Tag Archives: urban fantasy

BLOOD RIGHTS (House of Comarre #1) by Kristin Painter

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BLOOD RIGHTS (House of Comarre #1) by Kristin Painter

BLOOD RIGHTS (House of Comarre #1) by Kristin Painter

BLOOD RIGHTS is the first novel in Kristin Painter’s House of Comarre Urban Fantasy series. Set in the year 2067, the first novel in the series introduces the reader to a wide variety of supernatural beings, terminology and a vampire premise that follows a different path than many vampire storylines. But a little background information is required to follow the premise.

Our heroine is Chrysabelle, one of the strongest and fiercest Comarre. The Comarre are a hybrid race of humans, specially trained in the warrior arts and in service to the vampire nobility. But the method of service is necessary for both parties-as the source of pure blood, the Comarre provide strength and nourishment to the vampires and in return, the vampire is able to drain the toxic effects of the pureblood buildup in the Comarre. It is both an honor and a duty to owe patronage and ‘blood rights’ to the vampire nobility, but Chrysabelle’s patron has been found murdered and the Ring of Sorrows is missing, and all suspicions turn to the woman who has sworn allegiance to the vampire for over a hundred years.

Chrysabelle must seek refuge and solace with her Aunt Maris. But time is running out. Hoping to discover the truth to Algernon’s murder, Chysabelle is sent forth looking for the one man Maris has told her to find. When Chrysabelle crosses paths with the fallen vampire Malkolm, her adventure into the underworld of demons, shapeshifters and fae, becomes a little more complicated when her true identity as a Comarre beckons the inner beast hidden beneath the façade of the recluse vampire.

Malkolm is a fallen vampire –cursed with the many deaths he has hastened at the hands of his beast. But the voices in his head continually urge the vampire towards another kill, and this time, their target is a beautiful Comarre, tattooed with the golden fretwork of the most powerful and pure. Although unwilling to admit she is in trouble, Crysabelle needs Malkolm’s help, but it is the call of her blood, that excites the beast hidden within. But fate has brought these two lonely beings together, and it will be blood that will bring them closer –still.

Tatiana is a powerful vampire with a motive of pure menace and vengeance. Hoping to secure the position of Dominus in one of the most powerful vampire Houses, Tatiana requires the Ring of Sorrows, and Algernon was the last known vampire to be in possession of the powerful jewel and now his Comarre is missing and presumed guilty of both murder and theft of the ring. The true nature of the ring has yet to be revealed, but Tatiana’s endeavor to discover its’ power will unleash an evil thought only to exist in mythology and lore. And the hunt for Tatiana will push Malkolm and Chrysabelle spiraling the depths of hidden passages, only to discover there are more secrets locked behind the façade of an aging Comarre and a vindictive vampire hoping to avenge the death of a child.

We are introduced to Malkolm’s constant companions-Fi, a ghost from his past that haunts his present, and Doc, the shapeshifting feline who has been cursed to the life of a house pet: Marissa as Chrysabelle’s aunt who has a few secrets of her own: and Dominic, a powerful vampire with connections to both Chrysabelle and her aunt.

Kristin Painter labels herself as a gothic urban fantasy writer. The genre is usually a dark look into the future world heading for destruction at the hands of the supernatural. Although there is little in the way of ‘urban fantasy’, the gothic tag is quite dark and evil. There is no sex, no foul language but the violence is bloody and sharp. The relationship between Chrysabelle and Malkolm is slow to build and even slower is their realization of the inevitable. I am not sure whether this series is YA. I cannot find any reference to the age discipline that the author has intended-with the lack of many of the ‘staples’ of an adult storyline, this novel could read as YA, except the characters are definitely NOT teens. Blood Rights has an interesting premise that offers a different twist to the vampire myth and legend. 

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO / Books a Million

Reviewed by Sandy

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Revelation by Erica Hayes – a Review

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Revelation by Erica Hayes – a Review

Revelation by Erica Hayes is the first book in her new Seven Signs series.  Below is a description of the series. This is an early review, as Revelation will not be released until October 2nd. I will do my best to not reveal any spoilers.

Description of Seven Signs:
The Seven Signs is an apocalyptic paranormal series, set in the near future against the backdrop of a twisted Biblical Apocalypse. It is urban fantasy/romance, since it’s a mixture of both, with strong dark fantasy elements but also a pivotal romance (with HEA) in each book.

