Werewolves
Forbidden Forest Review + #Giveaway (Interview Coming Soon)
Forbidden Forest
The Legends of Regia
Tenaya Jayne
Genre: Young Adults Romantic Fantasy
Release Date: December 29, 2012
Publisher: Cold Fire Publishing LLC
ISBN: 978-0988275716
ASIN: B009JVTLA6
Pages: 264
Word Count: 77,000
Cover Artist: Erika Doucesse
Goodreads Rating: 3.97
My Rating: 4.0
Book Description:
Born in shame. Cast from society. Shape Shifter/Elf hybrid, Forest must fight for any respect she can get. Targeted in her youth by a vampire noble who placed an illegal slave mark on her, she is forced to obey him, no matter what.
Slipping the grip of her master and abandoning the prejudice of Regia, her native world, Forest takes a job on Earth, guarding the portal, using her skills as a warrior to enforce Regia’s laws. Now, called home for a black ops mission, Forest must put aside her own prejudice to transport the vampire prince, Syrus, through enemy territory in a time of war.
Prince Syrus, mage and master of the Blood Kata, wants Forest more than he’s ever wanted anything. In spite of their mutual mistrust, their attraction cannot be denied. Through the danger of their mission, and the secrets they both keep, it doesn’t matter what they feel. Forest is forbidden.
Book Trailer
My Take on The Book:
4 Quills
About The Author
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The Howling Heart Review + #Giveaway
The Howling Heart
April Bostic
Soon, she’s engulfed in the mystical world of Varulv—wolves descended from 13th century Scandinavia and blessed by Norse gods with the ability to appear human. Paige is desperate to return home, but never expects to fall for her rescuer, Riley Gray, a charming young werewolf from England who offers her an alternate future with his pack.
Now, she must choose between the career she’s always wanted and the love she’s always dreamed.
Hmmmm
I’m kinda at a loss for words. While i did fully enjoy this book there was a lot that I didn’t.
I like the originality of the shifter werewolf thing going on in this book, end I like the different route of this romance book but I can’t say I was fully a fan of the main character Paige. There were even a couple of moments where I didn’t even like Riley. Walt they worked well together and made for really nice storybook romance, they both had this naivety to them the made it difficult for me to like them on their own.
I also wasn’t a fan of all the predictability that took place in the story but I did enjoy the refreshing themes. The whole take on this story’s werewolves is a pretty cool one and not something I can honestly say I have ever heard of or read in another book.
About The Author
April Bostic is a New Jersey-based, Adult Romance author who enjoys unleashing her creativity and letting her imagination run wild. Her love of romance books inspired her to become not just a reader, but also a writer. In December 2008, she self-published her first novel, a contemporary romance with a supernatural twist entitled “A Rose to the Fallen”.
Her first short story, “Right Here, Right Now”, released in January 2012, is an erotic romance with a dash of S&M. The following year, she released two more short stories: a romantic urban fantasy inspired by the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche entitled “Eros, My Love”, and a sexy romantic comedy entitled “Love Addiction”.
After five years, she released her second novel, “The Howling Heart” in August 2013, a paranormal romance that delves into the mystical world of werewolves and Norse gods. To end her busiest year in publishing, April also released her fourth short story in December 2013, a historical paranormal romance entitled “A Dark Scandal”.
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Revealers & Uninvited by Amanda Marrone Book Spotlight + #Giveaway #TipsySpooktacular Stop 5
Ahem.
Ohai there!
Today I have a treat for you all. It’s another book spotlight BUT there are 2 and they are NOT part of a series :O I know that seems odd from someone like me who absolutely LOVES to read book series, serieses… Ehh I know, not very English major or author-y of me but whatever, I think the first one is correct.
So back on topic, this is more of an Author Spotlight. I don’t exactly remember when I bought these books just that I love them and I really hope you all take a chance on them. I know the goodreads rating isn’t all that great for one of them but I think the books rock.
The books in question are ‘Uninvited’ and ‘Revealers’ by Amanda Marrone. Uninvited is an out of the box vampire read. Abso-freaking-lutely like nothing I have ever read when it comes to vampires. Sure I got a Dangerous Girls by R.L. Stine vibe from it BUT it was a novel all on its own. The similarity starts and ends with the age of the main character, the vampire thing and how dark it is. Literally that is it. This book, and other vampire books sit at 2 vastly different ends of the spectrum. There is no romantizing the vampires. And personally, I liked that this was not really marketed as a vampire book. Aside for my knowledge of vampire invitations, the night time visits and the eerie but beautiful cover, there was no giveaway to the vampire tidbit. Now, before you go all crazy reader on me, this is not a spoiler. The author has mentioned that it is a vampire story and this in no way gives away the plot of the series of events that follow. I literally love this book. It is dark and can seem a bit slow to start with but it’s worth the wait.
