The Immortal Circus by A. R. Kahler - The best Prime freebie I’ve read all year!
Synopsis: Murdered contortionists aren’t exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can’t quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded, especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend, and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts. Aided by her friends Kingston, a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart, and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past ? and future ? than she bargained for. The show’s just beginning. Step right up?
Review: Talk about an imagination! I wasn’t totally sure of what to expect going into this one. I wasn’t sure which book to choose for my monthly kindle prime freebie and time was running out. It was a debut, and it was originally a Kindle serial series. But all in all it turned out wonderfully.
Though I’ve read other novels with a circus theme, this one certainly comes off as unique. Mab is a really cool leader. There are a lot of questions but the story pulls you in so that you really want to read along to get them answered. She can be generous but she absolutely has an agenda, so it keeps things interesting.
I really enjoyed the evolving family dynamic. Romance fans who prefer the slow build should appreciate this one, though it’s not agonizingly slow progress either. We are just scraping the surface for what the future will bring.
I think A. R. Kahler keeping his name ambiguous was a good thing. I know that some people prefer female authors in this genre, especially when it’s written in a female’s perspective. But A.R. handles it well and makes all gender appealing, especially the potential love interest. Upon reading his bio I learned that he actually was a part of a circus troupe. That’s about the only way to explain why this book felt so authentic and legit (as far as the paranormal goes of course).
The next one is due out soon and I’m getting it, Prime or no Prime! It’s currently at $3.99 on the Kindle, but the pre-order for book 2 is $1.99.
Blood Shadows (Blackthorn #1) by Lindsay J. Pryor
Synopsis: Gifted w
ith the ability to read the shadows of ‘third species’ beings, Caitlin Parish is the Vampire Control Unit’s most powerful agent. Despite that, her mission to hunt down Kane Malloy - a master vampire - comes with a death wish. Many have tried, but few have survived.
For Caitlin, tracking Kane is about more than just professional reputation. With her parents both mysteriously killed 7 years apart to the day, Caitlin knows that without Kane’s help she is next.
Review: The premise starts out interesting enough. I just would have liked more of an actual story as opposed to the large amount of sex. Basically, this would have worked better for me as an urban fantasy than a paranormal romance. I don’t mind British or other non-American authors, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that the constant references to her “knickers” got annoying after a while. Blame it on my American ignorance (even though we use that term occasionally), but it just doesn’t sound sexy. Granted, neither do the words “panties” or “drawers” or “bloomers”. The point is that it was overused, though with how often those two went at it I wondered why she even wore them at all.
In general I wasn’t a huge fan of the dynamic either. I like for the heroines to have a bit more control and it was pretty clear that he was in the driver’s seat. Later in the book they develop the actual storyline a bit more, though it may be too little too late for some. I like the magic and the creatures, so I might keep up with this one for a book or two just to feel it out and see if this series is for me. Like most serial PNR novels the next book focuses on another couple, but apparently the overarching storyline continues.
Though it wasn’t a personal fave of mine this year, I do see its appeal so I can recommend giving it a try.
Rebel (The Fallen #4) by Kristina Douglas
Synopis: A rebel angel who lives outside the world of the Fallen, Cain makes his own rules. Now he’s returned to make trouble, and he sets his sights on the unreliably psychic Martha. She has no interest in getting romantically involved with Cain, especially when she can tell he has ulterior motives. But when a mysterious figure tries to kill Martha, she and Cain must work together to uncover the villain. The heat between Martha and Cain grows undeniable, even as chaos and disaster threaten the very existence of the Fallen.
Review: I don’t totally love these books but I like them enough to continue. They are fun to read here and there between other books. This one wasn’t my favorite. After four books in, I was hoping to be a bit more invested in the storyline and characters. Cain is featured in this one. He’s an infamous throughout the course of fictional and biblical history, so it’s a tall order to create a memorable version of him. A number of authors do a fine job of taking old characters and making them their own (ie. Karen Chance with Mircea, Jeaniene Frost with Vlad ). I didn’t feel like this book accomplished that very well. The characterization in general was sort of flat for not only him, but for Martha as well. The constant comparisons to her dead husband didn’t really enhance the story or character development.
