AUDIOBOOK REWIEW: Jeaniene Frost's THIS SIDE OF THE GRAVE (The Night Huntress Bk 5)

Title: THIS SIDE OF THE GRAVE (The Night Huntress Bk 5)
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
Release Date: February 22, 2011
Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks; MP3 Unabridged
List Price: $29.95
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781441785633
ISBN-13: 978-1441785633



My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 5/5
Characters Development: 4/5
Ending: 4.5/5
Narrator: 5/5
Cover Art: 5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 43/45 = 95%


Synopsis

Danger waits on both sides of the grave… Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they’ve triumphed over the latest battle, Cat’s new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance. With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous “ally”—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war—to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

My Review

(THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS)
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Unlike many of the other Night Huntress fans, I didn’t have a 2 year wait between DESTINED FOR AN EARLY GRAVE and THIS SIDE OF THE GRAVE. I was lucky enough to introduced to this series via audiobooks. When the this series was released at Audible.com late last year, I devoured each book as it was came out. This series is a witty, sexy, and emotional joyride, that you never want to end.

Cat’s really come into her own in this book. She didn’t want to hide or apologize for what she has become. She finally understands what it takes to be a leader and keep your people safe. Sometimes violence is the only alternative, when your authority is being challenged. She is also finally completely letting her walls down when if comes to Bones. She has always loved him and been attracted to him, but she’s always held a bit of herself back. She finally laid all her cards on the table for the husband.

As in all of the previous Night Huntress Series books, THIS SIDE OF THE GRAVE’s secondary character are just as amazing as it’s primary characters. I probably love Vlad just as much as I love Bones. He is hysterical! When he steps into a screen, you know you are in for a treat. He really is instrumental in helping Cat realize what it means to me a leader. It was also wonderful to get to see Night Huntress World characters Denise and Spade, along with Kira and Menchere. While it was great saying hello to old favorites, we also had to say goodbye an important characters. Though this character wasn’t always my favorite, he always did what he felt was right. He will be greatly missed!

I have always felt that Jeaniene Frost’s writing in The Night Huntess Series is bloody brilliant! She has a very good balance of humor, drama, sexuality, and heartfelt emotions. I mean who else could come up, “garlic plus ganja equaled ghosts be gone”? This book have sooo many amazing quotes from this book. One of my very favorites was, “Ask me if I sparkle and I‘ll kill you where you stand.” I honestly laughed out loud on the plane, while listening to this audiobook. I’m pretty sure the other passengers thought I was crazy!

If you are a fan Jeaniene Frost‘s series, I recommend that you pick up this series on audiobook. Reading this book and listening to it, are two totally different experiences. Never in my mind, could I dream up the amazing accents that Tavia Gilbert uses in this series. The characters range voices range from New Orleans honeyed French Creole to proper British gentlemen, and Tavia make them all shine!

If you are a big fan of the Urban Fantasy genre, this series is a MUST HAVE on your book shelf. I recommend Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress World series also. This series is meant to complement the Night Huntress Series, and give you a glimpse into the lives of some of my other favorite characters.


Related Websites

http://jeanienefrost.com/
http://twitter.com/jeaniene_frost
http://www.blackstoneaudio.com/audiobook.cfm?id=6245
http://www.blackstoneaudio.com/Search.cfm?search=Tavia%20Gilbert


This Side of the Grave - Trailer

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Kim Harrison's Pale Demon (The Hollow's Bk 9)

Title: Kim Harrison
Author: PALE DEMON (The Hollow’s Bk 9)
Narrator: Marguerite Gavin
Release Date: February 22, 2011
Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks; MP3 Unabridged
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1441776303
ISBN-13: 978-1441776303



My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Originality of Plot: 4.5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 4.5/5
Narration: 5/5
Cover Art: 5/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5
Overall: 44/45 = 98%

Synopsis

To save her life, bounty hunter and witch Rachel Morgan must overturn a death sentence, outwit a demon assassin, and endure a cross-country drive with a vampire, an elf, and a pixy in this latest kick-ass adventure in the Hollows series. Condemned to death for black magic and shunned, Rachel Morgan has three days to somehow get to the annual witches’ conference 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 elfin tycoon Trent Kalamack, headed for the West Coast for his own mysterious business. But Rachel isn’t the only passenger along for the ride. Can a witch, an elf, a living vampire, and a pixy survive in one car for over 2,300 miles—and that’s not counting the assassin on their tail. For 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 fearless witch will do whatever it takes to stay alive, even embracing her own demonic nature may not be enough to save her.

