A little para-fantastic-al

A Perfect Blood (The Hollows, Bk 10) by Kim Harrison (library copy) -

Another enjoyable addition to the Hollows series.  I really enjoyed seeing more of Trent in this one.  There were some things I'm having trouble remembering, and I think I may need to re-read some of the series (when will I cram that in?).  In any case, this series always leaves me wanting more, so I look forward to reading book 11, Ever After which I believe is expected in 2013 (2013! That's FOREVER from now!) as well as trying the graphic novels Blood Work and Blood Crime, though I'm hesitant about those.

Retribution (Dark Hunter) by Sherrilyn Kenyon (personal copy - purchased during Borders closing sale) -

I forgot I had this or I would have read it before the most recent Dream Hunter book.  Fortunately, that didn't matter.  I was happy to see Jess "Sundown" Brady finally get his story.  And the dark-hunter books finally dipped into American Indian mythology, which I should have loved.  And while the book was fine (it suited what I was in the mood for perfectly), I had hoped for more in Sundown's story.  Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series (highly connected to this one), Time Untime.

reign check

Title: reign check

Author: Michelle Rowen

Publisher: Walker & Company

Copyright Date: 2010

Print Date: June 2010

ISBN: 9780802795496

Pages: 292

Series: 2nd in the Demon Princess series

Book Description (from back cover):

Nikki Donovan has had a lot to deal with since learning she was half human, half demon. But things take a darker turn when Rhys, a gorgeous — but potentially dangerous — faery king enrolls at her high school to investigate Nikki's potential for fulfilling an apocalyptic prophecy. Nikki knows she'd never turn violent, and she certainly couldn't destroy the world...could she?

Of course, all Nikki really wants is to be reunited with Michael, a Shadow creature whose status as her personal servant is further complicated by their undeniable attraction to each other. Even though the rules of the Shadowlands strickly forbid their romance, Nikki is determined not to let Michael go. But when she is summoned to the Underworld to appear before a demon council, it will take all her courage — and perhaps a bit of demon-level strangth — to get herself out again.

Comments:

Okay, I'm going to start at the end of this. I can't help it. I can't find anything about a 3rd in series. This may be the last. I'm cool with series that end ... when there's a set or obvious ending. :sigh:: I guess I'll just keep hoping for at least a 3rd in this one.

Anyway, back to the story. Honestly, I prefered the first book, Reign or Shine, BUT (and that's a big but), I enjoyed this one too. (Obviously, right? Why else would I want a 3rd?) Nikki was still a great character. I was intrested to see what would happen with the Faery king, Rhys. And I was kind of surprised not to see more of her best friend Melinda. But she did spend a chunk of time in the Underworld, so I guess that's part of the reason. Speaking of the Underworld... I loved Beasley — a being that looked like a giant ::ech:: cockroach (I'm dramatizing a bit there. I've held a Madagascar cockroach and it was pretty cool. Of course if it had been human sized? That'd be another story.). Anyway, Beasley was a little character, but still a great one.

Beyond the characters, the story was interesting. And as I'm finding is usual for Michelle Rowen's work, the humorous bits scattered throughout were a plus.

REIGN or SHINE

Title: REIGN or SHINE

Author: Michelle Rowen

Publisher: Walker & Company

Copyright Date: 2009

Print Date: October 2009

ISBN: 9780802795342

Pages: 274

Series: 1st in the Demon Princess series

Book Description (from back cover):

For Nikki Donovan, being a teenager can be h___. Literally.

Nikki didn't think her life could get any more complicated after she moved to the dreary town of Erin Heights — fitting in at a new school while navigating the social scene was stressful enough. But when her sixteenth birthday rolls around, she's visited by a mysterious stranger, Michael, who tells her that her long-lost father is actually the demon king of the Shadowlands — the dimension that protects our world from the Underworld and Hell.

Maybe it's because she's in shock, or maybe it's because Michael is seriously cute, but Nikki follow him into the Shadowlands. There she learns about her half-demon powers, about the potential war between the Shadowlands and the Underworld, and that her father wants her to assume the throne — forever. Not to mention that her growing crush on Michael is completely forbidden...

Ruling a kingdom, navigating a secret crush, and still making it home by curfew — what's a teenage demon princess to do?

Comments:

I really enjoyed this. I liked the characters and the story. The bit of romance, the suspension of seeing it all unfold (I didn't read the blurb at all, so it was a complete adventure), and the humorous bits throughout.

I even read the excerpt of the 2nd book, Reign Check, which I don't often do. Speaking of... Reign Check is waiting for me at the library. I'll be picking it up tomorrow and hopefully enjoying it soon.

