is even more beautiful than I remembered.

The story is very intriguing. The idea of an archive where sleeping copies of the dead rest is compelling. I could easily picture both the Archive and the Narrows where those Histories that accidentally wake up wander, confused and scared.

I could easily relate to Mackenzie as well. Eager to follow in the footsteps of her grandfather, missing her brother, trying to cope with both her own loss and her parents'. I felt for her and rooted for her to uncover what secrets the old hotel where they just moved to holds, and to figure out what's happening in the archive.

As this was a reread I already knew some important things that happen in the story, but even knowing what would happen I still was totally invested and worried about Mackenzie. And I could pay more attention to the writing this time around. This book is in present tense, but Schwab's writing is excellent, so it didn't drag me out of the story. Especially the parts where Mackenzie remembers her grandfather are almost poetry.

All in all this is a beautiful and engaging read. You bet I'll be reading The Unbound next.

Why should you read it:
It's a wonderful and suspenseful Paranormal YA read.


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Good Luck with That - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Good Luck with That
by Kristan Higgins

What is it about:
Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes away, she leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults.

For each of them, that means something different. For Marley, it's coming to terms with the survivor's guilt she's carried around since her twin sister's death, which has left her blind to the real chance for romance in her life. For Georgia, it's about learning to stop trying to live up to her mother's and brother's ridiculous standards, and learning to accept the love her ex-husband has tried to give her.

But as Marley and Georgia grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson's dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
So I don't usually read Women's Fiction, but this seemed to be a book that people either love or burn to the ground. And in a case like that I get curious. I decided to give it a try.

And this is a really emotional and difficult read in my opinion. I can even understand why some people get mad at the book. A lot of the story deals with body issues, body image, and how we ourselves and others look at our weight. It's a delicate subject, but in my opinion the author handled it well.

One thing that seemed to upset people was how Emerson's death was used as a plot point. I can't say I understand why that's a bad thing. It's not like there aren't any other books that use the death of someone as a plot point. I had to wonder if those people were just as outraged by Me Before You for example.

Emerson asks Georgia and Marley to do the things they told each other they'd do when they'd lost weight. It's a wake up call to both of them to look at their lives and to see what is holding them back to do the things they want to do. Is it their weight, or are they holding themselves back for other reasons.

What follows is a heartbreaking and emotional story where both women try to do the things on the list they made as teens, and they discover more about themselves, their place in the world and in their family. This is as much a story about family, courage, second chances, and self acceptance as it is about body issues, if not even more so.

I will confess I bawled my eyes out over one character who Marley meets. He reminded me of an uncle of mine who had the same issues and fears. I also fell in love with Georgia's nephew, who has his own battles to fight.

All in all this was a thought provoking read and I'm glad I picked it up.

Why should you read it:
It's an emotional and thought provoking read.


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Our Most Exciting Reads

On McPig's Wishlist - City of Ghosts

City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake #1)
by Victoria Schwab

Ever since Cass almost drowned (okay, she did drown, but she doesn't like to think about it), she can pull back the Veil that separates the living from the dead . . . and enter the world of spirits. Her best friend is even a ghost.

So things are already pretty strange. But they're about to get much stranger.

When Cass's parents start hosting a TV show about the world's most haunted places, the family heads off to Edinburgh, Scotland. Here, graveyards, castles, and secret passageways teem with restless phantoms. And when Cass meets a girl who shares her "gift," she realizes how much she still has to learn about the Veil -- and herself.


And she'll have to learn fast. The city of ghosts is more dangerous than she ever imagined.


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Oliver Twisted - Book Review

Oliver Twisted
by J.D. Sharpe and Charles Dickens

What is it about:
The world according to Oliver Twisted is simple. Vampyres feed on the defenceless, orphans are sacrificed to hungry gods and if a woe-begotten catches your scent it will hunt you forever.

On the advice of a corpse, Oliver flees his ghastly orphan life to seek his destiny in the dark streets of old London Town, despite the perils of the woe-begotten zombie-infested journey. There he meets the shadowy Dodger, the evil old soul-stealer Fagin, and the menacing Bill Sikes, who is more beast than man.

But will Oliver Twisted be the world's salvation, or its downfall?!

What did I think of it:
I received this book as a present from Beanie. He knows what I like!