In ancient Biblical prophecy, seven dreadful signs herald the End of Days—the pouring out of seven golden vials, brimming with the wrath of God. For centuries, the vials have remained hidden, lest their plagues be unleashed to destroy the world. But now, demons are hunting down the vials one by one, eager to twist that righteous wrath and bring on their own Dark Apocalypse. And only their immortal enemies can stop them—seven fierce fallen angel warriors known as the Tainted Host.

Shunned by heaven for their sins, yet chained in holy servitude, the Tainted are offered this one last hope of redemption. But virtue is a weakness when the enemy’s weapons are seduction and lies. 

It’s time to challenge the demons at their own game.

The battleground? The dark and despicable city of Babylon, USA, a hive of greed and vanity we once called New York.

Seven vials. Seven demon princes. Seven Tainted angels of vengeance. Tonight, the End begins…

Revelation Review:

Revelation is the first novel in Erica Hayes’ Seven Signs series, which is a dark Urban Fantasy romance. This is a futuristic story of what happens when the dark side gets it’s hands on the seven vials that have been hidden for centuries, which is supposed to bring down the holy wrath of God, and the End of Days.  In Hayes story, there are seven dark demon princes, doing their deeds for Satan; seven tainted fallen angels, who become the warriors who fight against evil, and the seven vials that mean the destruction of the world.  But in the Demon’s minds, they don’t want end of days, they want to turn earth into their own eternal hell playground.   From the start, we find that Zombies are killing humans, and are beginning to multiply, and humans are also dying from the plague.  The many demons are playing havoc, as the story starts in Babylon (old new york city), and bodies are building up in the morgue.

Dr. Morgan Sterling, is a scientist and assistant medical examiner trying desperately to find a cure for this plague.  Of course, she has no idea, that the demons are responsible for this plague.  Morgan is a hard nosed, tough doctor, who has built her life in trusting no one, and only cares about her work. 

We meet the seven tainted angels, each having been delegated out of Heaven by some various different mistakes they made.  They all report to the archangel Michael, who is portrayed in this book, as wild, arrogant and not a nice guy.  He really does not care about his tainted angels, but he makes sure they do what needs to be done to protect the humans and fight the demons.  Each of the tainted angels, want redemption and, to be able to go back to Heaven someday.  Of the seven tainted angels, Dash is the leader, with the others following him. Erica Hayes does a wonderful job creating these characters, as I thoroughly enjoyed each of these angels (not Michael). In this book, we get to know them all, see how they work together, and care about each other.

But the hero in Revelation is Luniel (Lune), who starts off becoming suspicious and brings in the other angels as he senses the vials might be missing and in the wrong hands.  Lune finds his brother at the morgue, and meets our heroine, Morgan. 

From that point on, this adventure is filled with action, violence, betrayal, and it is non stop.  Morgan, who is a disbeliever, finds herself fighting off her attraction to Lune, whom she wants to trust but cannot due to her childhood issues, and stubbornness that this is a plague that she can cure.  Lune, having been celibate for 800 years, after losing his love to the demons and hell, finds himself becoming very attracted to Morgan.  Though Morgan was stubborn in her disbelief, even seeing the wings, she at first had no choice but to help the angels try to stop the destruction; then she totally became a believer after seeing all the horrific things being done to humans. Morgan and Lune, as time goes on becomes a great romance, that developed over a short period, as each had to fight their own issues. This really was a great romance, especially with all the darkness surrounding this story. 

I really liked some of these great characters, especially our great, but fun angel warriors, such as Jaz, Jaspeth, Iria,Trillion as well as Dash.  They are all major characters that make this story fun. Throughout this dark fantasy, Hayes was able to bring in a lot of humor, wittiness to break up the tension.  As I have said, this story was filled with tense action, violence, horrible demons, and yet managed a wonderful romance.  Great start to a new series, as I cannot wait for the next book…Redemption.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author


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The Demoness of Waking Dreams ( Company of Angels #2) by Stephanie Chong-a review

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The Demoness of Waking Dreams (Company of Angels #2) by Stephanie Chong-a review

THE DEMONESS OF WAKING DREAMS (Company of Angels #2) by Stephanie Chong

THE DEMONESS OF WAKING DREAMS is the second storyline (August 28, 2012 release) in Stephanie Chong’s Company of Angels series. The Company is a heirarchy of ‘guardian’ angels under the direction of Michael, working to protect the human race. But while Satan’s demons wreak havoc and hell, one Guardian will find that his latest assignment will test his honor and allegiance as an angel.

