The country’s only celebrity werewolf, late-night radio host Kitty Norville. Prefers to be heard, not seen. But when she’s invited to testify at a Senate hearing on behalf of supernaturals, her face gets plastered on national TV. Kitty’s been in hot water before, but jumping into the D.C. underworld brings a new set of problems. And a new set of friends and enemies, including the vampire mistress of the city; an uber-hot Brazilian were-jaguar; and a paranoid, Bible-thumping senator who wants to expose Kitty as a monster. Kitty quickly learns in this city of dirty politicians and backstabbing pundits, everyone’s itching for a fight.

Kitty Goes to Washington is the second book in the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn. This book is full of mystery, fun and death. What good book doesn’t’ have these elements?

Kitty is currently hosting her talk show in many locations as she left her pack, who also run her out of town, in Denver. This is the first time hat Kitty has been on her own since becoming a werewolf. The pack gave her the feeling of family, stability and made her feel safe. Now she is out in the big old bad world by herself. Trouble seems to follow Kitty wherever she goes, although this time she was subpoenaed into it. She has to go Washington D.C. to testify to a committee on the subject of paranatural biology.

During her stint in D.C. Kitty meets some interesting characters. First there is the scientist called Dr. Paul Flemming, the Mistress of the local vampires, Alette, a werejaguar named Luis who is also Kitty’s love interest of the week, a werewolf named Ahmed who owns a very special club called Crescent that has a very unique and restricted clientele and a psychic called Jeffrey Miles who can see people’s auras and speak to dead people.

Some mysteries unfurl in this book. We find out who Elijah Smith is. The scientist’s hidden agenda is unveiled. A vampire’s underhandedness is found out but he causes a trail of destruction behind him before his maker finds out. Also, we find out more about Cormac and Ben and how they came to know one another.

I think there is more to come of Kitty in this series. She is only just beginning to develop as a character. In the first book she was finding her feet and beginning to stand up for herself. In this book she is standing up for others who are not known to the humans. These creatures keep themselves to themselves and they have let Kitty speak for them – not that she had much choice in the matter. But Kitty does the job in a business-like and graceful manner. Kitty is just beginning to breach the surface of her potential as a radio DJ with her talk show. She has a lot more talent that I think we have yet to see.

Overall, I enjoyed this book even thought I couldn’t read it as often as I wished so when I picked it up I did get a bit confused as to where I was. Once I found my place I was able to enjoy the adventures that Kitty was on. I liked the fact that she found others like herself and felt like she was part of something and that she wasn’t just the lone wolf.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from my local library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Review by: Becca R.

Edited by: Maria G.

Something inhuman is stalking the frigid Alaskan wilds, leaving unspeakable carnage in its wake. For bush pilot Alexandra Maguire, the killings stir memories of a horrific event she witnessed as a child and evoke in her the inexplicable sense of otherness she has long felt but never fully understood . . . until a darkly seductive stranger with secrets of his own enters her world.

Sent from Boston on a mission to investigate the savage attacks and stop the slaughter, vampire warrior Kade has his own reasons for returning to the frigid, forbidding place of his birth. Haunted by a secret shame, Kade soon realizes the stunning truth of the threat he faces–a threat that will jeopardize the fragile bond he has formed with the courageous, determined young woman who arouses his deepest passions and most primal hungers. But in bringing Alex into his world of blood and darkness, Kade must confront both his own personal demons and the even greater evil that could destroy all he holds dear. . . .

With a bloodthirsty trail of brutal slayings in the Alaskan wilderness, something is bound to happen when there are vampires involved. Shades of Midnight, the seventh of the Midnight Breed series, is the first novel of hers I’ve read.  What I loved about this book is how it grabbed me in the beginning with a horror movie-like intro that sets the bloody tone of the story.

What I found most interesting was the interaction between Kade and his group of vampire warriors, who hunt down rogue creatures that were addicted to blood and were out of control.

One of the traits that I loved about the protagonist Kade; was that he could communicate with wolves, which was quite useful in the frozen wilderness.

What was also great was that we don’t know exactly know who or what the thing is behind the attacks til the very end of the novel, which let’s the reader’s predictions flow through the hidden clues of what exactly was blood thirsty enough to kill the innocents in the small town of Harmony, Alaska.

Kade and Alexandra’s relationship is well developed, they both sympathize with one another in their own passionate twisted way. I loved reading the chemistry between the two of them and their insane sexual tension. Eventually, Kade and Alexandra had to accept that their gut wrenching fear of being in love would only drive their relationship into a complete utter disarray.

I loved how Lara Adrian combined the Alexandra/Kade romance with the 30 days of Night movie-like feel. The backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness and the tense gory vampiric tale left me enthralled.

What’s better than blood, sex and violence right?

Disclaimer: I bought this book with my own money. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

My Rating: E, E, B

Published: 2010
Publisher: Orion Publishing Group

Review by: Naomi M.

It’s all about family…

If you think your relationships are complicated think again: you haven’t seen anything like the ones in Bon Temps, Louisiana. Sookie Stackhouse is dealing with a whole host of family problems, ranging from her own kin (a non-human fairy and a telepathic second cousin) demanding a place in her life, to her lover Eric’s vampire sire, an ancient being who arrives with Eric’s ‘brother’ in tow at a most inopportune moment. And Sookie’s tracking down a distant relation of her ailing neighbour (and ex), Vampire Bill Compton.

In addition to the multitude of family issues complicating her life, the werewolf pack of Shreveport has asked Sookie for a special favour, and since Sookie is an obliging young woman, she agrees. But this favour for the wolves has dire results for Sookie, who is still recovering from the trauma of her abduction during the Fairy War.

Life in Bon Temps, Louisiana is always interesting…

Dead in the Family is the highly anticipated tenth novel in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. Sookie is once again having to help out the local werewolf pack and deal with unruly vampires. At the same time she is reconnecting with those that she stopped having proper relationships with when she delved deeper into the supernatural world.

In this book we meet Eric’s maker, Appius, and his new brother, Alexei. We are introduced to another child of Lorena’s, who may or may not be able to help Bill’s ongoing silver poisoning. Claude moves in with Sookie and we get to see a different side to him. Hunter returns and the moments with him are very warm and cute.

Alcide once again gets Sookie involved in pack matters and when she is meant to just be on the sidelines. She gets hauled in and is butt deep in weres before she can say ‘bite me’. The ever growing pack are on edge constantly in this book until it comes to a climax, but the threat is still there. Now they need to decide how to get rid of it.

Bill is in some serious pain and needs help. He has started giving up on everything, life and even his work. Sookie feels real bad for him and wants to help, but she doesn’t know how. Eventually Sookie gets an idea and tries her hand at helping him.

Appius is a force to be reckoned with and Sookie doesn’t like him one bit. Being around him as well as Eric’s new sibling, it sets Sookie at unease. She can feel what Eric is feeling and it doesn’t help matters. Eric’s brother needs help, but the question is will he take the help provided or bite the hand that feeds him?

Trouble is brewing in Shreveport and soon it’s going to become a storm. Eric and Sookie are feeling the strain of Eric’s family, Appius and Alexei, being around but with this added stress it soon takes a toll on their time together. Sookie wants the trouble maker dead, but does she get her wish?

My favourite part of this book was the first time, I think, Sookie takes us to Eric’s house and they basically lunge for each other as you would if you had not seen one another for a long period of time. The description of Eric’s house was amazing and you just know that a man with that much money and power has to have some serious taste and he does. Also I like the moment between Sookie and Pam when she is driving Sookie back to Bon Temps after seeing Eric.

I was very happy to find out that one of my speculations regarding the fairy that wants to do Sookie harm was right. This made my day when I read about who the fairy was and why they wanted to hurt Sookie, I practically punched my fist in the air with glee.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought it lacked the action as previous books but I am sure Charlaine is building up to this. Dead in the Family wrapped up some loose ends regarding Sookie and Eric’s feeling towards one another, Sookie’s relationship with Bill and Alcide and getting her life back on track. Eventually Sookie’s life starts to take on a more normal appearance. Well as normal as a mind reader, dating a very powerful vampire that happens to be her husband and being related to fairy’s can be.

Disclaimer: I bought this book with my own money. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Review by Naomi M.

A water witch, Isabelle Novak has always led a chaotic, nomadic existence. But her life spins out of control when her sister – her only friend and emotional anchor – is killed by a demon. Driven by grief and a desire for revenge, she turns her back on the Coven and its sacred rede: Harm ye none…

When Isabelle first encounters Thomas Monahan, she’s running on pure rage and sorrow, channelling her pain into power – and trying to freeze the life out of the warlock she holds responsible for her sister’s death. Together she and Thomas form an uneasy alliance to hunt and destroy a demon of tremendous power. As head of the Coven, earth witch Thomas must thwart Isabelle’s dark impulses, but his very presence stirs deeper desires she never knew she had…

Witch Blood is the second instalment in the Elemental Witches series by Anya Bast. If you like action, love scenes and demons then this is the book for you. It’s jam packed with them all.

Isabelle Novak is a very powerful water witch and is tracking a demon, but not just any demon. This demon killed her sister Angela. Isabelle is out for revenge. In her quest to find the demon, she has an encounter with the Coven and is taken into their protection and gets more than she bargained for in the shape of Thomas Monahan, leader of the Coven.

I was quite simply enthralled with this book. I loved Isabelle’s strong, independent character and her carefree travelling lifestyle. It seems to suit her to a tee until she meets Thomas Monahan that is. That man would definitely make you want to stay in one place. Thomas is caring, loving, very powerful and dominant. This is everything that Isabelle needs from man, especially the dominance. Thomas is the perfect match for her. But will she run away or will she stay?

It’s really hard to pick a favourite scene or chapter of the book as I enjoyed it all. But if I had to pick one moment, I think it would have to be during a moment between Thomas and Isabelle when she is learning more about his earth magick and how and where he stores it. I thought that was a really informative and intimate at the same time.

Overall, this book was a really enjoyable read and I am certainly going to continue with the series. I loved every minute that I read of the book and couldn’t put it down at times. The ending chapters really shocked me as I didn’t expect what happened and I love it when that happens. Witch Blood is definitely a page turner. 

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from the local library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur
My Rating: VG, B, X
Published: 2006Publisher: Piatkus

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

by Stephenie Meyer

My Rating: G, P, L

Published: June 2010
Publisher:Atom

Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood…life before she became a vampire.

All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don’t draw attention to yourself and, above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn’t know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out.

Then Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as her. As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagine, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trust. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how to do you find the truth?

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is a novella, part of the Twilight series, by Stephenie Meyer. This novella gives a bit more of an insight into the newborns rebirth, lhow they lived and how they come to die at the hand of the Cullens.

Bree Tanner was just fifteen when she was turned into a vampire. She keeps herself to herself from the other newborns and cowers away when things get rough. One night out hunting she befriends another, older, newborn Diego, and they become close friends. They begin to think that their existence has a reason above fighting amongst themselves and fulfilling their thirsts, but what that purpose is that and when was Riley going to clue them in on it?

I’m not sure what I expected from this book. I wasn’t absolutely thrilled after reading it but it was nice to know what it life was like for the newborns. They were lied to and threatened on countless occasions. They were convinced that they had to kill the Cullens before they killed them. They were told they couldn’t go out in the sunlight or else they would go up in flames and be reduced to ashes. Riley would pull their limbs apart, literally, if they did not follow direct orders. They were basically lambs being sent out to be slaughtered.

I feel bad for them because they didn’t really have a choice in this way of life but to be turned into a vampire for the sole purpose to fight the Cullens for their creator, who doesn’t even have the nerve to show herself to them. Not even before going into battle, which could have been the least that Victoria could have done. But I suppose this wouldn’t fit in with Victoria’s character if she was to actually give a damn about anyone but herself.

I think my favourite part of the book was in the cave where it’s just Bree and Diego and they are trying to come up with a handshake for their secret club. I thought that was a cute and personal moment between the two of them. It seems neither of them had anyone that cared about them before they died and that this is a new emotion to them both. I thought that was sweet.

Overall, I was happy to find out what happened to the newborns and how Bree came to be a vampire. This story shows exactly how devious and adamant Victoria was in her quest to killing Bella and Edward. What totally sidetracked me was the Volturi’s part in this plan. If only Aro knew, I’m sure he wouldn’t have stood for it.

Disclaimer: I own this book and it was given to me as a present. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Mind Games

by Carolyn Crane

My Rating: E, E, P

Published: 2010
Publisher: Ballantine Books (Spectra)

Justine Jones has a secret. A hardcore hypochondriac, she’s convinced a blood vessel is about to burst in her brain. Then, out of the blue, a startling handsome man named Packard peers into Justine’s soul and invites her to join his private crime-fighting team. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. With a litter of Packard’s hands-on training, Justine can weaponize her neurosis, turning it outwards on Midcity’s worst criminals, and finally get the freedom from fear she’s always craved. End of problem.

Or is it? In Midcity, a dashing police chief is fighting a unique breed of outlaw with more than human powers. And while Justine’s first missions, including one against a nymphomaniac husband-killer, are thrilling successes, there is more to Packard than meets the eye. Soon, while battling her attraction to two very different men, Justine is plunging deeper into a world of wizadry, eroticism, and cosmic secrets. With Packard’s help, Justine has freed herself from her madness – only to discover a reality more frightening than anyone’s worst fears.

Mind Games is the debut novel, first in a trilogy, of up and coming author Carolyn Crane. Her first novel is nothing like anything I have read before. It’s original and full of zing.

The first time I read the synopsis of this book, I wasn’t entirely sure if I would be my kind of book. But in the end I gave in and bought the it and I got really excited about getting to read it and I must say I was not disappointed in the slightest.

I was constantly on edge reading this book. I never knew what was going to happen in this story and what Justine was going to do next. She isn’t a girl that gets pushed around easily. We see her go from a very severe hypochondriac to an all powerful zinging machine that helps reform the humans of Midcity that can’t be proved guilty in court. Justine has help in the form of her disillusionist team mates, Shelby, Carter, Simon and Packard. But zinging comes at a cost.

Shelby has this dry humour about her and I absolutely loved her character to the bone. Carter is like my male double, especially when he is driving a car. Simon is the dangerous one in the group, he doesn’t always follow the rules and makes his own boundaries. Packard is the leader of the disillusionists, he formed the group and decides the cases they take on.

My absolute favourite part of the book was the scene with the pool, which is a lot further in the book. This is the turning point in the book which will cause readers to really think about the story. I know I got confused from here on as I didn’t know who was the good guy and who was the bad guy. The line seems to be really thin. I also love all the interaction that Justine has with Shelby and Simon. Although I didn’t like Simon to begin with, but he sort of grew on me.

