Struck - Book Review

Struck (Phoebe Meadows #1)
by Amanda Carlson

What is it about:
When Phoebe Meadows gets struck by a strange light in the stockroom of Macy’s, life as she knows it flies out the window. As if being hit by lightning isn’t bad enough, she’s accosted in the subway by a man with a missing hand, arrives home to find a raven on her kitchen counter, and her neighbor, Ingrid, shows up dressed like a gladiator hell-bent on protecting her.

Before Ingrid can shuttle her to safety, Phoebe is kidnapped and tossed into one of the Nine Worlds where she’s quickly forced to come to terms with what she is: A valkyrie. The only problem is, she has no idea what that means.

After a narrow escape, she finds an unlikely ally in Loki’s son, Fenrir. Together the valkyrie and the wolf must battle their way back to New York City and reach the valkyrie stronghold where Ingrid is waiting for her. But with danger and obstacles at every turn, she might not live long enough to learn the full truth about who and what she really is...

What did I think of it:
I really like Carlson's Jessica McClain series so I wanted to give this series a try as well.

Now I will confess that for some reason I assumed that this series was YA, so color me surprised when Phoebe turns out to be 24. Luckily this is mentioned very early on in the book so I could readjust my expectations quickly.

And soon I was engrossed in this story. I love the Norse mythology, so I very much enjoyed the world building and all the creatures and people Phoebe encounters. She is lucky enough to find an ally in Fenrir, because she's in big trouble.

There's a lot of action, with only a few moments of reprieve where Phoebe can recover from events and can try to discover what's happening. The only thing I can say against this book is that with all the action at times character building is overlooked. Phoebe and Fenrir get enough screen time to get a feel for the both of them, but one other character (who will play a bigger role in the next books I'm guessing) didn't feel real in how she reacted because there was almost no character building.

That aside I very much enjoyed this read. The book ends with lots of things unresolved, but not in a frustrating cliffhangery way. I will most certainly get my trotters on the next book. I will also have to pick up Pure Blooded one of these days.

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


Buy from bookdepository

Cold Blooded - Book Review (repost)

Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain #3)
by Amanda Carlson

What is it about:
Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious
skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...

What did I think of it:
This series is getting better and better.

Did I have my doubts about liking Jessica at the start of Full Blooded, I love her now. She's a cool and fun heroine even though she still seems a bit too powerful at times. I also really loved that Rourke had a bigger role in this book compared to the previous book. I think Jessica and Rourke make a perfect team and I very much enjoyed getting to know Rourke better. The scenes between Jessica and Rourke were my favorites I will confess.

The story is intense and full of action. Just when you think Jessica gets a chance to take stock of the situation and recover she and her friends are thrown into danger again. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book.

I like how not only Jessica is growing into her powers over the course of this series, but how other characters are developing and changing as well. Apart from Tyler (Jessica's brother, who I just don't like for some reason) I really like the team Jessica has surrounded herself with, and I'm curious what will happen next for them.

The ending was another major cliffhanger, but while this annoyed me a bit in the first book, I didn't mind it in Cold Blooded. It tells me the next book will be another cool, action-packed adventure and it hinted deliciously at the things and dangers yet to come.

Why should you read it:
It's a thrilling and cool Urban fantasy read

Red Blooded - Book Review

Red Blooded (Jessica McClain #4)
by Amanda Carlson

What is it about:
After Jessica's brother is kidnapped and taken to the Underworld, she will stop at nothing to get him back. But before her grueling training is finished, Jessica's power mixes unexpectedly with the circle and she's dropped into the Underworld without protection or her escorts.

What did I think of it:
The good: Demon Piglets!

The bad: The Demon Piglets get eaten!

Seriously:

Carlson delivers yet again. Red Blooded is really cool, and full of action and intrigue.

Jessica is transported to the Underworld where she has to find and save her brother. Not being a big fan of Tyler (I still dislike him) I wasn't too invested in getting him out of there in one piece, but I did root for Jessica to get out alive.

The Underworld Carlson paints in this book is creepy, cool and lends itself perfectly for some cool action scenes. I really liked exploring this realm together with Jessica.

I did want to kick Jessica a few times though. She's very slow to catch on at times. And there were a couple of situations where I think she should have taken action sooner instead of arguing endlessly with people.

But those small grumblings aside I very much enjoyed this book. It has everything that made me fall in love with this series: a cool heroine, lots of action, great supporting characters and a solid story.

Carlson again ended the book with a cliffhanger of course, leaving me hanging until the release of book 5, which I most certainly will get my trotters on as soon as it releases.

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

Top Pearls 2013 - part 2

Today the second and last part of my and Voodoo Bride's Top Pearls 2013 list.
Here are another 12 books that we really enjoyed reading this year, and that I can advice to anyone looking for an awesome read.


Shards & Ashes - Anthology
This anthology with Dystopian YA stories is a must read for anyone who loves Dystopian YA.

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
A really cool, grim and realistic Post Apocalyptic YA read.