My Review

(THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS)
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An elf, a witch, avamp, and a pixie walk into a restaurant. No this isn’t a joke, it’s Pale Damon, the ninth book in Kim Harrison’s Hollows’ Series. Rachel Morgan, shunned witch and paranormal bounty hunter, is on the road-trip from hell with her business partners Jenks and Ivy along with everyone’s favorite sexy elf Trent Kalamack.

Rachel had so much to overcome in this book. She’s a shunned witch with very little chance of making it through this road-trip alive. She’s making smarter choices, and finally tapping more into her demonic sidee. I was happy to see that she is starting to see that her demonic nature isn’t always a bad thing, as long as she used her powers for good purposes.

As in every Hollows book, Rachel love life is in shambles! It seems like the only person Rachel didn’t kiss/make-out with was Jenks, and I’m pretty sure that if he had been big enough she might have tried. All of these possible love matches, and she can’t find love again (R.I.P Kisten). My heart breaks for her! However, I was a little unsettled by Rachel’s lack of feelings towards Pierce in the first half of this book. It was almost like he didn’t exist. I love Rachel and Ivy’s bittersweet ‘good-bye’ scene. It was so heart wrenching and full of tightly held emotions. It brought me to tears. I have to admit, that at times in this series I have wanted Ivy and Rachel to be together.

As much as have fantasized about Rachel and Trent together, I shocked at how I loved their dream/reality make-out scene. I never thought I’d see the day that Trent cared about someone other then himself. He was the real stand-out character in this book for me. His character grew by leaps and bounds. He was not only able to work his way into Rachel’s life, but I believe he has gained Jenks’ trust. Plus, who would have guessed that Trent would be a father!!! I’m not going to lie, but for a minute I may have pictured Trent, Rachel and the baby as a happy little family.

I had two minor problems with this book. First, I felt that Pierce was ignored for the most part of the beginning of this book. I really loved the relationship blossoming between Pierce and Rachel in the previous book, and I was let down by his absence. Once he was brought back into the story, I felt that he was overlooked. Second, I was also annoyed at the way Rachel reacted to him. She had already taken herself out of the relationship mentally before it really even had a chance. Very sad!

I absolutely adore Marguerite Gavin’s narrations of The Hollow’s series. Hearing her narration Pale Demon felt like going home again. She is The Hollows to me. Even when I read this series, I can almost her reading the story to me. She does such an amazing job narrating the many Hollows characters that span different cultural backgrounds and eras. Her voice really draws you into the story with her emotional narration.

I believe that Kim Harrison stated on her blog, that this book is her favorite of the series so far, and I whole-heartedly agree. This book was not just a road trip, but story filled with personal growth, friendships forged, and trust cemented. If you are a fan of this genre and haven’t yet picked up The Hollow’s series, run right out and pick it up now!


The Hollows Series

1- Dead Witch Walking
2- The Good, The Bad, and The Undead
-- Undead in The Garden of Good and Evil--Ivy novella in the anthology Dates From Hell.
3- Every Which Way But Dead
4- A Fistful of Charms
-- Dirty Magic--Mia short story in the anthology Hotter Than Hell.
5- For A Few Demons More
-- The Bridges of Eden Park-Kisten/Rachel short in the US mass market edition of For a Few Demons More
-- Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel--Robbie/Rachel/Pierce novella in the anthology Holidays from Hell
6- The Outlaw Demon Wails
-- The Bespelled-Ceri/Al short story in the US mass market edition of The Outlaw Demon Wails
7- White Witch, Black Curse
-- Ley Line Drifter--Bis/Jenks novella in anthology Unbound
8- Black Magic Sanction
9- Pale Demon


Related Websites

Kim Harrison's Website

Kim Harrison's Blog

Kim Harrison's Twitter

Purchase Pale Demon - Blackstone Audio

Marguerite Gavin - Narrator




The Hollows Series Video

REVIEW: Richelle Mead's IRON CROWNED (Dark Swan, Book 3)

Title: IRON CROWNED (Dark Swan, Book 3)
Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: March 1, 2011
List Price: $7.99
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420111795
ISBN-13: 978-1420111798


My Ratings

Plot: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Originality of Plot: 4/5
Characters Development: 4.5/5
Ending: 5/5
Cover Art: 4/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 5/5

Overall: 34.5/40 = 86%


First Line

“Don’t confuse fairy queens with fairy princesses.”