This book is an absolute mind blower and I would recommend this to everyone. Seriously, just try it, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. I wasn’t. I can’t wait for the next instalment in the series. I wonder what the disillusionists will get up to next.

Disclaimer: I bought this book with my own money and I am not paid to review this book in any way. Everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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The Lunatic Café

by Laurell K. Hamilton

My Rating: E, P, B

Published: 1996
Publisher: Orbit

‘You don’t volunteer for slugfests with vampires. IT shortens you life expectancy.’

And you don’t fall in love with a werewolf. It interferes with your work. Especially when you’re a preternatural expert, like me. My business brings me up close and personal with all shapes and sizes of monsters. And not all of them want to kill me.

Take, for instance, the local pack of lycanthropes – they’re werewolves to you. A number of them are missing and they’ve come to me for help. Maybe because I’m dating the leader of the pack. I’ve survives a lot – from jealous vampires to killer zombies – but this love thing may kill me yet.

The Lunatic Café is the fourth novel in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton. Once again this series doesn’t disappoint, we have a glorious love triangle going on for our heroine Anita Blake, a murder mystery and some crazy cops.

Well, what can I say? This book did not disappoint me at all. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. We meet the local werewolf pack in this story and they are as vicious as they are made out to be, beasts, not human. Well some of them are, there are some nice ones, like Richard. Anita is once again left fighting for her life, and it’s in quite a precarious situation but then it would have to be, it’s Anita.

Anita has a bit of a challenging time in this book. She has two men vying for her love and attention but they are both monsters, going by her definition. Who will she choose? Anita has a murder mystery to help solve with the preternatural squad as well as chastise her boss constantly about the type of clients he is sending her. They are not her usual cases and she refuses to take any more, she’s an animator and vampire executioner not a private investigator. Bert however just sees the dollar signs and says yes.

Edward makes a reappearance in this book which I am happy about. He’s such an intriguing character. There’s a hidden depth underneath that homicidal exterior. What I want to know is what makes Edward tick? We know he kills for money and for the challenge of things, but what makes him mad, what does he do when he’s not with Anita or out killing his targets? I hope we get to find out. I don’t think anything will happen between him and Anita, they are just sort of friends. When he isn’t thinking about torturing or killing her if she doesn’t give him the information he wants.

Richard, this is a guy I could grow to like. I liked him in the first book for a while until I remembered he was first introduced as a naked guy having some kind of sexual relations with another werewolf. He was quite comfortable in this situation which I thought was rather odd. Anyway, in this book, Anita and he are still dating but the strain is showing. Richard tries to be overprotective a bit too much for Anita, but then she is being slightly hypocritical. Will their relationship last?

This leaves Jean Claude. He’s our ultimate bad guy, but he is so charming about it. Jean Claude is still trying to win Anita’s affection by being underhanded. But then what do you expect from a master vampire? I don’t know what else to say about him except that he is a viable suitor for Anita, but I’m not sure he will be the one she ends up with. Then again, I could be wrong. I can’t wait to find out as I read the series.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will continue to read and review the series. I would recommend this book/series to anyone who enjoys a more in depth plot line that involves all shapes and sizes of the supernatural.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book, I borrowed it from my local library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Circus of the Damned

by Laurell K. Hamilton

My Rating: E, P, R

Published: First published in1995
Publisher: Orbit

I’m Anita Blake, expert on creatures of the night. I’ve dined with shapeshifters, danced with werewolves, and been wooed – but not won – by Jean-Claude, the Vampire Master of the City.

And now a darkly dangerous vampire names Alejandro has hit town. He wants me for his human servant. A war of the undead has begun. Over me…

DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE PREVIOUS BOOK AS IT MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR YOU

Circus of the Damned is the third installment in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton. This book focuses more on the vampires and shape shifters than the animator side of things. We are introduced to a new creature and personally I am thankful I wasn’t Anita. Coming face to face with this creature, I don’t think my skin would stop crawling.

Well I was much happier with this book than the last one in the series, The Laughing Corpse. Anita is in amongst all the action once again and she uncovers a few new things about a certain master vampire and her report friend, Irving Griswold.

There was so much going on in this book that I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to spoil it for you out there that have not read the book/series yet. What I will say is that loved the twist in the story about the villains and Edward is back.

I think Edward is a rather interesting character. He is a dark and dangerous human being that shows no emotion when he is killing and isn’t close to anyone, except Anita. Now why is that? I think it’s because they are sort of in the same line of business, killing vampires and he has respect for her. They both have their own rules that they live by and they don’t break them for anything. This is real honour and a really good characteristic to have. You know you can always count on them to what they always do as they are sticking to their rules. Anita is sometimes confused as to where she stands with Edward as she doesn’t want to call him a friend as she knows he would kill her if he had to but at the same time what else do you call someone else that you trust with your life in violent situations? There’s no real attraction between the two so I don’t think anything romantic will happen in the series. To me they are friends, but I suppose we will just all have to wait and find out what exactly they are to one another later on in the series. I think they are friends and that’s it.

Now as for Jean Claude, what do I think of him? I think he is a very mysterious old man. He wants Anita, but I don’t think it’s because she is the Executioner although I think that adds to the allure of her. I think he sees someone he could spend the rest of eternity with but he is not above trying to coerce her into being his servant as we see in this book but at the same time he wants her to come to him willingly. But as we have seen previously Anita is totally against being his human servant and keeps threatening his life. They are both attracted to one another so I think something might happen in a later book but I can’t be sure as I am not entirely sure that Anita can get over the fact the he is indeed a dead man and a monster. But only time will tell I suppose.

And last but not least, Anita’s new love interest. Richard. From his description he is really hot and well built. He works for Jean Claude, who has warned him away from Anita, but this doesn’t stop him asking her out on a date. That’s all I will say on that matter otherwise I will spoil the story for you.

Overall, I was enjoyed this book thoroughly. The twists and turns in the plot were superb and I loved the new creature that we were introduced to in this book. I hope we keep meeting more mythical creatures in this series.

Disclaimer: I did not purchase this book, I borrowed it from my local library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Kitty  and the Midnight Hour

by Carrie Vaughn

My Rating: VG, P, B

Published: 2005

Publisher: Warner Books

By: Naomi M.

Kitty Norville is a midnight-shift DJ for a Denver radio station – and a werewolf in secret. Sick of lame requests, she accidentally starts ‘The Midnight Hour’, a late-night talk show for the supernaturally disadvantaged.

After desperate vampires, werewolves and witches across the country begin calling into share their woes, her new show is raging success. But it’s Kitty who can use some help. With one sexy werewolf hunter and a few homicidal undead on her trail, Kitty may have bitten off more than she can chew…

Kitty and The Midnight Hour is the first novel in the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn. This book covers Kitty’s journey from the pack cub to a more dominant, self reliant woman/wolf.

Before Kitty became a werewolf she was a DJ and this is a job she still does. On an off night the talk turns to the supernatural and this causes Kitty’s DJ career to sky rocket over night. The pack leader and master vampire of the area aren’t happy and want her to quit the show but Kitty is happy with what she does as it’s something she enjoys and it’s all her own, and she won’t quit for anyone. You will see the constant struggle she has with the alpha of the pack to gain some independence. But is it all worth it?

Anything I say in the following paragraph could be deemed a spoiler, but I don’t think so but I added this in just in case.

I thought this book was well written and quite creative. This is the first book I think I have read that the main character is a werewolf. Everything else I have read, the main characters are mostly vampires or humans. The pack dynamic is slightly different from other packs in other novels I have read. The pack in this story are very touchy feely as it gives them a ‘safe’ feeling. I think this is transferred from their human side and isn’t just a wolf trait. A lot of people feel safer when they are being touched by someone they love and trust. The pack is just like that except they feel like they have to touch another to feel safe and have to touch each other all the time. The alpha has a mate, but can still sleep with all the females of the pack. I think this is wrong on so many levels but essential to this story.

Kitty isn’t the strong heroine we all expect her to be at the beginning. She grows out of her submissiveness and becomes the heroine we are all waiting to read about. It’s a slow journey but eventually she manages to gain her independence but at a huge cost. We see her constant struggle between her and her wolf all throughout the book. Kitty doesn’t want to like what her wolf likes. But who wins in the end? I’m not telling, you will just have to read the book for yourself.

I think my favourite part of the book was the first time we meet Cormac. This part in the book was very anti-climatic and had me sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. There was also a moment near the end of the book when Kitty meets with Arturo the Master vampire of the family in Denver. The description of Rick’s face had me literally laughing out loud.

Overall, I think this book was pretty good. It had a good plot line, a strong female character alongside many very strong male characters and was action packed. There was always a macho display going on and this isn’t just within the wolf pack. This book would be suitable for teenagers upwards. There’s nothing sexually explicit in this book but there are a few descriptive violence scenes but I’m sure it’s something a teenager can handle.

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book, I borrowed it from the library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs

My Rating: E, P X

Published: 2008

Publisher: Orbit

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

It wasn’t hard to follow the scent of blood to the living room where the fae had been killed. It had been a violent death, perfect for creating ghosts.

Mercy Thompson enjoys being a mechanic, but life is never simple given her increasing closeness to the local werewolf pack, and her ability to change into coyote form at will. And when a member of the fae community calls in a favour, needing her skills for a covert murder investigation, she jumps into the hunt.

But the dangers multiply and she clashes with shadowed creatures of great power. When her old boss Zee is charged with a brutal assassination, Mercy finds herself fighting alone. There are those who love her, who would keep her safe, but she is way and holds her freedom precious. Until, that is, she has nothing left to lose but her life…

Blood Oath

By Christopher Farnsworth

Debut novel in a 3-book series published by Putnam

Rating: VG, P, H, X

Reviewed by: Diana M.

Nathaniel Cade. He’s a man’s vamp. A killer in a world of twisted and freaky monsters — not some love-stuck fangster who moons over a human lover. You like Cade though and want him to succeed because he’s all that stands between you and evil. Cade is the creation of Chris Farnsworth, a journalist turned screenwriter/novelist who just released BLOOD OATH, his first novel that’s a political thriller.

Cade is a very special secret agent — a vampire who has protected every U.S. President for the past 140 years through a special blood oath. Cade’s pretty simple. He fights the supernatural from the “Other Side” and the U.S. public remains safe and none-the-wiser. He doesn’t drink human blood (pig’s blood) and he’ll pay a price for that at some time in the series. He hates it when humans romanticize his plight — because it’s anything but romantic. And he pretty much sticks to his code to protect and serve.

The story is based on a bit of history. According to an obscure newspaper clipping, President Andrew Johnson — the man who followed Lincoln into the White House — pardoned a sailor accused of killing two crew mates and drinking their blood in 1867. Farnsworth read about this in the excellent (and well-titled) *THE PRESIDENT’S VAMPIRE by Robert Schneck. It got him wondering: what would the president do with a vampire. And suddenly, the idea of a vampire secret agent, working for the Oval Office for more than a century, opened an entire world of stories to him.

The novel is a fast read, full of action, grisly deeds, political intrigue — and even a *tiny* bit of vamp romance. Sorry, no human lover here. Cade can’t escape the contempt of a predator for his prey. Even though he’s sworn off human blood, humans are still food to him — not love. As he says in the book, “You eat steak. Does that mean you want to have sex with a cow?” But he does share a romp with Tania — a vampire who has hidden feelings for Cade.

However — forget the vamp sex — it’s the creepy web of bad guys that make this such a fun read, especially Cade’s nemesis — Konrad, who likes to do weird stuff with body parts. In BLOOD OATH, Konrad is up to something that threatens U.S. security. Cade has to track him down and stop him — but can’t kill him because someone higher up is protecting Konrad. Along the way, you meet some of Konrad’s entourage: Women who sleep with him for money or seek some sort of elixir of youth and beauty that they think Konrad will bestow upon them for services rendered. You also meet some of the crazies who are hired to carry out his plan — all tying in neatly with the war on terrorism and violent clashes occurring globally.

The best part of the book for me: The odd-ball relationship between Cade and his new human handler, Zach, a young, ambitious, pain-in-the-ass political climber who suddenly finds his career path taking a dark turn. His new job may come with top secret clearance, but no one can ever know what Zach is doing. His job really is top secret. And that’s a tough pill to swallow for the power-hungry agent. In BLOOD OATH, Zach and Cade sort of bond — like cop partners do — because they exchange stories about their lives while together battling many evil beings, including zombie soldiers.

This is not your lovey-dovey paranormal romance book, though. In fact, the first couple of chapters didn’t draw me in until I got to Zach’s part. So stick with the opening chapters, which are all short. Farnsworth writes short like that anyway because it’s his style. He likes ending each chapter with a strong image. This makes it easy to either put the book down if you have to run an errand — or squeeze in that next chapter because you know it won’t be very long! Some of the chapters alternate between the present and the past, which includes interesting flashbacks from Cade’s past. But what holds it all together and makes it fun is Farnsworth’s dry wit. It’s almost like reading one of those Marvel comic books. It’s fun but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. And that makes it a bit of an unusual read in the vamp world. You get a bit of political intrigue, lots of horror and a cool, new, steely vampire hero — for those of us who are getting a little tired of the heavy sighs, long-lidded looks and the indecision of our other vamp heroes.

What’s next? Lucas Foster’s Warp Films has optioned the rights to the first two books in the series, *BLOOD OATH* and *BLACK SITE*, which is already written. Farnsworth will be an executive producer and consult on the scripts. Lucas produced *Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Crimson Tide.

Disclaimer: *I received a reviewer’s copy of BLOOD OATH, but bought my own copy to read. I also worked with Chris as a business journalist a zillion years ago. (We always knew he wanted to write screenplays and novels.) I am not paid to write reviews or interview authors.

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Kiss of Death

Morganville Vampires book #8

Rating: E, P

Editorial review on Amazon:

Vampire musician Michael Glass has attracted the attention of a big- time producer who wants to cut a demo and play some gigs-which means Michael will have to enter the human world. For this, he’s been assigned escorts that include both a dangerous immortal as well as Michael’s all-too-human friends. And with that mix of personalities, this is going to be a road trip from hell…

Reviewed by: Tamara T. (lots of spoilers!!)

Let me just start off by saying that Myrnin is my favorite character in this series.  Now, having just said that, know that Myrnin has only a very small part in this novel, and I still loved it.  I thought this book rocked in a way that is unique to this series.  It’s a page turner, going from event to event, and yet I never felt overwhelmed.  The story focuses on Michael, Claire, Shane, Eve, and Oliver.  Oliver is the chosen escort for the 4 friends.  He has not always been the friendliest in the past, and he is by no means by favorite character.  However, in this story, Oliver turns out to be so much more likable.  He’s still pretty hard-nosed about things, but his humanity shines through a bit in this novel.  I have a feeling that will cause things to change somewhat in future books.