The Demon's Librarian

Title: The Demon's Librarian

Author: Lilith Saintcrow

Publisher: ImaJinn

Copyright Date: 2009

Print Date: February 2009

ISBN: 9781933417448

Pages: 218

Book Description (from back cover):

Demon's are preying on schoolchildren in her city, so Francesca Barnes does what any red-blooded librarian would do — she does some research and goes hunting. But the books she finds in a secret cache don’t tell her the whole story. Chess has no idea what she’s just stepped into, or just how special she is.

Orion is Drakul, part demon, and a loyal servant of the Order. He doesn’t expect a motorcycle-riding librarian to be messing around with demonic forces, and he doesn’t expect her to smell so ———— good. But Ryan’s got bigger problems. His partner has disappeared, and the forces of Darkness are rising.

Now Chess is Ryan’s only hope of finding his partner, and Ryan is Chess’s only hope of survival. Because the demons now know Chess exists, and that she is the heir to a long-lost power that could push back their dark tide. If Ryan can just keep her alive long enough, she might just be the key to destroying the demons completely.

But Ryan doesn’t know he’s been betrayed by the very Order he serves. And if Chess does by some miracle survive, he won’t ever be able to touch her again…

Comments:

I first heard about this book because of its inspiration. That is, Wendy @ The Misadventures of Super Librarian mentioned her role (wanting a strong librarian heroine) and Lilith Saintcrow's response (writing this).

So, being interested in reading books about strong librarian protagonists myself (having aspired to the librarian role — despite continued lack of success), and knowing I really like Lilith Saintcrow's writing anyway (I've read her Society duology, the Dante Valentine books, the first Jill Kismet book, and the first two of her Lili St. Crow YA books), I've certainly been interested in reading this.

I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed reading about Chess and Ryan, their relationship, the fight against evil, etc. I enjoyed the fact that while Chess was strong, that didn't automatically make Ryan weak. And I liked that while Ryan wasn't weak, he also wasn't that super alpha type. And, to be honest (though I know others wouldn't agree w/ this), I liked reading a strong book w/ lovely romance and no sex scenes.

Black Magic Sanction

Title: Black Magic Sanction

Author: Kim Harrison

Publisher: eos

Copyright Date: 2010

Print Date: March 2010

ISBN: 9780061138034

Pages: 487

Series: 8th full-length book in the Hollows series

Book Description (from dust jacket):

In New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison's most complex and nuanced adventure yet, bounty hunter and witch Rachel Morgan fights a deadly battle — mind, body, and soul

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

It takes a witch to catch a witch, but survival bears a heavy price.

Comments:
This finally came from the library and with perfect timing... I was able to read it during the Read-a-Thon. Anyway...

Rachel's becoming more comfortable taking the "smut" and using black magic. All well and good since she still won't compromise her morals as far as taking life, etc. The combination makes for some nice personal growth.

I have to say, of all the characters surrounding Rachel, the one that gives me the most difficulty is Trent. I find myself liking him, and then he does something horrible, and I'm all, "Self, how can you like this guy?". But then something else will happen to give a glimpse of a characteristic I do like and... I'm sure you get the point. Anyway, I figure this indecision is due to good writing, so... =)

Anyway, I enjoyed reading this and am looking forward to reading book 9 whenever it comes.

White Witch, Black Curse

Title: White Witch, Black Curse

Author: Kim Harrison

Publisher: eos

Copyright Date: 2009

Print Date: March 2009

ISBN: 9780061138010

Pages: 504

Series: 7th full-length book in the Hollows series





Book Description (from dust jacket):

New York Times bestselling author
Kim Harrison returns to the sinister and
seductive Hollows for the newest
blockbuster adventure featuring Rachel
Morgan, witch and bounty hunter

Some wounds take time to heal . . . and some scars never fade.

Rachel Morgan, kick-[butt] witch and bounty hunter, has taken her fair share of hits, and has broken lines she swore she would never cross. But when her lover was murdered, it left a deeper wound than Rachel ever imagined, and now she won't rest until his death is solved . . . and avenged. Whatever the cost.

Yet the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and when a new predator moves to the apex of the Inderlander food chain, Rachel's past comes back to haunt her.

Literally.

Comments:

This will be a bit rambling. This is my first attempt at "review"ing one of this series. Something about it causes a jumble of thoughts without much order.

Anyway, I know I've said (repeatedly) that I'm hooked on this series. It really surprises me. For one thing, while I enjoyed the first book, I was sure I'd be fed up with the series by the 3rd or 4th. I was worried there'd be too much sex or... well I skip those parts so if a story evolves around it, I have issues. Instead, I found myself caught in the overall story.