Brandon Clarkson is a guardian angel. Ten years prior, as a cop in Detroit, he was gunned down during a stake-out, only to find himself in the Company of Angels. The Angel Michael saw something good and pure in Brandon, and introduced him to a ‘second’ life as a guardian of mankind. His latest assignment is to find and capture a rogue demoness in Venice, who has escaped the confines of the Company. Her long list of sins is a starting place, but the Company is not the only group hoping to put an end to her tyranny.

Luciana Rosetti is a rogue demoness, on the hunt for her latest sacrificial offering to the powerful being who gave her a second chance at revenge. Every year, a blood offering must be made, and Lucianna had yet to make the offer. Only now it was too late, as she found herself bound to a Guardian from the Company, and the deadline has passed. Lucianna was gifted with the ability to walk through dreams, and her only hope for escape was to ensure that she entered Brandon’s dreams. Only their connection appeared to go both ways, and Brandon is able to experience the full extent of his dreams. But he must know whether or not he is awake or asleep.

As a human, Lucianna suffered horribly at the hands of many men, and in death she continues to experience the hardships and assaults by those in control. Betrayal by family and at the hands of a former lover would turn her heart cold, but the hands of an Angel would begin a melting process that would too soon end with both of them on the run.

The relationship between Angel and Demon is forbidden, but the allure of the forbidden is something neither is able to control. And it is their growing attraction to one another that will be used to bring both under control. Those hoping to destroy the Company will demand Luciana pay, and Brandon’s superiors will demand that he finish his assignment. But at the end of the day, Brandon knows, that those in control have much more planned for the demoness than confinement at the compound, and as a Guardian, his duty is to protect. But betrayal by someone he once called a friend, will find an unlikely offering for Luciana and push her into a world she never thought she would cross.

THE DEMONESS OF WAKING DREAMS is a well-written story. The background information allows for a smooth transition between book one and two. Although Stephanie’s characters are referenced and derived from Christianity, this is by no means a book about religious beliefs or systems. The story goes from current day, to dream state and sometimes into the past.

Character development flows throughout the novel, allowing for the mystery to build until the final reveal. Luciana believes herself condemned to walk the earth alone and unloved, but Brandon is hoping to one day show the woman that even those who have been condemned, can be forgiven once they are able to forgive themselves.

A surprising twist or two will add to the character development allowing the reader to see from ‘where and why’ these demons and angels are who they are. Brandon is as dangerous as he is sexy, and Lucianna is the epitome of a siren looking for her next conquest. I enjoyed reading The Demoness of Waking Dreams and I am looking forward to the next instalment.  There are several unanswered questions!!!!!!!

LINKS TO ORDER
KOBO
B&N Nook and Paper books
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Books
The Book Depository

Copy supplied by publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Curse by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love – a Review

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The Curse by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love – a Review

 

Description:

Overwhelming odds mean nothing when everything you love is on the line.

With the freedom of an entire race hanging in the balance, Evalle has two days to make good on a promise that she suddenly has no hope of fulfilling when demonic Svart Trolls invade Atlanta. She takes a leap of faith, seeking help from the one man who recently put Evalle in his cross hairs–Black Ops specialist Isak Nyght. While trying to stop the bloody troll-led gang wars, Evalle unwittingly exposes a secret that endangers all she holds dear, and complicates her already tumultuous love life with the mysterious Skinwalker, Storm. But when Evalle discovers she’s the number one target in the Medb coven’s ruthless plan to destroy all Beladors, the deadly Alterant is forced to make a game-changing decision with no time left on the clock.

Review:

The Curse is the third book in Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love’s Belador series, which is Urban Fantasy.

For those who may not have read this series, here is a little background: 
The Belador series is set in a futuristic alternate Atlanta. The world building in this series is awesome with warriors, gods, goddesses, tribunals, and magic, as well as powerful villains.  The Belador’s have various magical powers, such as teleportation, kinetic powers, mind control, enhanced fighting,  and mental telepathy.  They work in conjunction with VIPER, as protectors of the human race, against other supernatural creatures.  Evalle Kincaid, our heroine throughout this series, is an Alterant, whom are not recognized as an acceptable race. Alterants are part Belador, but it’s the other unkown part that is feared, as they are able to shift into monstrous beasts, which they usually cannot control.  But Evalle, who is a powerful warrior, has been allowed to work with the Belador team; thanks to her friendships with Tzader and Quinn, two powerful Beladors. Of course, they do not know that Evalle has already shifted once, and if they knew, the Tribunal would lock Evalle away forever, as they constantly threaten her with.