It was nice to have the story set outside of Morganville.  I had originally thought that the story was going to be more about Michael’s singing career, but it turns out that it takes quite a bit just to get there.  The trip through Texas doesn’t go quite as planned.  The rough humans that they encountered at the truck stop were a surprise to me.  It served as a reminder that nasty people are all over, even outside of Morganville.

The newbie infected vampires, left as a gift from Bishop when he passed through a small town, were yet another surprise for me.  Again, this was not what I had expected the story to be about.  It was a really good surprise because it was well written, engaging, and I like not being able to guess what is going to happen next.  Morley and his followers thrown into the mix just made the action richer.  Even Jason, who is always a mystery, played his role in all the mayhem.

I loved all the interactions between the characters!  I learned more about the characters, some of their emotional depths were brought to the surface, and all at the same time the story rocketed forward at a fantastic pace.  Kudos to Rachel Caine and her awesome writing!

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Black Magic Sanction Review

by Kim Harrison

My Rating: VG,H

Reviewed by: Rebecca R.

Edited by: Maria G.

Undead and Unworthy

By: MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, L, H

Published: 2008

Publisher: Piatkus

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

Having recently lost her dad and stepmother, Betsy Sinclair (nee Taylor) is adjusting to rather more than just married life. Their untimely deaths have left her and Eric as sole guardians of her little brother. Two vampire parents – albeit vampire royalty – for a decidedly human baby. Still, Betsy is more than up for the challenge. If only everyone would stop being so nervous around her, given her sudden recent burst of power. Betsy most emphatically Does Not Want To Discuss It, and for the moment everyone is following her lead.

But then the ghost of Betsy’s stepmother turns up at their house. And as stubborn and insufferable as she was in life, she’s even more annoying in death – especially as she regards her demise as all Betsy’s fault!

Undead and Unworthy is the seventh instalment in the Queen Betsy series by MaryJanice Davidson. Once again there is action, humour and some ludicrous outbursts from Betsy, although Tina throws a mean tantrum too.

I absolutely loved this book, I think my favourite part of the book by far was chapter one. Once you read this you will understand and I don’t want to ruin it for those of you who haven’t read it yet. All I can say is Sinclair and Betsy are left very disappointed.

The Fiends make a reappearance in this book and it’s not in a friendly way. Luckily Betsy knows what to do and sorts everything out. I thought it was good to revisit the Fiends as they weren’t mentioned much in the previous book.

Betsy’s powers are a no go area of discussion in this book for her and it seems that everyone else is staying off the subject. I feel bad for Betsy here as she doesn’t know where the powers came from or how to control them if she accidentally calls on them.

I think this book is appropriately named. Betsy feels unworthy for all the things her friends does for her, unworthy to be a queen to the vampires as she doesn’t think she is helping them, unworthy of Sinclair etc etc. Basically Betsy is sort of wallowing in self pity for part of this book until she snaps out of it of course and kicks some butt.

There was a really nice moment where Antonia the werewolf defends Betsy and I thought this was a very loyal thing to do. The ending was rather unexpected and I didn’t like certain parts of it. I can’t really say why or else it will spoil the book for you.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t want to read a serious in depth plot paranormal novel. The series as a whole is great for a laugh and also there is a great plot line to the story but it’s nothing too sinister or tricky to understand. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do know own this book and I have not been paid to review this book. I borrowed this book from the library and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Vampire Academy

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess; a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth’s magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires – the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa’s best friend, makes her a Dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir’s Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking Academy hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir’s – inside the Academy’s iron gates, their world is even more fraught with danger. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals, and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever…

Vampire Academy is the first novel in the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. The first book introduces us into the world of the vampires in Montana. Rose, a Dhampir (a mortal half vampire, half human), is the best friend and unofficial guardian of the, Moroi (mortal upper class vampire), Princess Lissa Dragomir. They are connected by a bond that was forged after a horrible accident that happened a few years prior to the present time set in the book.

The story starts with Rose and Lissa on the run from the academy and trying to keep out of Strigoi’s way. The Strigoi are vampires are evil and have killed which makes them immortal but it takes away their ability to go out in the sun and it takes away their magic. The pair ran away because there was danger near at the academy and Rose decided it was best to get Lissa away from there as she fears for their lives. They manage to remain hidden for two years. But eventually they were caught.

Once they return to the academy, a string of unusual sacrifices start happening and they are directed at our leading ladies. They don’t know who is behind it but they do know that they can’t let their secret get out or else their lives will never be the same.

Rose carries on her Dhampir education but also takes on extra training sessions with Lissa’s other guardian, Dimitiri, in order to make her the best guardian she can be. She wants to be able to protect Lissa the best she can and to do this she must know how to take down and defeat the Strigroi even if it’s someone she knows. She can’t allow herself to hesitate or to be distracted, which proves difficult when she becomes attracted to someone she really shouldn’t.

I loved all the action in this book. There were a few action scenes but there also lots of nice warm moments between Lissa and Rose. You can see that their friendship goes beyond their bond and that they care deeply for one another. Rose always has Lissa’s back and won’t let anything hurt her. Lissa is the exact same, she doesn’t like it when people try to hurt Rose.

Rose is an excellent, kick ass, tough character. She doesn’t take anything lying down, she gets back up and fights it head on. I envy her quick wittedness and her loyalty to Lissa. Nothing can break her loyalty to Lissa, even when she pushes Rose away. Lissa comes across as a delicate flower, beautiful and gentle but easily crushed if in the wrong hands. But what people don’t realise is that she is the hidden bee within that flower, ready to sting if Rose or she is threatened.

Overall, I loved this book and can’t wait to sink my teeth into the next book in the series, Frostbite. I think this book has an excellent plot and it’s well balance between the plot, romance and friendship. There are lots of funny parts in this book, which is because of Rose although Christian’s dark humour is rather amusing. There are scenes of a sexual nature but nothing too erotic or explicit and there are a few gruesome scenes. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys vampire fiction. This book is a mix between PC & Kristin Cast’s House of Night Series and MaryJanice Davidson’s Queen Betsy series and I love both of these series.

Disclaimer: I have not purchased this book, I borrowed it from the library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

After a few centuries, the only death ‘big enough’ is a human sacrifice. I know because I’m an animator. My name is Anita Blake.

Working for Animators, Inc. is just a job – like selling insurance. But all the money in the world wasn’t enough for me to take on the particular job Harold Gaynor was offering.

Somebody else did, though – a rogue animator. Now he’s not just raising the dead…he’s raising Hell. An it’s up to me to stop it.

The Laughing Corpse is the second book in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton.

A rogue zombie is going around killing people as its’ animator has lost control over it. Someone tries to hire Anita to raise a very old corpse but she won’t do it as this requires a human sacrifice, even with their persuasive techniques she will not do it. Jean Claude is trying to rein Anita in as his human servant but Anita is having none of it – she submits to no one.

I can’t say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was kind of hard to get a handle on the plot to begin with so I think this threw me off big time. I think I finally started to get into the book about three quarters of the way through. Once I got into it, I enjoyed the plotline and the characters. My favourite bit is the interaction between Anita and a copy at a murder scene.

I’m scared for Anita and her future as what happens in this story changes her and I don’t think this change is going to be good for her. She has gone one step too far.

I was hoping Jean Claude would make an appearance again. I grew to like him in the first book. Hopefully Anita and Jean Claude get together at some point – would make the whole Master Vampire and human servant link rather interesting. Seeing as Anita is blatantly not submissive.

Where was Edward in this book? I was hoping he would turn up and help Anita kill the zombie, I see him as a sort of sidekick. He has more of a violent streak than Anita though.

Overall, the story was a slow start for me and eventually I got into it but I would only recommend this to the right reader. If you want to read a more in depth novel in regard to plots and characters then this book series is for you.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book. I borrowed it from the library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

by J.R. Ward

My Rating: E, B, X

Published: September 2006

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other – six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…

Lover Awakened is the third novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward and what a series it has been so far.

From Dark Lover, we see Wrath find his true love and exact revenge for the death of his family, in Lover Eternal we see the softer side to Rhage and he finds love and inner peace and in Lover Awakened we find out more about Zsadist’s past as a blood slave and how hecame to be the vampire we are terrified of but trust at the same time.

Zsadist is a very dark and cruel vampire, but there is more to him. His scars are legendary and there are many rumours about him. He is illiterate due to his slavery and he is cruel to women because of what happened to him as a slave. It’s such a sad story to read but I enjoyed every minute of it, does that make me a masochist? I felt for Zsadist when he is confused about Bella. He doesn’t want to want her but he does and this is confusing to him because of what happened in his slave days. I truly wanted to kill the vampires that had Zsadist as a slave – I felt so bad for him.

At the beginning of the book Bella is still being held prisoner by the evil Lesser, Mr. O, who has decided he wants to keep her. She is beaten and forced to hear and watch the tortures of her species. Everyone is searching for Bella but she seems to be impossible to find and some believe she is dead. Luckily word gets to the Brotherhood of her location and she is saved.

I loved the tender moments between Zsadist and Bella, like when he takes care of her and makes sure she is well and that no one is to hurt her at all if it can’t be helped. After being rescued from the Lessers, Zsadist and Bella have more in common than what Zsadist has with anyone else that lives at the mansion.

Tension rises when a female within the Brotherhood mansion goes into her needing, but who will help relieve her pain? I will leave that to you to find out. Let’s just say it was an exhausting experience, both for the characters and for me reading about it. I was about ready to collapse just reading about how much pain and agony the female was in and it’s hard going on the male too.

There are a couple of deaths that were totally unexpected and I think not needed, but I suppose it will all come to light as I read on. I was like ‘No that can’t happen’ but it did and it felt like it hurt me as much as it hurt the characters in the story. That is the downside of getting too engrossed in a book, you feel everything the characters feel.

There’s a pleasant little twist near the end of the book and I totally didn’t see it coming. It was nicely hidden, and exposed in a rather humorous fashion. Really the clues are there all along, but I didn’t pick up on them.

I have to say that this is my favorite book so far in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I loved the in depth back story of Zsadist and his slave days and how Phury came to lost a leg. It’s also nice to learn more about the aristocracy of the vampires. I liked how in this book there were, what seemed to me, a lot more point of views of the characters. It wasn’t all Bella, or Zsadist. It was evenly proportioned and really enjoyable to read. I would definitely recommend to anyone reading this series, if you are having trouble getting into the books, please stick with them until this book at least. It will blow you away.

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book but was given it in PDF format by a friend. I am not being paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetites. He’s the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover—for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him.

Mary Luce, a survivor of many hardships, is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world and reliant on Rhage’s protection. With a life-threatening curse of her own, Mary is not looking for love. Her faith in miracles was lost years ago. But when Rhage’s intense animal attraction turns into something more emotional, he knows that he must make Mary his alone. And while their enemies close in, Mary fights desperately to gain life eternal with the one she loves…

Lover Eternal is the second instalment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. This book focuses on Rhage’s story and about a human female, Mary Luce and her life struggles.

Rhage has made some bad choices in his life and the consequences of his actions led to him being burdened with the beast that is unleashed whenever he is fighting. Mary is a lonely woman who lost her mother to a terrible disease and is trying to get on with her life when her fate takes a cruel twist.

The story basically starts from where the first book, Dark Lover, ended. The Brotherhood are living together and are still taking out the Lessers. Mary comes across a young man and with the aid of her neighbour Bella, they help him which leads to Mary finding Rhage.

Rhage can’t leave Mary alone and courts her within an inch of her life. He takes it upon himself to protect her and this causes some strife within the Brotherhood. Along the way we see a different side to Zsadist but I won’t say anymore on that subject – I will let you find out for yourself.

The Lessers are still going around torturing the civilian vampires to get to the Brotherhood. Not much has changed there apart from they have gotten more organised than in the last book.

Well, what can I say about this book apart from I loved it so much I couldn’t stop reading. I was so entranced by Rhage and Mary’s relationship, so much torment and torture. I was so into the story that I was nearly in tears at the end, so heartfelt and real. The sex scenes were so beautifully written. How I wished I was Mary hehe.

I would highly recommend anyone that has read Dark Lover to read this book – you will not be let down. Now onto Lover Awakened – see what the Brotherhood are up to next.

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book but was given it in PDF format by a friend. I am not being paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Dark Lover

My Rating: E, B, X

Published: September 2005

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other – six vampire warriors who are defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the blind leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one his most trusted fighters is killed – leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate – Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead – a world beyond her wildest dreams…

Dark Lover is the first novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. This book focuses on Wrath’s story which involves revenge and love.

Well I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book, so much that I have already started the next one, Lover Eternal, and can’t put it down either. These books are very much addictive. The Brothers have some seriously cool names and very fitting for what their job requires them to do – Wrath, Rhage, Tohrment, Vishous, Phury and Zsadist.

Wrath is the King of the Vampires and he is blind. This doesn’t stop him from kicking some Lessers butts though. He has been tormented for years over the deaths of his parents and has been seeking revenge every since. He is mated with a vampire female, Marissa, but he is not truly with her in the ways that other male vampires are with their shellans, female mates. This all changes once Wrath meets Beth, half-breed daughter of Darius, a fallen Brother. Wrath keeps an eye on Beth and takes care of her during her transition period.

The Lessers are disgusting looking, soulless, impotent creatures that are trying to exterminate the vampire race. They serve the Omega, from what I gather is a very ancient and evil creature, who is a life taker and the opposite of the vampires’ Scribe Virgin who gives life. In this story their leader, Mr. X, is trying to lure out civilian vampires to get to the Brotherhood. I will let you read on to find out if they are successful or not.

This book has a lot, a lot, of sex scenes. I think I lost count of how many times our characters got it on but it was exciting to go on that journey of self discovery with them. Beth is trying to figure out who she is, one day she is an editor for a paper and has never had the chance to have her own work published and then the next day she finds out she is a half-breed and will be turning into a vampire any day now. I think this is enough to blow anyone’s minds and have them confused about who they are. Beth takes to it with ease though as if this transition was the thing she was waiting to happen to let her live her life to the fullest. Before she never had a boyfriend, worked all the time and the only friends she had were the guys at the local police precinct that gave her tip offs for stories.

Overall I loved this book and I think this is a new series of books that I am definitely going to keep reading. You will not regret reading this book. Revenge, love, fun, self-discovery, romance – what more could a reader ask for?

Released on May 4, 2010

By: Rebecca R.

Edited by: Maria G.

