• Black Wings
• by Christina Henry
• Paperback: 295 pages
• Publisher: Ace
• Available: November 30th 2010
• Genre: Urban Fantasy
• Source: Publisher
• Reviewed by: Catherine

Escorting souls into the afterlife leaves Maddy little time for socializing-until devilishly handsome Gabriel Angeloscurro agrees to rent the empty apartment in her building. But when demons start appearing on Maddy’s front lawn, she realizes there’s more to her new tenant than meets the eye.

This book turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. Urban Fantasy books seem to be hit or miss with me. First person narrative is not a favorite of mine—it makes me feel like I’m living in a vacuum—and too often I don’t like the heroine. It’s hard for me to read and enjoy a book when I’m stuck in the head of someone I don’t particularly like. I’ve also noticed that quite a few heroines seem to be bitchy and argumentative as shorthand for strong. Unfortunately, bitchy does not equal strong for this reader. My point with this surplus of information is that I actually liked this heroine. She hit me just right.

Another strong point in the book’s favor is the lack of love triangle. Thank you Christina Henry for not including that. I hate them! This book has enough tension and roadblocks in the relationship without the added headache of another man.

This was an incredibly quick read. Once the action starts it just doesn’t stop. You’ll find yourself sucked in and unable to set it down until you read just one more chapter. The writing is smooth and the author did a nice job of spicing the narrative with humor. It achieved a nice balance with the action and never strayed into the slapstick.

Maddy felt very real. Her reactions were more in line with a regular person’s, so it was easy to relate to her. There was even one part where she got her ass kicked and threw up from the pain before passing out. Now, you may wonder why vomit stuck out in my mind enough for me to mention it, but it’s just one more example of her atypical UF heroine behavior. She didn’t gracefully get beat up and still manage to not break a nail. Maddy had some knock-down-drag-out fights and she didn’t always win on her own. She doesn’t come out of the fight with her pride untarnished either. Some of those people cleaned her clock! But I liked it because it was way more believable than an invincible bad ass.

I really loved Maddy’s relationship with Beezle. He was so cute and protective. He was just like a grumpy teddy bear that you wanted to cuddle! His interactions with the people who interacted with Maddy were a lot of fun too. I love when characters have that wise talking sidekick, like Bob in the Harry Dresden series.

This is a UF that actually felt like a UF instead of leaning toward a PNR. There was the beginning of a possible romantic relationship, but that was just a small focus in Maddy’s new life. The most sexual contact you’re going to get is a kiss or two. I didn’t mind though—I actually think it made the book better.

The author did a good job of hooking my interest into Gabriel though. The things that we learned about his past made him very sympathetic—especially because he doesn’t seem to recognize that his life should be any different. Also, the reality that they face with Maddy’s new political position makes me invested in seeing them work it out. I’d probably root for them on pure principle even if I didn’t like them together just to thwart a certain someone who thinks that he can rule Maddy’s life now no matter what.

I really liked the details of the world. Maddy’s job really interested me. I especially was intrigued by the politics of it. How interesting! The new political world that she has stepped into also seems like it’ll be quite fascinating to learn more about. The only real complaint I had about this book was the lack of world building. Don’t get me wrong, I understood her world and I enjoyed it, but there was just something missing for me in the development of it. Possibly the author will add depth as the series unfolds a la Kate Daniels.

The only warning I would give is for those that do not enjoy books that play with how bad Lucifer actually is. If you don’t enjoy anything but the traditional role of Hell and fallen angels you might just want to pass on this one. They weren’t presented as boy scouts or anything, but they weren’t quite as reviled as some might prefer. So be warned!

That leads to one last comment I’d like to make about the author’s style. She had a very clean writing style with the occasional flip into a more descriptive, powerful style. I also really liked the way the angels were portrayed as beautiful, but it was almost a terrifying beauty.

pg. 32: …opened her eyes to find the dark angel blocking out the sky, and all she could see was his awful beauty, haloed in starshine and moonlight, and his black burning eyes. He whispered her name, and his voice wound into her ear and down her throat and under her ribs, and she knew what he had come for.

I just loved the way it was written!

I urge all of you who are interested to go grab a copy of this book and try it out for yourself. Hopefully it works as well for you as it did for me!

Favorite Quote:

pg. 100 His dark eyes were lit by starshine, and I felt I was falling again into the heart of the universe. Not by some spell of Gabriel’s, but by my own foolish wants and needs. He had kissed me to save me–this much I understood. But my heart, my very lonely heart, ached for what I had never known before.

Series list:

1. Madeline Black

GoodReads Reviews

Author’s Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository

Alpha  by Rachel Vincent  Paperback: 472 pages Publisher: Mira Available: October 1st 2010 Genre: Urban Fantasy Source: Purchased by reviewer Reviewed by: Sophia (FV)

The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc, and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder, and treason. Yeah, we’ve been busy. But now it’s time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother’s death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.

