The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett

As darkness falls after sunset, the corelings rise—demons who possess supernatural powers and burn with a consuming hatred of humanity. For hundreds of years the demons have terrorized the night, slowly culling the human herd that shelters behind magical wards—symbols of power whose origins are lost in myth and whose protection is terrifyingly fragile. It was not always this way. Once, men and women battled the corelings on equal terms, but those days are gone. Night by night the demons grow stronger, while human numbers dwindle under their relentless assault. Now, with hope for the future fading, three young survivors of vicious demon attacks will dare the impossible, stepping beyond the crumbling safety of the wards to risk everything in a desperate quest to regain the secrets of the past. Together, they will stand against the night.
~~

I picked up this up (from the library - budget win!) after reading a list of great books with horrible covers. Now the one you see above isn't actually all that horrible, lol, so I can't say it was a big deterrent. Instead I had to overcome one of my own biggest reading biases: fear of the unknown. I read a lot of romance because while I love humor, action, and new characters, I don't always want the heavy hitting world building that comes with it. This is not a criticism but a personal preference - I can't always read about extreme violence, incest, and rape ok? It makes my insides hurt.

I made an exception for The Warded Man and I'm very happy I did; as much I hurt for the characters and what they suffered, Brett has created a riveting world filled with good and evil. I couldn't help rooting for the good guys while watching the bad (and the 50/50 ones) try to derail everything they'd accomplished. We're lead on a journey of the world through the eyes of Arlen, Leesha, and Rojer so there's no info dumping and I didn't feel like any one person in particular got shafted in the storyline department. I've already put the two other books on hold at the library, so if you like your fantasy suspenseful and action packed (with some tragedy for all involved) then you should give this a try!

Overall Feeling - B

Series - 1) The Warded Man 2) The Desert Spear 3) The Daylight War

Pale Demon by Kim Harrison

Condemned to death for black magic and shunned, Rachel Morgan has three days to somehow get to the annual witches convention in San Francisco and clear her name. If she fails, the only way she can escape death is to live in the demonic ever after . . . for ever after.

Banned from the flight lists, Rachel teams up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack, headed for the West Coast for his own mysterious business. But Rachel isn’t the only passanger along for the ride. Can a witch, an elf, a living vampire, and a pixy in one car survive for over 2,300 miles? And that’s not counting the assassin on their tail.

A fearsome demon walks the sunlight, freed after centuries of torment to slay the innocent and devour souls. But his ultimate prey is Rachel Morgan. While the powerful witch with nerves of steel will do whatever it takes to stay alive, even embracing her own demonic nature may not be enough to save her.

~~

First, for anyone who's wondering, I do not consider Pale Demon a stand alone. At all. There has been way too much back story and too much emotional baggage in this series for the new reader to pick up Pale Demon and appreciate it fully. The part of the story that we're shown in this one novel isn't bad, definitely not, but it's very complicated. There's a lot of back and forth and assumed knowledge that for a newbie I think would really distract from truly enjoying what was being portrayed on the page.

Essentially what we see in this book is a road trip. A long, dangerous, HUGE CONSEQUENCES having, road trip. With all the familial bonds and bad food that those words bring to mind, lol. Rachel is desperately trying to clear her name and to get to the West Coast on time is sucked into Trent's world again - this time though because he's on some mystical 'elf quest'. The whole crew goes with and we get a sh*t ton of action along the way. That's almost what I noticed the most. That the action made things seem to be going so fast but at the same time so slow.

It's like the action can be so enthralling in times I almost forget that people are saying and doing very important things while it's going on. Does that make sense? Either way it's breakneck pace and when I reached the 'conclusion' it kind of felt like I'd hit a brick wall. Which resulted in this ugly scene:

"What do you mean it's done? I want to know what happens next! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!?" (there was a temptation to throw my book at the wall but really - I just couldn't do it)

It's not a cliffhanger in the traditional sense (*cough* Jim Butcher *cough*) but a feeling of WOW. Harrison has a lot of material to play with in the next book and I can't wait to see where she goes!

Overall Feeling - Thumbs up.

Series - ...6) The Outlaw Demon Wails 7) White Witch, Black Curse 8) Black Magic Sanction 9) Pale Demon

The Devil's Playground by Jenna Black

Morgan Kingsley, a kick-ass exorcist, can deal with Lugh, the supersexy demon living inside her, but does he have to moan softly during her intimate moments with her mortal lover? Understandably, Brian is reluctant to share the pleasures of Morgan’s flesh with a gorgeous rogue from the Demon Realm.