The Curse picks up almost immediately after Alterant left off.  Evalle must find Tristan, as the goddess Macha has given her a few days to bring her Tristan and other Alterants. If the Alterants can prove their loyalty to Macha, and prove their ability to control their beast, she will recognize them as a legitimate race, allowing them freedom.  But Evalle has to find Tristan.  Storm, the skinwalker, who had helped save Evalle and expressed his feelings for her, was badly injured at the end of Alterant. Did he survive?  Medb are the evil bad guys in this story, and their Queen is plotting to kill the Belador Queen, Brina and take over Treoir.  What will happen, and will they be able to save Brina? 

Since this is an early review, I will try give you a look into this wonderful story, and make this spoiler free, so not to ruin it for you.

From the start, the action in this story was non-stop, as I could not put the book down.  Atlanta is under attack by Svart Trolls, who are almost impossible to kill.  The Beladors and Evalle, are trying desperately to find out who has brought in the Svarts, and why are they even more powerful then most trolls.  Early on, during a battle, Evalle almost loses her life, but she is saved by a jaquar, and manages to kill the Svart. But there are so many more Svarts still to come.

The Curse has so many stories within, showcasing some of the main characters.  In many cases going between characters can tend to be distracting, but not so here.  Each chapter was so well done, and kept the flow of the story moving nicely, adding to the element. 

Some major points in this book:

            Evalle – her relationship with Storm continues to sizzle; but there is also Isak, who is also hot, and despite his own issues, he cannot let go of his obsession with Evalle. Even though you know the chemistry is there with Isak, I am totally on Team Storm. As my friend would say, he is…Swoonworthy…ummm ok so is Isak.

            Brina – who loves Tzader, but must follow Macha’s demand to let him go and have a child from someone else.  Her determination to win this battle, but possibly lose Tzader along the way, is very tense.  This part of the story is emotional for me. I feel so bad for Brina and Tzader, who truly do love one another, and it is painful to watch both of them suffer.  Kudos to Kenyon/Love for pulling those emotions out of you.

            Quinn – his fixation with Kziera could kill them all.  But somewhere, somehow, you begin to wonder if there is any possibility of a future for them.  Especially, if Kziera is truly not as evil as she is often displayed. Is she evil or does she truly love Quinn? 

            Kziera’s mother Queen Flaevynn is truly evil, and she is desperate, knowing her days are dwindling.  Cathbad, Kziera’s  father comes into play more, but the jury is still out if he is as bad as Flaevynn, and he is the one who truly knows about the true secrets of the Alterants.

We are also introduced to some new and interesting characters, whom I’m sure we will see more of in the future.   Such as Lanna, Quinn’s young cousin, who has powers of her own.  Kit, Isak’s very interesting mother, who is the power behind his operation.  There are also so many people we love to hate..Macha, Sen, Queen Flaevynn, and others.

The story, as I have said is very exciting and tense.  Every step of the way, they have to fight off the Svarts, whom we learn early, have been hired by MedB to destroy the Beladors, and they all want Evalle. The big question here is why do they want Evalle alive?

When Evalle does find Tristan, just when she sees a chance to save herself from Macha and imprisonment, another trick and betrayal causes her to lose him again. Will Evalle ever become totally free?

The last third of the book was so exciting, filled with constant action, a major battle to try to save Brina, and some revelations, which will bring more questions to be answered. 

Through all that, Evalle, continues to be one of my favorite female warriors in paranormal/urban fantasy.  In The Curse, she becomes more vulnerable, and an even more of an awesome heroine.  I am so vested into this series, that it is beginning to get to me that Evalle, who gives her life and loyalty to Belador/VIPER, and endangers herself often to save humans…yet, she must still be threatened with her freedom. 

As I have said before, for those who have not read this series, I suggest you read this in order.  Otherwise, you would lose a major understanding of each character.  But each story does have somewhat of an ending, as you learn more, and yet there is still so much more left open.  I loved The Curse, and love the duo of Kenyon/Love.  This was a great story from start to finish, super fun, lots of action, couples to root for, and a fantastic heroine. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

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Alterant by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love – a Review

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Alterant by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love – a Review

 

 “Alterant” is the second book in the Belador series by the duo of Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love. This series is of the Urban Fantasy genre. Blood Trinity was the first book in this series, and it was a great start.  If you want to read this series, please start with Blood Trinity, so you get to know the heroine of Belador.