I am glad that this series goes the typical PNR route and focuses on a different hero and heroine because I wouldn’t see myself continuing if it was focused just those two. I have become somewhat invested in the world and the potential future of The Fallen and what appears to be the ultimate villain. The battles and politics actually keep me more interest than I though I’d be. And I like the occasional focus on the stars of the prior books. I’ll certain continue if only to see what happens on that front. I like that these books don’t take the instalove route as well even though they do eventually end up together. The author does a good job of making them take a pretty hard road so that you care a little bit more as a reader. I just worry about her stretching things out so that it becomes long in the tooth.
If you follow this series, I definitely don’t recommend skipping this one. It has a lot going on.
POLL! The Undead Pool (The Hollows, #12) by Kim Harrison
So we have a title folks! The Undead Pool is the name for the penultimate entry of The Hollows. In typical Clint Eastwood fashion, it’s likely playing off the film, The Dead Pool. I’ve decided to create a new post on the matter and deleted my previous one as I’ve mulled it over and found new info. So apparently Kim’s original title would have been Mystic Impact, reflecting the introduction of a new species, the mystics, but the publishers and their marketing team liked this one better. I have a degree in marketing and I think Mystic Impact sounds fine. The Undead Pool works too though! Brings me back to the original 3 books that used “dead” and its variants 
.
Though personally, I’m kind of glad the series titles eventually switched up starting with A Fistful of Charms (The Hollows, #4). There are a number of long series where, while I might recall what happens book by book, the actual titles are so similar that I can’t distinguish them if my life depended on it (ie: series that use “grave” or “dead” or “witch” other popular urban fantasy terms ad nauseam in EVERY title), so I think the powers that be should also keep that in mind. Do they really think readers are that dumb? For The Hollows, I can name every one in my sleep. The play on Clint Eastwood titles was a great move. Either way, I know book 12 is going to be phenomenal. I am seriously counting the days until it’s in my mitts, hopefully with an ARC this fall. So which title do you like more?
Loading ...Gilded Destiny: A Vesper Novella by Nola Sarina - Now I want to see a Vesper novel
Promising new author, Nola Sarina, stopped by here recently to guest post for us and is holding an awesome 4-book giveaway. I recently had the pleasure of reading her new book, Gilded Destiny: A Vesper Novella, and was pleasantly surprised.
Calli, a tattoo artist, lost her memory some time ago believing she was in a terrible car accident that left her scarred. The memories start to return when Nycholas, a predatory, serpentine Vesper comes into her life to save her from a dangerous situation. As it turns out, this stranger may not be a stranger at all and as things heat up between them, his brutal master is honing in with plans that put Nycholas, Calli, and her family at risk.
I wasn’t totally sure what to expect when I took a chance on this one, but it surely exceeded my expectations. Novellas tend to be more miss than hit for me when it comes to a brand new story and new characters, but Sarina did an excellent job with the world building, character development, and the suspense. I’ve seen less in full novels which really speaks to her talents and skills. The Vespers, while attractive, can also be super creepy. I found their species quite refreshing in the urban fantasy genre. They really stand out to me in times when vampires and other supernaturals have become a dime a dozen.
The story is not for the faint of heart, but if you like series that are on the darker side, then I definitely recommend giving this one a try. Considering how the novella ended, I am assuming this is the start of a whole new series. If it is, I can’t wait to read it in its full on glory.
*ARC provided by the author.
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani - For a debut, I am WOWed.
Unlikely best friends, Sophie and Agatha, test their level of friendship as they are whisked away to the School for Good and Evil, where failing your fairy tale is not an option. Sophie, the embodiment of all things good, finds herself dumped in the School of Evil while Agatha, the dark and broody, is placed in the School for Good. Clearly there’s been a mistake, right? But when the going gets tough, their journey exposes who they really are and all may not be what it seems.
I could say this was one of my top 3 reads of the year thus far. Though the story is categorized as middle grade, I thought it touched on a few mature themes here and there and could have been placed into the Young Adult category. It’s certainly impressive when that group is reading 500-page novels. Though lengthy it’s at least an easy read, which is to be expected, but it’s still very engaging and well-written for the most part. I think the youth and adults alike will thoroughly enjoy it.