When Charlaine Harris is on a roll, I can read her books within hours of its release and that is the case with her newest book, Dead in the Family. I was worried, that after Dead and Gone, our Sookie would be wallowing in her depression while she dealt with whatever new obstacles were thrust upon her. Happily, that was not the case, instead we got our old spunky and sassy Sookie back.

What I enjoyed reading the most about was Sookie’s relationship with Eric and that this was the first time that she and Eric admit that they love one another. Actually, this is the first relationship she’s had that forces her to think of long term… almost to the point of wondering about turning into a Vampire. Did she ever do that with Bill? No. Maybe Sookie finally found the one lover she wants to stay with. I, also, never expected Eric to even say things to Sookie like “I’ve missed you,” which shows you that Eric has changed as a result of his relationship with Sookie.

One of the characters that I look forward to reading in the Sookie Stackhouse novels is Pam. She is one of those characters that can instantly change the tempo of a scene for the better. She is Sookie’s straight man and over time she has become the comic relief we so desperately need. Especially, when she blurts out classic lines like “Fu** a Zombie!”

Other high points to the story was Claude, who has become more human due to the lack of fae around town. I absolutely loved reading Claude trying to be a good cousin for once in Sookie’s life. Also, when I found out Debbie Pelt was making an appearance I was excited. Her appearance made me laugh because it is so like Debbie to just hang around to cause more problems for Sookie… even in death.

I loved discovering more about the families of the characters we have grown to love. Yes, I know that that was the purpose and theme of the book but still it was nice to see the back stories on these characters. Especially that of Eric’s “family.” Eric’s relationship with his maker, Appius, was at times comical because of the awkwardness between he, Alexei, Sookie, Jason and Eric.

Regarding Victor, words escape me. As a result of his actions over the last few books he has become my enemy #1. I‘m hoping that Sookie, Eric and Pam team up in the next book and slaughter him into pieces.

All in all, I suggest that you pick up the latest in the Sookie novels and start your countdown for the next one, because I have a feeling it will be a doozy.

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Punblisher:St.Martin’s Paperbacks

Reviewed by: Rebecca R.

Edited by: Maria G.

Fang Kattalakis isn’t just a wolf. He is the brother of two of the most powerful members of the Omegrion: the ruling council that enforces the laws of the Were-Hunters. When war erupts among the lycanthropes, sides must be chosen. Enemies must become allies. And Fangs”s one true passion is strictly forbidden’ when Aimee, the Arcadian huntress he loves, is accused of betraying her people, Fang is her last and only hope. But in order to save her, he must break the laws of his people and the trust of his brothers’ breach that could destroy both their races and change their world forever. The Were-Hunters”s war begins.

Sherrilyn Kenyon has written many other series, including: The League, Brotherhood of the Sword, Lords of Avalon, The Dream-Hunters and my favorite, the Dark-Hunter series. What I find so intriguing about these Dark-Hunter and Were-Hunter novels is that Sherrilyn doesn’t exactly have them in a certain order and likes to have the two worlds interweave one another.

When we meet Fang and Aimee. we see that they have this instant attraction. Unfortunately, their relationship is forbidden by their families because “bears and wolves don’t mix,” but that doesn’t keep them from seeing each other.Not only does Sherrilyn know how to create complex and fun characters, she also knows how to write romance. The tension between the main characters is what kept me reading. She also knows how to pen a Hollywood-worthy action tale. The action sequences between the Were-Hunters and the malicious Daimons made me sit at the edge of my chair, at one point I think I fell off my chair.

Of course, it takes some time for Aimee and Fang to actually “do the deed,” but that’s what we love… a gradual build up. I actually ended up screaming at my book, “JUST KISS ALREADY!” Mind you, it’s not just the sexual tension that makes this pairing memorable, it’s those sweet little moments that endear you to them.

This book is one of my favorites. Actually, I want to say that it is up there on my Top Ten list and I’m hoping Sherrilyn continues this series because there are so many amazing characters.My recommendation is that you pick-up this book and lose yourself in it, like I did.

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Dark Prince

by Christine Feehan

My Rating: G, R, B

Published: April 2005

Publisher: Leisure Books

Reviewed by Naomi M.

Raven Whitney is a psychic who has used her gift to help the police track down a serial killer. Now she is determined to escape the glare of recent publicity for the peace of the Carpathian Mountains. Despite her own emotional fatigue, Raven finds herself connecting psychically to another wounded individual somewhere close by. Prince Mikhail s the leader of his people but, as his ancient Carpathian race nears extinction, he is close to giving in to loneliness and despair. Then a female voice enters his mind and tries to console him. Intrigued, Mikhail becomes obsessed with finding his unusual human female. From the moment their minds touch, Raven and Mikhail form a connection. But there are those who incorrectly view all Carpathians as vampires, and are determined to give their extinction a helping hand…

Dark Prince is a tale of an advanced race of people that are neither human nor vampire. They are one step closer to being a vampire than the normal human and only make this transition if they allow the darkness to consume them. Their sole purpose, it would seem, is to find their life mate.

The Carpathians are a dying race. Their women aren’t able to give birth to girls and most of their children die within the first year of infancy. This situation is weighing heavily on their Prince Mikhail’s shoulders. He is in despair and edging closer to the darkness within him until a female human, Raven, makes a psychic connection with him to try and help ease his depression.

I thought this story was very inventive and creative and I enjoyed the story but I didn’t like all of it. Mikhail infuriated me with his commanding ways and his obsession with Raven. I understand they are true life mates etc etc etc, but can you imagine never having a moment to yourself to do the things that you enjoy but instead always having to be around the same person for all eternity. On top of that you aren’t able to leave them or else you will both die. I think I would scream blue murder. Don’t get me wrong, I love my other half and can’t imagine life without him, but I need my own personal time too.

I get it if they both fell in love and got to know one another before all that happened, but instead Mikhail performed an everlasting act upon the both of them without even consulting Raven first. If I was Raven I would have went nuts and wouldn’t have given into him. But saying that, love at first sight is said to be a rather powerful thing.

It was rather irksome that Raven gave into Mikhail’s every sexual advance but at the same time I can understand her need to be with him to make everything seem right. How their love for one another came about is a tad unbelievable to me but it works in for the story.

I wasn’t sure where the story was heading from the first couple of chapters as it all seemed to be about Raven and Mikhail. I thought to myself at this point – this can’t be all that happens. I kept going on with reading it and found half way through the book there was some action scenes but thought oh well that’s over, what’s on the agenda now, what else can happen? Then the bad guy shows up finally and it doesn’t all work out great for him but I thought it all worked out a bit too easy for Mikhail. I thought Andre would have had a few more tricks up his sleeve.

All in all, I was rather annoyed most of the way through because of Raven giving into everything so easily and not really questioning who or what Mikhail was and putting her trust so easily into someone before he laid everything out on the table for her. The ending was lacking slightly for me, I think I expected too much. The sexual scenes were tastefully done and leaves a little bit to the imagination. I do think there was a rather lot of sex scenes, it seemed like every time you turned a page they were at it. I most likely will continue with the next book to see where the series leads me.

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book or been given it free of charge and I am not receiving any money to review this book. I borrowed this book from the local library and everything I have said is based on my honest opinion.

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Undead and Unpopular by MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, B, L

Published: 2006

Publisher: Piatkus

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

Betsy Taylor, Vampire Queen, already has plenty on her plate. For one thing, next week is her 31^st birthday – and her 1^st anniversary of being undead. On top of that, she still has wedding plans to finalize – and it’s not helping that the prospective groom is avoiding anything to do with it. And then there’s her decision to stop drinking blood – something she has yet to share with Eric Sinclair, her fiancé.

So the last thing she wants to deal with is uninvited guests, even if they happen to be powerful European vampires who have finally come to pay their respects the week before her birthday. Some of them don’t want Betsy as their Queen, and will do anything to get rid of her. As if turning thirty last year (not to mention dying) hadn’t been traumatic enough. And trying to give up blood is making her really cranky…

Undead and Unpopular is the fifth book from the Queen Betsy series. It will definitely make you laugh out loud, giggle non-stop and have you demanding to have a pair of designer sandals in winter time.

I absolutely love this series. Every page I turn, Betsy is always saying or doing something that makes me laugh. Her humour is utterly fantastically flippant but she is a bit precocious when it comes to her Queenly duties and very self-centered regarding everything else.

Betsy was just a normal girl fascinated with designer shoes, until one day, she died and rose as a vampire. But she wasn’t just any vampire, she was the Queen of all vampires. Apparently this was all foretold in The Book of the Dead, a sort of vampire bible. Some of the vampires weren’t too happy about this and don’t believe she is their Queen. They soon realise once they meet her that there’s no doubt that she is their Queen.

She is now organising her wedding to Eric Sinclair, who doesn’t seem to be interested in this human ceremony because to him they are already married and are to be together for at least one thousand years. This irks Betsy something terrible. Her one year anniversary of being dead is just around the corner along with her thirty first birthday and now she decides to go on a hunger strike thinking because she is the Queen she can do anything. As she finds out, it just makes her really cranky and irritable.

(WARNING – POSSIBLE SPOILER’S FOR PREVIOUS QUEEN BETSY BOOKS

AND FOR THIS BOOK SERIES IN FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH)

As in all the Queen Betsy series books so far, there is always some dilemma for Betsy. I think in Undead and Unpopular all the drama for her is based on how she decides to rule her vampire kingdom, at the moment the majority of vampire are still sticking to the old laws. Betsy doesn’t want any vampires killing humans. When she finds out that one of the vampires that has come to pay their long overdue respects was the one that murdered and turned her friend Sophie, she has to take a stand and do the right thing by her friend and by her subjects. But she doesn’t want to just kill the bad vampire, she wants to start afresh so she decides that he has to pay one way or another. It takes a friend’s illness, their reluctance to be turned into a vampire and a fight with a zombie to make Betsy realize what she has to do about Sophie’s problem. Betsy finds clarity in the strangest places.

(END OF SPOILER WARNING)

Jessica is going through a major crisis in this story as you will find out as you read on and of course Betsy makes it all about her. Betsy is rather self-centred when it comes to most things, but in the end she works it all out and realises it’s not about her at all. Marc is still going about but he’s not really a prominent character in this book. Tina is her usual self and slaving after Eric.

Undead and Unpopular isn’t really big on serious plots, but more of a humorous and light read. It’s good for a giggle. There are a few sexual scenes in this book but nothing I would call explicit enough to warrant an ‘X’ rating but I still wouldn’t recommend it to young readers. I think the series is really great and I really enjoy reading them. I can’t wait to find out how the wedding goes. Good luck Betsy!

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book or been given it free of charge and I am not receiving any money to review this book. I borrowed this book from the local library and everything I have said is based on my honest opinion.

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First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

My Rating: VG, B, X

Released: 9^th February 2010

Publisher: Avon Books

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows – her best friend is a half-vampire Cat Crawfield – and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family’s past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness – and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who lusts for a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human – even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the nightmare together…

First Drop of Crimson is the first novel in the Night Huntress World series, a spin off series from the Night Huntress series starring Cat Crawfield. The Night Huntress World series are novels, I think are, introducing us to the other characters that you would have met if you have read the Night Huntress series and giving us a more in depth look at their history.

I’m not sure that I knew what to expect from this book or what to make of it. The beginning felt a bit off for me with Spade’s automatic lust and feelings towards Denise. This was probably because I am used to reading about the emotions flitting back and forth between Cat and Bones, and haven’t really thought much about the other characters and their lives/feelings out with Cat’s knowledge before. I certainly didn’t catch the look that they gave one another in the Night Huntress series – come to think of it, I don’t think it was actually mentioned (I could be wrong, don’t have the book in front of me to check).

The plotline was rather interesting as the Night Huntress series, so far, hasn’t dabbled with demons so that put a nice new spin on things. The demon is quite essential to the plot-line because he is the one of the reasons that Denise and Spades cross paths.

I liked that we found out more about Spade’s rather unfortunate and sad past and what happened to Denise as she was hardly mentioned in the fourth book of the Night Huntress series. It’s a shame that she blamed herself for everything that happened.I felt bad for Denise for being dragged into this whole mess with the demon. Denise’s family’s past has created some serious bad karma for her and has caused some of her family members to end up dead. The demon threatens to kill the rest of her family unless she brings him what he wants, and believe me it’s nothing short of simple. His sought after toy has been hidden deep within the vampire world. This demon business has a bad affect on her and she has to learn how to control herself.

Spade craves Denise like he craves blood, ever since the first time he met her, but was warned to stay away, which he has done. But when she calls him requesting supernatural help, he willfully obliges. He never realized what he was getting himself into when he agreed to help. As the story progresses, Spade doesn’t want to let Denise go. He ends up falling for her and because of what has happened in his past, he is determined not to let her die. The only thing stopping him carrying out his plan is that Denise doesn’t agree with it one bit.

(WARNING – SPOILER’S FOR NIGHT HUNTRESS & NIGHT HUNTRESS WORLD SERIES IN FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH)

It was a nice surprise to see Cat and Bones in this book. I didn’t think they would appear what with the story focusing on Denise and Spade and their problems, but I suppose Spade has helped them quite a bit in the past. Once they turned up, if felt like everything would be okay, they would take over and save the day. They didn’t take over, but they did help a lot. I was constantly wondering when Denise would find out that Cat had finally gone all the way to the other side – seemed like Spade wasn’t going to tell her.

(END OF SPOILER WARNING)

Overall, I thought the story was very good and there was a fine balance between romance and the plot. There quite a lot of scenes that contain sexual content. It’s not too explicit but I would recommend the book for more mature teens and adults. First Drop of Crimson was definitely a page turner and I had trouble putting it down at certain bits, so I had to keep reading, even until the late hours of the night, luckily it was a weekend.

Disclaimer: I bought this book with my own money and I am not receiving money in for this review. Everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Blood Bound

by Patricia Briggs

My Rating: E, P, B

Released: 2007 (USA) & 2008 (UK)

Publisher: Ace, Penguin Group (USA) Inc & Orbit (UK)

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

Mercy Thompson; woken at 3am by a vampire. Stefan also happens to be a friend, and he needs her help. He has to deliver a message to a fellow undead and needs a witness that won’t be noticed – and Mercy’s shape-shifting abilities maker her the perfect candidate.

But the assignment turns into a bloodbath and Mercy attracts the attention of not just a powerful vampire, but the even more powerful demon possessing him. She can count on the supernatural community for protection – and alpha werewolf Adam would like her to rely on him in other ways, too – but when it comes to being protective, she’s on her own.

Blood Bound is the second book in the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. If you have read Moon Called and enjoyed it, prepare to be enthralled with Blood Bound. This story is full of action, a love triangle or even a quadrangle depending on how you look at it, and a tad bit of lusting.