Evalle Kincaid, the heroine in this series, continues to find herself in more trouble, as she faces the gods and goddesses of the Tribunal, once again for her freedom.  The Tribunal want to lock up all Alterants, as they feel they are a dangerous and unknown species.  Evalle, is a member of VIPER, who fight and use their supernatural skills to stop evil forces against humans.  Evalle, continually hopes to prove that not all Alterants are dangerous, and they will not shift to their beast form to harm others.  Though she has put her life on the line numerous times, she is still distrusted by the gods and goddesses of the Tribunal. Evalle has two Belador warrior friends she totally trusts, and they (Quinn & Tzader) have always been able to help her remain free.

During the Tribunal, she is blamed for the escape of three Alterants. But with the help of Brina, the Belador leader, she is given limited time to bring them back into custody.  The gods and goddesses allow her to use three magical gifts to help her in this task.  However, in the last book, she had helped put Tristan, another Alterant, to a caged imprisonment. Now she needs his help to find the 3 escaped Alterants.

The Belador series is focused on Evalle, as the main character, but there are other important characters with their own stories intertwined throughout the book. Storm, a skinwalker, who wants to protect Evalle, and finds himself falling for her.   Of course, Tristan also has an interest, but is mostly looking for his own freedom.  Then there is the relationship between Brina and Tzader, who are very much in love, but are being manipulated to remain apart by the Belador Queen, Macha. Kizira, the Medb priestess, who loves Quinn, is plotting to overthrow the Beladors and kill Brina, using the Alterants to do it. The Medb know the truth about what the Alterants really are, which could free them.

The most adorable character in this series is a pet gargoyle named Feenix, who snacks on lug nuts and talks with a lisp. He is Evalle’s much loved pet, and you totally fall in love with him.  You will forever be saying   “Yeth…Dammit”.

Kenyon & Love have done an excellent job in this world building, and creating such wonderful characters. There are so many fascinating characters….Gods, Goddesses, Witches, Priestess, Queens, and Warriors, not to mention the supernatural.  This was a enjoyable and fun book to read, with a lot of action, not to mention a terrific heroine.  I look forward to the next book in this series….The Curse

Reviewed by Barb

 

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FALLEN (After Trilogy #1) by Traci L. Slatton-a review

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FALLEN (After Trilogy #1) by Traci L Slatton-a review

FALLEN (After Trilogy #1) by Traci L. Slatton

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / The Book Depository /

FALLEN is the first book in author Traci L. Slatton’s After trilogy. Following an apocalyptic nightmare where most the world’s population has been eaten by the poisonous mists that seem to appear out of thin air, the remaining small pockets of survivors (throughout the world) fight to stay alive. With rations in short supply, and marauding bands of thieves and cannibals on the search for a new source of food, Emma Anderson and her little family of 8 surviving misfit children must find a way to stay alive in the once proud country of France. But when the mists encroach towards her young daughter, she is relieved and awed by a group of men and their leader when they are seemingly able to control the mists. And to ensure their continued safety, Emma offers herself up to the man in charge. But Emma was secretly hoping that one day she would find her husband and eldest daughter alive and doing well.

Arthur is a leader. An alpha male whose word is law and a once proud military man, Arthur must defend and protect his encampment in the outskirts of France. Daily he and his men must patrol and hunt for supplies as well as fighting the rogue band of cannibalistic warriors and ward off other encampments hoping to procure their supplies. But when a beautiful young woman with blonde hair offers herself up to protect the children, Arthur’s heart begins to thaw, if only for a short time. People are dying and they had to find a way to survive.

The poisonous mists are a mystery. Approximately eleven months earlier, a seemingly harmless mist appeared over the Arctic Circle, devouring everything in its’ path-everything that contained minerals. But a side effect of the mists was an increase in human psychic energy. Many of the survivors had developed some powers and that included Emma and her daughter Mandy.

Throughout the story we are taken on an adventure in survival 101. Death is always present especially when many of the people would quickly succumb to the mists poisonous side-effects. But Arthur had a secret and a few at the encampment and surrounding sites knew, and it was with that secret that many feared and hated Arthur for the man he was Before the Day. Now Arthur appears to be the only one who is able to control the mists and it was a secret that Emma wanted to know.