Revealers is an interesting and fun magical read. I was initially drawn in by the cover because well come on who wouldn’t be, it’s gorgeous! I love the blue smoke and the simplicity in the design. So I did what most do when a book cover jumps out and snags their attention I flipped it over and got to reading the synopsis. I was all for it! I got to reading and I couldn’t put it down. I even remember where I was sitting for the couple of hours it took for me to finish it. It’s full of plot twists and interesting magic and witches. Its spooky to an extent
but really keeps you on your toes. This too stands on its own as a paranormal novel and book featuring a witchy cast. When all was said and done, I was super sad to see this story was over. They are not spooky in your typical sense but I do feel like these are great books to get you into the Halloween/Samhain mood. See what I did there 😉
Also, funny story guys, I penned a character who was a witch years ago when I was 14, before having read any of these books but she was nameless… I just kept using ‘insert name’ then I read Revealers years later, I loved the characters, all of them. But one name just kept haunting me. Fast forward 1 year and I actually met a woman with this name while shopping for incense. She was a pagan woman like my sister, but her personality was so similar to this witch I had written and it felt like it was meant to be. So in a weird chance of fate, this woman and the book ‘Revealers’ helped me name one of my main characters in The Birth Curse Series, I give you, Zahara Frost ladies and gentlemen.
Revealers
Amanda Marrone
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy, Supernatural Fiction
Release Date: September 30, 2008
Publisher: Simon Pulse
ISBN: 978-1416958741
ASIN: B004KKXN3W
Goodreads Rating: 3.58
Witchin’ ain’t easy.
Jules has a rebellious streak, a massive crush on Connor, and the abilities of a Revealer witch. By day, she and her coven friends seem like typical high school seniors. By night, they have the power to make werewolves, vampires, and ghosts reveal themselves, so they can destroy them. It’s not exactly cheerleading, but at least the girls know they’re doing the world some good.
One by one, Jules’s friends turn eighteen and are initiated into the coven’s inner circle. And one by one, they are getting completely freaked out. Jules is the youngest, and though her friends are too scared tell her what’s going on, something’s clearly not right. As her birthday approaches, Jules realizes she’s got to find out what’s behind the shadows of her coven before it’s too late to save her friends…and herself. But what she discovers may be too powerful for even the toughest witches to defeat.
Uninvited
Amanda Marrone
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy, Supernatural Fiction
Release Date: October 23, 2007
Publisher: Simon Pulse
ISBN: 978-1416939788
ASIN: B003YFJ1DK
Pages: 224
Goodreads Rating: 2.95
Jordan’s life sucks. Her boyfriend, Michael, dumped her, slept his way through half the student body, and then killed himself. But now, somehow, he appears at her window every night, begging her to let him in.
Jordan can’t understand why he wants her, but she feels her resistance wearing down. After all, her life — once a broken record of boring parties, meaningless hookups, and friends she couldn’t relate to — now consists of her drinking alone in her room as she waits for the sun to go down.
Michael needs to be invited in before he can enter. All Jordan has to do is say
the words….
About The Author
Amanda Marrone grew up on Long Island where she spent her time reading, drawing, watching insects, and suffering from an over-active imagination. It didn’t help that her father told bloodcurdling stories, and would take Amanda and her siblings for moon lit walks in the graveyard—the highlight of which involved having them march up to mausoleums and knock on the doors—alone. On more than one occasion, Amanda turned around to find they’d ditched her for laughs. (No, she didn’t find that particularly funny.) Not surprisingly, she was extremely scared of the dark—living in fear of cats meowing at the door at night (she was sure they were really monsters pretending to be her cats), and things lurking in basements, attics, dark rooms, and closets.Amanda successfully avoided monster attacks by leaving all the lights on in her house, and convincing other family members to let the cats in—eventually earning a B.A. in Education at SUNY Cortland. She taught fifth and sixth grade in New Hampshire, where she was known for putting on mini-musicals, and dissecting eyeballs and owl pellets with her students.
