Recommendsday Review - Red Moon Rising

Today's Recommendsday Reading is Red Moon Rising by Billie Sue Mosiman.

Synopsis:

Della Cambian was a senior in high school when she fell prey to the family curse of vampirism.  Like her mother, father, and brother, Dell was suddenly struck by the mutated form of a rare blood disease, porphyria.  As she passed into death, only the aid of Mentor - the vampire elder sworn to save the "souls" of as many of his fellow sufferers as he could - and Dell's own will might keep her from transforming into a Predator or a Craven.


First, she must fight free of the Predator's seductive lure, the call of the Hunter who embraced power for power's sake and killing for the life-giving blood it brought.  Fleeing the Predator, she might still succumb to pity and despair - the Craven's primary weapons - and end her days as a sickly creature, shunning light and the life of the everyday world.


With the aid of Mentor and her family, Dell struggled back toward the light, desperate to become - and remain - a Natural, a vampire who passed for human and lived by human rules.  But many pitfalls awaited Dell even as a Natural - from the threat of discovery to the ever-present disastrous possibility of giving into her vampiric cravings.


And even as Dell tentatively returned to the human world, Charles Upton, billionaire industrialist, fought his own battle with mortality.  At the age of sixty-eight, he was dying of the original form of porphyria.  Grasping desperately for any hope of survival, Upton turned to the vampire legends, ready to use his vast resources to search out the truth behind the myths.  Should his quest prove successful, it would unleash an evil beyond even that of the Predators upon an unsuspecting world and endanger every Natural who walked the face of the Earth...

Stupendous!  The vampire theory is unique and refreshing.  The storyline is pumped full of action, and the synopsis from the back cover sums up the novel completely.  I was taken by surprise when I picked this one up and I eagerly seek to get my hands on the second and third installments to the series: Malachi's Moon and Craven Moon.  The covers may look like they sprung straight from the cheese era of the 80s, but do not be fooled.  Like a whirlwind, the story zips off the pages, the world is detailed and picturesque, characters all have a level of depth; it felt almost plausible.  The books are out of print I believe, but there are still ways to get your hands on the used copies.  Definitely worth the effort, enjoy!

Rating: 4.5/5

~Helena

Book By Its Cover - Rapture Untamed

Pamela Palmer's new release Rapture Untamed is today's book by its cover review.


Synopsis:

They are called Feral Warriors—an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release . . .

The most combative—and tormented—of all the Ferals, Jag is a predator who hunts alone—until daemons terrorize the human population. To stop them, he partners with Olivia, a flame-haired Therian temptress as strong as she is beautiful. But Olivia is no ordinary immortal. The survivor of a vicious supernatural attack, she possesses a deadly and forbidden skill—one that must remain hidden, especially from the powerful Feral Warriors.

As Jag and Olivia's sensual dance of dominance and seduction gets wilder and hotter, a dark force sets its sights on Olivia, threatening to destroy everything she has vowed to protect. And the only one who can save her soul is the arrogant jaguar shifter she lusts for but dares not love.


Lily's Thoughts:

Whoa, I think that dude has an 8-pack. Tall? Check. Brooding? Check. Dark hair? Check. Apart from that Chachi-esque bandanna around the upper arm, this guy is hot all over. I'd buy it for the guy alone.

Wait, there's more to the cover than the guy? Huh...

Helena's Thoughts:

Mmmmm, feral? you don't say? ;p. Gorgeous half nekkie eye candy - yes please! What is with the cloth on his arm? Awww is he hurt? Well come over here hunk-a-muffin, let me fix you up...lol. Wow, I think I am having a little too much fun staring at this cover, ha. Rapture, um yea, the cover is the exact definition! When I laid eyes on this, of course I drooled, duh...then I noticed the panther. At first glance, I thought its eyes were just street lamps, with the typical urban scene backdrop. Boy was I surprised when I took a second look, crap that thing would have eaten my face if I didn't jump back in time. Love the black and white color palate, gives it a monochromatic gritty feel. Grade A plus plus plus :)

True Blood Gets a 4th Season

After a season 3 premiere that drew 5.1 million viewers, True Blood has already been renewed for a 4th season.

Set for a summer 2011 debut, the 12 episode 4th season will begin filming early next year.