It’s not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I’m heading for a final showdown that can–that will–change everything forever. A showdown I’m not sure I’m ready for. But life never waits until you’re ready.

Yet another one of my favorite series has come to an end and it’s bittersweet.  I’m sad that this is the end but on the other hand so glad to see loose ends tied up and happy for the closure on some very intense relationships.  This won’t be a comprehensive review since it would be really hard not to spoil with all the things I want to talk about, but I did want to take a moment to say a few things about this book and the series as a whole since it’s been such an amazing ride with Faythe, Marc, Jace and the rest of Rachel Vincent’s shifters.

Faythe and the South Central pride have been through more than their share of trials and tribulations throughout this series.  In Alpha we see a Faythe Sanders that has come a long way from her early days as a rebellious young woman who tends to act before she thinks.  Although she has matured a great deal, Faythe is still quite flawed even in this final book in the series.  She is still recognizable as the frustrating but very likable character from early on and still retains the qualities that set her apart and make her a stand-out heroine. Her growth throughout the series has been tremendous and yet, she is still Faythe, making me want to throw my Kindle one minute and then cheer her on the next.

Although I knew without a doubt that it was inevitable that certain things had to happen in this book, there are still plenty of surprises and a few shocking moments that kept me riveted and near tears.  I say near tears but in fact I cried all the way through chapter 15.  Rachel Vincent is not afraid of taking chances with beloved characters that will leave you stunned at some point.  I know this from reading previous books in the series but was still surprised as to the truly violent world in which these characters exist.  No character is safe in this world and knowing that, my heart was thumping during the final action scene. 

I had read, previous to reading Alpha, that Rachel Vincent had promised that she would not take Faythe’s big decision away from her by creating a situation where she was left with no choices.  I am so pleased that she held to that promise and in the end, although it was difficult for all involved, it was up to Faythe to make her own decisions regarding her future.  The love triangle has been a heart breaker since the two gentlemen involved are both so deserving of love and happiness.  I’m pleased with the outcome since, to me it was how it was meant to be, however still very sad. 

My only slight disappointment with Alpha is in the ending, I felt it was  abrupt.  While the rest of the story was nicely paced and it was a good build up to the finale, suddenly the end was upon us, loose ends wrapped up quickly and it was over.  Perhaps because I knew this was the end I wanted a little more beyond the final showdown.  I’ve spent a lot of time with these characters and wanted a small peek into their lives beyond the words The End.  I’m selfish that way I guess.

Alpha is a wonderful and exciting end to a favorite series and although I’m sad it’s come to an end I’m happy with how it all played out. 

 

Favorite Quote:

[…] Pain is what I feed from when nothing else will nourish the noxious fury in my heart. It’s what I cling to when everything else – everyone else – slips right between my grasping fingers.

 

 

 

Books in the series include:

• Stray (Shifters, #1)
• Rogue (Shifters, #2)
• Pride (Shifters, #3)
• Prey (Shifters, #4)
• Shift (Shifters, #5)
• Alpha (Shifters, #6)

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author’s Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository

Firewalker by Allyson James  Paperback: 329 pages Publisher: Berkley Available: November 2nd 2010 Genre: Urban Fantasy Source: Author Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

When Mick goes missing, it’s up to Janet to find him and figure out how to keep him safe. She’ll need a little help from her friends, old and new: Nash and Coyote; Cassandra, a wicked Wicca, and a few strange beings who are stirring things up in Magellan.

When Janet receives a desperate magical plea for help from her firewalker boyfriend Mick, she and Sheriff Nash Jones race to rescue him.  Mick has been trapped in fiery prison by the dragon council and it’s up to Janet to find and save him.  Mick is awaiting trial on charges that he disobeyed a direct order to kill Janet whom the dragon council think is evil incarnate and a threat to all kind. 

Janet is the daughter of an Indian shaman and a hell goddess.  She possesses both good earth magic and evil beneath magic and the two sides of her are constantly at battle.  As Janet fights to control her beneath magic from consuming her, she must fight to save Mick from a death sentence for disobeying the dragon council. 

In the small town of Magellan where Janet lives, the grizzly remains of a tourist have been discovered in the desert.  Sheriff Nash Jones is suspicious of everyone and is determined to crack the case even questioning the whereabouts of Janet and Mick at the time of the murder.  When Janet realizes that the murder is supernatural in nature she fears her hell goddess mother or some other god from beneath is involved.  Not only does Janet have dragons breathing down her neck, now she must solve a grizzly murder all while she fights a battle of good and evil within herself. 