After taking a very early retirement to raise a family and write novels—some of which have vampires and other creepy creatures, Amanda now lives in Connecticut with her husband, Joe, two kids, two cats, a crayfish, hissing cockroaches, and
their newest addition is Griffin, a havanese dog who can say “Hello” and “I love you”. Check the links page to see Griffin’s YouTube videos where you can see him in action.
Amanda loves reading, going to Broadway shows, creepy crawly things, hiking, annoying her husband with show tunes, and is thinking about getting another tattoo. She is still scared of the dark.
Amanda’s first two books for teens, Uninvited and Revealers are available now, and her next book Devoured will be out in September of 2009. Her middle grade series The Magic Repair Shop Chronicles: The Multiplying Menace, Kobold Blues
and The Shape Shifter’s Curse will be available starting in the summer of 2010.
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Super Freak by Vanessa Barger Review + #Giveaway
Super Freak
Vanessa Barger
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Release Date: October 13, 2015
Publisher: Tantrum Books
ISBN: 978-1942664536
ASIN: B014C57RIG
Pages: 285
Goodreads Rating: 4.5
My Rating: 5.0
Book Description:
Thirteen-year-old Caroline is a freak. Her parents have uprooted her to a town full of Supernaturals. You’d think she’d be thrilled. But, with someone without a magical bone in her body, this daughter of tree sprites feels like even more of an outcast than she has ever before.
To make matters worse, her new home is cursed. But when Caroline takes to investigating the mysterious and strange happenings of Harridan House, her BFF goes missing. Seems someone doesn’t want Caroline sticking her non-magical nose where it most certainly does not belong. Determined to prove herself, Caroline uncovers a plot to destroy her new hometown.
Undeterred, Caroline can’t give up. But what’s a human without magical powers to do? Caroline better figure it out fast, before she loses everything she has ever loved and the whispers she’s heard all her life prove true: Caroline is a useless superfreak.
My Take:
5 Quills
About The Author
Website | Twitter | Facebook |Goodreads | Pinterest | YouTube
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A Mate’s Bite Review + Excerpt + Giveaway
My Take On The Book:
A warm breeze ruffled the trees, and she glanced at her camera. The stupid tripod didn’t want to stay in place. She grumbled under her breath. Squatting down, she jiggled the tiny metal legs into the earth, hoping to steady it. A couple of rocks would help. She grabbed a few of the biggest ones and circled the tripod legs with them to keep it stable.
Long strands of frizzy hair kept falling forward out of her ponytail, tickling the side of her face. She tugged the annoying hair behind her ear and continued to mess with the tripod.
“Stupid, friggin’, piece of—”
A low growl sounded close. Too close. She whipped up to her feet, still holding one of the rocks in her hands and turned in a flash. Unfortunately, she was also one of the clumsiest people and tripped on her own feet. She lost her balance, and she fell on her ass.
“Carajo!”
A howl sounded from the ceremony site, and she scrambled to her knees to watch one of the wolves, she’d guess it was Marco because he was bigger, sniffing Kelly’s behind.
“Just like a man to go straight for the goods.” She snorted.
But she didn’t get a chance to keep watching. Something bumped her backside, pushing her forward. She tangled on the tripod and fell on her face.
“Oh, for crying out loud.” Clearly, she sucked at being inconspicuous. Strands of hair fell forward, covering her vision. She lifted on all four and flipped to sit on her ass. There he was, the one shifter that drove her absolutely crazy in every way possible.
“Spot? What are you doing here? And why did you bury your nose in my ass, you pervert?”
Not that it turned her on that he put his nose in her ass. It was…weird. He growled. The low deep sound twisted her belly into all kinds of knots. Oh, boy. She was in trouble. Staring at his cute furry face, she was very tempted to lift a hand and pet him.
Nathan, big, bad, sexy, pierced hunk of male candy stood not more than five feet in front of her in his wolf form. The form that looked like a cute Dalmatian-wolf with a white spot over his muzzle, hence the name she’d given him, “Spot.”
His eyes glittered in that golden shade from his animal. A shiver raced down her spine.
“I know how this must look, but it’s not what you think.” She felt like a moron talking to him when he was a giant wolf. He took a step toward her. She squiggled an inch further away. With a quick swipe, she moistened her dry lips with the tip of her tongue. “We were invited to be here. I swear.”
About The Author
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Moonflower by E.D.C. Johnson Interview and $0.99 Sale Promo!!!