Synopsis

Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham is the best at banishing entities trespassing in the mortal realm. But as the Thorn Land’s queen, she’s fast running out of ways to end the brutal war devastating her kingdom. Her only hope: the Iron Crown, a legendary object even the most powerful gentry fear…

Who Eugenie can trust is the hardest part. Fairy king Dorian has his own agenda for aiding her search. And Kiyo, her shape-shifter ex-boyfriend, has every reason to betray her along the way. To control the Crown’s ever-consuming powers, Eugenie will have to confront an unimaginable temptation--one that will put her soul and the fate of two worlds in mortal peril…

My Review

(THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS)
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Eugenie Markham is a girl torn between two worlds, two men, and the two halves of herself. While she has stepped up in her duties as the Thorn Lands queen, she is beginning to neglect her shaman duties in the mortal realm. War is brewing, and Eugenie is smack dab in the middle of it. Who can she trust? Who has will have her back? And will it be the King or the Kitsune, to fully capture her heart?

The Dark Swan series and I have a iffy relationship in the past. I love Richelle Mead and her Vampire Academy and Georgina Kincaid series, so I picked-up this series. I’ve enjoyed this series, but not I didn’t fall in-love like I did with her other two series. I am very fond of Eugenie, Kiyo, and Dorian in their best moments, but sometimes I just want to chuck the book at the wall.

This book is the best in this series so far. It’s the obligatory book #3 in the series, so I knew it would be an emotional roller-coaster. I love how Dorian has stepped up to back Eugenie and the Thorn Land. I love how easy things can be between Eugenie and Kiyo in the real world. This series is fast paced and keeps me thinking three steps ahead of myself. I was so happy that Eugenie and her sister were finally able to come to understanding. It’s like Jasmine is being able to claim what little childhood she has left.

This story does have some small issue for me. I didn’t like that Eugenie was able to jump from Dorian to Kiyo so quickly. Eugenie gets angry at Dorian for doing exactly what you expect him to do. She was shocked and appalled at his behavior. Come on Eugenie, use the brain I know Richelle Mead gave you. I also saw the pregnancy coming a mile away!!! I mean what self-respecting 20-something female, doesn’t know antibiotics and birth control do not mix. That along with not having ‘actual sex’ with Dorian the last time they were together. I kind-of expect more of Richelle Mead’s writing.

One thing I find very interesting about this series, is that I am never sure whether Eugenie should pick Dorian or Kiyo. Usually, I gravitate to one romantic lead, and don’t change teams. As soon as I think I have absolutely mind made up that she should be with Dorian, he does something to screw it up and vise-versa. I can’t say that I have ever felt this strongly about a love triangle. I mean previous to this book I felt that both characters filled a part in Eugenie’s life: Dorian filled the fey part of her heart and Kiyo filled the human part of her heart. That being said, I was never sure either character could make her completely happy. I think that with Eugenie’s choice to embrace more of one side of herself, she may be drawing closer to one guy more then the other.

This is the first book in the Dark Swan series that can be help up the same emotional caliber, as her two other series. This book kept me on my toes all the time. You never knew who Eugenie should really trust, and who would end up stabbing her in the back.


Dark Swan Series Books 1-3




Author's Websites

http://www.richellemead.com/
http://twitter.com/RichelleMead
http://www.facebook.com/richellemeadfanpage?ref=ts
http://blue-succubus.livejournal.com/

LOST IN AUSTEN: What book would you like get lost in?

This weekend I found myself sitting on my couch with my bff, two small cartons of Ben & Jerry's, and Lost in Austen on mini-series on DVD. I mean, what girl doesn't want a little Darcy, Bingley, & Wickham in there weekend?