~Lily

This is getting sad

So first, Amazon suggested JR Ward, because apparently I buy so much of her work, even a flawed computer algorithm can anticipate my next purchase. What appeared in my inbox today? This:


That's right. I'm now so completely predictable, I can simply wait for Amazon to tell me, in convenient email form, what I should read next.

~Lily

Recommendsday Review - Dark Side of the Moon

Dark Side of the Moon is the ninth novel in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series. It's also the one I read first. Generally, I always read a series in order, but for some reason this one came into my hands before any of the others. While I probably would have gotten more of the asides and references if I had read the previous eight books, I was able to quickly understand the rules of the world and enjoy the storyline without that background knowledge.

Synopsis (from the book blurb):

Susan Michaels was once the hottest reporter on the Beltway Beat until a major scandal ruined her life and left her writing stories about alien babies and Elvis sightings. Life as she once knew it is over, or so she thinks, but then she gets a lead on a story that could salvage her extinct career. She heads to the local animal shelter, expecting a hot news tip, which she gets in the form of a major police cover up. . . for a ring of soul-sucking vampires out to take over Seattle. So much for saving her credibility.

And it that isn’t bad enough, she gets talked into adopting a cat and finds she’s allergic to it. A cat that turns out to be a shapeshifter who claims to be an immortal vampire slayer on the prowl for the same corrupt cops. Her first thought: seek professional help.

But as Susan’s drawn into Ravyn’s dark and dangerous world, she comes to realize that there’s a lot more at stake than just her defunct career. Now it’s no longer a question of bringing the truth to her readers; it’s a matter of saving their very lives and souls.

Ravyn’s life was shattered over four hundred years ago, when he mistakenly trusted the wrong human with the truth of his existence. He lost his family, his honor and his life. Now, in order to save the people of Seattle, he’s forced to confront that nightmare all over again, and to trust another woman with the secret that could destroy him.

In the world of the Dark-Hunters, life is always dangerous. But never more so than now, when a very human woman can shatter their entire world with just one story. The only question is...will she?

As said above, I was at a slight disadvantage when reading this book simply because I haven't yet read any of its predecessors. I do stress the word "slight," Kenyon does a fantastic job of ensuring that even first time readers are able to quickly orient themselves within the Dark-Hunter world. As such, however, I'm reviewing this book as the single title I read and not a portion of a larger series.

Dark Side of the Moon is a remarkably quick read despite its length. Susan is a smart, ultra-sarcastic heroine who all but leaps off the page. Maybe it's because I'm ultra-sarcastic myself, but I instantly adored her. She's tough and spunky, though not above succumbing to the occasional moment of weakness. From her go-getter attitude to her cat allergy, Susan was simply real to me. Ravyn is a tormented, angry, undead shapeshifting Dark-Hunter working off centuries of pent up hurt and anger. He shifts into the form of a panther (or cat), irritating Susan's allergies among other things. From outside appearances, the two couldn't be less suited for each other. At the same time, despite differences in age, lifestyle, and even species, the two are similar. It's at that similar level they bond. Well, that and sex. Good sex. Lots of good sex.

The story that unfolds between Susan and Ravyn is not unheard of (there are only so many storylines in existence), but it is engaging nonetheless. I found myself caring about Susan and Ravyn as I read and had a hard time putting the book down until I had finished it completely. I especially liked the interplay between Ravyn and his estranged family, and the introduction of other Dark-Hunters and Squires. It quickly immersed me in the world of the novel and the players of import. I'm now interested in back tracking to read those eight previous novels I missed, just to learn more about the Dark-Hunters and their story. Also of note, the subplots in this story were fantastic. The subplot between Archeron and Nick was tension filled and obviously foreshadows future storylines and problems to come. Likewise, the subplot with Dark-Hunter Cael and his Apollite wife Amaranda is completely engrossing. I so want to know what happens to them in future books. This is one series with which I definitely want to become more acquainted.