This book is a retelling of Oliver Twist, but with Vampires, zombies, and more added to it. And it is a really cool read. Once I started I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting.

I have read the original book long ago, but remembered enough to recognize some events although they were of course tweaked in a way I was totally on board with. Other events I didn't remember so clearly and after reading the book I looked up the plot of the original story to see how different this story was was the original.

I must say I liked some the characters more than I liked them in the original story, especially Dodger. I was eager to see what would happen to my favorite characters and if Oliver would make the right choices.

All in all a really cool retelling and it will join my other mashup booksto be reread when I'm in the mood.

Why should you read it:
You mean you weren't sold on the book after reading the tagline "Please, sir. I want some gore."?


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Most Exciting Reads - Are They?

Teaser Tuesdays - The Dark Vault

"What are you waiting for?" he growls. "I said, let me out."
"All right," I say again, sliding back. "I'll take you to the right door."

(page 72, The Dark Vault by Victoria Schwab)


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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!

Betrayed - Book Review

Betrayed (House of Night #2)
by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

What is it about:
Zoey, High Priestess in training, has managed to settle in at the House of Night and come to terms with the vast powers the Vampyre Goddess Nyx has given her. Just as she finally feels she belongs, the unthinkable happens: human teenagers are being killed, and all evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey’s old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves.

What did I think of it:
A long long time ago, apparently before I started my review blog, I read the first book in this series, but didn't get the next book after that. I found book 2 to 10 at the charity bookstore recently though, and decided to buy them.

And this is a nice read.

I will confess I think Zoey is a bit too judgmental at times, and unfairly so. She calls people sluts for dressing sexy and for taking things a bit further than just making out in a relationship, even though she herself is thinking about dating three different guys. But as long as she doesn't dress sexy she's no slut herself of course!

That aside: I had fun with this book. There's teen angsting, drama, boarding school stuff, and a nice little mystery. Zoey and her friends are a walking cliche at times, but not too annoyingly so. The story is entertaining enough to stick with it. The ending leaves enough open to be curious what's next. I at least have 8 more books to see where things will go.

All in all an enjoyable read. I will try the next book soon.

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining Paranormal YA read.


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Reading Challenge - Update

Podcast - Reading Update

Heart of Thorns - Book Review

Heart of Thorns (Heart of Thorns #1)
by Bree Barton

What is it about:
In the ancient river kingdom, where touch is a battlefield and bodies the instruments of war, Mia Rose has pledged her life to hunting Gwyrach: women who can manipulate flesh, bones, breath, and blood. The same women who killed her mother without a single scratch.

But when Mia's father announces an alliance with the royal family, she is forced to trade in her knives and trousers for a sumptuous silk gown. Determined to forge her own path forward, Mia plots a daring escape, but could never predict the greatest betrayal of all: her own body. Mia possesses the very magic she has sworn to destroy.

Now, as she untangles the secrets of her past, Mia must learn to trust her heart...even if it kills her.

What did I think of it:
So the pictured book is the special FairyLoot edition with sprayed pages.

Anyway.

This is a really beautiful Fantasy read.

Mia's mother was killed by a Gwyrach and ever since she has been training with her father's hunters to become a Gwyrach hunter as well. She is determined to find her mother's killer. But then her father wants her to marry the son of the king.

She wants to escape together with her sister, but that's when things go wrong: she discovers she is a Gwyrach herself, and soon she is on the run together with the prince she almost wed. As they tumble from one problem into the next Mia learns that a lot of what she's been told isn't true, and on top of that she will have to learn how to control her new found abilities.

I loved both the story and the world building. Even though a lot of characters were a bit black and white there were also some more ambiguous characters. I especially liked the prince and Mia's father. Mia herself does a rather quick turnabout once she discovers she has magic, but the story was cool enough that this didn't annoy me.

Near the end of the book there are some unexpected developments that racked up the suspense, and the climax of the story left me flabbergasted in a good way. You bet I'll keep an eye out for the sequel, because I need to know what will happen next.

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


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On McPig's Radar - Pawned

Go preorder this book now!
I can tell you it is awesome!


Pawned
by Laura Bickle

For fans of Stranger Things and the works of Neil Gaiman, Pawned is a Young Adult novel that blends dark fantasy adventure and noir — on the New Jersey boardwalk.

You can hock almost anything at my family’s pawn shop…even your own soul.