But personal matters will have to wait when the opportunistic owner of the Seven Deadlies demon club in Philadelphia enlists Morgan’s help in heading off a crisis: It seems that demons have started showing up at the hot spot in alarming numbers and in the unwilling bodies of rough trade club-goers. Morgan is sure that Dougal, Lugh’s sworn enemy, is behind this, but why? To find out, Morgan must summon every ounce of power at her command—or risk becoming just another casualty in an all-out demon war.

I've gotta say that I don't think this series gets the props it deserves. Jenna Black has created a unique, incredibly rich world, with interesting backstories and relationships for all of her characters. It's not just that you have demons who possessing people, it's a whole society of demons who are 'working with humanity' to get what they want (physical sensation) while giving people what they need (stronger, more able 'heroes').

Unsurprisingly it turns into one of those relationships that's too good to be true and Morgan get's roped in not only because of her powers as exorcist but because of some secret family history. I know - I'm being kind vague but I don't want to ruin! There's all this tension between Morgan and her family, between her and her boyfriend, and between her and Lugh, the tempting demon who possesses her. Wrap all this up with some political intrigue and you've got a stand out urban fantasy series that everyone should be reading.

Overall Feeling - Thumbs up. I feel like this series just keeps getting better with time, with strong unique characters and a very different take on the demon/human relationship.

Series - 1) The Devil Inside 2) The Devil You Know 3) The Devil's Due 4) Speak of the Devil 5) The Devil's Playground

Teaser Tuesdays (3/30)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"So basically," I said, still a little out of breath, "this is masturbation for you."

His eyes sparkled with something like mischief. "Another one of those human hang-ups that don't make a whole lot of sense to demons. Besides, since I feel your pleasure, it gives me additional incentive to do a good job."

-- pg 158, The Devil's Playground by Jenna Black

Lucinda, Dangerously by Sunny

Soon after returning to the world of the living with her two bondmates, demon princess Lucinda is kidnapped and imprisoned by her enemy, Derek. He brings her back to a hidden outland in Hell, a bleak and desolate landscape riddled with disfigured rejects. At first enraged by Lucinda's new abilities, Derek soon realizes that he may have just stumbled upon a way to regain his power-and Lucinda's new life is the sacrifice.

Let me start out by saying that I don't think Sunny's books are going to appeal to everyone. They can be kind of dark with a lot of sex and violence, not always with the emotional attachment that some readers expect to make those relationships 'okay'. Her books could almost been seen as very dark fairy tales, where the prince doesn't always win and the princesses are known to do a lot in defense of their honor and their kingdoms.

With that being said, Lucinda, Dangerously is an intriguing second book for this series. Written in first person (switching sometimes from Lucinda's view to the views of the other central characters) it's the continuing story of Lucinda's journey to find herself. There are a lot of things going on in this demon's life, or non-life, and the enemies that she meets and the changes that happen to her are substantial. It's a good book but it's a little hard to see this one going as far as Sunny's Mona Lisa books, just because while Lucinda is changing, I kind of find myself rooting for her to find her happy ending and not have to worry about everything anymore. Shrug - we'll have to just see I think.

Overall Feeling - Thumbs up. I had an interestingly neutral feeling after reading this book, even though I know I enjoyed it. So definitely read it but know what you're getting into and be prepared for some evil to rear its head.

Series - 1) Lucinda, Darkly 2) Lucinda, Dangerously

Covet by J.R. Ward

Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about-his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charge with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option. Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he's good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough- talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior. But then he meets a woman who will make him question his destiny, his sanity, and his heart-and he has to work with a fallen angel to win her over and redeem his own soul.

I love JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series so much that I hesitate to say that I didn't like this one - but I didn't. From the very beginning it felt like this book was going on forever. A never ending sea of mundane world building exercises and seemingly meaningless character building. There's just no balance between the world and the characters, thus instead of the characters weaving together with each other and their environment, things almost feel stilted and forced. In the end things do come a bit clearer and you feel like the series could go somewhere, but this story was just no my favorite and I don't know if I'll ever reread it except to remind myself where the series began. So sad J.R. Ward, so sad. I hate to say it.

Overall Feeling - Thumbs down. Mediocre in execution though a good idea. She could have done a lot better- I know because I've seen her do it.

