Tag Archives: Review
Shifting Pride Review
I was thoroughly surprised and flattered by a lovely review of Shifting Pride by Ashley Torbeck and wanted to share it with you.
Click HERE if you’d like to check it out.
Here’s how to find Ashley on the interwebz:
Book Review Witch Hunt of the Blood
Author Krista Walsh and I “met” when our stories were pubbed in the Day of Demons anthology by Anachron Press last spring. I was super excited for her when she shared that she was working with best-selling author Devin O’Branagan (along with a few other authors) to create a compilation of novellas based on Devin O’Branagan’s novel, Witch Hunt.
Devin was kind enough to give me a copy of Witch Hunt of the Blood to review.
Starting on page 1, I was sucked into a vivid historical world. Immersed in WWII England, I followed along the lives of the Hawthorne witches, sharing their joys, feeling their pain, and suffering their tragedies. The stories continue from there, and they are all just as strong.
When I read paranormal (and I read it a lot), the focus often becomes about the characters powers and how it impacts their lives. What I find different about this anthology is that I feel like I get to know the characters first. As a result, I get to know each person, well, as a person. The fact that they are witches isn’t necessarily secondary, but it’s part of the whole.
Another way to look at it is that most paranormal (at least the stuff I’ve read) focuses on the paranormal world and the characters become further drawn into it, leaving their original (and dare I say, normal?) world behind. In this anthology, we see the characters living in the “real world,” as it were, and their powers are a part of it.
I’m so glad I came across this anthology.
Here’s the blurb:
Five novellas based on Devin O’Branagan’s bestselling novel, Witch Hunt.
The anthology begins with O’Branagan’s own novella about the Hawthorne matriarch, Vivian. She and her fellow British witches work together to prevent a Nazi invasion during World War II. Then there is Colonial maiden, Bridget, who struggles with the guilt of failing her family in Salem, 1692. Her younger sister, Prissy, mysteriously disappears and finds another magical world. Julia, torn by family loyalties, love, and her spiritual quest, pays a huge price to continue the bloodline. And Miranda uses her powers against the great influenza outbreak of 1918 – but finds the ultimate foe is prejudice against her kind.
Discover what was left out of Witch Hunt and revisit your favorite characters with these exciting novellas. The story isn’t done until the battle’s lost and won.
Witch Hunt of the Blood on Amazon
Witch Hunt of the Blood on Goodreads
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Book Review Wolf Spell by MR Polish
MR Polish is a Young Adult Paranormal Romance author. Her debut novel, WOLF SPELL, is an action-packed, enjoyable read, with undpredictable twists.
The main character, Arabeth, has no idea that she’s a witch. A very special witch. After her mother dies, she’s taken to another country to learn about her true identity…and is taught how to control her powers. The pressure is on because an evil warlock wants her for himself. This warlock will do anything to capture her, including turning to vampires for help.
Thankfully, Arabeth–as Esmerelda–has a loyal guardian, Jarak (who gets his power from a spirit wolf).
And he’s totally hot.
She needs his help–and love–to fight an army of vampires.
Here’s the blurb:
With a death starts a new beginning…
Eighteen-year-old Esmerelda thinks she’s just a normal girl, but all of that changes the day of her mom’s funeral, when a warlock, intent on using her special powers, kidnaps her. Powers she didn’t know existed. Thrown in the middle of a magical battle, Es struggles to learn her magic while fleeing both vampires and warlocks, at the same time, hunting for the witches that can help defeat her adversary. The only problem is that they are dead.
Thankfully, she has the help of Jarak—her Guardian—who quickly captures her heart, but she wonders if she can win his? Just when she thinks Jarak is the one for her, Ian appears with daggers drawn to save Es from a vampire attack. Ian is cocky and rude, but there is something magnetic about him—something that attracts her to him. With her heart torn between two men, she faces the foes that are out for her blood. Can Es do the unthinkable and awaken them from their graves before time runs out?
Book Review Darkness Comes This Way
I’m a sucker for vampires. I don’t care if they sparkle, if they are ugly, if they are moody, whiny, or even grumpy. I especially love ’em if they’re HOT, but that goes without saying, right?
I met author Pixie Lynn Whitfield on Twitter and we decided to exchange books for reviews. Here’s her take on Shifting Pride (it involves My Little Pony. WIN.).
Luck was in my favor because her book, Darkness Comes This Way, is about VAMPS! YAY!
Zarah is a Guardian vampire, part of a group of immortals who keep humans safe by killing Rogue vampires. (Let me tell you, I’d very much enjoy that job, LOL!) She’s a kick-ass heroine with a cold exterior. But she’s got a tender heart inside.
She’s paired up with Draven, another Guardian, and they’re both charged with redoubling their efforts, because the Rogues are becoming more powerful and more deadly.
What I love about this story is that Zarah and Draven dislike each other and that tension kept me interested. Despite their butting heads, they are able to form a strong partnership and they work really well together–something that’s difficult to create, IMHO.
Another bit I liked was that Zarah ends up having to face her past head on, and she risks exposing her secret as a result.
The action is non-stop, the twists frequent, and the tension high. All must haves in my book.