This book has been rather enjoyable to read. It has been a nice break from some of the other supernatural books I have been reading lately as it’s more focused on the plot than romance although the story does touch on the subject more than once. You don’t get caught up in the romance, or lust, enough that it makes you forget what the plot is all about.

Our heroine Mercy, gets pulled into some serious trouble along with her wolf friends and Stefan due to her loyalty, caring personality and her over protectiveness for the ones she loves or cares deeply about.

(WARNING – THIS PARAGRAPH CONTAINS SPOILERS)

From the first book, Moon Called, we know that Mercy was raised by wolves and is a skinwalker. Her other form is a coyote. We also know that she used to be in love with Samuel Cornick until his father Bran, the Morrok, told her to leave. In the meantime, she has been living across from the local Alpha, Adam Hauptman. It seems that there is a love triangle going on between these three – Samuel still loves her and mourned her when she left as if he had lost his mate and previously Adam named her as his mate in front of the pack so that she wouldn’t be attacked by them. But it seems that Adam likes Mercy more than he lets on and I think the feeling is mutual. Samuel was her first love and even though he was using her as a means to have a living child she still loves him deep down.

(END OF SPOILER WARNING)

Mercy is requested to repay a favour to a friend, Stefan – a vampire, who wants her to witness an act as her four legged self. Paying Stefan back opens a whole can of worms and could have cost Mercy her life. After finding out the powerful vampire is being possessed by a demon, the local Alpha, Adam, and her past love, Samuel, decide that she is to stay out of the way and that they and the vampires will deal with this vampire.

Mercy, being Mercy, couldn’t just sit and do nothing. She decides to intervene when the wolves plans go a tad wrong – putting herself in imminent danger.

We can clearly see that there is a love triangle but I think this is going to turn into a love quadrangle, the fourth member being Stefan. Mercy thinks of him as a friend, but doesn’t know if he considers her a friend as he has never come out and said it. He is one of the undead and they are known as evil and can turn their back on you in a heartbeat, not the type of person you would think would call you a friend, more like someone that would use you. But Mercy has never thought of Stefan as being like the other vampires. She thinks he is one of the good ones despite constant warnings from her friends that she can’t trust him. I think there is some deep affection for Mercy emitting from Stefan as we find out as the story unfolds, but I am not sure what it will turn into. Mercy already has Adam and Samuel to deal without adding Stefan to the mix.

The problem with trying to figure out who Mercy will end up with is down to how submissive she is willing to be. Wolves are known for being dominant and living in the cave ages as their women don’t have the same rights as the men in the pack.

Choosing Adam would lead to her having the same status and dominance over the other wolves as Adam, i.e. if Adam wasn’t about the other wolves would have to obey her commands. I think if Mercy officially went and said that she was with Adam as his mate, that this might cause some conflict within the pack as they only currently tolerate her and are not around her all the time.

Being with Samuel would leave Mercy uneasy as to whether he is with her out of love or just to get a child out of it. Samuel doesn’t belong to a pack, he’s more of a lone wolf at the moment but he is the Marrok’s son so is a very dominant wolf.

If Mercy was to be with Stefan I don’t think she would have to change at all but she would forever be watching her back with the Mistress of the Seethe as Stefan still answers to her. The Mistress doesn’t like Mercy as she fears her. She may like him as a friend but I am not sure how she would cope having a relationship with a man that is literally dead during the day.

I will definitely be reading the rest of the series just to find out what does or doesn’t happen between those two.

Blood Bound is a book I think you can read on its’  own and it isn’t essential to know what happened in book one, Moon Called, to understand what is happening. The situations and storyline are well set out and quite easy to follow. The action scenes aren’t too graphic and there aren’t really any sexual content in this book. This book can definitely be read by teenagers and any age upwards.

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book or been given it free of charge and I am not receiving any money to review this book. I borrowed this book from the local library and everything I have said is based on my honest opinion.

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Undead and Uneasy

by MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, L, H

Published: 2007

Publisher: Piatkus

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

Betsy Taylor, undead vampire queen, has been given a new nickname by her nearest and dearest: Bridezilla. Because whether you’re alive or undead, planning weddings is a bitch. Especially when your groom thinks the whole thing is a waste of time.

Betsy’s also dealing with a full house: she lives with a ghost (Cathy), a werewolf (Antonia), a gay physician/human (Marc), her fiancé and vampire king (Eric Sinclair), her best friend (Jessica), and a recovering Fiend (Garrett). But when Sinclair disappears and then, one by one, her friends go missing, Betsy begins to get seriously uneasy…

Undead and Uneasy is the sixth installment in the Queen Betsy series. This book is full of witty comments, action and baby sick.

I don’t know how MaryJanice Davidson does it. Every time I read one of her books I’m constantly giggling to myself. Betsy’s humour , wit and ability to get into trouble no matter what she does just leaves me in hysterics.

Betsy has some trying times in this book but it’s nice to see that she is able to sort out some of her previous problems from the other books in the series. She finally makes amends with John Delk, who was previously a Blade Warrior who killed vampires, and they become friends again. We learn more about Antonia’s pack. Marc finally finds love or more like lust at this stage, but finally he is getting some action.

The book starts with Betsy and Eric looking over wedding announcement cards and as usual Eric shows no enthusiasm for this task. We then go on to Betsy looking for her wedding gown which isn’t successful. Then something terrible happens that affects Betsy deeply and then everyone starts to go missing.

Betsy is alone for the majority of this book apart from the odd phone call from Tina, who is stranded in another country and garbles phones calls from Marc that makes no sense and sounds like he’s in danger. The Vampire Queen is working hard trying to figure this mess all out when she is attacked. Once the attack is over, she is finally able to move on to try and find her loved ones.

Finally clarity hits Betsy, in the strangest of places, during a phone call with her mother. Seriously I think it’s so funny how Betsy comes up with the answers to everything. But even this enemy seems too strong for Betsy. Does she find her loved ones and rescue them? Well I’ll leave you guys to read the book to find out for yourselves.

Again, I have enjoyed this book as I have all the previous book in the series. I think this book is exceptional, highly entertaining, full of antics and baby sick. What more do you want from a book? Well maybe less of the baby sick. I would recommend this book for young adults and upwards and is definitely worth the read.

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book or been given it free of charge and I am not receiving money to review this book. I borrow this book from the local library and everything I have said is based on my honest opinion.

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Witch Fire by Anya Bast

My Rating: G, B, L, X

Released: June 2007

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

Review by: Naomi M.

Mira Hoskins doesn’t know she’s a natural-born witch who possesses the rare – and powerful – element air. And she never expects to find herself tied to a mahogany bed frame, captive of a man who aches to fulfill her every desire and let loose the magic that dwells inside her…

Heat emanates from elemental fire witch Jack McAlister. The Coven, a governing authority of witches, has sent him to protect Mira from a band of warlocks who drains witches of power…and life. Long ago, he saw Mira’s parents murdered by this same dark magic. He’d like to quell his guilt and offer her everything she deserves. But she’s the long-lost cousin of his boss – making seduction off-limits.

With Jack’s strong guidance, Mira is luring forth her inner magic. But this sense of duty is quickly swelling into insatiable hunger. He was warned about the natural attraction between air and fire. Now he risks being consumes by the woman he shouldn’t want – but can’t stay away from…

Witch Fire is the first in the Elemental Witches series. It is a sizzling, hot novel that will leave you begging for your seat to be touched. This story will have you hooked and will make you keep turning those pages just to find out what happens next.

I have to say that I enjoyed every minute of this book. I felt as if I was part in the story, I felt everything that Mira and Jack felt – so much I was nearly blushing at certain parts.  It’s a magical feeling (no pun intended) when an author can make you feel like this through their written words.

I am used to reading novels that involve vampires, werewolves and all those other beasties that go bump in the night. But this story focuses mainly on the witch world which is interlinked with humans. There is the odd mentioning of demons here and there but nothing too specific. These witches have managed to live amongst humans and have gone unnoticed.

The main character, Mira, is an easy character to relate to in the sense that every woman at some point in their life has been low on their self esteem and unsure of who they really are. She doesn’t know her family as she was brought up by her godmother and all her life she never knew she was a witch – let alone a very strong and much sought after Air Witch.

Enter Jack. This is a man who knows what he wants and can’t help himself but have it. I’m sure after you read this story you will be wanting your very own personal Jack. It’s kind of hard to describe Jack as a character. In the beginning you get the idea he is a womanizer, but deep down he has just never met the right woman. He has a very bad relationship with his father, one that cannot be resolved. Jack witnessed Mira’s parents death at a tender age and has blamed himself since. He is full of remorse and guilt for what he witnessed and this reflects in this actions towards Mira.

The villains in this story are the kind that you really don’t want to mess with. They have magical powers just like Mira and Jack but they use theirs for evil. They are also infamous in the human world as wealthy businessmen. They are corrupted witches, known as warlocks, and will stop at no means to get what they want and that’s Mira and her powers.

Witch Fire’s plot is easy to follow and quite straight forward. It’s not one of those in depth stories that you have to sit and read about five chapters to understand what is going on. There were times throughout the book that I was able to guess what was going to happen next but don’t let this deter you from enjoying the story. I think I managed to guess what was going to happen because I have read so many supernatural books and have probably come across a similar story outline, either that or I am an ace detective J.

I think what makes this book so easy to read is the storyline, the fact that it involves action, love, romance and quite a bit of lust, everything you want from a supernatural romance novel. This book is definitely not for young people, but maybe the more mature teen and adults due to the sexual content. Witch Fire is an ideal book that you can read anywhere…when you are on holiday or snuggling up in front of the fire (at least then you have an excuse for the redness of your cheeks).

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book or been given it free of charge and I am not receiving any money to review this book. I borrowed this book from the local library and everything I have said is based on my honest opinion.

Blood Oath

By Christopher Farnsworth

Debut novel in a 3-book series published by Putnam

Rating: VG, P, H, X

Reviewed by: Diana M.

Nathaniel Cade. He’s a man’s vamp. A killer in a world of twisted and freaky monsters — not some love-stuck fangster who moons over a human lover. You like Cade though and want him to succeed because he’s all that stands between you and evil. Cade is the creation of Chris Farnsworth, a journalist turned screenwriter/novelist who just released BLOOD OATH, his first novel that’s a political thriller.

Cade is a very special secret agent — a vampire who has protected every U.S. President for the past 140 years through a special blood oath. Cade’s pretty simple. He fights the supernatural from the “Other Side” and the U.S. public remains safe and none-the-wiser. He doesn’t drink human blood (pig’s blood) and he’ll pay a price for that at some time in the series. He hates it when humans romanticize his plight — because it’s anything but romantic. And he pretty much sticks to his code to protect and serve.

The story is based on a bit of history. According to an obscure newspaper clipping, President Andrew Johnson — the man who followed Lincoln into the White House — pardoned a sailor accused of killing two crew mates and drinking their blood in 1867. Farnsworth read about this in the excellent (and well-titled) *THE PRESIDENT’S VAMPIRE by Robert Schneck. It got him wondering: what would the president do with a vampire. And suddenly, the idea of a vampire secret agent, working for the Oval Office for more than a century, opened an entire world of stories to him.

The novel is a fast read, full of action, grisly deeds, political intrigue — and even a *tiny* bit of vamp romance. Sorry, no human lover here. Cade can’t escape the contempt of a predator for his prey. Even though he’s sworn off human blood, humans are still food to him — not love. As he says in the book, “You eat steak. Does that mean you want to have sex with a cow?” But he does share a romp with Tania — a vampire who has hidden feelings for Cade.

However — forget the vamp sex — it’s the creepy web of bad guys that make this such a fun read, especially Cade’s nemesis — Konrad, who likes to do weird stuff with body parts. In BLOOD OATH, Konrad is up to something that threatens U.S. security. Cade has to track him down and stop him — but can’t kill him because someone higher up is protecting Konrad. Along the way, you meet some of Konrad’s entourage: Women who sleep with him for money or seek some sort of elixir of youth and beauty that they think Konrad will bestow upon them for services rendered. You also meet some of the crazies who are hired to carry out his plan — all tying in neatly with the war on terrorism and violent clashes occurring globally.

The best part of the book for me: The odd-ball relationship between Cade and his new human handler, Zach, a young, ambitious, pain-in-the-ass political climber who suddenly finds his career path taking a dark turn. His new job may come with top secret clearance, but no one can ever know what Zach is doing. His job really is top secret. And that’s a tough pill to swallow for the power-hungry agent. In BLOOD OATH, Zach and Cade sort of bond — like cop partners do — because they exchange stories about their lives while together battling many evil beings, including zombie soldiers.

This is not your lovey-dovey paranormal romance book, though. In fact, the first couple of chapters didn’t draw me in until I got to Zach’s part. So stick with the opening chapters, which are all short. Farnsworth writes short like that anyway because it’s his style. He likes ending each chapter with a strong image. This makes it easy to either put the book down if you have to run an errand — or squeeze in that next chapter because you know it won’t be very long! Some of the chapters alternate between the present and the past, which includes interesting flashbacks from Cade’s past. But what holds it all together and makes it fun is Farnsworth’s dry wit. It’s almost like reading one of those Marvel comic books. It’s fun but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. And that makes it a bit of an unusual read in the vamp world. You get a bit of political intrigue, lots of horror and a cool, new, steely vampire hero — for those of us who are getting a little tired of the heavy sighs, long-lidded looks and the indecision of our other vamp heroes.

What’s next? Lucas Foster’s Warp Films has optioned the rights to the first two books in the series, *BLOOD OATH* and *BLACK SITE*, which is already written. Farnsworth will be an executive producer and consult on the scripts. Lucas produced *Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Crimson Tide.

Disclaimer: *I received a reviewer’s copy of BLOOD OATH, but bought my own copy to read. I also worked with Chris as a business journalist a zillion years ago. (We always knew he wanted to write screenplays and novels.) I am not paid to write reviews or interview authors.

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Kiss of Death

By: Rachel Caine

Morganville Vampires book #8

Rating: E, P

Editorial review on Amazon:

Vampire musician Michael Glass has attracted the attention of a big- time producer who wants to cut a demo and play some gigs-which means Michael will have to enter the human world. For this, he’s been assigned escorts that include both a dangerous immortal as well as Michael’s all-too-human friends. And with that mix of personalities, this is going to be a road trip from hell…

Reviewed by: Tamara T. (lots of spoilers!!)