This particular book adds in some new creatures, some vengence and closure, some characters that I suspect came out in short stories (I haven't read any of the shorts and can't say for sure), and of course, several of the characters from previous books. Speaking of, I'm not sure how much longer Jenks will be around for these books, and I'm not sure how well the series will last after that, so... something to see about.

I'm looking forward to reading Black Magic Sanction (currently 7th in line for it at the library).

Combo - Review: Kim Harrison

Title: Every Which Way but Dead
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: HarperTorch Fiction
Copyright Date: 2005
ISBN: 006057299X
Pages: 501
Series: 3rd full-length book in the Hollows series
Where I got this book: Checked out from Library
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Title: A Fistful of Charms
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: HarperTorch
Copyright Date: 2006
ISBN: 9780060788193
Pages: 510
Series: 4th full-length book in the Hollows series
Where I got this book: Checked out from Library
-----------------------------------------------

Title: For a Few Demons More
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: eos
Copyright Date: 2007
ISBN: 9780060788384
Pages: 456
Series: 5th full-length book in the Hollows series
Where I got this book: Puchased the HC (no DJ) from the local library booksale room
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Title: The Outlaw Demon Wails
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: eos
Copyright Date: 2008
ISBN: 9780060788704
Pages: 455
Series: 6th full-length book in the Hollows series
Where I got this book: Puchased the HC from the local library booksale room
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Comments:

I waited too long to blog these. Even though I read them all in the same week. So much happened between them that I cannot go back the earlier ones. It's difficult to discuss them individually.

Not that they don't all have parts I liked more than others. Things I could have done without (the whole Rachel/Ivy thing is played too much in some of them). Things that drew me in (Rachel's connections with so many various groups and species is pretty cool, for instance)...

But I'm more focused on what will happen next. Suffice it to say, this series has had me on an emotional roller-coaster. I wasn't expecting to be sucked in.

I have since read White Witch, Black Curse, but it was read during a separate week (not to mention being the most recent that I've read) and will get a separate review.

Mini-Reviews

I've never done this before, so we'll see how it goes.


Title: Dead Witch Walking
Author: Kim Harrison
ISBN: 9780060572969
Pages: 416
Series: 1st in the Hollows series
Where I got this book: Checked out from Library
Why Now?: I've been hearing good things about this author and series for a while, and it was finally time.
Brief Description: Rachel's a witch on the run from a death threat while trying to make her own way and get the authorities off her back.
My thoughts: It was a fast-paced read that left me interested in more.


Title: The Good, The Bad, and the Undead
Author: Kim Harrison
ISBN: 0060572973
Pages: 453
Series: 2nd in the Hollows series
Where I got this book: Own - Received through PaperBackSwap Game
Why Now?: I'd just finished the 1st book. I like to read series books together.
Brief Description: Rachel's been requested (okay, more like prodded) to assist in finding a serial killer. She sees this as an opportunity to get the guy she holds responsible for a number of wrongs.
My thoughts: The series may move in a direction I don't like, but for now it still has my interest. This book has more insight into Rachel's past, demons, and vampires (in particular, Ivy). Oh, and pixies.


Title: Real Vamps Don't Drink O-Neg
Author: Tawny Taylor
ISBN: 9780758215093
Where I got this book: Owned - PaperBackSwap
Why Now?: I had offered it in a PBS Virtual Box and needed to get it in the mail.
Brief Description: Sophie Hahn's best friend is acting different and seems sick. She has to save him from being drained by his vampire (Lamia) wife. So she hooks up with a vamp of another type in attempt to find some Biblical relics that may help.
My thoughts: I hated it. For a number of reasons, including the sex scenes I glimpsed in the process of skipping over them looked more like what I'd expect to find in erotica, not PR. But also because the characters weren't all that likable. Ric tells Sophie to trust him repeatedly. And she repeatedly does. But he isn't trustworthy, which makes him a jerk and her an idiot. IMO. Anyway, I only finished it because it's so hard for me not to finish a book.


Title: The Last Apprentice: Curse of the Bane
Author: Joseph Delaney
ISBN: 9780060766214
Pages: 455 + some entries in "The Journal of Thomas J. Ward"
Series: 2nd in the Last Apprentice series, aka The Wardstone Chronicles
Where I got this book: Checked out from the Library
Why Now?: I'd recently read and enjoyed the 1st in the series.
Brief Description: Tom Ward and his master (the Spook) will finally face down the Bane of Priestown (and the County). The Spook had been previously been unsuccessful at this, so how could this time be any different?
My thoughts: Another enjoyable read by Joseph Delaney. I can't believe it took me this long to find this series. Oh, and I appreciated learning more about Tom's parents (and therefore Tom's background).


