Blood Cross - Book Review

Blood Cross (Jane Yellowrock #2) by Faith Hunter

What is it about:
The vampire council has hired skinwalker Jane Yellowrock to hunt and kill one of their own who has broken sacred ancient rules-but Jane quickly realizes that in a community that is thousands of years old, loyalties run deep...

With the help of her witch best friend and local vigilantes, Jane finds herself caught between bitter rivalries - and closer than ever to the secret origin of the entire vampire race. But in a city of old grudges and dark magic, Jane will have to fight to protect both sides, even if no one will protect her.

What did I think of it:
I think I loved this book even more than the first book in this series. It's full of heart ache, creepy vampires, evil plots and cool action. The main plot of the story is intense and complicated and you really have to keep paying attention to what's going on to understand this story. The mood is gritty and dark, but lightened by Jane's dry wit. The world building begun in the first book is expanded on and keeps me enthralled even though lots of the ideas are not new to me. The one thing I can say against this book is that the romance seems to be leading in a way I do not want it to go, but I'm still hoping it's just the battle that's been lost and not the entire war. book three is in my to-be-read pile and I'm looking forward to reading it.

Why should you read it:
It's dark, gritty Urban Fantasy full of action.

Royal Birthday

No review today because:

Today me and my owner (and almost all of the Netherlands) are celebrating the birthday of Queen Beatrix.

(Her actual birthday is in January I think, but the queen always celebrates her birthday on April 30th.)

Sex and the Single Vampire - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Sex and the Single Vampire (Dark Ones #2) by Katie MacAlister

What is it about:
If Allie doesn't find a ghost soon, her short career as a "Summoner" with United Psychical Research Association will be a thing of the past, so naturally she is delighted to find what she thinks is the tortured spirit of a gorgeous, naked, wounded man. But the cranky spirit, who looks exactly like the dishy man who has been haunting Allie's dreams, doesn't need her help since he isn't a ghost, but rather Christian Dante, best-selling author of vampire romances and Moravian Dark One. Of course, Allie wants some answers from the arrogant and domineering Christian, but he is more interested in working out the exact nature of their relationship, since fate has chosen Allie as his "Beloved."

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This second book in MacAlister's Dark Ones series is just as fun as the first. It's romantic, funny, full of snark and hot. Christian is a returning character from book one and I was worried wether I'd like this book as I didn't really warm up to him in the first book. But those worries were soon laid to rest: Christian is one hunky Dark One and I was soon rooting for him to win Allie over. A delicious, light, romantic read.

Why should you read it:
It's got a hunky book writing vampire!

Triangle - Movie Review

Triangle

What is it about:
When Jess sets sail on a yacht with a group of friends, she cannot shake the feeling that there is something wrong. Her suspicions are realized when the yacht hits a storm and the group is forced to board a passing ocean liner to get to safety, a ship Jess is convinced she's been on before. The ship appears deserted, the clock on board has stopped, but they are not alone... Someone is intent on hunting them down, one by one. And Jess unknowingly holds the key to end the terror.

What did I think of it:
I bought this movie expecting a B-movie that would be entertaining at best. I must say I was more than pleasantly surprised! The plot is actually very well thought out and really suspenseful. The acting is pretty decent as are the special effects (apart from some really fake seagulls). All in all a really good psychological thriller well worth its money.

Why should you watch it:
It's a really suspenseful thriller

Teaser Tuesdays - Blood Cross

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!

I tugged him away, to the table with human food, as in food for humans, not a table full of humans to feed vamps. Having vamps around tended to make such distinctions tricky.
(page 97, Blood Cross (Jane Yellowrock #2) by Faith Hunter)

Unholy Ghosts - Book Review

Unholy Ghosts (Downside Ghosts #1) by Stacia Kane

What is it about:
The world is not the way it was. The dead have risen, and the living are under attack. The powerful Church of Real Truth, in charge since the government fell, has sworn to reimburse citizens being harassed by the deceased. Enter Chess Putnam, a fully tattooed witch and freewheeling ghost hunter. She’s got a real talent for banishing the wicked dead. But Chess is keeping a dark secret: She owes a lot of money to a murderous drug lord named Bump, who wants immediate payback in the form of a dangerous job that involves black magic, human sacrifice, a nefarious demonic creature, and enough wicked energy to wipe out a city of souls. Toss in lust for a rival gang leader and a dangerous attraction to Bump’s ruthless enforcer, and Chess begins to wonder if the rush is really worth it.

What did I think of it:
A gritty, disturbing, but also amazing Urban Fantasy story. Chess is no ordinary heroine, she's more of an anti-heroine with her drug addiction and ties to the underworld. Still she's very likeable and I rooted for her throughout the story. The worldbuilding, writing and characterisation were all very well done and intriguing and I even didn't mind the love triangle bit included in the story. The story itself was really cool, with lots of action, nasty magic and creepy ghost stuff. There are two small negative points: The street talk that is used by some of the characters grated on my nerves from time to time and there were some plot twists that were a bit too obvious in my opinion. But there were enough positive things in this story that those two points won't stop me from continuing this series.

Why should you read it:
It's a well written, gritty Urban Fantasy story with ghosts.

Blood Lite II: Overbite - Book Review

Blood Lite II: Overbite edited by Kevin J. Anderson
(Anthology)

What is it about:
A collection of humorous horror from Kelley Armstrong, L.A. Banks, Allison Brennan, Heather Graham and many more outstanding stars of dark fiction.

What did I think of it:
A very enjoyable anthology. There are about 31 stories in this book and I liked most of them. There were some stories that just didn't go anywhere or were trying to be too clever, but most were fun and enjoyable.

I will give my thoughts about the stories by the 4 big names on the cover and about some of my favourites:

Death and Taxes by Heather Graham - One of the stories that tries too hard to be clever. Wasn't fooled or impressed by this one.

Dog Tired (of the Drama) by L.A. Banks - I really enjoyed this one and might pick up more books by Banks if I come across them.

Her Lucky Day by Allison Brennan - Has potential, but doesn't manage to deliver.

Lucifer's Daughter by Kelley Armstrong - I really enjoyed this story, but wonder if people unfamiliar with Hope and Karl (the lead characters who also feature in other books by Armstrong) will enjoy this story as well.

Dark Carbuncle by Kevin J. Anderson and Janis Ian - The perfect example of how you should set up and deliver a short humorous horror story.

The Halloween War by Brian J. Hatcher - Even though this story lacked in a well rounded plot it delivers with great characters and a cool story idea.

A Wing and a Prayer by Sharyn McCrumb - My absolute favourite story of this anthology. Well rounded and intriguing story and great writing. I will be investigating what other books McCrumb has written.

Why should you read it:
It's got tons of fun horror stories!