Series - 1) Covet

Morgan Kingsley Series by Jenna Black

I've decided that for this particular series I'm not going to do just one review per book. Instead, highly influenced by the fact that I read all of them again in about a week's span of time, I'm going to do a series review. I thought about trying to do an overarching series description myself, but the truth of the matter is that I'm lazy and I feel like the jacket of the first book does a better than decent job of giving readers the general idea:

Exorcism isn’t a job, it’s a calling—and a curse. Just ask Morgan Kingsley, a woman who has a stronger aura than any demon. Or so she thought. Now, in a pair of black leather pants and a kick-ass tattoo, Morgan is heading back to Philadelphia after a nasty little exorcism—and her life is about to be turned upside down…by the demon that’s gotten inside her.

Not just any demon. Six feet five inches of dark, delicious temptation, this one is to die for—that is, if he doesn’t get Morgan killed first. Because while some humans vilify demons and others idolize them, Morgan’s demon is leading a war of succession no human has ever imagined. For a woman trying to live a life, and hold on to the almost-perfect man, being possessed by a gorgeous rebel demon will mean a wild ride of uninhibited thrills, shocking surprises, and pure, unadulterated terror…

Thus the 'wild ride' begins! And I think that phrase is particular apt because of all the types of personalities and lifestyle choices that Jenna Black brings into her series. A prime example of Urban Fantasy, the books are set in a contemporary world that is familiar to all of us, but that has its own tweaks - most shockingly the fact that demons possess people regularly on a volunteer basis, and exorcists are about the only people capable of dealing with illegals who have all the strength of their demons but none of the willingness to conform with society's views on morality. I think it's also a little different for readers to read a book whose heroine has powers but is not omnipotent or gaining more every half second. Yes, you find out that she's slightly different than the average human due to some genetic tampering, but in general what you see is what you get - a somewhat average woman who's trying to deal with fantastical circumstances. She get's hit, she falls down, she has emotional breaks - there's no perfect level of power for her, nothing that let's her defeat all the bad guys.

And then of course there are the demons - possessing humans and becoming some of the best 'humanity' has to offer. Because of course, endowed with demon strength, they can become the most effective firemen, policemen, etc. that the world has ever seen. The flip side to that is the secret 'perversions' that some of them develop, for having been deprived of physical sensation for centuries some of them become addicted the dichotomy of pain and pleasure. It's an interesting take on the genre - amorphous energy when not possessing anyone, demon's are often drawn to the extremes of feeling experienced by the S&M crowd - with pretty much no preference between men and women.

I guess I would have to say that in general, what surprised me the most, was how forgettable I originally found the series. Only with the release of the latest book was I reminded of these - and even then I couldn't remember enough to read the newest one without going back first. And now of course I can't think of why I didn't like the series more. I enjoyed it quite a bit the second time around and I'm really excited about the next one (of course I have to wait until March 2010).

Overall Feeling - Thumbs up. An interesting take on a well loved genre, I definitely recommend them all.

Series - 1) The Devil Inside 2) The Devil You Know 3) The Devil's Due 4) Speak of the Devil

Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon

A stunning and suspenseful new landscape emerges in the thrilling Dark-Hunter world—a world where nothing will ever be the same again. . .

Fang Kattalakis isn't just a wolf. He is the brother of two of the most powerful members of the Omegrion: the ruling council that enforces the laws of the Were-Hunters. And when war erupts among the lycanthropes, sides must be chosen. Enemies are forced into shaky alliances. And when the woman Fang loves is accused of betraying her people, her only hope is that Fang believes in her. Yet in order to save her, Fang must break the law of his people and the faith of his brothers. That breech could very well spell the end of both their races and change their world forever.

The war is on and time is running out...

I've been waiting so long for Fang's story and I'm a little disappointed to say it wasn't quite what I expected. It wasn't horrible and Fang and Aimee get together in the end, but it was just a feeling throughout the whole book, like it could have been better. Fang and Aimee's story was as a friend put it, 'very Romeo and Juliet' - though you do have the comfort of knowing that the main characters aren't going to die at the end. Maybe I'm feeling a little lost with all the time traveling and story arcs that Kenyon has introduced. She has SO MANY books that are connected to the Dark Hunter Arc and they jump back and forth so much that truthfully I just forget what's going on. I read too much to always know what characters have done what and where in her crazy complicated world I am. Thus, that's my only reader beware - the books are good and addicting, but you can get lost in all the ins and outs of Kenyon's world. Maybe you should make an outline now.....

Overall Feeling - Thumbs up. But things might be getting too much for me. Can it be that I might almost be losing interest? Oh God I hope not!

Series - Here's the deal people- she has three separate series in her world (Dark Hunters, Were Hunters, and Dream Hunters) and over 30 books. I've reached my limit, I'm not listing them all. I'm sorry if I've let you down (LOL) but you can check out her website here to take a look for yourself.