Moonflower
E.D.C. Johnson
Moonflower Trilogy #1
Release Date: March 29, 2013
ISBN: 978-1476232003
ASIN: B00CIE5P4C
Summary:
After Josephine Woods’ father dies of cancer, her mother up-roots the two of them and moves to the city. Josie hates her city life, but her teenage issues are of little consequence when they have a car accident and she wakes up in a strange land (reminiscent of Victorian Europe) alone. Lost, with her school backpack as the only connection to her world, Josie struggles to find her way home. She is found by Lucius Conrí, the son of a Marquess, who possesses royal blood and the gift to shift into a wolf’s form at will. Can the kind-hearted Lucius help her find her way while winning her love, or will she fall for Donovan Conrí his older, more serious brother and heir to the Conrí wealth?
ON SALE JAN. 30rd – FEB. 5th!!!
Starting Jan 30th (12:00am PST) til Feb. 2nd (11:59pm PST) you can purchase this book via Amazon for $0.99. The ebook is normally $4.99 so your looking at a massive discount (about 80% to give you a ball park est.)
Then, on Feb. 3rd at 12:00am PST the price will go up to $1.99 (still a pretty good deal if you ask me). That deal will go on until the 5th of Febuaray. Obviously, the earlier you purchase the book, the more you save!
Interview with the Author
(Interview provided by Author E.D.C. Johnson)
1) First, tell us about yourself – where you live, your family, and those sorts of details.
I live with my husband and 5 month old daughter in Palm Harbor, Florida. I’m a transplant from Michigan, but relish in the sunny weather. Before my daughter arrived my two dogs, a 5lb. Chihuahua and an 75lb. lab mix, had all of my attention. Well, at least what energy I had left after coming home from hundreds of children as a public school art teacher.
2) How long have you been writing?
I have enjoyed writing ever since I was in grade school (I even won a Young Author Award). I was told I had a talent for it by teachers, but never really gave it any consideration as a career—until now. And, of course, going through college to get my Bachelors and Masters degrees involved a great deal of writing. Art theory is one of my favorite parts of what I do and expressing your ideas in writing is essential.
3) Do you have a favorite place to write?
<sheepish smile>
Well, my favorite place to write is in bed. After all the hustle and bustle of the day is over I can truly focus on what is flowing out of my mind. Night is the most creative time of the day for me. The story unfolds like a daydream or movie in my head. I fell obligated to give public safety announcement though and say that writing in bed is horrible for your neck and back.
4) Why did you decide to write Moonflower?
It may seem cliche, but it came to me in a daydream. Right before I was about to fall asleep I imagined this scenario and it began to play like a movie in my mind. Then I incorporated my favorite necklace into the idea. It is made of moonstone. This then made me wonder if there was an actual moonflower, and, well, the rest is history.
5) Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
I’m going to have to choose someone other than the main characters. Even though I like them all it just seems so predictable. That being said, I would have to pick Konrad the old alchemist that acts as mentor and tutor to Lucius Conrí. I can picture him so clearly. He is brilliant, yet disheveled. But when it comes down to it he is like an old oak. Konrad is wise from his years of life and strong when you need someone to lean upon. He has such a comfortable demeanor that makes him very approachable, like a grandfather figure.
6) How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?
My least favorite character is Roderick. Not that I dislike the poor guy, he is simply an extremely reserved butler. There isn’t much to get excited about him, but his character is a necessary supporting cast member.
7) Do you proofread/edit your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
Of course I have read, reread and had my husband read the book. I go to a writing group and we exchange reading our pages and edit each other’s work. Finally I did have an editor, a woman who is my writing coach and coordinator of our writing group, yet you may find a sneaky error in there. It seems almost impossible to win.
8) What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Well, as of late I am all about being a mommy. My 9 1/2 month old takes up a lot of my time. My other hobbies are creating my art and gardening.
9) Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
I don’t get to read as much as I would like. I have been reading lately to vlog for a review site. This allows me to keep up with what other paranormal authors are writing and to continue to analyze what makes a good book. One of my favorite classical authors is Jane Austen. She is a real inspiration to me.
10) What question do you wish that someone would ask about your book, but nobody has? Write it out here, then answer it.
What do you want readers to take away from reading your book?
I genuinely hope people enjoy reading my book. Without giving away the end I want people to debate the outcome and what it all means. Most of all I hope readers think it was entertaining and are left wanting more.