The plot centers around Amanda Price, who lives in present day London, with her lazy boyfriend Michael. When Amanda's life gets down, she escapes into the arms of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. One day, Amanda opens her bathroom door only to find her favorite heroin Elizabeth Bennett standing there. The two decide to swap lives. Amanda steps through a door in her bathroom, and finds herself plunged right into the beginning Pride and Prejudice. Amanda has to find her way through Ms. Austen's world, with out upsetting books time-line. Unfortunately, her visit does not go unnoticed by many of the male characters, and Amanda spends most of the movie trying to make sure that the right characters end up together.

I really loved this DVD. It was great seeing a fresh take on this Classical story. I also enjoyed finding out new details about old characters, that could only observed by Amanda. I particularly enjoyed the new look at Wickham and Mrs. Bennett's characters. This is a must have for all Jane Austen fans!

With Lost in Austen and books like Shannon Hale's Austenland, I started thinking to myself, "What book would I most like to find myself in?"

Since, Pride and Prejudice is already taken, I'll have to go with another of my favorites. I'd have to pick Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake Series. I mean I wouldn't switch places with Anita, cause I am pretty sure I would need her to protect me! I love the series mix of mythical creatures with the present day. I think Laurell K. Hamilton has done such an amazing job in her world building, that she makes the vamps and weres seem like they belong in St. Louis.

Tell me what book or series you would most like to be a part of?

INTERVIEW & CONTEST: Molly Harper

This is a week of big releases. One book I have been really looking forward to, is HOW TO FLIRT WITH A NAKED VAMPIRE by Molly Harper. She is also the author of the Nice Girls series, which follows ex-children's librarian, turned vampire Jane Jameson and her many shenanigans. Molly has been kind enough to stop by and answer a few questions about HOW TO FLIRT WITH A NAKED VAMPIRE and her other amazing books. Also, scroll down to the bottom of this post for my HOW TO FLIRT WITH A NAKED VAMPIRE eBook contest!!!


Title: HOW TO FLIRT WITH A NAKED VAMPIRE
Author: Molly Harper
Release Date: February 22, 2011
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Pocket
List Price: $7.99
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439195862
ISBN-13: 978-1439195864



Molly Harper - Q & A


Q: What lead you to first start writing? Tell us about yourself.

MH: I’ve been writing ever since I was very young. My mom remembers an 8 year old me, setting up a “writing office” in the living room, complete with an old manual typewriter and a toy phone. Still, I never considered a writing career until a high school English teacher compared me to Erma Bombeck. I became more interested in column writing and journalism. I majored in print journalism at Western Kentucky University. After graduation, I got a job at my hometown newspaper, The Paducah Sun and married my high school sweetheart, David, a local police officer. After six years at the newspaper, I took a more family-friendly secretarial position at a local church office.

David worked nights and I was alone with our young daughter in the “The Apartment of Lost Souls,” where small appliances went to die. It was either go nuts or write a book. A big fan of vampire movies and TV shows, I decided to write a vampire romance novel. I wondered what would be the most humiliating way possible to be turned into a vampire—a story that a vampire would be embarrassed to share with their vampire buddies over a nice glass of Type O.

The story that emerged was that of Jane Jameson, a single, almost-30 librarian working in Half-Moon Hollow, Ky. Despite the fact that she’s pretty good at her job, she just got canned so her boss could replace her with someone who occasionally starts workplace fires. Jane drowns her sorrows at the local faux nostalgia-themed sports bar. On her way home, she’s mistaken for a deer and shot by a drunk hunter. And then she wakes up as a vampire.

It took me a year to write the book, but only three months to find an agent, Stephany. We signed a representation agreement and two weeks later, I was driving to the post office. The cell phone rang. It was Stephany and I asked if I should pull over. And it was a good thing she did because I started squealing like a five-year-old girl when she told me there was an offer. I hung up and the phone, and then immediately called back because I thought I hadn’t said thank you. She assured me that I had, several times, but calling back was a nice gesture. And then I called my husband and burst into tears.

Q: What should people know about HOW TO FLIRT WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF?