Let me just start off by saying that Myrnin is my favorite character in this series.  Now, having just said that, know that Myrnin has only a very small part in this novel, and I still loved it.  I thought this book rocked in a way that is unique to this series.  It’s a page turner, going from event to event, and yet I never felt overwhelmed.  The story focuses on Michael, Claire, Shane, Eve, and Oliver.  Oliver is the chosen escort for the 4 friends.  He has not always been the friendliest in the past, and he is by no means by favorite character.  However, in this story, Oliver turns out to be so much more likable.  He’s still pretty hard-nosed about things, but his humanity shines through a bit in this novel.  I have a feeling that will cause things to change somewhat in future books.

It was nice to have the story set outside of Morganville.  I had originally thought that the story was going to be more about Michael’s singing career, but it turns out that it takes quite a bit just to get there.  The trip through Texas doesn’t go quite as planned.  The rough humans that they encountered at the truck stop were a surprise to me.  It served as a reminder that nasty people are all over, even outside of Morganville.

The newbie infected vampires, left as a gift from Bishop when he passed through a small town, were yet another surprise for me.  Again, this was not what I had expected the story to be about.  It was a really good surprise because it was well written, engaging, and I like not being able to guess what is going to happen next.  Morley and his followers thrown into the mix just made the action richer.  Even Jason, who is always a mystery, played his role in all the mayhem.

I loved all the interactions between the characters!  I learned more about the characters, some of their emotional depths were brought to the surface, and all at the same time the story rocketed forward at a fantastic pace.  Kudos to Rachel Caine and her awesome writing!

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Black Magic Sanction Review

by Kim Harrison

My Rating: VG,H

Reviewed by: Rebecca R.

Edited by: Maria G.

Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, werewolves, banshees, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter–and lived to tell the tale. But she’s never faced off against her own kind . . . until now. Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, her best hope is life imprisonment–at worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery.Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom, but trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and an ex-boyfriend turned thief.

Fans of the supernatural world of demons, vampires, werewolves and pixies will love Black Magic Sanction, the eighth novel in the Rachel Morgan series. Why? Because if you love to read series’ with a lot of intense sequences on almost every page then this is the series for you.

All the action in this book revolves around Rachel’s involvement with black magic and her on-going student/teacher relationship with the demon Algaliarept. Algaliarept is her instructor and is trying to train her to control her witch auras.

Rachel has been dealing with a lot of grief over the past three novels and that is because of the betrayal and deception by her exes and those she thought she could trust. Her true best friends, the vampire Ivy and the pixie Jenks, are the ones that keep Rachel sane. As you may or may not know, Rachel is in denial that she may be on the path to becoming a black witch. Also, because of all that has happened to Rachel in the past books, trust has become a major plot point in the novel. The issue of trust is evident when you read her interactions with people from her past, people she thought she loved and thought she could believe in.

One of the major story lines in the book deals with the Covens, they try to kidnap Rachel and lobotomize her and the sole reason they attempt to do this is punishment her for her dabbling in black magic.

Personally, I enjoyed reading the latest Rachel Morgan novel because I think Rachel has alleviated the pain that she has been having. How has she alleviated that pain? Well, Rachel has found someone that she can trust and eventually love. Also, Rachel has not lost her foolishness and courageousness which keeps her humanity intact.

I feel that one of the best things about Kim Harrison’s books is the imaginative ways she has introduced a wide variety of supernatural creatures into her novels. This universe sucks you in and it’s impossible to want to leave it.

Ultimately, I found this book to be a great addition to the series and I am looking forward to the next chapter in Rachel Morgan’s story.

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Undead and Unworthy

By: MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, L, H

Published: 2008

Publisher: Piatkus

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

Having recently lost her dad and stepmother, Betsy Sinclair (nee Taylor) is adjusting to rather more than just married life. Their untimely deaths have left her and Eric as sole guardians of her little brother. Two vampire parents – albeit vampire royalty – for a decidedly human baby. Still, Betsy is more than up for the challenge. If only everyone would stop being so nervous around her, given her sudden recent burst of power. Betsy most emphatically Does Not Want To Discuss It, and for the moment everyone is following her lead.

But then the ghost of Betsy’s stepmother turns up at their house. And as stubborn and insufferable as she was in life, she’s even more annoying in death – especially as she regards her demise as all Betsy’s fault!

Undead and Unworthy is the seventh instalment in the Queen Betsy series by MaryJanice Davidson. Once again there is action, humour and some ludicrous outbursts from Betsy, although Tina throws a mean tantrum too.

I absolutely loved this book, I think my favourite part of the book by far was chapter one. Once you read this you will understand and I don’t want to ruin it for those of you who haven’t read it yet. All I can say is Sinclair and Betsy are left very disappointed.

The Fiends make a reappearance in this book and it’s not in a friendly way. Luckily Betsy knows what to do and sorts everything out. I thought it was good to revisit the Fiends as they weren’t mentioned much in the previous book.

Betsy’s powers are a no go area of discussion in this book for her and it seems that everyone else is staying off the subject. I feel bad for Betsy here as she doesn’t know where the powers came from or how to control them if she accidentally calls on them.

I think this book is appropriately named. Betsy feels unworthy for all the things her friends does for her, unworthy to be a queen to the vampires as she doesn’t think she is helping them, unworthy of Sinclair etc etc. Basically Betsy is sort of wallowing in self pity for part of this book until she snaps out of it of course and kicks some butt.

There was a really nice moment where Antonia the werewolf defends Betsy and I thought this was a very loyal thing to do. The ending was rather unexpected and I didn’t like certain parts of it. I can’t really say why or else it will spoil the book for you.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t want to read a serious in depth plot paranormal novel. The series as a whole is great for a laugh and also there is a great plot line to the story but it’s nothing too sinister or tricky to understand. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do know own this book and I have not been paid to review this book. I borrowed this book from the library and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Vampire Academy

by Richelle Mead

My Rating: E, B, H, X

Published: 2007

Publisher: Razorbill

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess; a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth’s magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires – the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa’s best friend, makes her a Dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir’s Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking Academy hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir’s – inside the Academy’s iron gates, their world is even more fraught with danger. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals, and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever…

Vampire Academy is the first novel in the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. The first book introduces us into the world of the vampires in Montana. Rose, a Dhampir (a mortal half vampire, half human), is the best friend and unofficial guardian of the, Moroi (mortal upper class vampire), Princess Lissa Dragomir. They are connected by a bond that was forged after a horrible accident that happened a few years prior to the present time set in the book.

The story starts with Rose and Lissa on the run from the academy and trying to keep out of Strigoi’s way. The Strigoi are vampires are evil and have killed which makes them immortal but it takes away their ability to go out in the sun and it takes away their magic. The pair ran away because there was danger near at the academy and Rose decided it was best to get Lissa away from there as she fears for their lives. They manage to remain hidden for two years. But eventually they were caught.

Once they return to the academy, a string of unusual sacrifices start happening and they are directed at our leading ladies. They don’t know who is behind it but they do know that they can’t let their secret get out or else their lives will never be the same.

Rose carries on her Dhampir education but also takes on extra training sessions with Lissa’s other guardian, Dimitiri, in order to make her the best guardian she can be. She wants to be able to protect Lissa the best she can and to do this she must know how to take down and defeat the Strigroi even if it’s someone she knows. She can’t allow herself to hesitate or to be distracted, which proves difficult when she becomes attracted to someone she really shouldn’t.

I loved all the action in this book. There were a few action scenes but there also lots of nice warm moments between Lissa and Rose. You can see that their friendship goes beyond their bond and that they care deeply for one another. Rose always has Lissa’s back and won’t let anything hurt her. Lissa is the exact same, she doesn’t like it when people try to hurt Rose.

Rose is an excellent, kick ass, tough character. She doesn’t take anything lying down, she gets back up and fights it head on. I envy her quick wittedness and her loyalty to Lissa. Nothing can break her loyalty to Lissa, even when she pushes Rose away. Lissa comes across as a delicate flower, beautiful and gentle but easily crushed if in the wrong hands. But what people don’t realise is that she is the hidden bee within that flower, ready to sting if Rose or she is threatened.

Overall, I loved this book and can’t wait to sink my teeth into the next book in the series, Frostbite. I think this book has an excellent plot and it’s well balance between the plot, romance and friendship. There are lots of funny parts in this book, which is because of Rose although Christian’s dark humour is rather amusing. There are scenes of a sexual nature but nothing too erotic or explicit and there are a few gruesome scenes. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys vampire fiction. This book is a mix between PC & Kristin Cast’s House of Night Series and MaryJanice Davidson’s Queen Betsy series and I love both of these series.

Disclaimer: I have not purchased this book, I borrowed it from the library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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The Laughing Corpse

by Laurell K. Hamilton

My Rating: G, P, X

Published: September 1994

Publisher: Marvel

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

After a few centuries, the only death ‘big enough’ is a human sacrifice. I know because I’m an animator. My name is Anita Blake.

Working for Animators, Inc. is just a job – like selling insurance. But all the money in the world wasn’t enough for me to take on the particular job Harold Gaynor was offering.

Somebody else did, though – a rogue animator. Now he’s not just raising the dead…he’s raising Hell. An it’s up to me to stop it.

The Laughing Corpse is the second book in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton.

A rogue zombie is going around killing people as its’ animator has lost control over it. Someone tries to hire Anita to raise a very old corpse but she won’t do it as this requires a human sacrifice, even with their persuasive techniques she will not do it. Jean Claude is trying to rein Anita in as his human servant but Anita is having none of it – she submits to no one.

I can’t say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was kind of hard to get a handle on the plot to begin with so I think this threw me off big time. I think I finally started to get into the book about three quarters of the way through. Once I got into it, I enjoyed the plotline and the characters. My favourite bit is the interaction between Anita and a copy at a murder scene.

I’m scared for Anita and her future as what happens in this story changes her and I don’t think this change is going to be good for her. She has gone one step too far.

I was hoping Jean Claude would make an appearance again. I grew to like him in the first book. Hopefully Anita and Jean Claude get together at some point – would make the whole Master Vampire and human servant link rather interesting. Seeing as Anita is blatantly not submissive.

Where was Edward in this book? I was hoping he would turn up and help Anita kill the zombie, I see him as a sort of sidekick. He has more of a violent streak than Anita though.

Overall, the story was a slow start for me and eventually I got into it but I would only recommend this to the right reader. If you want to read a more in depth novel in regard to plots and characters then this book series is for you.

Disclaimer: I do not own this book. I borrowed it from the library. I have not been paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Lover Awakened

by J.R. Ward

My Rating: E, B, X

Published: September 2006

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other – six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…

Lover Awakened is the third novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward and what a series it has been so far.

From Dark Lover, we see Wrath find his true love and exact revenge for the death of his family, in Lover Eternal we see the softer side to Rhage and he finds love and inner peace and in Lover Awakened we find out more about Zsadist’s past as a blood slave and how hecame to be the vampire we are terrified of but trust at the same time.

Zsadist is a very dark and cruel vampire, but there is more to him. His scars are legendary and there are many rumours about him. He is illiterate due to his slavery and he is cruel to women because of what happened to him as a slave. It’s such a sad story to read but I enjoyed every minute of it, does that make me a masochist? I felt for Zsadist when he is confused about Bella. He doesn’t want to want her but he does and this is confusing to him because of what happened in his slave days. I truly wanted to kill the vampires that had Zsadist as a slave – I felt so bad for him.

At the beginning of the book Bella is still being held prisoner by the evil Lesser, Mr. O, who has decided he wants to keep her. She is beaten and forced to hear and watch the tortures of her species. Everyone is searching for Bella but she seems to be impossible to find and some believe she is dead. Luckily word gets to the Brotherhood of her location and she is saved.

I loved the tender moments between Zsadist and Bella, like when he takes care of her and makes sure she is well and that no one is to hurt her at all if it can’t be helped. After being rescued from the Lessers, Zsadist and Bella have more in common than what Zsadist has with anyone else that lives at the mansion.

Tension rises when a female within the Brotherhood mansion goes into her needing, but who will help relieve her pain? I will leave that to you to find out. Let’s just say it was an exhausting experience, both for the characters and for me reading about it. I was about ready to collapse just reading about how much pain and agony the female was in and it’s hard going on the male too.

There are a couple of deaths that were totally unexpected and I think not needed, but I suppose it will all come to light as I read on. I was like ‘No that can’t happen’ but it did and it felt like it hurt me as much as it hurt the characters in the story. That is the downside of getting too engrossed in a book, you feel everything the characters feel.

There’s a pleasant little twist near the end of the book and I totally didn’t see it coming. It was nicely hidden, and exposed in a rather humorous fashion. Really the clues are there all along, but I didn’t pick up on them.

I have to say that this is my favorite book so far in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I loved the in depth back story of Zsadist and his slave days and how Phury came to lost a leg. It’s also nice to learn more about the aristocracy of the vampires. I liked how in this book there were, what seemed to me, a lot more point of views of the characters. It wasn’t all Bella, or Zsadist. It was evenly proportioned and really enjoyable to read. I would definitely recommend to anyone reading this series, if you are having trouble getting into the books, please stick with them until this book at least. It will blow you away.

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book but was given it in PDF format by a friend. I am not being paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Lover Eternal

by J.R. Ward

My Rating: E, B, X

Published: March 2006

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetites. He’s the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover—for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him.

Mary Luce, a survivor of many hardships, is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world and reliant on Rhage’s protection. With a life-threatening curse of her own, Mary is not looking for love. Her faith in miracles was lost years ago. But when Rhage’s intense animal attraction turns into something more emotional, he knows that he must make Mary his alone. And while their enemies close in, Mary fights desperately to gain life eternal with the one she loves…

Lover Eternal is the second instalment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. This book focuses on Rhage’s story and about a human female, Mary Luce and her life struggles.

Rhage has made some bad choices in his life and the consequences of his actions led to him being burdened with the beast that is unleashed whenever he is fighting. Mary is a lonely woman who lost her mother to a terrible disease and is trying to get on with her life when her fate takes a cruel twist.

The story basically starts from where the first book, Dark Lover, ended. The Brotherhood are living together and are still taking out the Lessers. Mary comes across a young man and with the aid of her neighbour Bella, they help him which leads to Mary finding Rhage.

Rhage can’t leave Mary alone and courts her within an inch of her life. He takes it upon himself to protect her and this causes some strife within the Brotherhood. Along the way we see a different side to Zsadist but I won’t say anymore on that subject – I will let you find out for yourself.

The Lessers are still going around torturing the civilian vampires to get to the Brotherhood. Not much has changed there apart from they have gotten more organised than in the last book.

Well, what can I say about this book apart from I loved it so much I couldn’t stop reading. I was so entranced by Rhage and Mary’s relationship, so much torment and torture. I was so into the story that I was nearly in tears at the end, so heartfelt and real. The sex scenes were so beautifully written. How I wished I was Mary hehe.