Belong to the Night by Shelly Laurenston, Cynthia Eden, and Sherrill Quinn

The Wolf, The Witch, and Her Lack of Wardrobe" by Shelly Laurenston:

Jamie Meacham has enough trouble controlling her supernatural abilities. There's no time for lust, or for Tully Smith, even with his smoldering amber eyes. But Tully's grappling with his own animal instincts as a powerful shifter-wolf, trying to protect all his territory-including a certain sassy witch-from vicious rivals.

"In the Dark" by Cynthia Eden:

FBI agent and leopard shifter Sadie James' undead ex, Liam, still arouses her deepest desires, distracting her from tracking the brutal rogue shifter who is terrorizing Miami. By teaming up with Liam, Sadie has a better chance of solving the case, but as passion consumes them, she stands to lose more than just her heart.

"City of the Dead" by Sherrill Quinn:

Dori Falcon is a witch with a plan: get to New Orleans, locate her missing brother, and recover the Eye of Bastet, a mysterious and powerful amulet. Her plan never included falling for sexy Cajun copy Jake Boudreau; but without his help, she may never find the demon who has her brother, and the key to her family's survival.

If you've read any of my other reviews you won't be surprised to know that I bought this anthology solely for the Shelly Laurenston story. She's probably my #1 favorite for funny, kick-ass erotic or romance. I mean, how can you not appreciate a woman who uses a phrase like 'molesting' someone's insides? That is as cool as all get out and you know it. The other two stories weren't bad either, but I would have preferred that the whole book was devoted to Laurenston - though I did feel like I was missing some back story just because of some of the couples that already existed in her story felt familiar. Sorry for the short review, but I'm already on to the next novel and I'm too distracted to say more about this one!

Overall Feeling - Thumbs up. A fun read, with the characteristic violence and humor that make a Laurenston story great.

Series - None (I think....)

Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead

Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she s also become queen of the Thorn Land. It s hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one--except Eugenie--seems willing to find out why.

Eugenie has spilled plenty of fey blood in her time, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and nursing a very personal grudge. And the men in her life aren t making things any easier. Her boyfriend Kiyo is preoccupied with his pregnant ex, and sexy fey king Dorian always poses a dangerous distraction. With or without their help, Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in an unpredictable power she can barely control. Reluctant queen or not, Eugenie has sworn to do her duty--even if it means facing the darkest--and deadliest--side of her nature...

This was an unexpectedly dark, but good, sequel to Storm Born. Eugenie is now the ruler of the Thorn Land and against her own better judgment is intrinsically linked to the Otherworld. No matter what Kiyo or her father Roland might think, Eugenie reveals herself as a person determined to do the best she can for her people - an important characteristic for a fantasy novel heroine. I think what struck me the most reading this novel is that Eugenie is a power hungry person - though I don't mean that in a bad way. She is intrigued and attracted to the legacy she was gifted by the Storm King and while in the beginning she might have been hesitant to learn more, Eugenie quickly realizes that to adequately protect herself and her people she will have to embrace her dark side. I was impressed with that switch - heroines don't get to usually have blood thirsty tendencies (unless you're in a Laurell K. Hamilton novel). I definitely recommend this series but be warned - this is a dark sequel; bad things happen to good people and (maybe it's a new trend in the urban fantasy genre) the heroine doesn't always make the clear cut 'good person' choices.

Overall Feeling - Thumbs up. A darker novel but still a lot of fun - and the most important bit is that it definitely makes you want to read more!

Series - 1) Storm Born 2) Thorn Queen

Redemption Alley by Lillith Saintcrow

Some cases are unusual - even for Jill Kismet.

When her police contact asks her to look into a "suicide", she suddenly finds herself in a labyrinth of deception, drugs, murder -- and all-too-human corruption. The cops are her allies, except for the ones who want her dead. The hellbreed are her targets, except for the ones who might know what's going on. Her city is in danger, time is running out, and each lead only draws her deeper.

How far will a hunter go when her city -- and her friends -- are on the line?

Just far enough.

Step into Redemption Alley...

This is an interesting series. It's not as compelling as those written by Simon R Green or Karen Chance, but there is just something about this character that makes you want to keep reading - even when she's annoying. Because I understand the importance of a flawed character, one that doesn't get too full of herself or her own powers, but I usually get sick of pseudo-whinging. Of the 'oh poor me for not connecting all the dots and figuring out everything in time to save everyone' mentality that some heroines can have. I think what makes this book worth the read is the intriguing combination of the mundane and the supernatural. Jill doesn't usually handle anything but the incredible, but this time she's under fire by humans - humans who don't even seem to understand all the ins and outs of who she is. Yes there's a paranormal component that comes out in the end (what kind of fantasy novel would it be without one?), and yes I'm sad that her were-animal partner is off visiting his dying mother, but it's a high octane read and if you've already read the other two books it's definitely worth your time!