I loved how it took the lore and stereotypes of past fairy tales and pretty much turned everything on its head. The book even includes some great underlying messages, so it’s clear that the author did quite a bit of homework. There is a lot of character development for both girls, and I appreciated the gradual process. The POVs switched between the two throughout the novel. I think I preferred Agatha’s POV and thought process, but Sophie’s POV served its purpose as well.
I wasn’t crazy about the ending. That was probably the one area where I believe it deviated from the formula and not in a satisfying way (for me at least), but the rest of the book is very strong.
Though I’ve only seen an episode of the show Once Upon a Time (I’ll get around to more eventually), I feel like this type of book would appeal to those fans. I highly recommend this entertaining and fresh take on what it means to be a fairy tale. What most surprised me was how this appears to be Soman Chainani’s debut novel. This might be the beginnings of a new series, but the work as a whole could be a standalone. If this is a sign of things to come, I will certainly make sure I follow this author’s future works!
*ARC Provided by the publisher.
Guest Giveaway! 4 Books courtesy of Nola Sarina
Make sure to comment here if you’ve added it!
Who wants some free eBooks?? 4-pack of eBooks including DEAD EVER AFTER (the new Sookie Stackhouse!!), LOSING IT by Cora Carmack, LIGHT IN THE SHADOWS by A. Meredith Walters, and HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE by Jeaniene Frost!
All you have to do to enter is add GILDED DESTINY to your Goodreads to-read list. I’ll pick a winner from all the to-reads just in case you already have it, you’re already entered!
http://www.goodreads.com/
I’ll award the 4-pack to one winner IF GILDED DESTINY reaches 1,000 adds on Goodreads before release day on Monday. So enter and share, and I’ll pick a winner on Monday! (Don’t forget the share!)
OH and if we seriously break the goal I’ll throw in an e-copy of my novella, too.
Guest Post - Nola Sarina, author of Gilded Destiny
I recently read Ms. Sarina’s debut novella, Gilded Destiny, and was thoroughly impressed! I plan to post my review next week, but in the meant time she was nice enough to drop by to guest post:
Thank you so much for hosting me today on Your Urban Fantasy!
Forgive me if this is a little scattered. My book releases on MONDAY *EEK!* and I’ve got a million things battling in my thoughts for priority like “Pick me! Pick me!!!”
I’m on week two of the blog tour and so far, I’ve had such an absolute blast. And I’m thrilled to be here on Your Urban Fantasy. I thought I’d answer a question I’ve heard a few times about GILDED DESTINY: A Vesper Novella in advance of the release.
“What’s the Biblical connection in your Vesper series, and how does it affect the story?”
Vampires were my original inspiration for creating a new creature of the night to prey on the human race. I wanted my creatures to carry that same, bizarre sex appeal of being comparable in shape and size to a human, but still wielding different abilities and features than a human. I knew my creatures would live in the shadows, and lack a reflection (thanks to the curse of Vanity on their heads when they committed Original Sin), and have sharp, toxic fangs.
But I didn’t want my creatures to drink blood often like vampires, and I didn’t want them to be able to blend in with everyday society or have shape-shifting abilities. If you see a Vesper, you’ll know it: Black eyes, black veins, and pale skin with neon, glowing fangs dripping with potent poison. But you won’t see them because the shadows hide them, and that poison is the key to their feeding process.
I wanted to see vampires kicked up a notch and the old stories adapted, the same way I like to see Biblical stories adapted to fit modern interest. Biblical FanFiction is one of my favorite types of fiction (along with Paranormal/UF, and New Adult). So to kick up the fear aspect of the Vespers, they poison their victims with their fangs. As the poison moves through the body, the prey shrivels up and dehydrates so the Vesper can swallow it whole with unhinge-able, serpent jaws given to him with his curse by the snake in the Original Garden.
I’m a regular blogger over at New Stories, Old Book blog (http://newstoriesoldbook.wordpress.com) where I’m fortunate enough to blog with some really talented, fantastic authors about the connections between the Bible and modern fiction that can be seen almost everywhere. We talk with our readers about movies and TV shows and look for hidden representations of Biblical tales. In my Vesper series, I made the Vespers cursed by Original Sin, which gives all the characters a deep appreciation for the spirituality that shapes the human race, though they don’t discriminate at all between Christian and other faiths.