MH: I wrote a good bit of the initial notes for HOW TO FLIRT WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF during the January 2009 ice storm. Thousands of homes in Kentucky, including mine, lost power. With no light, heat or hot water, my family had to bunk at my inlaws’ house. My husband was working twelve-hour emergency shifts. This left me with our six-month-old and five-year-old. All day long. With nothing to distract them except crayons and matchbox cars. And Darcy could not understand why the TV wouldn’t come on. It was either come up with a new book or just go straight-up crazy Jack Nicholson style. By the time the power came on a week later, I had about 20 pages of notes.

Q: Tell us a little about Mo and Cooper?

MH: Mo moves to Grundy, Alaska to escape her intrusive, hippie parents. But even in Grundy, it’s unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, that merits attention. For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his dysfunctional pack, it’s love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, he’s worried that he might be the violent canine in question.

If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if he’s not responsible, then who is?

Q: This book is part of a series, how many books will be in this series?

MH: I have plans for a third, but I don't know whether that will be picked up.

Q: Do you normally write to music? If so, what would be on your HOW TO FLIRT WITH A NAKED WEREWOLF soundtrack?

MH: I do listen to music when I write. In fact, I've posted the playlist I used while writing this book on my blog.

Q: The cover art for this series and AND ONE LAST THING is beautiful, who is the artist?

MH: The fabulously talented Renata Dibiase. I love her!

Q: Which of your characters is your favorite? Why?

MH: Probably Jane, because she's so similar to me, from our social ineptitude to our shared clumsiness. I once went on vacation and was stung by a jellyfish, suffered a puncture wound from a wrought iron pineapple and was struck in the cleavage by a flying champagne cork all in the span of a day or two. I based Jane’s multiple humiliations on real life experiences… though I have never been mistaken for a deer and shot.

And she’ll always be my favorite, I think, because she was the first heroine I was able to bring to life.

Q: So far, which book has been the hardest to write?

MH: The second Nice Girls book, NICE GIRLS DON'T DATE DEAD MEN. I had to rewrite that thing five times. By the time I was done, I was mentally exhausted.

Q: Your dialogue is full of snaky comments and funny one-liners. Does funny come naturally to you?

MH: My parents are the funniest people ever. If you wanted to survive Thanksgiving, you learned to quip.

Q: What is coming up next for you?

MH: Well, the sequel to HOW TO FLIRT, will come out on March 29, 2011. It's called, THE ART OF SEDUCING A NAKED WEREWOLF.

Q: What are you currently reading?

MH: BRUSH OF DARKNESS by Allison Pang. There's a foul mouthed unicorn. That's all I have to say.

Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

MH: Contemporary romance.

Q: What is your favorite television show?

MH: Ever? Probably Buffy. Currently on TV? The Office.

Q: Which authors do you admire?

MH: Teresa Medeiros, Nora Roberts, Stephen King, Olivia Goldsmith, and a lot more.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure?

MH: Chinese food. I've never met a fried dumpling I didn't like.

Q: Which is sexier: vampires, werewolves, or snaky writers that lock themselves inside lake cabins?

MH: I'm going to say sexy, snarky writers who lock themselves away in cabins. Because I know those guys actually exist!!

Q: If you had your choice between a naughty or nice book, which would you pick on a cold winter’s night?

MH: Naughty, how else am I supposed to keep warm?

Thanks Molly, for taking the time to stop-by and answer a few questions! Congratulation on the up-coming release of HOW TO FLIRT WITH A NAKED VAMPIRE. Just like your other books, I'm sure this one will be witty, sexy, and refreshing.

Molly Harper - Books

ENTER TO WIN: HOW TO FLIRT WITH A NAKED VAMPIRE

Enter below for the chance to win one an eBook copy of Molly Harper's HOW TO FLIRT WITH A NAKED VAMPIRE. The contest closes Saturday, March 5, 2011 at midnight. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have FIVE days to respond & claim their prize! Since I'm gifting this eBook through Amazon.com, the winner must be have a US amazon.com account set up to receive their prize.