Now, I have read reviews (after finishing the story) where some long time fans of the Dark-Hunter series expressed their disappointment in Dark Side of the Moon. Maybe, if I had read the beginning of the series first, I would feel the same way. Without previous stories to compare this one too, however, I didn't find it lacking. There were references and quickly introduced characters I could tell would have meaning for readers of the entire series, but they weren't offsetting as a first time reader. I didn't find the story disjointed or fragmented. While some of the characters could have had more depth, it was not a crippling flaw, and with so much story packed into the pages, I can understand glossing over a few areas. I would definitely recommend this novel to other paranormal lovers.

Rating: 4/5

~Lily

Book By Its Cover - Dark Flame

Today's book by its cover review is the new release Dark Flame, latest installment of Alyson Noel's young adult series The Immortals.

Synopsis:

Ever is trying to help Haven transition into life as an immortal. But with Haven drunk on her new powers and acting recklessly, she poses the ultimate threat—exposing their secret world to the outside. As Ever struggles to keep the Immortals hidden, it only propels Haven closer to the enemy—Roman and his evil companions

At the same time, Ever delves deeper into dark magick to free Damen from Roman’s power. But when her spell backfires, it binds her to the one guy who’s hell-bent on her destruction. Now there’s a strange, foreign pulse coursing through her, and no matter what she does, she can’t stop thinking about Roman—and longing for his touch. As she struggles to resist the fiery attraction threatening to consume her, Roman is more than willing to take advantage of her weakened state…and Ever edges closer and closer to surrender.

Frantic to break the spell before its too late, Ever turns to Jude for help, risking everything she knows and loves to save herself—and her future with Damen …

Helena's Thoughts:

Purple! Pretty! The forefront centering of the candle proves it to be an important element to the story. I love how it illuminates the two girls in the background and the shadowing plays off her collarbones. The girl in front seems more innocent while the one behind, all cloaked in shadows seems about to pull a disappearing act. It leaves me wondering just what Miss Dark Shadows is up to or hiding. Title is very fitting. I am a stranger to the immortals series, yet I have heard great comments about it. I tend to gravitate towards her covers in the bookstore, just never managed to actually sit down and read one. Maybe it's finally time to add her to the TBR pile.

Lily's Thoughts:

I can't say it better than Helena on this one, so I'm not going to try. I'll add simply, ditto.

This Just In...

Minotaurs are the new vampires*, says the crack reporting staff at The Onion.

"In a desperate effort to find a trendy new fantasy subgenre to succeed the ebbing vampire craze, Razorbill Books executive Graham Childress decided this week to throw all his professional weight behind a new series of novels featuring minotaurs, the bull-headed, human-bodied creatures of ancient Greek mythology."

Fear my power...and chest hair!

For the full report, go to The Onion. Really, it's worth it for this line:

"Plus, labyrinths are really hot right now."


~Lily

*If you use The Onion as your primary news source, I totally have a bridge in Brooklyn I just put up for sale.

Young Adult Friday

It's young adult Friday, so check out some of these YA novels that are as good for adults as they are for teens.

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Restless souls and empty hearts. Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams. Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface. As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

~*~*~*~~*~*~*~

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black

It’s all she’s ever wanted to be, but it couldn’t be further from her grasp…

Dana Hathaway doesn’t know it yet, but she’s in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides she’s had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl—she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.

Soon, Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her newfound friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she’ll never have a chance with… until she does. Caught between two worlds, Dana isn’t sure where she’ll ever fit in and who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again…

~Lily

Recommendsday Review - The Host

It's Recommendsday, and today we're reviewing The Host by Stephenie Meyer.

Synopsis:

Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed. When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

Where do I even begin? Meyer is responsible for the Twilight series. For the sake of removing bias from this review, I'm going to ignore that fact to the best of my ability. While the tween fueled juggernaut that will not die Twilight introduced Meyer to the world, The Host introduced her to the literary community as more than a flash in the pan fad creator.

The Host is long, in depth, and intense. While it takes a few chapters to get rolling, once it picks up speed there is no stopping it. The characters are the driving force of this book. They literally come to life. Melanie, Wander (Wanda), Jared, and all of the secondary characters are well rounded and multi-dimensional. So much of the action and dialogue takes place within Wanda/Melanie's head, it is difficult not to over-identify with her/them and her/their struggle. And yet, it isn't boring. Wanda's memories of alien worlds and her desire to blend into the newly conquered human world conflict with Melanie's deep love of her boyfriend and brother and her desire to regain her life and body. Yet the two must work together, despite personal desires pulling them in opposite directions. Soon the lines begin to blur, and the factors separating Melanie and Wanda lose distinction. Wanda begins to love the humans she's supposed to hunt down because Melanie loves them so. And Melanie begins to realize that Wanda isn't the monster she initially believed. It's an uneasy partnership fueled by necessity that eventually becomes much more, but ultimately cannot last. A single body cannot support two souls with both remaining intact, and so one must inevitably leave.