Title: The Last Apprentice: Night of the Soul Stealer
Author: Joseph Delaney
ISBN: 9780060766245
Pages: 489 + some entries in "The Journal of Thomas J. Ward"
Series: 3rd in the Last Apprentice series, aka The Wardstone Chronicles
Where I got this book: Checked out from the Library
Why Now?: I'm reading through the series. Hope to get my hands on the 4th soon...
Brief Description: Tom Ward, the Spook, and Alice travel toward their new winter location(s). Tom will finally learn more about the Spook's own past (including his prejudice regarding girls with pointy shoes). And why is it so dark (as in evilness and badness) in that area lately?
My thoughts: The continuing insights into the Spook's history are interesting. Each book has the "WARNING: NOT TO BE READ AFTER DARK" notice, and I'm enjoying discovering just what horror Tom will encounter on the "ESPECIALLY PAGE __" part. =)

Angel with Attitude

Title: Angel with Attitude

Author: Michelle Rowen

Publisher: Warner Books Paranormal Romance

Copyright Date: 2006

Print Date: August 2006

ISBN: 0446616990

Pages: 347

Book Description (from back cover):

When you're hot for a demon, you might as well kiss your halo good-bye...

Falling naked into the killer whale tank at MarineLand is always bad news, but it's a real bummer when you've just been kicked out of Heaven. Former angel Valerie Grace is determined to reverse her banishment—Earth's just no fun. Her best friend is a slightly perverted human-turned-rat (note to self: never cross a powerful witch) and she's being tailed by a sexy Tempter Demon named Nathaniel who's trying to lure her to Hell with kisses that are almost worth the trip.With the talking rodent sneaking peeks down her shirt and Nathaniel getting more irresistible every minute, this ex-angel has only one hope: find the stolen Key to Heaven and go home. Then the oddest thing happens—Nathaniel starts to show signs of loyalty and love. And soon Val is asking herself if it is such a bad thing to have the hots for a demon.

Comments:

I won a book of my choice from Michelle Rowen's backlist ages (well, months) ago. At the time, that meant one of the first 3 Immortality Bites books (Bitten & Smitten, Fanged & Fabulous, Lady & the Vamp) which I already owned, Angel with Attitude, or Countdown (published under the name Michelle Maddox). I decided on Angel with Attitude because it sounded like a lighter, more humorous book. When it arrived, it was set aside with my other autographed books, away from my other books. I'm sorry to say I ::whispers:: forgot it. Anyway, I suddenly remembered it.

It was a pleasantly light read—complete with angels, demons, and talking rat (originally a human). It was mostly focused on Valerie and her self-appointed mission and some fun Reggie the human-in-a-rat's-body interaction. Nathaniel was there, but...

It wasn't as much about a relationship growing as the individual Valerie Grace growing. That isn't a bad thing, but it's not what I normally expect from a book labelled romance. However, I'm happy I chose it and I'm glad I finally read it.

The Shadow Within

Title: The Shadow Within

Author: Jenine Wilson

Publisher: Jensonbooks (Self-Published)

Copyright Date(s): 2006

ISBN: 1599756803

Pages: 208

Series: As of now, this appears to be a single title. I'm not sure if the author has plans for any related/connected books.

BOOK DESCRIPTION (from back cover):

Life is Never Simple
I should know.
My name is Jessie Connor and I'm a Senior at Leeland High School. Before, things may not have been simple, but they were predictable. The bullies were bullies. My parents, dysfunctional. My best friend, the goth who lived to shock.
I learned to deal with them all. Then I met the new student from France, and my life turned upside down. I think he may even be responsible for the totally bizarre deaths that have been happening. I would turn him in, if only I didn't like him so much......

Comments:

I got this as an unbound copy through the LibraryThing Member Giveaway.

The characters and story are interesting.  Jessie is a high school student dealing with issues any might face. And those issues are important to the overall book. Jessie's dad is having an affair, her mom has turned to alcohol for comfort... Other issues include divorce and bullying. It's the paranormal aspect on top of this that really adds that extra spark. Wesley Peterson and his brother are different—hard to believe though it is. And something evil has followed them into Jessie's world.

Pros:

1. Interesting characters and story.
2. Appropriate for audience. Gives a high school perspective and includes issues teens might encounter (affairs, alcohol abuse, divorce, bullying, sportsmanship).

Cons:

1. I did feel the writing was a little clumsy at points. Not the grammar, that was fine. My issue was more with the flow as I read it.