Here is what you need to do:

• In the contest entry box below, please leave your first name/last initial and e-mail address
• Link contest via Twitter/Facebook/Blog 1 point for each link provided.
• Follow this blog for bonus 2 points! (button located on left-hand side)
• Follow my twitter for bonus 2 points! (button located on left-hand side)

Rules and Legal Disclaimers:

• I will use random.org to choose the winner.
• Contest is open to readers in the USA only.
• The winner has FIVE days, from the day I e-mail them, to claim your prize. Failure to contact me result in forfeit of your prize. At that time, I will choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
• These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
  
• Contest is void where prohibited.
• By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry.

(Scroll down in the box to fill in contest information)

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Jaye Wells' THE MAGE IN BLACK

Title: THE MAGE IN BLACK (Sabina Kane bk 2)
Author: Jaye Wells
Narrator: Cynthia Holloway
Release Date: September 22, 2010
List Price: $19.99
Audio CD: Unabridged, MP3 CD
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400169038
ISBN-13: 978-1400169030



My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Originality of Plot: 5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 5/5
Cover Art: 4/5
Narrator : 9.5/10
Likelihood to Recommend: 4.5/5

Overall: 47/50 = 94%


First Line

The Kum-N-Go's roadside-chic interior was bathed in a sickly fluorescent glow.

Synopsis

Sabina Kane, the fierce, sexy, take-no-prisoners half-mage/ half-vampire assassin, returns in this jaw-dropping sequel to Red-Headed Stepchild.

Sabina Kane doesn't have the best track record when it comes to family. After all, her own grandmother, leader of the vampire race, wants her dead. So when she arrives in New York to meet her mage relatives, the reunion puts the fun in dysfunctional. Not only is mage culture completely bizarre, but everyone seems to think she's some kind of 'Chosen' who'll unite the dark races. Sabina doesn't care who chose her, she's not into destiny. But the mages aren't Sabina's only problem. In New York's Black Light District, she has run-ins with fighting demons, hostile werewolves and an opportunistic old flame. Sabina thought she'd take a bite out of the Big Apple - but it looks like it wants to bite back.

My Review

Vamps and Mages and Weres! Oh my! Sabina Kane, ex-assassin for the Dominae, is traveling to New York with her sexy mage partner Adam to meet her long-lost twin sister. To say Sabina Kane has trust issues, would be the understatement of the century! Her grandmother, the only family she ever known, tried to kill her. She is now being hunted by the Dominae and her grandmother. Will her sister be the key to taking down the Dominae? Will connecting with her mage side, make her more powerful or create more issues? And will a powerful ex-fling coming back into her life, drive a wedge between Adam and Sabina?

I love the way Jaye Wells mixes the preternatural creatures in her Sabina Kane series. Sure she isn’t the first author to do this, but I felt that the was she approached the idea was fresh and different. She brought vampires, mages, fey, weres, and demons into the present, without feeling fake or forced. I also really enjoyed how she examined what it is like to live a dual life. I mean, how many half-vamp, half-mages are there? How does a person associate with a side of herself that she never even knew there? This is also very unique and important storyline.

Sabina is an amazing, kick-butt heroin! She is a physically, mentally, and now magically strong character. Even after having her love shoved back at her by her own grandmother, Sabina is willing to let her twin sister Maisie into her life. She also has a bit of a stumble emotionally, but she admited to her downfalls and picked her self up brilliantly. She proveed that she is resilient and amazing, if only she could let open her heart romantically.

The secondary character in this story take on a life of their own and love them for it! Giguhl is probably one of the most hysterical character I’ve ever read. He’s clever, he lacks social grace, and should never be let loose in high society! Most of my favorite quotes come from him. Maisie, Adam, and Slade also make great additions to the cast. I believe that they have helped Sabina open up emotionally, even after being shut down for so long.

Cynthia Holloway’s narration of this series is one word, brilliant! She is actually one of my favorite audiobook narrators, and the main reason I picked up this series on audiobook rather then eBook. She has a great variation in voices for each character, and really draws the reader in. Plus, no one does sexy like Ms. Holloway!

This is audiobook is a fast-pasted, emotionally packed joy ride from page one, with an ending that will leave the readers begging for the next book in this series.