I can't possibly say enough about the characterization in The Host. Even the basest characters have some redeeming qualities, and the most angelic are capable of evil. Everyone is a hero, everyone is a villain. It's a true study of human nature and the core traits that truly render someone "human."

The setting itself acts as another secondary character; the cave in which the survivors live as much a part of the story as the heroines, Wanda and Melanie. The plot is shaped by those rough cave walls, etched out of the world Meyer creates. The tedium of everyday survival within the cave is palpable and stands in stark juxtaposition to the frantic action surrounding every venture beyond the cave walls. But even the cave itself is not completely safe from danger, and trouble comes in many forms throughout the course of the story. It is truly never dull.

The plot of The Host is too long, involved and twisting for me to give it justice, so I'm not going to try. Read the synopsis and if you have even the slightest urge to read more, I highly recommend getting this book. Buy it, because it's one you'll want to have on hand for future rereads. The story starts slow, but that slow start lays the foundation for an exceptional work of fiction that holds a great deal of truth.

I sincerely wish Meyer writes more stories like this one. It's nothing short of phenomenal.

Rating: 5/5

~Lily

Book By Its Cover - Black Dust Mambo

Black Dust Mambo by Adrian Phoenix is a paranormal romance slated for release later this month. Its also today's book by its cover review.

Synopsis:

Kallie Rivière, a fiery Cajun hoodoo apprentice with a talent for trouble, finds herself smack-dab in the middle of one of those times her mentor warned her about when she visits New Orleans to attend the Hecatean Alliance’s annual carnival: her hard-bodied conjurer hookup ends up dead in her blood-drenched bed. And he was killed by something that Kallie would never dream of touching—the darkest of dark juju, soul-eating juju—a black dust hex that may have been meant to kill her.

Now Kallie has to use every bit of hoodoo knowledge and bayou-bred mojo she possesses to clear her own name and find the killer—even as that dark sorcerer hunts Kallie and her friends. But Kallie’s search for the truth soon leads her in a direction she never anticipated—back home to Bayou Cyprés Noir, and to Gabrielle LaRue, Kallie’s aunt, protector, and hoodoo mentor . . . who is looking more and more like she just might be the one who wants Kallie dead.

Lily's Thoughts:

I love the bayou, I love New Orleans, I love everything Cajun and creole. The cover conveys all those elements and perfectly illustrates the gritty feel of the book. Is it just me, or does the cover model resemble Maryann from the second season of True Blood. Couldn't be more perfect. I just love it.

Helena's Thoughts:

Louisiana bayou and voodoo doctors immediately popped into my head even before glancing at the title/summary. This cover accurately depicts every anticipation I would have for this novel. Dark, sinister, and mystical, definitely intriguing...oh and her pen name (I am assuming) is awesome. This also reminds me of the set for True Blood (just finished rewatching season 2 in two days...I am on swamp moss overload). Beautiful rendition! :)

Waiting No Longer Sucks

Season 3 of HBO's hit series True Blood premieres tonight at 9 pm EST!!!!!!!!

If you have yet to check out the mini-episodes and promo posters definitely take a trip here.

Here are two Season 3 promo videos to stoke the fires of anticipation (I can not wait for the WERES!):

And a Season 2 recap for those of you that haven't had the DVDs on repeat since they hit shelves May 25th ;p

~Helena

Free Read - Winter's Passage by Julie Kagaw

There are few things better than free books. And when that free book is a paranormal ebook? All the better.

Currently you can download free ebook copy of Winter's Passage by Julie Kagaw.

Synopsis:

Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck--Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon--who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey.

Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter--a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat....

An eBook exclusive story from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

The reviews I've seen of this novella have been good. Apparently there's a cliffhanger that has readers itching for the next in the season. I can't wait to read it myself.