Five Golden Rings by Jeffe Kennedy
This BDSM romance isn't just a perfect read for the Holidays. It's a hot and delightful story any time of the year.

Between by Kerry Schafer
A beautiful Paranormal story about dreams, penguins and dragons.


Cold Blooded by Amanda Carlson
The best book yet in a very enjoyable and entertaining Urban Fantasy series.

Omens by Kelley Armstrong
A Paranormal thriller that keeps you reading. Armstrong proves she can do a lot more than write about werewolves.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
An amazing, gritty, and grim YA about vampires. A must read for anyone who loves YA and vampires.

Runemarks by Joanne Harris
This YA Fantasy is cool and full of suspense and magic.


(Deadly) Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock
A really suspenseful Paranormal YA about werewolves and the human nature.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
A hauntingly beautiful YA read.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
An awesome Post Apocalyptic YA with vampires

Rising Darkness by Thea Harrison
A dark and intense Paranormal Romance.



And that's my list of Top Pearls for 2013!

I hope you will have a wonderful New Year's Eve, and I wish you lots of happiness and awesome reads for 2014!

Jessica McClain Series Promo + Review of Cold Blooded

You might have noticed how much I enjoyed reading the Jessica McClain books, so it might not surprise you that I think everyone should try them.

What's so cool about this series?

Jessica is the only female werewolf in existence and lots of people are unhappy with that. She keeps getting thrown into danger and has to be resourceful to survive. So what if she seems a bit too powerful at times? This series is too much fun to let that bother me. There's plenty of cool action, great characters, and suspense and intrigue galore.

I love how there are many other characters who get screen time as well, and they are not just there to compliment Jessica, they all have their own specialties that help Jessica save the day. I especially love Rourke, who starts out as a mysterious and definitely dangerous shifter in book one, and who you slowly get to know. He might lose some of the mystery, but in return you learn just how dangerous he can be.

Did I not really know what to expect from this series and Jessica when I read Full Blooded, three books in I know Amanda Carlson will always make sure you get taken on a non-stop thrill ride with lots of action, danger and adventure along the way.

I can tell you I'm already looking forward to book 4 in this series, and if you haven't tried this series yet: get yourself to a store and buy the first book.

To tempt you even further, here's a repost of my review of Cold Blooded:


Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain #3)
by Amanda Carlson

What is it about:
Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious
skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...

What did I think of it:
This series is getting better and better.

Did I have my doubts about liking Jessica at the start of Full Blooded, I love her now. She's a cool and fun heroine even though she still seems a bit too powerful at times. I also really loved that Rourke had a bigger role in this book compared to the previous book. I think Jessica and Rourke make a perfect team and I very much enjoyed getting to know Rourke better. The scenes between Jessica and Rourke were my favorites I will confess.

The story is intense and full of action. Just when you think Jessica gets a chance to take stock of the situation and recover she and her friends are thrown into danger again. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book.

I like how not only Jessica is growing into her powers over the course of this series, but how other characters are developing and changing as well. Apart from Tyler (Jessica's brother, who I just don't like for some reason) I really like the team Jessica has surrounded herself with, and I'm curious what will happen next for them.

The ending was another major cliffhanger, but while this annoyed me a bit in the first book, I didn't mind it in Cold Blooded. It tells me the next book will be another cool, action-packed adventure and it hinted deliciously at the things and dangers yet to come.

Why should you read it:
It's a thrilling and cool Urban fantasy read

Cold Blooded - Book Review

Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain #3)
by Amanda Carlson

What is it about:
Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious
skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...

What did I think of it:
This series is getting better and better.

Did I have my doubts about liking Jessica at the start of Full Blooded, I love her now. She's a cool and fun heroine even though she still seems a bit too powerful at times. I also really loved that Rourke had a bigger role in this book compared to the previous book. I think Jessica and Rourke make a perfect team and I very much enjoyed getting to know Rourke better. The scenes between Jessica and Rourke were my favorites I will confess.

The story is intense and full of action. Just when you think Jessica gets a chance to take stock of the situation and recover she and her friends are thrown into danger again. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book.

I like how not only Jessica is growing into her powers over the course of this series, but how other characters are developing and changing as well. Apart from Tyler (Jessica's brother, who I just don't like for some reason) I really like the team Jessica has surrounded herself with, and I'm curious what will happen next for them.

The ending was another major cliffhanger, but while this annoyed me a bit in the first book, I didn't mind it in Cold Blooded. It tells me the next book will be another cool, action-packed adventure and it hinted deliciously at the things and dangers yet to come.

Why should you read it:
It's a thrilling and cool Urban fantasy read

Cold Blooded - Release Day Alert + Rafflecopter Giveaway

Today it's the release day of Cold Blooded.

I loved the first two books in this series and I'm waiting impatiently for my preordered copy of Cold Blooded to arrive.

Read what Cold Blooded is about below and don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.


Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain #3)
by Amanda Carlson

Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious
skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...






a Rafflecopter giveaway

An Interview with Amanda Carlson + Giveaway

Today Amanda Carlson visits my blog for an interview. Amanda Carlson is the author of the Jessica McClain series, a really cool Urban Fantasy series about a female werewolf.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Amanda.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. I’m married with three kids and one bunny. I started writing when I was twelve and never really stopped. I love writing urban fantasy. Building a world out of nothing is such an awesome experience.

How many books will there be in the Jessica McClain series?

That’s an unknown at the moment...but stay tuned! (I promise there will be more, shhh.)

Have you ever been tempted to use people who’d been rude to you in real life as victims in your books? Or have there been other people you used as characters in your books?

No, all my characters are completely fictional. But my writing comes out of my experiences, so maybe my subconcious is at work? Who knows. I did have a woman talk one time and her voice was exactly how I pictured the character Marcy in my head. That was fun!

Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

Yes. I’ve got some “sekrit” projects in the works. But they can’t be let out of the bag just yet…but stay tuned.

Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

Usually driving my kids around to various sports and activities. My favorite downtime away from the office is going to dinner and a movie with my husband. I look forward to that on the weekends the most.


What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

My parents brought over flowers and wine and my husband brought home dinner and a wonderful gift. We all celebrated in to the night. It was great.

What is the best thing about being a published author?

Seeing my books in print. That is the very best!

And what do you like the least about being a published author?

The deadlines can be crushing at times. You have one book deadline, and then you get edits on top of that and sometimes more, each with their own deadline. It’s difficult to always juggle it, but it’s so very worth it in the end. I can’t complain too much.

What authors have been an influence for you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

Lately I’ve been too busy to do much reading, but the last book I read was off genre. I read a great Georgette Heyer biography by Jennifer Kloester. I love Georgette and it was so interesting to see what shaped her world. JK Rowling is the ultimate storyteller in my opinion. I never get tired of revisiting the world of Harry Potter.

Are there zombies or pigs in any of your books or will there be any in future books?

I can never say never, right?! Especially after having a wereweasel show up in book two.

Thanks for dropping by, I'm looking forward to the next Jessica McClain book.

Thanks so much for hosting me! I had tons of fun stopping by. COLD BLOODED releases October 8th, 2013. Hope you enjoy the series.



About Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain #3):

Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious
skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...


preorder here:


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Giveaway:

Amanda kindly offered a copy of Hot Blooded, book 2 in the Jessica McClain series, to one reader of my blog.

The winner is Blodeuedd

A winner will be picked at random on October 5th.
Open everywhere bookdepository ships to, to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

Hot Blooded - Book Review

Hot Blooded (Jessica McClain #2)
by Amanda Carlson

What is it about:
It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.

Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps.

Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers.

Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.

All in a day's work for a girl.

The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties...

What did I think of it:
I very much enjoyed the first book in this series, so I had high hopes for Hot Blooded.

And I can tell you this book delivers!

It's a really cool and action packed adventure. Jessica has to overcome many obstacles to find and rescue her mate. Along the way she discovers a lot about herself as well.

I really like Jessica and even though she seems a bit too powerful at times I could relate to her. I also liked most of the other characters, although I'm having a hard time in getting to understand and like Jessica's brother Tyler for some reason.

The action in intense and there are some really cool monsters Jessica has to fight. I liked getting to learn more about the vampires as well. I did miss Roarke's presence for most of the book though and I hope he'll have a bigger role in the next book.

The ending was yet another cliffhanger and I'm anxious to see what will happen next, so you can bet I'll be getting my trotters on the next book in this series.

Why should you read it:
This is a cool, action packed Urban Fantasy read.

Full Blooded - Book Review

Full Blooded (Jessica McClain #1)
by Amanda Carlson

What is it about:
Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared.

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her.

But not everyone is on board. The werewolf Rights of Laws is missing text and the superstitious werewolves think that Jessica means an end to their race. It doesn’t help when Jessica begins to realize she’s more. She can change partway and hold her form, and speak directly to her wolf. But the biggest complication by far is that her alpha father can't control her like he can the rest of his wolves.

When a mercenary who’s been hired by the vampires shows up to extract information about the newly turned werewolf only days after her change, they find themselves smack in the middle of a war and there's no choice but to run together. When it’s up to Jessica to negotiate her release against her father’s direct orders, she chooses to take an offer for help instead. In exchange, Jessica must now swear an oath she may end up repaying with her life.

What did I think of it:
This is a really cool read.

I had some problems getting to understand Jessica in the beginning. She's very stubborn and it took me a while to open up to her. But once that happened and the action kicked in I was hooked and couldn't stop reading until I finished the book.

There's lots of other cool characters as well. I really liked Jessica's father and I loved the mysterious mercenary Rourke. He's someone that you know is dangerous, but that makes him even more interesting.

There's lots of cool action and intrigue going on in this book and it all leads to a conclusion that even though I felt a little bit cheated also makes me want to get my trotters on the next book as soon as it releases.

All in all This was a fun, fast and action-packed read and I'll be pre-ordering the next book one of these days most probably.

Why should you read it:
It's an action-packed Urban Fantasy read.