You think running a pawn shop full of cursed objects with your dad and grandpops is cool? Try it for a week and get back to me. Now try picking up any random object and seeing its creeptastic history play out right before your eyes — yup, that’s my little “gift.” It’s my job to sort out what’s haunted and hexed from what’s not, and do my best to keep all of us — including Bert, our ice-cream-truck-driving-lizard demon — employed.

So it wasn’t all sunshine, roses, and possessed samurai swords even before grandpops’ heart attack — but now things are garden-gnome levels of bad. Dad made a deal with the wrong end of the dark side to save grandpops’ life, putting my whole family smack dab between the forces of evil and our friendly local blow-your-pawn-shop-to-smithereens mobsters. And Lily next door…I shouldn’t even be thinking about Lily.

All I ever wanted was to get out of this crap town and away from my messed-up family, and instead it looks like I’m gonna have to use every scrap of magic in this joint or there won’t be any family left to leave behind…


Expected publication: September 13th 2018

Find buy links here

Frenchman Street - Book Review

Frenchman Street (Sentinels of New Orleans #6)
by Suzanne Johnson

What is it about:
The uneasy truce between the preternatural species of New Orleans has shattered, with wizards and elves, shifters and vampires—not to mention the historical undead—struggling for ultimate control of the city, including the humans who still think they’re atop the food chain.

They aren’t, however—and the Summer Prince of Faerie wants them to know it.

Stuck in the middle? One unemployed wizard sentinel. For DJ Jaco, war makes for strange bedfellows as she finally embraces her wizard-elven heritage and strikes a deal with the devil so she and her ragtag band of allies can return to defend her hometown. After all, when the undead French pirate Jean Lafitte has been hired by the mayor as a consultant, things could go horribly wrong.

War is coming to New Orleans just in time for Mardi Gras, with the elves and wizards lined up on opposite sides, the shifters without a leader, the vampires promising loyalty to the highest bidder, and the soul of the Crescent City resting on the outcome of the civil war going on in Faerie between the rival princes of summer and winter.

Mardi Gras Day is approaching fast, the much-anticipated new Krewe of Enyo is not what it seems, and the line between friends and enemies grows thin as DJ tries to stave off open warfare between faeries on the St. Charles Avenue parade route.

Laissez les bons temps rouler…but be careful, or the good times might roll too close for comfort.

What did I think of it:
I have enjoyed this series from the start, so I had to get my trotters on this book as soon as it was available in print, to see how this series would end.

And what an ending!

DJ and her friends are trying to stop a war. Lines have to be drawn, sides have to be chosen, difficult decisions have to be made. And everyone knows that a war has casualties.

This book is one hell of an emotional ride. Just as DJ is recovering from one blow, the next is dealt. It is good she at least has some loyal friends at her side.

Rand once again is playing a big role, and I just can't forgive him for things he has done in the past, so I was anxious. I didn't want DJ to fall under his spell. Both me and Voodoo Bride were rooting for a certain someone else to win DJ's heart once and for all. You'll have to read this book to see if we got our wish.

There is lots of action, subterfuge, and danger. Jean was the comical note at times, as always taking the things people say too literal. I will say one thing: that pirate really grew on me. After book one I hadn't suspected to ever like him.

All in all this book is a wonderful, emotional, and satisfying conclusion to this series. Even so: it seems Suzanne Johnson will write a novella set in this world. You bet I'll be reading that as well as rereading this awesome series.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome UF read.


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Teaser Tuesdays - Betrayed

'Then she can't be on that bridge. I remember the clock on her car's dashboard said three fifteen, so I'm sure it happens in the afternoon.'

(page 105, Betrayed P.C. and Kristin Cast)


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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!

Contagion - Book Review

Contagion (Contagion #1)
by Erin Bowman

What is it about:
After receiving a distress call from a drill team on a distant planet, a skeleton crew is sent into deep space to perform a standard search-and-rescue mission.

When they arrive, they find the planet littered with the remains of the project--including its members' dead bodies. As they try to piece together what could have possibly decimated an entire project, they discover that some things are best left buried--and some monsters are only too ready to awaken.

What did I think of it:
I love it when a book is even better than I hoped it would be.

When I heard about this book it was pitched as 'Alien meets Outbreak'. Enough for me to preorder and beg some preorder goodies off Bowman. So when the book arrived I had a signed bookplate to put in the book and a matching bookmark.