To download a free copy of Winter's Passage from Julie Kagawa's site, click here.
To download a free copy from from B&N, click here.
To download a free copy from Harlequin, click here.
It is likely, since both B&N and HQN, are offering free promotional downloads of this title that Amazon will follow suit shortly. Please check Amazon for more information.

~Lily


Disclaimer - All free ebooks advertised on this blog are promotional offers. IE - LEGAL. They're being offered through the author and/or publishing house and they are subject to change at any time based on the decisions of those aforementioned parties. We at Vamps R Us do not condone the transfer or possession of illegal (unpaid for, pirated) ebooks. Not only do we not condone it, we think it's a pretty asshat thing to do. Do you know how hard it is to write a book and get it published? Don't repay fabulous, hardworking authors by pirating their books. It's rude, it's illegal, and it makes you a douche. And Helena and I mock douches even more than we mock average stupidity, so you've been warned. That is all.

The Lords of Deliverance

Larissa Ione, the author of the wonderful Demonica series, is taking a new spin

From her blog:

"The prophecies were there but no one listened.

Until now.

They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to usher in Doomsday…or prevent it.

Yep, got the official word…the Demonica spinoff series about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse will launch in April 2011 with Eternal Rider, book 1!
The series title will be The Lords of Deliverance, and you'll meet the first hero, Ares (War) in Sin Undone. Very excited. The book is due to my editor at the beginning of June, and I don't have NEARLY enough done yet, so I'll be a little quiet until I get Ares wrestled into submission. (As if…the dude is called War for a reason.)"

All of her covers are simply yummy. I can't wait to lay eyes on this one and begin the long wait til next year :)
Already started the countdown for the fifth book in her Demonica series, Sin Undone, set to be out August 24th! In the interim, Ione has a couple free reads available. Be sure to download and indulge yourself with the following:

Bloodlust, with its giggle worthy review:
"I'm sure it's good, but no way am I going to read it." — Larissa's mom.
(It carries the following disclaimer: * * * CONTENT WARNING: This is a VERY graphic erotic horror/fantasy novella. Expect blood, sex, some M/M content, and bad, bad words.)
Synopsis:
Sometimes, you don't need romance…
Sir Brynn of Lochland has a serious problem. He's been captured by an evil vampire queen who wants to use him as her newest blood slave. But Bryann doesn't have a submissive bone in his body, and he intends to fight her every step of the way.
Can Brynn's willpower remain intact when pitted against Sorla's superior vampire strength, seductive skills, and underhanded cruelty, or will she ultimately take possession of both his mind…and body?

Demonica: Overkill
Snippets from our beloved demons, right now a Serena and Wraith scene is available.








Prances off to do some reading :D

~Helena

Recommendsday Review - Milrose Munce and the Den of Professional Help

Today's Recommendsday Reading is Milrose Munce and the Den of Professional Help by Douglas Anthony Cooper.

Synopsis:

No one except Milrose Munce knows that ghosts of former students live in his school. Not only is Milrose aware of these ghouls – he’s on a first-name basis with all of them. Of course, some are more likeable than others: the third floor is the home to nearly all of his good friends. Most of them – like Imploded Ig, Deeply Damaged Dave, and Toasted Theresa – were the victims of science experiments gone wrong though they do manage to maintain a sense of humour about their demise. Then there are the ghost athletes who lurk in the basement – a pretty disagreeable group, the majority of them having died after a particularly clumsy manoeuvre on the school’s sports field.

After Milrose is given yet another detention for offering his teacher an answer that was just a bit too clever, his life takes an unexpected turn. He is sent to a hidden den in the school’s basement to receive Professional Help. Here, he and the quick-witted Arabella, a fellow captive, are put under round-the-clock supervision of the maniacal Massimo Natica. Fortunately for Milrose and Arabella, once they join forces with their ghostly friends, Massimo Natica doesn’t stand a chance.

An excerpt from the first chapter is available on Cooper's website for your enjoyment.