The downside: I’d like to see more editing for streamlining. That being said, Pixie Lynn is a strong writer and I fully expect her skills to grow. I’m gonna keep an eye on her for her next projects!
I give Darkness Comes This Way 4 out of 5 stars.
Darkness Comes This Way on Amazon
Darkness Comes This Way on Goodreads
Being the Underdog…
I’m “taking over” Jessica Bell’s blog today, talking about what it’s like to be the Underdog. Please hop on over and share your thoughts!
~AND~
Reading To Penguins reviewed Shifting Pride yesterday. I hope you check it out! 🙂
Happy Writing!!!
Review of The Day Zombies Ruined My Perfectly Boring Life AND Paranormal Reads Info
Ok, so I’m totally scared of zombies and often avoid reading about them because I inevitably get nightmares. On the other hand, I’ve seen author Jen Naumann’s tweets about this story and was curious enough to forgo my usual rule of avoiding zombies and gave it a go.
I have to say the title captures the tone of this story PERFECTLY. The main character’s voice is strong and clear (always a good draw for me). And her perception of the world going to crap lent a comedy-like vibe to the tale—another thing that I totally dug. To be clear: It wasn’t goofy, stupid comedy. At all. It was the kind of comedy that made the story a blast to read.
Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of scary parts, heart-wrenching parts, gory parts, and enough action to keep this action junky satisfied.
Plus the ending totally left me begging for a sequel!
All in all, I’d give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Nice job, Jen! I’m a fan! 😉
Jen’s blog: paranormalya.blogspot.com
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I’m SO excited to featured on Paranormal Reads tomorrow, Jan 22. They’re a FAB group on Facebook. Check it out! 🙂
About Paranormal Reads:
Discuss books, give reviews and give recommendations. This place is for Paranormal book lovers!!
We also ENCOURAGE authors to post anything about their books! There is no need to ask or apologize for posting something about your book!! We are an AUTHOR FRIENDLY page and love all books an authors! Thank you 🙂
How to find Paranormal Reads on the interwebz:
There is also our goodreads to see what were reading:
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7102096-paranormal-reads
Our blog to see our short reviews:
http://paranormalreadsreviews.blogspot.com/
And our Twitter to tweet with us:
https://twitter.com/#!/ParanormalRead1
Our Website:
www.wix.com/paranormalreads/paranormalreads
Review of The Stone Guardian by Theresa McClinton
Author Theresa McClinton’s (and book trailer maker extraordinaire) debut novel, THE STONE GUARDIAN, has to be one of the most unique reads I’ve come across, like, EVER.
I’d classify it as YA paranormal romance, but it’s not your typical pararom. Instead of the “usual” vamps, werewolves, ghosts, reapers, and witches, we see time benders, mind readers, warriors, healers, and yes, as the title explains, a stone guardian. Based in Mayan folklore, The Stone Guardian takes us on a whirlwind tour of South America, and the WORLD–past and present.
In addition to the action and weaving in of fascinating legend, Theresa gives us a brilliant story of humanity. We start with a broken main character, Ashley, who was raised in a mental institution. She’s plagued by nightmares that her clinicians believe are psychosis. In a flash of horror an panic, she and her best friend, Tara, are whisked away to a beach-side mansion in South America. When she’s rescued by a man who knows her special power, her life takes a twist she never saw coming. With no warning and no reason to trust, she’s forced to decide whether or not to run away or find out what exactly is going on. I love rooting for the underdog. Especially when they are thrust into an epic battle and they are the one whom everyone else is depending on. And Ashley shows us a glimpse of her true colors when she agrees to stay and meet her destiny.
Then you add in the yummy hottie–a smokin hot guy who’s sensitive to her while being a total alpha male. Talk about a winning combination!
There’s lots of action and mystery in this book. There’s lots of Mayan folklore. There’s a sweet romance.
It all adds up to a fun, quick read, with a unique story line and epic characters.
As a matter of personal preference, I’d like to see emotions build and change over time and I think they happen a little too fast for Ashley at moments, but she makes solid decisions and chooses loyalty rather than the easy way out. And when she grows into her role, she’s a powerhouse! Therefore, I’d give The Stone Guardian 4 out of 5 stars.
I can’t wait for the sequel!!!!
The Stone Guardian on Amazon.com
The Stone Guardian on Barnes and Noble
Theresa McClinton’s website/blog
SHIFTING PRIDE Blog Tour THE FINALE!
Today is the LAST DAY of the SHIFTING PRIDE BLOG TOUR.
PHEW!!!!
It’s really been a blast sharing interviews, excerpts, and reviews with youse guys. I hope you enjoy SHIFTING PRIDE.
I’d love to hear from you too! Share you thoughts by posting an honest review. It helps us authorly types.
Now, head on over to my writerly pal Cate’s blog where she reviews SHIFTING PRIDE.
SHIFTING PRIDE Blog Tour Day 21
Today, Beverly at The Wormhole interviews me on her blog. I hope you hop on over and check it out! 😉
Shifting Pride and New Pride are climbing the charts on the Goodreads Best Unknown YA Books listopia! I’d appreciate votes, if you’re so inclined and have the time. Shifting Pride is #6 and New Pride is #26! Woot!
Author Laura Diamond--Lucid Dreamer 