Sabina Kane Series

Related Websites

Jaye Wells' Site
Jaye Wells' Twitter
The Mage in Black Audiobook - Tantor Media


Author Video - Jaye Wells reading The Made in Black

After seeing this video, I just couldn't help but add it to this review. I have one thing to say, Jaye Wells is hysterical!!!

INTERVIEW: Shayne Leighton OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS

Today, I am pleased to bring you a special guest, debut author Shayne Leighton. She was gracious enough to stop by and answer a few questions about her upcoming book
OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS.

Book Synopsis

Abandoned as an infant in Prague, Charlotte Ruzikova was raised by Valek, one of the last Vampires left alive. Genocide and war conflicts their secret society nestled deep in the woods of Eastern Europe.
But when the dictator in power becomes threatened by evil lurking in Valek's past, Charlotte must find a way to fight for the only one she's ever loved and the only thing she has ever truly believed in...and all before the sun comes up.



Shayne Leighton - Q & A

Q: What lead you to first start writing?

SL: I started writing very young. I remember writing my first short story in elementary school about what it would be like to live in a giant bubble. (To this day, that is still one of my favorite stories I've ever written!) For some reason, I have always had this wildly active imagination. I was never able to draw very well, so I suppose I found writing as the best thing for me to have some sort of creative outlet. My mom also loves all things magical and fairy-like. I grew up around a lot of fantasy, which I think just fed my imagination more.


Q: Tell us a little about your background?

SL: Born and raised in one of the most boring places imaginable...South Florida. I'm sure there are few people reading this with wide eyes, thinking, "Florida? Boring?" Yes. Unless you have a penthouse in Miami, Florida is boring. The amount of "snow-birds" - (elderly people that migrate down here for the winder) are unimaginable...which also makes driving impossible. I'm one of those people that would be most happy living in a flowery cottage in the middle of the woods on a mountain (as long as a large, exciting city was only a few miles away.) Yes, I am an idealist. My mom's side of the family is Russian and Lithuanian (and has the largest impact on my life), my father's side is British. My adopted, extended family is Czech (hence my fascination and my writing an entire novel series on the subject.) - I think that sums it up pretty nicely.


Q: Vampires seem to be the hot topic to write about. Why did you choose to write about vampires?

SL: A lot of people have been asking me this question, and I love answering it. I was first introduced to the vampire by one of my closest friends in high school. This was after "Twilight" had first been released. I knew this friend was really into vampires, and I was excited to tell her about this new book I had found. She read it, and to my surprise, didn't find any taste for it (though many of my other friends did.) She said to me, "You want real vampires? I'll show you real vampires..." One night, we all curled up around the television in her living room and she popped in Anne Rice's "Interview with the Vampire" with Tom Cruise and most importantly...Brad Pitt. The rest is history. I guess you can say I was *bitten* by the vampire bug (haha). After that, I read (and watched) Bram Stoker's "Dracula", I read Anne Rice's chronicles in their entirety. I had no idea how fascinating I was going to personally find this mythos. Paired with my love of European history, this was perfect! I didn't choose vampires because I wanted to jump on the bandwagon (though that is perfectly okay :D ) In fact, I knew the over-saturation might actually hurt me. But I chose to focus on them anyway, simply because I am so fascinated and in love with the idea. I think writers write their best work when they write about something they are passionate about. I love dark, twisted fantasy. Could I write a post-Civil War book? Probably. Would it be as good? Probably not. :-)


Q: Why did you pick the Czech Republic for the location of your first book?

SL: Like I said, I love Europe. One city in Europe that (until very recently with all of the "Mission Impossible" hype) never got a lot of attention, was Prague. I think Prague seems like one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and you don't always hear about it. There are so many stories set in London and Paris. From my research and the photos I've seen, Prague is just as beautiful, if not more beautiful, than these other more popular cities. Because of the dark history and so much gothic architecture (like a place Tim Burton would set one of his films), it just seemed like the perfect place for vampires to thrive. A lot of articles also say that Prague is the most haunted city in the world, making it the perfect backdrop for magical beings. I'm really excited to bring this nation's rich culture and history more to the forefront.


Q: What should people know about OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS?