Milrose Munce is chock-full of highly enjoyable dark humor. The novel obviously is within the young adult genre and reads easily for all ages; however, some of the jokes particularly the word play will be thoroughly enjoyed by adults as well. Munce sees dead people, dead people that constantly pop up and play jokes on the living students within the school. Many people have likened this novel to Harry Potter; I definitely can see the similarities; however, I liken it more to Ronald Dahl's works, particularly The Witches. Every sideways comment had me splitting at the seams. The characters are darling, yes I just said darling ;p.

Everyday Milrose performs experiments with his third floor crew of ghastly friends and each day is just as enjoyable as the last until the entrance of "Professional Help." The faculty is becoming concerned that Milrose is slapping the air on the back, talking to the empty space, and otherwise acting...well in the need of professional help. Milrose is not alone in this plight, the lovely Arabella is also "gifted" with the sight. Arabella prefers the second floor poets to Milrose's band of science geeks. Both children are signed away into a counseling program which is supposed to cure them. Only, the professional turns out to not be professional at all. Massimo Natica is out to cure or obliterate them (his methods aren't exactly kosher), a certain end that neither child finds in the least bit acceptable. So begins the fight against the powers that be to survive and make it out still able to converse with their undead friends.

Cooper's slapstick humor keeps the pages turning. It is a refreshing light read. I literally had it read in a few hours. Though relatively devoid of romance, the paranormal definitely runs thick. Every time I catch a whiff of almonds I become a tad sentimental now. :) Crack the binding on a copy; you will not be disappointed.

Rating: 5/5 for all ages

~Helena

Book By Its Cover - Blood Song

Cat Adams' new release Blood Song is today's book by its cover review.


Synopsis:

Bodyguard Celia Graves has definitely accepted her share of weird assignments, both human and supernatural. But her newest job takes the cake. Guarding a Prince from terrorists and religious fundamentalists is hard enough, but it seems like the entire supernatural world is after this guy too. When she is betrayed by those she is employed to help, and everything goes horribly wrong, Celia wakes to find herself transformed.

Neither human nor vampire, Celia has become an Abomination—something that should not exist—and now both human and supernatural alike want her dead. With the help of a few loyal friends—a sexy mage, a powerful werewolf, and a psychic cop—Celia does her best to stay alive. On the run from her enemies, Celia must try to discover who is behind her transformation …before it’s too late.

Helena's Thoughts:

Love this cover! The eye color is piercing and animalistic. The gaze...wow, she is going to either rip you to shreds or completely ravage you. Love how her hair sweeps in. When I first saw this cover, I expected green/blue eyes and black hair...but this combo of brown and gold really works in a non-cliche kind of way. Font has a vintage edge to me. Title is fairly standard for the genre. Summary and cast of characters sounds highly intriguing. Definitely a novel worth looking into further.

Lily's Thoughts:

This cover strikes me as eerie and menacing. Yes, the woman pictured is obviously lovely, but I don't think anyone would mistake her as timid or passive. Her energy almost jumps off the cover. But it isn't repulsive, instead it kind of draws you in, perhaps against your better judgment.

This cover definitely makes me want to know more about the book.

Almost Out of the Coffin

Season 3 of True Blood is almost upon us.  Seems like June 13th can't get here soon enough.

This teaser clip makes my blood sing!

~Helena

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Anyone that follows the Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer has heard about this newest novella, which follows the plight of a newborn non-vegetarian vampire army.  The hardback and ebook files were released on June 5th for consumption.  Hardback sales include a dollar donation to the American Red Cross Haiti fund, a more than worthy cause.

Am I the only one though, that can't seem to remember for the life of me who Bree Tanner is?  I will make a point to read this edition simply for series completion sake, if not due to intrigue; however, I really need a refresher course here apparently.  Anyways I digress...


A little over an hour ago, Meyer also released a free online reading.  Until midnight on July 5th, fans can read the entire novella absolutely free on their computers.  Make sure to check it out, whether you prefer the free computer screen version or one that you can hold in your hands. :)

~Helena

Young Adult Friday

It's Friday, that means it's time to feature more young adult novels adults will enjoy.

Need by Carrie Jones

Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal.

Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.

~*~*~*~~*~*~*~

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.


~Lily

It's Obviously Bill!

HBO has released the newest marketing poster for the upcoming season of True Blood. I like to call it "Blatant Bill!"

Blatant Bill is blatantly obvious!