Emma and Arthur’s relationship begins as an exchange to keep the children safe-their safety is guaranteed as long as Emma remains as Arthur’s mate. But as the storyline develops, we are witness to a man who never believed he was able or capable of finding love with a woman such as Emma. As their love for each other grows, so does the distance between them with the knowledge that each is hiding something from the other. And it is Emma’s desire to find her husband that will set a series of events between she and Arthur on a road to heartbreak and horror.

Death is a fact of life among the encampments as madness and psychotic breakdowns begin to eat away at the surviving hordes. Day after day, people hoping to find safety are willingly offering themselves to the camp, in order to be shielded from the mists, because Arthur has somehow protected his camp. But over time the camp has amassed a group of people who were once professionals in the Before. Doctors, engineers, cooks and scientists will gather to determine if there is a possibility of life in the After. But Emma will learn that life as she now knew it, was not necessarily an act of God, but an act of war that went horribly wrong.

FALLEN is a remarkable and well-written story of what people must do to survive. Cannibalism aside, the small bands of survivors are determined to eke out an existence knowing that their lives could end horribly and painfully within a matter of minutes or days. Those with some psychic abilities are sought after and used, but it is Emma’s powers that find her imprisoned in another camp by a one-time associate of Arthur’s.

There is plenty of science fiction and paranormal activity. The minds of the survivors begin to merge as the potential for a collective consciousness known as bio-mind grows stronger within the encampments, but Emma will discover that her abilities are stronger that she had previously proclaimed. And the origins of the mists will force Emma to make a decision that will leave a trail of broken hearts and the thoughts of betrayal foremost on her mind. Some may not agree with what the people must do to survive, but then again, most of us will never know what it is like to live in an apocalyptic nightmare.

LINKS TO ORDER
The Book Depository
Amazon Paper Books
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook and Paper Books
KOBO

Copy supplied by Author

Reviewed by Sandy

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COLD LIGHT (After Trilogy #2) by Traci L Slatton-a review

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COLD LIGHT (After Trilogy #2) by Traci L Slatton-a review

COLD LIGHT (After Trilogy #2) by Traci L Slatton

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / The Book Depository /

COLD LIGHT is the second instalment in Traci L Slatton’s After Trilogy focusing on the aftermath of a biological apocalypse and the men and women forced to make heartbreaking decisions. The storyline takes place 18 months after (Fallen Book #1) Emma escapes the mist-ravaged plains of Europe and the reality that the loss of billions of lives is in the hands of the one man she had grown to love.

With her family together in the safe zone of Edmonton, Emma’s thoughts continued to center around Arthur and his revelation he was responsible for the mind-altering/life consuming destructive mists that are relentless on their path of destruction. But safety in the zone is short lived when her eldest daughter Beth is abducted and held hostage in a rogue encampment hundreds of kilometers away. Knowing she would risk everything for the safe return of her daughter, Emma embarks on a frozen trek against deadly odds and an even deadlier enemy to free her daughter from a man who once owed her a debt.

Arthur’s search for Emma had taken 18 months across land and ocean, and his discovery of his lost love in a small town in Canada both shocked and surprised. With his family of gifted survivors, Arthur’s passion for survival is second to his love for the woman whose heart he had destroyed. But the happiness of finding Emma is short lived when she announces her plans to rescue her daughter and regardless of the love she felt for Arthur, her number one priority was her child. Knowing he would never let her go, Arthur and the others resign themselves to a deadly adventure to reunite Emma and her daughter. As both the hero and the anti-hero Arthur is a charismatic leader. He commands a presence like no other, and the lives of the survivors now depend on the man who is responsible for the loss of billions worldwide.

Once again, Traci reunites Emma with the many fascinating characters she learned to call family. Laurette and her haughty French ideals: Robert and his pregnant wife Jeannie: Kangee and her ability to teleport: Theo and Marco looking for a lost love. And the bittersweet reunion between Emma and Arthur will be tested, when Emma’s husband Haywood surprises the group with his determination to keep his family together. But when Emma and Arthur discover the identity of the man responsible for the abduction of Beth, they know that the real target is Arthur-for he will be made to suffer for the many losses of life, especially one in particular back home.