As an author, I love pulling the Catholic lessons of my upbringing into my fiction. As a human being, I don’t associate with any organized religion and carry a personal relationship with my spirituality that combines aspects from several faiths including Buddhism and Pagan beliefs. But though my spirituality is not black-and-white, it’s a big part of who I am and I hope that reflects in my fiction.
Gilded Destiny really only touches on this part of the Vesper world very lightly, introducing the fact that the Vespers have a Biblical background in the Original Garden, but not taking it further. There simply isn’t time for Calli to learn more about Nycholas’ world before the deadly, terrifying Vespers pursue them and Nycholas makes his choices, while Calli’s most shocking, buried memories surface.
Thank you SO MUCH to Your Urban Fantasy for having me on board today for the blog stop, and I’m so excited to hear what you think of the concepts in Gilded Destiny (the novella is out May 13! AAAHHH!!!). What traditional myths, legends, stories, or beliefs would YOU like to see challenged in fiction? What would you like to see left alone, and kept the same?
Giveaway Winner Selected!
Hi everyone! So the moment of truth has arrived. As always, I want to thank all of you for participating. If you posted in the comment section of the announcement thread, you were entered for a chance (or multiple chances for those following the blog multiple ways) to win. And the winner is:
Please check your email! Hope you enjoy! Thank you everyone for the continued support and I already have an extra special giveaway lined up next! And I am NOT kidding! I can’t wait to post it!
Bloodlines Overview - I. AM. HOOKED!!
So while reading the Vampire Academy series, I initially planned to take a break before reading all three Bloodlines novels, however certain parts of the ending left me so surprisingly bereft of satisfaction, I was eager to see what Richelle Mead planned to do to fix it. So I picked them right up and didn’t let them go! I am so glad that at least three of the novels were out before I read them because Mead is certainly a fan of cliffies (if that’s not an already coined short form of “cliffhanger” then I’m coining it now), and the end of book 2 would have driven me nuts.
I didn’t really expect myself to become invested in this spinoff to the extent that I have considering its predecessor didn’t impress me much, though I enjoyed it a bit at times. The main character this time is Sydney. While I didn’t mind her in Vampire Academy, she wasn’t a major standout for me and I wasn’t particularly attached to her. Not to mention, her alchemist background didn’t seem intriguing enough to carry a whole series. These were my initial thoughts and reservations of course. However as I read the books I found their background to be one of the most fascinating of the entire series. Their politics, their history, their secrets, it’s all so very well-played out and I am excited about how Sydney’s evolution as a character is going to impact their world and ideals.
While they have a few cameos there’s not a lot of focus on Rose, Dmitri, Lissa or Christian, and I can honestly say I don’t miss them at all, even though Dmitri a scent amount of screen time in the second book.
Adrian has catapulted onto my top fave vamps list. Again, like Sydney, I didn’t completely love him in VA, but I liked him and was extremely sympathetic towards the raw deal he got at the end. But this spin-off is where he’s really started to shine. He’s in a great environment with Sydney and everyone else. I am totally invested in this ship , their forbidden love, and the inevitable challenges it will bring. Though these books are YA, I’m convinced Richelle Mead is a master at writing steamy scenes without going into the rated R territory, but she does push the PG-13 limit. She certainly gets an A in chemistry because these two really have it. This is the first ship this year for a new series that I genuinely care about even with their impossible odds that just seem to become more and more impossible as the books go on. It’s more complicated than what I was expecting in a YA, but I don’t feel the same sense of angst and hopelessness like with Rose and Dmitri. Adrian can be hilarious at times so maybe that’s why.
As I said, my love for this series caught me completely off-guard. It’s now easily one of my favorite series ever and I cannot wait for Book 4. I get worried when I care this much because I don’t know how things will go, but if all goes well the ride will have been fun and rewarding.
The true test for me is when an urban fantasy series with a strong vampire presence is able to make me care about other species and plot lines within the story. The Hollows managed to pass that test as I am now more invested in the elf/demon plot than the vampire plot. And now I can safely say that Bloodlines has joined that shortlist. Heck, it’s the reason why I can now make one!
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