And what an awesome read this is!

A small group based on a research base is ordered to investigate a distress call, because they're closest to the planet it originates from. As soon as the team arrives on the planet it is clear something went terribly wrong. Pleas to stay on the ship and wait for backup are ignored by the captain and the crew disembarks to investigate. There are several viewpoint characters, all with their own secrets and dreams.

I was hooked from the start. Strange and creepy things have been going on, and slowly the rescue team discovers what transpired, and they start to realize they might be in danger as well. The building tension and suspense is really well done. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't put this book down. Each new discovery racked up the creepy atmosphere and made me fear for my favorite characters.

As the story unfolds there are some really brutal action-scenes, cool revelations, betrayal, and more. As I said: I had high hopes for this book and it totally delivered.

The ending was very satisfying in my opinion, even though it's clear there's lots more to come. And you can bet I'll be getting my greedy trotters on the second book, because I want and need more!

Why should you read it:
Alien meets Outbreak! Need I really say more?


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Reading Pet Peeve

Vampireville - Book Review

Vampireville (Vampire Kisses #3)
by Ellen Schreiber

What is it about:
For goth-girl Raven, dating her dream boyfriend is complicated, especially because Alexander's secret means that they can see each other only at night.

And now the pair must be extra wary in the dark with Alexander's archrival, Jagger, appearing around town. As if Jagger isn't enough cause for worry, Luna, his strikingly pale sister, has also surfaced and seems to have her sights set on Raven's longtime nemesis, Trevor. Together, Raven and Alexander must begin a terrifying search for Jagger and Luna's hideout to drive them away -- that is, if it's not already too late to save Dullsville from becoming Vampireville.

In the latest installment of her popular Vampire Kisses books, Ellen Schreiber continues the startling story of two teen outsiders -- she from the mortal world and he from the Underworld -- who share a thrilling, extraordinary romance.

What did I think of it:
It might be just me, but I have the feeling Raven is getting more reckless and unthinking as this series goes on. Although this is once again an enjoyable read, Raven is doing things that made me want to kick her.Yes, she and others might once again be in danger, but she is taking stupid risks.

Alexander isn't always the brightest either, so together they might be steering themselves right towards a shipwreck. I will also confess I miss Becky. In the first book Becky was there to help out Raven and to control her wilder impulses at times, but since Becky got a boyfriend she only has small walk-on roles. If I continue reading this series, I really hope Becky will get bigger roles again.

Of the three books I read so far, this one is my least favorite. Maybe I'm having series fatigue though, and that explains my feelings about this book. If I happen to run into more books of this series at a discount, I might read more, but I won't hunt them down.

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining and enjoyable YA read.


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Kissing Coffins - Book Review

Kissing Coffins (Vampire Kisses #2)
by Ellen Schreiber

What is it about:
Not far from Dullsville, someone's lurking in the dark. . . .

After meeting the handsome and shadowy Alexander Sterling, goth-girl Raven's dark world has a bright, new glow. But as in her favorite movie, "Kissing Coffins," Raven knows that love always has its complications, especially when Alexander has a big secret to guard.

When Alexander suddenly disappears, Raven leaves Dullsville to begin a dangerous search to find him. Can she stay safe, no matter who--or what--she encounters on the way?

What did I think of it:
Another quick and fun read.

After the twist at the end of book one I was curious what would happen next. At first it seems like Raven is going to sulk, but a remark by Becky sets her in motion and she is going in search of Alexander. I liked that part of this book is set in another town and I loved the Goth club Raven visits in her search for Alexander. I wouldn't have minded if more of the story had been placed there.

There are new characters introduced. I really liked her aunt and her younger brother is also interesting in my opinion. Raven herself is reckless and unthinking at times and is soon in danger. Will she find Alexander? And will she get out of this new adventure unscathed?

All in all just as enjoyable as the first book. This book ends on a cliffhanger, so I immediately started on book three.

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining and enjoyable YA read.


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Vampire Kisses - Book Review

Vampire Kisses (Vampire Kisses #1)
by Ellen Schreiber

What is it about:
In her small town, dubbed "Dullsville," sixteen-year-old Raven — a vampire-crazed goth-girl — is an outcast. But not for long...