I would highly recommend anyone that has read Dark Lover to read this book – you will not be let down. Now onto Lover Awakened – see what the Brotherhood are up to next.

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book but was given it in PDF format by a friend. I am not being paid to review this book and everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Dark Lover

by J.R. Ward

My Rating: E, B, X

Published: September 2005

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other – six vampire warriors who are defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the blind leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one his most trusted fighters is killed – leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate – Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead – a world beyond her wildest dreams…

Dark Lover is the first novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. This book focuses on Wrath’s story which involves revenge and love.

Well I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book, so much that I have already started the next one, Lover Eternal, and can’t put it down either. These books are very much addictive. The Brothers have some seriously cool names and very fitting for what their job requires them to do – Wrath, Rhage, Tohrment, Vishous, Phury and Zsadist.

Wrath is the King of the Vampires and he is blind. This doesn’t stop him from kicking some Lessers butts though. He has been tormented for years over the deaths of his parents and has been seeking revenge every since. He is mated with a vampire female, Marissa, but he is not truly with her in the ways that other male vampires are with their shellans, female mates. This all changes once Wrath meets Beth, half-breed daughter of Darius, a fallen Brother. Wrath keeps an eye on Beth and takes care of her during her transition period.

The Lessers are disgusting looking, soulless, impotent creatures that are trying to exterminate the vampire race. They serve the Omega, from what I gather is a very ancient and evil creature, who is a life taker and the opposite of the vampires’ Scribe Virgin who gives life. In this story their leader, Mr. X, is trying to lure out civilian vampires to get to the Brotherhood. I will let you read on to find out if they are successful or not.

This book has a lot, a lot, of sex scenes. I think I lost count of how many times our characters got it on but it was exciting to go on that journey of self discovery with them. Beth is trying to figure out who she is, one day she is an editor for a paper and has never had the chance to have her own work published and then the next day she finds out she is a half-breed and will be turning into a vampire any day now. I think this is enough to blow anyone’s minds and have them confused about who they are. Beth takes to it with ease though as if this transition was the thing she was waiting to happen to let her live her life to the fullest. Before she never had a boyfriend, worked all the time and the only friends she had were the guys at the local police precinct that gave her tip offs for stories.

Overall I loved this book and I think this is a new series of books that I am definitely going to keep reading. You will not regret reading this book. Revenge, love, fun, self-discovery, romance – what more could a reader ask for?

Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from the library and I have not received any payment for reviewing this book. Everything I have said in this review is of my own honest opinion.

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Burned

By: Kristin and P.C. Cast

My Rating: E, P, B

Published: April 2010

Publisher: Atom

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

Zoey Redbird is the youngest High Priestess in the House of Night history and is the only person-vamp or fledging – who can stop the evil Neferet from raising all kinds of immortal trouble. And she might just have a chance if she wasn’t so busy being dead.

Well, dead is too strong a word. Stevie Rae knows she bring her BFF back from her unscheduled va-cay in the Otherworld. But it’s going to take a lot more than hoping to bring Zoey back. Stevie Rae might have to give up a few secrets of her own…

Burned is the latest installment in the House of Night series by PC and Kristin Cast. It’s deliciously exciting and will keep you hooked.

I really enjoyed the journey that this book takes you on. It deals with friendship, loyalty, love and above all else, honour.

We see Zoey and her friends on a journey to their own self-discovery. And on the way they realise that there is only one way this can go or else it will be the end of the world as they know it.

Zoey is busy trying to keep get to grips with herself and keeping a hold on Heath, her first love and consort, whilst Stark, her Warrior, is mad with grief over what has happened to his High Priestess. He is extremely furious with himself as he feels he was unable to protect her by choosing the wrong path.

Stevie Rae is on a mission to help get her friend back by finding out as much as she can about the Other world but nothing is ever simple. Her life gets rather complicated and causes her to lie to the ones she cares about.

Aphrodite is about the only one that’s keeping it altogether and trying to get everyone on the same page in her bid to get Zoey back into the real world.  And as usual she is being her usual bitchy self about it all. But we expect that of her – wouldn’t want her any other way.

Other than the main plot to this book, I feel there is a huge underlying meaning within the story, one that applies to us all – we all may be broken at one stage in our life for whatever reason, but in the end we have to pull ourselves together with a little help from our friends.

On that note, I would like to say that this is a great series to read and the latest addition to is nothing but brilliant writing. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the series and enjoys reading about the vampire world. This book that can be enjoyed by all. I can’t wait for Awakened to come out now…I wonder what’s in store for the fledglings.

Disclaimer: I did not get paid to review this book. I borrowed this book from my sister. Everything I have said is my own honest opinion.

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Released on May 4, 2010

By: Rebecca R.

Edited by: Maria G.

When Charlaine Harris is on a roll, I can read her books within hours of its release and that is the case with her newest book, Dead in the Family. I was worried, that after Dead and Gone, our Sookie would be wallowing in her depression while she dealt with whatever new obstacles were thrust upon her. Happily, that was not the case, instead we got our old spunky and sassy Sookie back.

What I enjoyed reading the most about was Sookie’s relationship with Eric and that this was the first time that she and Eric admit that they love one another. Actually, this is the first relationship she’s had that forces her to think of long term… almost to the point of wondering about turning into a Vampire. Did she ever do that with Bill? No. Maybe Sookie finally found the one lover she wants to stay with. I, also, never expected Eric to even say things to Sookie like “I’ve missed you,” which shows you that Eric has changed as a result of his relationship with Sookie.

One of the characters that I look forward to reading in the Sookie Stackhouse novels is Pam. She is one of those characters that can instantly change the tempo of a scene for the better. She is Sookie’s straight man and over time she has become the comic relief we so desperately need. Especially, when she blurts out classic lines like “Fu** a Zombie!”

Other high points to the story was Claude, who has become more human due to the lack of fae around town. I absolutely loved reading Claude trying to be a good cousin for once in Sookie’s life. Also, when I found out Debbie Pelt was making an appearance I was excited. Her appearance made me laugh because it is so like Debbie to just hang around to cause more problems for Sookie… even in death.

I loved discovering more about the families of the characters we have grown to love. Yes, I know that that was the purpose and theme of the book but still it was nice to see the back stories on these characters. Especially that of Eric’s “family.” Eric’s relationship with his maker, Appius, was at times comical because of the awkwardness between he, Alexei, Sookie, Jason and Eric.

Regarding Victor, words escape me. As a result of his actions over the last few books he has become my enemy #1. I‘m hoping that Sookie, Eric and Pam team up in the next book and slaughter him into pieces.

All in all, I suggest that you pick up the latest in the Sookie novels and start your countdown for the next one, because I have a feeling it will be a doozy.

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My Rating: X,VG,B

Published:August 2009

Punblisher:St.Martin’s Paperbacks

Reviewed by: Rebecca R.

Edited by: Maria G.

Fang Kattalakis isn’t just a wolf. He is the brother of two of the most powerful members of the Omegrion: the ruling council that enforces the laws of the Were-Hunters. When war erupts among the lycanthropes, sides must be chosen. Enemies must become allies. And Fangs”s one true passion is strictly forbidden’ when Aimee, the Arcadian huntress he loves, is accused of betraying her people, Fang is her last and only hope. But in order to save her, he must break the laws of his people and the trust of his brothers’ breach that could destroy both their races and change their world forever. The Were-Hunters”s war begins.

Sherrilyn Kenyon has written many other series, including: The League, Brotherhood of the Sword, Lords of Avalon, The Dream-Hunters and my favorite, the Dark-Hunter series. What I find so intriguing about these Dark-Hunter and Were-Hunter novels is that Sherrilyn doesn’t exactly have them in a certain order and likes to have the two worlds interweave one another.

When we meet Fang and Aimee. we see that they have this instant attraction. Unfortunately, their relationship is forbidden by their families because “bears and wolves don’t mix,” but that doesn’t keep them from seeing each other.Not only does Sherrilyn know how to create complex and fun characters, she also knows how to write romance. The tension between the main characters is what kept me reading. She also knows how to pen a Hollywood-worthy action tale. The action sequences between the Were-Hunters and the malicious Daimons made me sit at the edge of my chair, at one point I think I fell off my chair.

Of course, it takes some time for Aimee and Fang to actually “do the deed,” but that’s what we love… a gradual build up. I actually ended up screaming at my book, “JUST KISS ALREADY!” Mind you, it’s not just the sexual tension that makes this pairing memorable, it’s those sweet little moments that endear you to them.

This book is one of my favorites. Actually, I want to say that it is up there on my Top Ten list and I’m hoping Sherrilyn continues this series because there are so many amazing characters.My recommendation is that you pick-up this book and lose yourself in it, like I did.

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Dark Prince

by Christine Feehan

My Rating: G, R, B

Published: April 2005

Publisher: Leisure Books

Reviewed by Naomi M.

Raven Whitney is a psychic who has used her gift to help the police track down a serial killer. Now she is determined to escape the glare of recent publicity for the peace of the Carpathian Mountains. Despite her own emotional fatigue, Raven finds herself connecting psychically to another wounded individual somewhere close by. Prince Mikhail s the leader of his people but, as his ancient Carpathian race nears extinction, he is close to giving in to loneliness and despair. Then a female voice enters his mind and tries to console him. Intrigued, Mikhail becomes obsessed with finding his unusual human female. From the moment their minds touch, Raven and Mikhail form a connection. But there are those who incorrectly view all Carpathians as vampires, and are determined to give their extinction a helping hand…

Dark Prince is a tale of an advanced race of people that are neither human nor vampire. They are one step closer to being a vampire than the normal human and only make this transition if they allow the darkness to consume them. Their sole purpose, it would seem, is to find their life mate.

The Carpathians are a dying race. Their women aren’t able to give birth to girls and most of their children die within the first year of infancy. This situation is weighing heavily on their Prince Mikhail’s shoulders. He is in despair and edging closer to the darkness within him until a female human, Raven, makes a psychic connection with him to try and help ease his depression.

I thought this story was very inventive and creative and I enjoyed the story but I didn’t like all of it. Mikhail infuriated me with his commanding ways and his obsession with Raven. I understand they are true life mates etc etc etc, but can you imagine never having a moment to yourself to do the things that you enjoy but instead always having to be around the same person for all eternity. On top of that you aren’t able to leave them or else you will both die. I think I would scream blue murder. Don’t get me wrong, I love my other half and can’t imagine life without him, but I need my own personal time too.

I get it if they both fell in love and got to know one another before all that happened, but instead Mikhail performed an everlasting act upon the both of them without even consulting Raven first. If I was Raven I would have went nuts and wouldn’t have given into him. But saying that, love at first sight is said to be a rather powerful thing.

It was rather irksome that Raven gave into Mikhail’s every sexual advance but at the same time I can understand her need to be with him to make everything seem right. How their love for one another came about is a tad unbelievable to me but it works in for the story.

I wasn’t sure where the story was heading from the first couple of chapters as it all seemed to be about Raven and Mikhail. I thought to myself at this point – this can’t be all that happens. I kept going on with reading it and found half way through the book there was some action scenes but thought oh well that’s over, what’s on the agenda now, what else can happen? Then the bad guy shows up finally and it doesn’t all work out great for him but I thought it all worked out a bit too easy for Mikhail. I thought Andre would have had a few more tricks up his sleeve.

All in all, I was rather annoyed most of the way through because of Raven giving into everything so easily and not really questioning who or what Mikhail was and putting her trust so easily into someone before he laid everything out on the table for her. The ending was lacking slightly for me, I think I expected too much. The sexual scenes were tastefully done and leaves a little bit to the imagination. I do think there was a rather lot of sex scenes, it seemed like every time you turned a page they were at it. I most likely will continue with the next book to see where the series leads me.

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book or been given it free of charge and I am not receiving any money to review this book. I borrowed this book from the local library and everything I have said is based on my honest opinion.

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Undead and Unpopular by MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, B, L

Published: 2006

Publisher: Piatkus

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

Betsy Taylor, Vampire Queen, already has plenty on her plate. For one thing, next week is her 31^st birthday – and her 1^st anniversary of being undead. On top of that, she still has wedding plans to finalize – and it’s not helping that the prospective groom is avoiding anything to do with it. And then there’s her decision to stop drinking blood – something she has yet to share with Eric Sinclair, her fiancé.

So the last thing she wants to deal with is uninvited guests, even if they happen to be powerful European vampires who have finally come to pay their respects the week before her birthday. Some of them don’t want Betsy as their Queen, and will do anything to get rid of her. As if turning thirty last year (not to mention dying) hadn’t been traumatic enough. And trying to give up blood is making her really cranky…

Undead and Unpopular is the fifth book from the Queen Betsy series. It will definitely make you laugh out loud, giggle non-stop and have you demanding to have a pair of designer sandals in winter time.

I absolutely love this series. Every page I turn, Betsy is always saying or doing something that makes me laugh. Her humour is utterly fantastically flippant but she is a bit precocious when it comes to her Queenly duties and very self-centered regarding everything else.

Betsy was just a normal girl fascinated with designer shoes, until one day, she died and rose as a vampire. But she wasn’t just any vampire, she was the Queen of all vampires. Apparently this was all foretold in The Book of the Dead, a sort of vampire bible. Some of the vampires weren’t too happy about this and don’t believe she is their Queen. They soon realise once they meet her that there’s no doubt that she is their Queen.

She is now organising her wedding to Eric Sinclair, who doesn’t seem to be interested in this human ceremony because to him they are already married and are to be together for at least one thousand years. This irks Betsy something terrible. Her one year anniversary of being dead is just around the corner along with her thirty first birthday and now she decides to go on a hunger strike thinking because she is the Queen she can do anything. As she finds out, it just makes her really cranky and irritable.

(WARNING – POSSIBLE SPOILER’S FOR PREVIOUS QUEEN BETSY BOOKS

AND FOR THIS BOOK SERIES IN FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH)

As in all the Queen Betsy series books so far, there is always some dilemma for Betsy. I think in Undead and Unpopular all the drama for her is based on how she decides to rule her vampire kingdom, at the moment the majority of vampire are still sticking to the old laws. Betsy doesn’t want any vampires killing humans. When she finds out that one of the vampires that has come to pay their long overdue respects was the one that murdered and turned her friend Sophie, she has to take a stand and do the right thing by her friend and by her subjects. But she doesn’t want to just kill the bad vampire, she wants to start afresh so she decides that he has to pay one way or another. It takes a friend’s illness, their reluctance to be turned into a vampire and a fight with a zombie to make Betsy realize what she has to do about Sophie’s problem. Betsy finds clarity in the strangest places.