Author Bio 
EDC Johnson grew up in the Midwest, graduating from Michigan State University with her BFA in Art Education and her MA in Art Education from Western Michigan University. She currently lives with her husband in Palm Harbor, Florida. Her decade of experience as a public school art teacher has inspired her to write fiction novels that will entice young readers. You may see some of her illustrations in Renee Mallet’s: Fairies, Mermaids, and Other Mystical Creatures.
Author Links:
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To Kiss a Werewolf Review + Excerpt
To Kiss a Werewolf
Molly Snow
Genre: YA Paranormal Romantic Comedy
Release Date: September 28, 2013
Publisher: Breezy Reads
ISBN: 978-1938327100
ASIN: B00EDQ5UF2
Pages: 288
Goodreads Rating: 4.14
My Rating: 3.5
Book Description:
As president of Paranormal Addicts Anonymous, Stella’s got no time for popular guys. Especially the surfers who hang at Shoreline’s beach—they think flashing a sand-sprinkled, tanned chest is enough to get any girl. But when surfer-hunk Damien Capernalli crashes Stella’s PAA fieldtrip to a haunted bed and breakfast, it may be time to rethink her priorities.
…And what’s with that wolfish gleam in Damien’s eye?
My Take On The Book:
What a cute read. I really laughed… I’m not sure what I expected when I chose to read and review this title, but I can say it was this. (Not really a bad thing) It was a really cute story with some squeal moments but it also felt like it was missing something even with everything that was already going on. Regardless, I did enjoy it.
The Great (Pros):
- Werewolves. I love werewolves! So this story was no different. The werewolves in this book were very teen wolf and their background, sweet. It added to the cute factor and I loved the pack dynamic.
- Stella. Lol this girl is just too much. I liked her attitude. Great lead. I also loved her style.
- Damien. A pretty sweet dude when you look past the egotistical attitude he sometimes shows.
- Kit. She is by far the best character. Who cares if she’s not the main character, she was my favorite.
- Romance. It was cute and funny and innocent. No steam but perfect as is.
- PAA. Paranormal Addicts Anonymous. Genius. I wish I’d have thought of that while in high school. My friends and I loved the read and watch anything Paranormal. Plus the whole group was pretty awesome and their interactions where hilarious.
The Not So Great (Cons):
- Minor Inconsistencies. There were some point that didn’t add up. It kind of felt like the author might have forgotten about them then added some explanation together in a last ditch effort.
- Too much going on. As I said before, there is a lot going on in this story. A lot of paranormal things that I think might actually be the deterrent of this story. I felt bombarded and overwhelmed.
- Speed. It wasn’t fast and it wasn’t slow but matched with everything that was going on it could have done with some speed.
3.5 Quills
It’s a great read, so don’t let the 3.5 scare you off. It’s cute and funny and not to be taken seriously in any way. It’s a unique and intriguing story littered with supes. But it has the cutest ending by far.
An Excerpt From The Book:
Sea salt wafted in the humid sky, the full moon hidden by dark, puffy clouds. Normally, Damien would be feeling on top of the world. A night at the beach, with a pack of friends and girls—one in particular basically throwing herself at him. The typical blonde bombshell cheerleader. Piece of cake. But things weren’t feeling quite right.
Tina wrapped an arm around his, as she sat with him beside the crackling bonfire. She endlessly giggled, even when he wasn’t joking. It was way overboard. She was trying too hard, and suddenly she wasn’t as attractive. Man, why be so serious? he told himself. Just go with it. She’s hot. You like her. She obviously likes you.
But it was hard to let loose when he kept thinking about that girl at his uncle’s pizzeria. She must have known him from school. She had called him by name. So, why couldn’t he put a finger on who she was, what class they may have taken together? He not only knocked her to the ground like a fool, he did something else to anger her. If only he knew what that was… What made it worst of all, he was actually going to accept her request for a date. It’s just that tonight he already had plans with Tina.
A half hour later, Damien was making out with the blonde in his jeep. He was going through the motions, but his head still wasn’t clear. Why was he going to let some random girl from earlier that night ruin his mood? It was so, so irritating. He wished she never walked into his workplace. Whoever she was. Whatever her name was. Tonight could have been so much easier, not being confused over some dark and depressed Goth girl.
As he kissed Tina’s neck, the scent of her floral perfume quickly morphed from soft and seductive to strong and sickening. As if he had licked a bar of soap, he could taste the smell. He pulled back and shook his head, wiping his nose with a shoulder.