The intriguing and rumored-to-be haunted mansion on top of Benson Hill has stood vacant and boarded-up for years. That is, until its mysteriously strange new occupants move in. Who are these creepy people — especially the handsome, dark, and elusive Alexander Sterling? Or rather, what are they? Could the town prattle actually ring true? Are they vampires? Raven, who secretly covets a vampire kiss, both at the risk of her own mortality and Alexander's loving trust, is dying to uncover the truth.

Ellen Schreiber's spooky and stirring romance tells the story of two outsiders who fall in love in a town where conformity reigns, and ends with a shocking surprise.

What did I think of it:
I came across an omnibus of the first three Vampire Kisses books at the charity bookshop so decided to give this series a try. I'll be reviewing each book separately.

Vampire Kisses - the first book in the series - is a fun and quick read. I liked Raven from the start. In a small town where everything that is different is frowned upon she doesn't care she is the odd one out. She's Goth and loves vampires and will not hide it to fit in. I also loved her best friend Becky. Becky isn't as brave as Raven, but is the voice of reason Raven at times need.

I really enjoyed the story. Raven is trying to disprove that the new arrivals in town are vampires, but along the way she gets thwarted, she falls in love, and she starts to believe there might be some truth in rumors. Will she find her vampire? Will she find true love, or will a bully get his way?

All in all I had fun with this book. It's clearly aimed at younger teens, but I can advice it to anyone looking for an enjoyable and breezy read. I'll be reading the other two books in this omnibus as well.

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining and enjoyable YA read.


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On McPig's Wishlist - Give the Dark My Love

Give the Dark My Love (Give the Dark My Love #1)
by Beth Revis

When seventeen-year-old Nedra Brysstain leaves her home in the rural, northern territories of Lunar Island to attend the prestigious Yugen Academy, she has only one goal in mind: learn the trade of medicinal alchemy. A scholarship student matriculating with the children of Lunar Island's wealthiest and most powerful families, Nedra doesn't quite fit in with the other kids at Yugen, who all look down on her.

All, except for Greggori "Grey" Astor. Grey is immediately taken by the brilliant and stubborn Nedra, who he notices is especially invested in her studies. And that's for a good reason: a deadly plague has been sweeping through the North, and it's making its way toward the cities. With her family's life--and the lives of all of Lunar Island's citizens--on the line, Nedra is determined to find a cure for the plague.

Grey and Nedra continue to grow closer, but as the sickness spreads and the body count rises, Nedra becomes desperate to find a cure. Soon, she finds herself diving into alchemy's most dangerous corners--and when she turns to the most forbidden practice of all, necromancy, even Grey might not be able to pull her from the darkness.


Expected publication: September 25th 2018

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Grace and Fury - Book Review

Grace and Fury (Grace and Fury #1)
by Tracy Banghart

What is it about:
In a world where women have no rights, sisters Serina and Nomi Tessaro face two very different fates: one in the palace, the other in prison.

Serina has been groomed her whole life to become a Grace - someone to stand by the heir to the throne as a shining, subjugated example of the perfect woman. But when her headstrong and rebellious younger sister, Nomi, catches the heir's eye, it's Serina who takes the fall for the dangerous secret that Nomi has been hiding.

Now trapped in a life she never wanted, Nomi has only one way to save Serina: surrender to her role as a Grace until she can use her position to release her sister. This is easier said than done. A traitor walks the halls of the palace, and deception lurks in every corner. But Serina is running out of time, imprisoned on an island where she must fight to the death to survive and one wrong move could cost her everything.

What did I think of it:
This book was even better than I hoped it would be.

I liked that there wasn't a twisted relationship between Serina and Nomi where the oldest seems to think she can decide what is best for the younger. Instead they were evenly matched. Both thought the other was not doing things as they should, but apart from some griping they weren't too much into each other's face. I liked both of them from the start and was invested in both their stories.

Once the two are separated both have their own problems. Serina has to literally fight for her life, while Nomi must take care to not make a wrong step in the political dance she gets involved in. Both are out of their normal element and must adapt to survive. I loved reading how they cope.

I will confess that at a certain point in Nomi's story I had an idea of what I wanted to happen and of what I thought would happen based on my experience with other YA books. For once I was pleasantly surprised though, and the conclusion of this book was everything I could have hoped for. You bet I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book.

Why should you read it:
It's a wonderful and suspenseful YA Fantasy.


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