(END OF SPOILER WARNING)

Jessica is going through a major crisis in this story as you will find out as you read on and of course Betsy makes it all about her. Betsy is rather self-centred when it comes to most things, but in the end she works it all out and realises it’s not about her at all. Marc is still going about but he’s not really a prominent character in this book. Tina is her usual self and slaving after Eric.

Undead and Unpopular isn’t really big on serious plots, but more of a humorous and light read. It’s good for a giggle. There are a few sexual scenes in this book but nothing I would call explicit enough to warrant an ‘X’ rating but I still wouldn’t recommend it to young readers. I think the series is really great and I really enjoy reading them. I can’t wait to find out how the wedding goes. Good luck Betsy!

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book or been given it free of charge and I am not receiving any money to review this book. I borrowed this book from the local library and everything I have said is based on my honest opinion.

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First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

My Rating: VG, B, X

Released: 9^th February 2010

Publisher: Avon Books

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows – her best friend is a half-vampire Cat Crawfield – and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family’s past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness – and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who lusts for a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human – even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the nightmare together…

First Drop of Crimson is the first novel in the Night Huntress World series, a spin off series from the Night Huntress series starring Cat Crawfield. The Night Huntress World series are novels, I think are, introducing us to the other characters that you would have met if you have read the Night Huntress series and giving us a more in depth look at their history.

I’m not sure that I knew what to expect from this book or what to make of it. The beginning felt a bit off for me with Spade’s automatic lust and feelings towards Denise. This was probably because I am used to reading about the emotions flitting back and forth between Cat and Bones, and haven’t really thought much about the other characters and their lives/feelings out with Cat’s knowledge before. I certainly didn’t catch the look that they gave one another in the Night Huntress series – come to think of it, I don’t think it was actually mentioned (I could be wrong, don’t have the book in front of me to check).

The plotline was rather interesting as the Night Huntress series, so far, hasn’t dabbled with demons so that put a nice new spin on things. The demon is quite essential to the plot-line because he is the one of the reasons that Denise and Spades cross paths.

I liked that we found out more about Spade’s rather unfortunate and sad past and what happened to Denise as she was hardly mentioned in the fourth book of the Night Huntress series. It’s a shame that she blamed herself for everything that happened.I felt bad for Denise for being dragged into this whole mess with the demon. Denise’s family’s past has created some serious bad karma for her and has caused some of her family members to end up dead. The demon threatens to kill the rest of her family unless she brings him what he wants, and believe me it’s nothing short of simple. His sought after toy has been hidden deep within the vampire world. This demon business has a bad affect on her and she has to learn how to control herself.

Spade craves Denise like he craves blood, ever since the first time he met her, but was warned to stay away, which he has done. But when she calls him requesting supernatural help, he willfully obliges. He never realized what he was getting himself into when he agreed to help. As the story progresses, Spade doesn’t want to let Denise go. He ends up falling for her and because of what has happened in his past, he is determined not to let her die. The only thing stopping him carrying out his plan is that Denise doesn’t agree with it one bit.

(WARNING – SPOILER’S FOR NIGHT HUNTRESS & NIGHT HUNTRESS WORLD SERIES IN FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH)

It was a nice surprise to see Cat and Bones in this book. I didn’t think they would appear what with the story focusing on Denise and Spade and their problems, but I suppose Spade has helped them quite a bit in the past. Once they turned up, if felt like everything would be okay, they would take over and save the day. They didn’t take over, but they did help a lot. I was constantly wondering when Denise would find out that Cat had finally gone all the way to the other side – seemed like Spade wasn’t going to tell her.

(END OF SPOILER WARNING)

Overall, I thought the story was very good and there was a fine balance between romance and the plot. There quite a lot of scenes that contain sexual content. It’s not too explicit but I would recommend the book for more mature teens and adults. First Drop of Crimson was definitely a page turner and I had trouble putting it down at certain bits, so I had to keep reading, even until the late hours of the night, luckily it was a weekend.

Disclaimer: I bought this book with my own money and I am not receiving money in for this review. Everything I have said is of my own honest opinion.

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Blood Bound

by Patricia Briggs

My Rating: E, P, B

Released: 2007 (USA) & 2008 (UK)

Publisher: Ace, Penguin Group (USA) Inc & Orbit (UK)

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

Mercy Thompson; woken at 3am by a vampire. Stefan also happens to be a friend, and he needs her help. He has to deliver a message to a fellow undead and needs a witness that won’t be noticed – and Mercy’s shape-shifting abilities maker her the perfect candidate.

But the assignment turns into a bloodbath and Mercy attracts the attention of not just a powerful vampire, but the even more powerful demon possessing him. She can count on the supernatural community for protection – and alpha werewolf Adam would like her to rely on him in other ways, too – but when it comes to being protective, she’s on her own.

Blood Bound is the second book in the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. If you have read Moon Called and enjoyed it, prepare to be enthralled with Blood Bound. This story is full of action, a love triangle or even a quadrangle depending on how you look at it, and a tad bit of lusting.

This book has been rather enjoyable to read. It has been a nice break from some of the other supernatural books I have been reading lately as it’s more focused on the plot than romance although the story does touch on the subject more than once. You don’t get caught up in the romance, or lust, enough that it makes you forget what the plot is all about.

Our heroine Mercy, gets pulled into some serious trouble along with her wolf friends and Stefan due to her loyalty, caring personality and her over protectiveness for the ones she loves or cares deeply about.

(WARNING – THIS PARAGRAPH CONTAINS SPOILERS)

From the first book, Moon Called, we know that Mercy was raised by wolves and is a skinwalker. Her other form is a coyote. We also know that she used to be in love with Samuel Cornick until his father Bran, the Morrok, told her to leave. In the meantime, she has been living across from the local Alpha, Adam Hauptman. It seems that there is a love triangle going on between these three – Samuel still loves her and mourned her when she left as if he had lost his mate and previously Adam named her as his mate in front of the pack so that she wouldn’t be attacked by them. But it seems that Adam likes Mercy more than he lets on and I think the feeling is mutual. Samuel was her first love and even though he was using her as a means to have a living child she still loves him deep down.

(END OF SPOILER WARNING)

Mercy is requested to repay a favour to a friend, Stefan – a vampire, who wants her to witness an act as her four legged self. Paying Stefan back opens a whole can of worms and could have cost Mercy her life. After finding out the powerful vampire is being possessed by a demon, the local Alpha, Adam, and her past love, Samuel, decide that she is to stay out of the way and that they and the vampires will deal with this vampire.

Mercy, being Mercy, couldn’t just sit and do nothing. She decides to intervene when the wolves plans go a tad wrong – putting herself in imminent danger.

We can clearly see that there is a love triangle but I think this is going to turn into a love quadrangle, the fourth member being Stefan. Mercy thinks of him as a friend, but doesn’t know if he considers her a friend as he has never come out and said it. He is one of the undead and they are known as evil and can turn their back on you in a heartbeat, not the type of person you would think would call you a friend, more like someone that would use you. But Mercy has never thought of Stefan as being like the other vampires. She thinks he is one of the good ones despite constant warnings from her friends that she can’t trust him. I think there is some deep affection for Mercy emitting from Stefan as we find out as the story unfolds, but I am not sure what it will turn into. Mercy already has Adam and Samuel to deal without adding Stefan to the mix.

The problem with trying to figure out who Mercy will end up with is down to how submissive she is willing to be. Wolves are known for being dominant and living in the cave ages as their women don’t have the same rights as the men in the pack.

Choosing Adam would lead to her having the same status and dominance over the other wolves as Adam, i.e. if Adam wasn’t about the other wolves would have to obey her commands. I think if Mercy officially went and said that she was with Adam as his mate, that this might cause some conflict within the pack as they only currently tolerate her and are not around her all the time.

Being with Samuel would leave Mercy uneasy as to whether he is with her out of love or just to get a child out of it. Samuel doesn’t belong to a pack, he’s more of a lone wolf at the moment but he is the Marrok’s son so is a very dominant wolf.

If Mercy was to be with Stefan I don’t think she would have to change at all but she would forever be watching her back with the Mistress of the Seethe as Stefan still answers to her. The Mistress doesn’t like Mercy as she fears her. She may like him as a friend but I am not sure how she would cope having a relationship with a man that is literally dead during the day.

I will definitely be reading the rest of the series just to find out what does or doesn’t happen between those two.

Blood Bound is a book I think you can read on its’  own and it isn’t essential to know what happened in book one, Moon Called, to understand what is happening. The situations and storyline are well set out and quite easy to follow. The action scenes aren’t too graphic and there aren’t really any sexual content in this book. This book can definitely be read by teenagers and any age upwards.

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book or been given it free of charge and I am not receiving any money to review this book. I borrowed this book from the local library and everything I have said is based on my honest opinion.

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Undead and Uneasy

by MaryJanice Davidson

My Rating: E, L, H

Published: 2007

Publisher: Piatkus

Reviewed by: Naomi M.

Betsy Taylor, undead vampire queen, has been given a new nickname by her nearest and dearest: Bridezilla. Because whether you’re alive or undead, planning weddings is a bitch. Especially when your groom thinks the whole thing is a waste of time.

Betsy’s also dealing with a full house: she lives with a ghost (Cathy), a werewolf (Antonia), a gay physician/human (Marc), her fiancé and vampire king (Eric Sinclair), her best friend (Jessica), and a recovering Fiend (Garrett). But when Sinclair disappears and then, one by one, her friends go missing, Betsy begins to get seriously uneasy…

Undead and Uneasy is the sixth installment in the Queen Betsy series. This book is full of witty comments, action and baby sick.

I don’t know how MaryJanice Davidson does it. Every time I read one of her books I’m constantly giggling to myself. Betsy’s humour , wit and ability to get into trouble no matter what she does just leaves me in hysterics.

Betsy has some trying times in this book but it’s nice to see that she is able to sort out some of her previous problems from the other books in the series. She finally makes amends with John Delk, who was previously a Blade Warrior who killed vampires, and they become friends again. We learn more about Antonia’s pack. Marc finally finds love or more like lust at this stage, but finally he is getting some action.

The book starts with Betsy and Eric looking over wedding announcement cards and as usual Eric shows no enthusiasm for this task. We then go on to Betsy looking for her wedding gown which isn’t successful. Then something terrible happens that affects Betsy deeply and then everyone starts to go missing.

Betsy is alone for the majority of this book apart from the odd phone call from Tina, who is stranded in another country and garbles phones calls from Marc that makes no sense and sounds like he’s in danger. The Vampire Queen is working hard trying to figure this mess all out when she is attacked. Once the attack is over, she is finally able to move on to try and find her loved ones.

Finally clarity hits Betsy, in the strangest of places, during a phone call with her mother. Seriously I think it’s so funny how Betsy comes up with the answers to everything. But even this enemy seems too strong for Betsy. Does she find her loved ones and rescue them? Well I’ll leave you guys to read the book to find out for yourselves.

Again, I have enjoyed this book as I have all the previous book in the series. I think this book is exceptional, highly entertaining, full of antics and baby sick. What more do you want from a book? Well maybe less of the baby sick. I would recommend this book for young adults and upwards and is definitely worth the read.

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book or been given it free of charge and I am not receiving money to review this book. I borrow this book from the local library and everything I have said is based on my honest opinion.

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Witch Fire by Anya Bast

My Rating: G, B, L, X

Released: June 2007

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

Review by: Naomi M.

Mira Hoskins doesn’t know she’s a natural-born witch who possesses the rare – and powerful – element air. And she never expects to find herself tied to a mahogany bed frame, captive of a man who aches to fulfill her every desire and let loose the magic that dwells inside her…

Heat emanates from elemental fire witch Jack McAlister. The Coven, a governing authority of witches, has sent him to protect Mira from a band of warlocks who drains witches of power…and life. Long ago, he saw Mira’s parents murdered by this same dark magic. He’d like to quell his guilt and offer her everything she deserves. But she’s the long-lost cousin of his boss – making seduction off-limits.

With Jack’s strong guidance, Mira is luring forth her inner magic. But this sense of duty is quickly swelling into insatiable hunger. He was warned about the natural attraction between air and fire. Now he risks being consumes by the woman he shouldn’t want – but can’t stay away from…

Witch Fire is the first in the Elemental Witches series. It is a sizzling, hot novel that will leave you begging for your seat to be touched. This story will have you hooked and will make you keep turning those pages just to find out what happens next.

I have to say that I enjoyed every minute of this book. I felt as if I was part in the story, I felt everything that Mira and Jack felt – so much I was nearly blushing at certain parts.  It’s a magical feeling (no pun intended) when an author can make you feel like this through their written words.

I am used to reading novels that involve vampires, werewolves and all those other beasties that go bump in the night. But this story focuses mainly on the witch world which is interlinked with humans. There is the odd mentioning of demons here and there but nothing too specific. These witches have managed to live amongst humans and have gone unnoticed.

The main character, Mira, is an easy character to relate to in the sense that every woman at some point in their life has been low on their self esteem and unsure of who they really are. She doesn’t know her family as she was brought up by her godmother and all her life she never knew she was a witch – let alone a very strong and much sought after Air Witch.

Enter Jack. This is a man who knows what he wants and can’t help himself but have it. I’m sure after you read this story you will be wanting your very own personal Jack. It’s kind of hard to describe Jack as a character. In the beginning you get the idea he is a womanizer, but deep down he has just never met the right woman. He has a very bad relationship with his father, one that cannot be resolved. Jack witnessed Mira’s parents death at a tender age and has blamed himself since. He is full of remorse and guilt for what he witnessed and this reflects in this actions towards Mira.

The villains in this story are the kind that you really don’t want to mess with. They have magical powers just like Mira and Jack but they use theirs for evil. They are also infamous in the human world as wealthy businessmen. They are corrupted witches, known as warlocks, and will stop at no means to get what they want and that’s Mira and her powers.

Witch Fire’s plot is easy to follow and quite straight forward. It’s not one of those in depth stories that you have to sit and read about five chapters to understand what is going on. There were times throughout the book that I was able to guess what was going to happen next but don’t let this deter you from enjoying the story. I think I managed to guess what was going to happen because I have read so many supernatural books and have probably come across a similar story outline, either that or I am an ace detective J.

I think what makes this book so easy to read is the storyline, the fact that it involves action, love, romance and quite a bit of lust, everything you want from a supernatural romance novel. This book is definitely not for young people, but maybe the more mature teen and adults due to the sexual content. Witch Fire is an ideal book that you can read anywhere…when you are on holiday or snuggling up in front of the fire (at least then you have an excuse for the redness of your cheeks).

Disclaimer: I have not bought this book or been given it free of charge and I am not receiving any money to review this book. I borrowed this book from the local library and everything I have said is based on my honest opinion.