Tina’s hands were around his neck the next second. Her fake fingernails lightly pressed into his skin as she pulled him back down. Not wanting to totally ruin the moment, he surrendered, and told himself to get a grip. He moved away from her neck and back to her mouth. Soap. He could still taste her perfume. Nostrils flared and he pulled back again, cringing.
“Come here,” Tina breathed. “Don’t play hard to get now.”
He opened his mouth and panted, hoping to release the flavor. Looking up to the half-moon that peeked through a cluster of dark clouds, he suddenly felt like gagging. In the next moment, he leapt off the girl and ran to the center of some fir trees that bordered the beach.
“What’s the matter?!” Her voice trailed after him.
Damien hunched over and grabbed his knees. Something was wrong. Horribly wrong. He was sure he was going to vomit whatever stomach flu suddenly overtook him, but instead he felt possessed to howl hoarsely into the night: “Owoooo!”
About The Author
Molly Snow is a Top 10 Idaho Fiction Author, awarded by The Idaho Book Extravaganza. Her works include quirky teen romances BeSwitched and Fallen Angel. Also a speaker on writing, her school assemblies have been featured in The Contra Costa Times and The Brentwood Press. Snow is married to her high school crush, has a set of silly twin boys and a bobtail cat named Meow-Meow. Molly Snow also co-writes mysteries under her pseudonym Claire Kane.
Author Links:
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“I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.”
Realm Walker Review and Giveaway!!!
Realm Walker
Realm Walker Series
Book One
Kathleen Collins
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: October 28, 2013
Publisher: Carina Press
ISBN: 9781426896545
ASIN: B00E1V5S3S
Pages: 189
Word Count: 76,000
Goodreads Rating: 3.75
My Rating: 4/4.5
Book Description:
An estranged mate, a mangled body and a powerful demon who calls her by name…
As a Realm Walker for the Agency, Juliana Norris tracks deadly paranormal quarry using her unique ability to see magical signatures. She excels at her job, but her friends worry about her mysterious habit of dying in the line of duty without staying dead. That’s only the first of her secrets.
Most people don’t know Juliana became the mate of master vampire Thomas Kendrick before he abandoned her seven years ago. Most people don’t know the horrors she endured at the hands of the vampire he left in command. Most people don’t know her true parentage, or why a demon on a world-threatening rampage has taken a personal interest in her…
Even as Juliana pursues the demon, it goes after all she holds dear—including Thomas, who is back to claim her for his own. But if she can’t reconcile her past and learn to trust herself again, she will lose him forever.
Amazon BN
My Take On The Book:
What can I say… I’m a sucker for these types of books and this one didn’t disappoint. Realm Walker and author Kathleen Collins take you on a great adventure with a lovable albeit frustrating cast. I initially found myself pulled in by the synopsis which I had to read on my very unreliable phone and email app, so I stared the email and made sure to check it out on my computer when I got home. I did, and boy am I happy I did. Not only does the cover art have the same feel as some of my favorite authors, so does the writing and the setting. I was a tad hesitant, but only slightly cause as of late I’ve read too many vampire stories and truthfully I felt they might be a tad played out… but I’m happy to have been proved wrong. It had a strong plotline, easy to follow and interesting but that is just the tip of the iceberg.
The Great (Pros):
- Juliana. She’s just so badass, excuse my language. Granted she had her whiny moments, a couple of which just want to make you shake her silly, she pretty much always delivers on the awesomeness.
- Realm Walkers. I gotta say I love the concept of Realm Walkers and they reminded me ‘Shadowblades’ from the Horngate Witches Series. Sure they had some differences but they were equally kick butt.
- Nathaniel. I have a soft spot for the furry werebeast. I’m not sure if it’s just my love for werewolves in general or it was Nathaniel’s smart ass comments and swagger but I absolutely loved his character. The relationship between Juliana and him was just so cozy and cute, you kinda want your own Nathanial, pain in the ass or not.
- Thomas. Ok, so I’ve said it before but I was totally over the vampire fad, but Thomas may have just pulled me outta that mindset. He too had some annoying quirks, mainly from his age which he definitely shows proudly through his vocabulary. ‘His Bride’ was thrown out so much, I kinda wanted to cuff him upside the head and hope I got away with my life. Understandably, regardless of his issues with Juliana he sticks to his guns making him a totally lovable vamp.