So of course, everyone and their dog are making fun of the photoshop job done on this poster (seriously people, it's not that bad...I mean, you're supposed to notice Bill immediately, so they weren't really going for realism). But, in all the laughing and pointing at this latest True Blood poster, the following picture was mixed in with the comments and nasty remarks:

Now this made me damn near choke. What can I say? I enjoyed reading the Twilight series, but not quite as much as I enjoy some of the remarks (and images!) made at the expense of the Twilight series.

~Lily

Recommendsday Review - Kiss of Midnight

Today's Recommendsday Reading is the first in Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series, Kiss of Midnight.

Synopsis:

INSATIABLE DESIRE. ENDLESS SEDUCTION. ONE TOUCH IS JUST THE BEGINNING.

He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle's deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night--or this man--is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed--a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.

Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind--and the unwitting humans existing alongside them--from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.

Here, in the arms of the Breed's formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all...

I've heard Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series called "The Brotherhood Lite", and I can see that. There are definite similarities between Adrian's Midnight Breed and and Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood. But Adrian's books are not the Brotherhood, and despite (numerous) similarities they are set in their own unique world and with their own distinct set of rules.

Lucan is the leader of an outnumbered band of warriors intent on destroying the enemy of their race; members of their own bloodline who have gone Rouge and kill indiscriminately. His own brothers long gone rouge, the battle hits close to home for Lucan. When a beautiful young woman named Gabrielle unwittingly witnesses a battle between the Breed and the Rouges, she's drawn into their world.

Attraction flares instantly between Lucan and Gabrielle, but when he realizes she bears the mark of a breedmate and taking her blood will bind them together for life, their relationship gets complicated.

I found Kiss of Midnight a quick and satisfying read. I like the dark tone and ominous atmosphere of the story. The interactions between Lucan and Gabrielle at times feels a little too heavy handed, but it serves to move the plot forward and aids in explaining the rules of the universe. The secondary characters and side plots are engrossing, quickly hooking readers to the series.

Comparisons to Ward's Brotherhood are unavoidable, but the Midnight Breed is an interesting series all its own. Read it for its own merit and enjoy.

Rating: 4/5

~Lily

Book By Its Cover - No Werewolves Allowed

Today's book by its cover review was released last Tuesday, but it had a cover too good to pass up. It is No Werewolves Allowed by Cheyenne McCray.

Synopsis:

As a half-human, half-Drow private eye, Nyx is the go-to girl for tracking Demons in the night. So when several of New York City’s Werewolves go missing, Alpha Werewolf Dmitri Beketov hires Nyx for the job. But this time, she must leave the dark alleys and bright lights behind…

Nyx’s sixth sense tells her that life in the slow lane is a lot deadlier than it appears. Though she usually prefers to work solo, with this case she’s going to need all the help she can get. Enter Detective Adam Boyd: he’s watching her back, but is this human too sexy for his—and her—own good? Meanwhile, a powerful, malevolent force is exterminating paranorms and “unworthy” humans alike…and Nyx, still trying to get a foothold in her new surroundings, finds herself facing danger at every turn.

Lily's Thoughts:

Considering the werewolf vs vampire war going on in the previous post, I couldn't resist a werewolf themed cover. I've heard that purple is supposed to be the most appealing cover color. I don't know if that's true or not, but it certainly works for this cover. Nothing horribly new or original here, but it works. I do like how the light from above seems to give the cover model the illusion of wings. I also like the urban skyline beneath the her torso, giving it a gritty feel.

Well rendered cover for what looks to be an interesting read. I give it a thumbs up!


Helena's Thoughts:

[Helena is...still missing? I'm actually not quite sure... I am contemplating photoshopping her picture onto the back of a milk carton]

How fitting to put the lactose intolerant girl on a milk carton...lol. I am back for the mean time. I actually start an internship in Texas for six weeks this summer!!!! Can you pick up my excitement shower burst of light? Can't wait to palpate the inside of a cow...lol...or not. ;p

Anyways, cover time! I love the color...so I guess this purple being the new power color is a real thing. She glows, she is pretty and looks very formidable with her outfit/sword hilt. I personally would not want to meet her in a dark alley. The font is also very appealing to me. I would definitely read this.