Overall Feeling - Thumbs up. Read better, definitely read worse, so I say go for it. The number of enjoyable paranormal detective novels is not that high and this one you can add to your shelf guilt free.

Series - 1) Night Shift 2) Hunter's Prayer 3) Redemption Alley

Lord of Bones by Justine Musk

Jess and Ramsey stopped a demon from bringing about the apocalypse. But a gate was opened and more demons have come to Earth—inhabiting human bodies. Now, these demon hybrids are paving the way for the arrival of the Soulbreaker, known as Lord of Bones…


It took me FOREVER to get around to reading this book. I started with BloodAngel and bought this one because they both sounded really good, but something about them just made me hesitant to keep reading. I think the inherent darkness of the subject matter just made me kind of shy away from this sequal. But I'm glad that I finally took the plunge because this book was a significant step up from the first and it was illuminating to see where the author took her characters. Yes Jess is dark, yes the way her power seems to be eating her up from the outside is dark, but it's compelling and the relationships she builds are compelling.

Overall Feeling - Thumbs up. This is not a quick page turner, it actually takes some effort and concentration to get through, but you do get rewarded with a cool ending once you make it.

Series - 1) BloodAngel 2) Lord of Bones

Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn

Sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas.

Kitty and Ben flee The City That Never Sleeps, thinking they were finished with the dangers there, but the sadistic cult of lycanthropes and their vampire priestess have laid a curse on Kitty in revenge for her disrupting their rituals. Starting at the next full moon, danger and destruction the form of fire strikes Kitty and the pack of werewolves she's sworn to protect.

She enlists the help of a group of TV paranormal investigators - one of whom has real psychic abilities - to help her get to the bottom of the curse that's been laid on her. Rick, the Master vampire of Denver, believes a deeper plot lies behind the curse, and he and Kitty argue about whether or not to accept the help of a professional demon hunter - and vampire - named Roman, who arrives a little too conveniently in the nick of time.

Unable to rely on Rick, and unwilling to accept Roman's offer of help for a price, Kitty and her band of allies, including Vegas magician Odysseus Grant and Kitty's own radio audience, mount a trap for the supernatural being behind the curse, a destructive force summoned by the vengeful cult, a supernatural being that none of them ever thought to face.


So the latest Kitty installment came out mere months after the fifth book was published, I'm assuming to pacify all those fans who had been waiting so impatiently for that book. The story again takes us into the lives of Kitty and Ben, but this time they're facing a supernatural force beyond even their experience - demons, gods, and cults - oh my! Banding together within the pack and with the help of some shadier than usual characters, Kitty tries to destroy a force that she can't even name. With plenty of ups and downs and the [prerequisite suspense, Vaughn adds to Kitty's tale, but really just makes me want to read the next one and figure out what happens to Cormac. Prison mystery here we come!

Overall Feeling - Thumbs up. Enjoyable as part of Vaughn's series, but I've read better.
Series - 1) Kitty and the Midnight Hour 2) Kitty Goes to Washington 3) Kitty Takes a Holiday 4) Kitty and the Silver Bullet 5) Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand 6) Kitty Raises Hell

Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole

HIS OBSESSION...

Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions: the evil beauty who surrenders her body, but not her heart.

HER DOWNFALL...

Rydstrom Woede: the ruthless warrior who vows to keep her at all costs.

THEY WERE NEVER SUPPOSED TO WANT EACH OTHER THIS MUCH...

With each smoldering encounter, their shared hunger only increases. If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice for her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to save his sorceress?


First thing to say - yay for Kresley Cole! I love her Immortals After Dark series, they're all so filled with dark and brooding paranormal alpha men of all shapes and sizes. In this particular story we get to actually learn about what happend while Rydstrom was the captive of Sabine, Queen of Illusions. We knew it was something bad - I mean in the last book by Cole we heard Sabine's calls for help when she was chained to his bed. So even when I was impatient to get to the end and have them both get past some misunderstandings on both side, it was so much fun to watch them get there! And kick lots of butt on the journey! Sabine is a great heroine, reminiscient of the Valkyries in her love of mayheim and slaughter (all with the choiciest pieces of gold waiting for her at the end of course) and Rydstrom is brooding, conflicted, and very, very hot. With just enough peril to make their journey one to worry about, Cole's latest book is great addition to her series. So for you, GO! READ THE REST!