- The Demons. Ok, so this is the second book I’ve review with Demons as a foe. And just as much as I loved them in Dark Souls, I love them as much in this one too. Not the Demons themselves, because I really really hated them but more the role they play in the grander scheme of things. I really liked the integration of the demons into the story line and the scariness of not knowing what the hell to do to stop them. My absolute favorite scene in this book stares one pissed of Demon and a swimming pool.
- Jeremiah and family. The fire elemental and his family are way too cute. I love how they dote on Juliana in that very familial way. Jeremiah is a father of sorts to our heroine and he shows how much he cares for her almost immediately. The twins are sexy little turds… the way they mess with Juliana and Thomas is priceless!
The Not So Great (Cons):
- Inconsistency. Unfortunately, for every good there is usually some bad and this story is no exception. There were a couple of moments in this story that kinda contradicted themselves. I wish I could delve into this topic a little more but to do that would ruin the experience for you guys as readers.
- Love Triangle. I am not a huge fan of love triangles; they are played out and washed out. I know they tend to creep into stories you write and once the idea has revealed itself it’s hard to ignore. As authors we tend to feel we are exempt and I know I myself have said “Mine will be different” unfortunately often at times they aren’t and tend to just cause an unnecessary drag in the story. Granted this one is done in a completely different way that will kind of leave you reeling and scratching your head, but a triangle is a triangle and a square is a square. Regardless of the ending, there is always that awkwardness that accompanies the characters when they are all on the same page. Plus as a reader you can’t help but root for one character over the other.
- Catalina. I really really REALLY did not like her, but I kinda feel like that was the point lol. She was a vial witch with a b to Juliana, and well that my friends, is completely unacceptable. So for the sake of pros and cons she’s being filed into this character even if the character itself isn’t a fault in the book.
- Michael. Ok I was really conflicted with putting him here cause I genuinely liked his character through most of the book, but there is this one scene in the book towards the end of the middle… a scene with Juliana, that constantly replays in my mind when I think of his character and it irks me, especially since it falls into the inconsistency I spoke about earlier. It was outta character for the person/vamp the author was making him out to be. It just doesn’t work and once you read it you guys will understand completely.
- Ben. Grr. Nuff said. No I’m kidding, he much like Catalina bugged the ever loving daylight outta me. He started off as a completely likeable character and then at the end he makes a 180 that makes you want to drop kick him in the face with a steal toed boot cover in silver. Seriously what a douche bag.
4 Stars/Quills
This book is one I’d definitely recommend to people, especially people with a love for urban fantasy. It was similar to ‘The Anita Blake Series’ by Laurel K. Hamilton, the earlier ‘Southern Vampire Series’ by Charlaine Harris, ‘The Hollows’ by Kim Harrison with writing comparable to Chole Neill author of ‘Chicago Land Vampires’ and Diana Pharaoh Francis author of ‘Horngate Witches’. A definite must have for your virtual or literal bookshelves. I definitely can’t wait for the next installment as I’m sure I will gobble that one up!,
About The Author
Kathleen Collins has been writing since Kindergarten. And while her ability has drastically improved, her stories are still about monsters and the people who play with them.
The rare instances that she actually finds some spare time, she spends it playing with her two boys. Three if you count her husband.
She is currently hard at work on her next book.
Connect With Kathleen Collins
www.facebook.com/kathleencollinsauthor
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7191208.Kathleen_Collins
Enter The Giveaway for your chance to win Goodies from the Author
1 Halloween Theme Prize Pack open to US Shipping
The goodies include:
A felt owl bag
A cool Skull sign
A skull glow in the dark ring
Charms – including the vampire themed “Blood Donor Wanted”
Fuzzy socks
A cool woven bracelet with silver skulls
A skeleton voodoo doll key ring
Vampire themed cookie cutters
Vampire shot glasses
8 ebook copies of Realm Walker by Kathleen Collins
“I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.”
Finally a Book Excerpt!!!
Gifted: A Birth Curse Series Excerpt
So I’ve update my website www.Tipsy-Ink.com and the on site Blog, but most importantly I’ve posted an online excerpt titled Gifted, Book 1 to my upcoming book series ‘Birth Curse’.
My on site document viewer is a tad glitchy at the moment so the excerpt is available via Scribd. Please feel free to comment here, on the actual excerpt page or on my website blog. I would really love to hear your thoughts!
– Tiffany
Adventures in Ink (Reviews) 