Emma’s courage is only matched by her determination to find her daughter. But her heart is torn between the man whom she married and the man to whom she has fallen in love. Although there is a long history between Emma and her husband, not once is there a mention that Haywood is in love with his wife. His ability to see the varying futures will place him on one-way path to imprisonment and destruction, but the life of his daughter will outweigh any thoughts of self-preservation and survival. And when he is willing to die for the release of his daughter, it will be Emma who acknowledges that she loves the man for his determination and drive, but she is also in love with the man who has destroyed much of the world.

Arthur’s relentless pursuit of Emma is both heartbreaking and remarkable given the circumstances of the day. Finding a woman like Emma is a once in a lifetime occurrence, but his love has forced many of his friends into life-threatening situations. But like family, they argue and fight, and in the end, the survival of one means the survival of them all.

COLD LIGHT is an amazing look at one person’s passion to find someone they love- Arthur’s pursuit of Emma and Emma’s hunt for Beth. The storyline is slow to evolve as Traci takes the reader on a cold, dark and deadly trek across the snow covered fields of Alberta, but once Emma reaches a survival Outpost, the interaction of the characters quickly uncovers a series of plot twists and anxiety ridden re-introductions to the colorful characters from the series first book. Arthur’s reunion with Emma is heart-wrenching and painful knowing he has travelled thousands of mile and 18 months to find the only woman he will ever love.

The character development continues as each of Arthur’s family members seeks to find a place to where they belong. And survival 101 after an apocalyptic nightmare can also mean finding someone to love for all of the right and wrong reasons.

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon Paper Books
Amazon Kindle
The Book Depository
B&N Nook and Paper Books

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied by author.

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SOULED OUT (Volume 1) by Blakely Chorpenning- a review

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Souled Out (Volume #1) by Blakely Chorpenning

SOULED OUT (released July 2012) by Blakely Chorpenning

Ell Clyne is a cypher: a twin: and without a soul. At twenty, she has been a cypher for the Members for 4 years. The Members are the vampire-elite-the political and legal structure for the vampires. With her ability to ‘decipher’ or read souls, she is called upon nightly to reveal the future. But Ell has a secret that she keeps deeply buried-only now it appears that the Members and the Mass have found out the truth.

Working as a cypher for the vampires has a few benefits. A longer life and more money then she knows what to do with. But it ends there. At 16, Ellenore was chosen as the next cypher, but with it came the headaches and the lost connection to her friends, her parents and recently, the connection with her twin sister Myranda. With a deepening depression, Ell continues to pull away from the reality of life and is determined to withdraw from everything. Yet each night, Gabriel continues to bring a parade of people and vampires that the Members need to be read.

Gabriel is a vampire. Working for the Members, Gabriel is charged with bringing anyone the Members considered important to their future. Reading souls was taking a toll on Ell, and Gabriel was one of the few who knew the reason. Gabriel too, had a past he keeps hidden. But there was more to their relationship than professional courtesy-the continuous battle of wills between Gabriel and Ell was cracking the façade that Ell wrapped tightly around herself-only Gabriel was aware of what drove Ell and he was hoping for something more.

Seth is another vampire who has crossed paths with Ell on a couple of occasions, but Seth is looking for something more as well. And when Ell suddenly finds the Mass (vigilante vampires) waiting for her return, it will be Seth and Gabriel who take it upon themselves to be bodyguard and guardian-only neither has the ability to stop the Mass from attacking their intended victim. And Ell will find herself beaten, near death and buried alive with no hope for rescue. But sometimes friends will reveal themselves at the strangest places and times.

When Ell is brought before the Members, it is Gabriel who will stand by her side. But when the truth is finally revealed, 2 sets of twins-one set once thought to be close-and the other set- still farther apart-will be pulled into a melee of betrayal and conspiracy of a jealous sibling. No one had ever said family was easy.

The character of Ell is in a world of hurt. Perceived rejection by her parents and her sister, as well as the continuous strain of the cypher, will pull Ell into a deepening spiral of self-loathing, self-doubt and anxiety befitting every psychiatrists nightmare. And it will take 2 strong vampires to show her that life doesn’t end, when your family calls it quits.

SOULED OUT is a fascinating look at the vampire storyline. Not your typical vampire genre, Souled Out is a mix of the paranormal and urban fantasy. A story replete with the powers of an aging witch, Souled Out is a dark tale of betrayal at the deepest level. Another unique and interesting vampire novel and a couple of vampire myths –shot all to hell. An excellent read.

LINKS TO PURCHASE:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Book

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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