SL: The only thing potential readers should know is, OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS is not going to be at all what you expect. There are a lot of young adult epics set in the modern day, and a lot of them seem to run together because of the similar themes, settings, obstacles, etc. OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS doesn't read like any other young adult paranormal that I've come across so far. It's a little darker, a little more adult, and it definitely tests the boundaries of what is generally acceptable in this genre. I can't give away too much about the story yet, but soon, you'll see what I mean. (evil grin)


Q: Tell us a little about your heroin Charlotte?

SL: Charlotte is one of my favorite characters I have ever written. She is completely pure and innocent (almost doll-like) - sheltered from the dangers of the "real world". But after everything I put her through in this story, she becomes this strong, damaged, flawed, power-house of a character. Somehow, even after many harsh reality-checks and falls-from-grace, she still maintains this impossibly innocent, little-girl-like quality. She's a twisted, little, doll and I love her.


Q: Who is your favorite character in OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS, and why they are your favorite?

SL: This is a loaded question, because I love them all so equally. I think Valek is a fabulous hero, because he is imperfect. He makes horrible mistakes, but at the end, you still fall for him, which I think is important. But I guess my favorite character, simply because he is one of the most interesting, is Francis. I loosely based him off of Prince Poppycock from the 2010 season of America's Got Talent. That might sound a little lame (to base a vampire off of a reality show contestant - even though I thought John Quale was the most TALENTED guy on that show and in the entertainment business in general - love him), Francis is amazing. He's super witty, with biting remarks and a short fuse of a temper. He's spoiled and extremely self-centered, but his heart still manages to be in the right place. Even though he doesn't want anyone to know it, he is secretly a very caring and loving character who only searches for love in return. If I could be friends with anyone of my characters in real life, Francis would be it. When the film gets made, I actually hope to approach John Quale for the role of Francis. :-)


Q: Do you have a publication date for OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS?

SL: Not yet, sadly. The novel is still neck-deep in the editing stages. My first round of edits has been completed, waiting on the second round to come from my editor. But I'm sure it will be announced some time very soon and I'll be sure to let everyone know on the book's Facebook page and on the official blog I'll also say, that when the book's release date is announced, I'll also be releasing something VERY special on that day that will be paired with the selling of the book. Can't post any details yet, but keep a look out for some teasers! I think my potential readers will really get excited about it!


Q: Is OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS part of a series?

SL: If so, how many books will be in this series? Yes, OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS is such a big story, I had to make it a series. Right now, I'm saying that there will be 5 books in the series...but I'm on the fens about possibly doing more. Depends on my stamina and how well the books are received. :-)


Q: Do you write to music? If so, what would be on your OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS soundtrack?

SL: Yes! Music is one of the things that inspires me most. I always have a soundtrack to back my scenes while I'm writing (especially the exciting scenes)! The entire playlist for the first book can be found here.

Q: What are you currently reading?

SL: Hush,Hush and Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick. Loving it so far! I great, new saga! I hope to start Across the Universe next!


Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

SL: Definitely dark fantasy and paranormal romance. I believe we read and watch movies to escape our reality, so why read something set in reality? Fantasy takes you to a whole, new, impossible world and I love that! Getting lost in a world that's otherwise impossible is always a lot of fun and very interesting.


Q: Do you have a favorite vampire series?

SL: Anne Rice's THE VAMPIRE CHRONICLES, naturally. Lestat is, in my opinion, the best vampire in literature - and Anne writes so beautifully.


Q: Which authors do you admire?

SL: I love Cynthia Leitich Smith. She's not only extraordinarily talented, she's also been a good, virtual friend of mine for a few years now. Her books TANTALIZE, ETERNAL, and BLESSED are awesome and extremely seductive and I love that. Cynthia and her husband, Greg do so much for the children's and YA lit community and I just think she's a great lady. She always gives me a pep-talk when I'm in need of one. Of course, I also admire Anne Rice because she's so wicked and her writing is so beautiful.


Q: If you have your choice between a naughty or nice book, which would you pick on a cold winters night? Definitely naughty!

SL: Isn't that just more fun? ;-)

Author's Websites

OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS Official Website

OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS on GoodReads

Decadent Publishing Website

Book Trailer

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