Stormwalker is fast paced and action packed, full of gods, magic and mysticism.  It starts off with a fight in lobby of Janet’s hotel and the action just never stops.   Although Mick and Janet’s relationship is still somewhat turbulent at times, we get a little more romance and relationship development than we did in Stormwalker. They spend less time between the sheets this time but the relationship grows  as each realize the depth of their feelings and the lengths they are willing to go to protect each other.

As with the previous book, I am impressed with this paranormal world in which this story takes place.  It’s not overly complicated however Allyson James has created a setting that is vivid, gritty and dangerous, incorporating Native American mysticism into a world where magic is ever present and the paranormal population must govern themselves not only for their own survival but for the survival of all kind.

The secondary characters take on a life of their own and compliment the story well. Their secondary relationships and storylines are both supportive and written with a nice touch of humor. I looked forward to scenes with the magic mirror (yes I consider the mirror a secondary character), and the ongoing rocky relationship between Nash and Maya as well as the ever developing and complicated friendship between Nash and Janet.  And I can’t forget the mysterious horny god who goes by the name Coyote, who may or may not be a threat to Janet.  *g* 

In Firewalker, Allyson James combines mystery and suspense with non-stop action in a world where danger is always present.  The relationship between Janet and Mick is both romantic and scorching hot and with the interesting revelation near the end of the book I look forward more from this series. 

Favorite Quote:

“I don’t give a demon’s dick if they end up pinning one of your wings to the wall in the trophy room”

Series list:

• Stormwalker
• Firewalker
• Shadowwalker (June, 2011)

GoodReads Reviews

Author’s Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository

Double Cross by Carolyn Crane  Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: Spectra Available: September 28, 2010 Genre: Urban Fantasy

SOME SECRETS COME BACK TO HAUNT. OTHERS COME TO KILL…

Justine Jones has lived her life as a fearful hypochondriac until she’s lured into the web of a mysterious mastermind named Packard. He gifts her with extraordinary mental powers-dooming her to fight Midcity’s shadowy war on paranormal crime in order to find the peace she so desperately craves.

But now, serial killers with unheard-of skills are terrorizing the most powerful beings in Midcity, including mastermind Packard – and his oldest friend and worst enemy, Midcity’s new mayor, who has the ability to bend matter itself to his will.

As the body count grows, Justine faces a crisis of conscience as she tests the limits of her new powers and faces an impossible choice between two flawed but brilliant men . . . one on a journey of redemption, and the other descending into a pit of moral depravity.

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

**Possible mild spoilers if you have not read the first book in the series**

After reading Carolyn Crane’s impressive debut Mind Games, the first book in Disillusionists Trilogy, I was eager to read Double Cross.  With all the amazing titles that the urban fantasy genre has to offer these days Ms. Crane had her work cut out for her if I was to be impressed yet again.  The bar has certainly been raised for what I expect in urban fantasy and Double Cross is up against some serious heavy hitters in the genre.  Carolyn Crane hits it out of the park with this second installment in her Disillusionists Trilogy.

Justine Jones is doing her part to rid Midcity of dangerous ‘gifted’ criminals by disillusioning them.  She continues to work with Packard and his group of disillusionists in a effort to rehabilitate and release these criminals that the Mayor of Midcity, Otto Sanchez, has incarcerated using his Highcap abilities.  Although Justine has never been a hundred percent comfortable with what she is doing, it seems like she has found a way, with the help of Packard, to manage her hypochondriac episodes and channel them into doing something positive.  However with her latest case she is not so certain it’s all black and white and she suspects there is a chance her target may actually be innocent.  To further complicate things, a small group of serial killers, called the Dorks are picking off Highcaps one by one.  Otto, Packard, Justine and the disillusionists must work together to end their reign of terror. 

Justine’s personal relationships are as confused as ever.  Justine and Otto are both hypochondriacs who fear vein star syndrome.  They are working on a relationship, but as the new Mayor of Midcity Otto has a lot on his plate and they are not yet on solid ground due to Justine’s previous betrayal.  Justine is also conflicted in her relationship with Packard.  She feels betrayed by Packard yet fights her romantic attraction to him.  Packard makes no secret about his feelings for Justine and feels it’s only a matter of time until she comes around making for an interesting triangle. 

As I read Double Cross I realized that I never felt as though I was a spectator, but instead felt as though I was in the middle of the action at all times.  Carolyn Crane’s writing style brings you in and makes you a part of her story before you even realize you are fully engaged with her characters, and wrapped up in an urban fantasy world that feels real and believable. 

One of my favorite things about this book, as well as it’s predecessor is the clever and subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) humor.  As I said, Ms. Crane has a way of drawing the reader into the story and I found myself laughing for thinking it’s perfectly natural to refer to heinous serial killers as the Dorks. I’m almost ashamed to admit that I found the the combined hypochondria of Justine and Otto ridiculously funny.  One irrational hypochondriac is funny, but double the dose and you’ve got a scene full of win. 

Double Cross certainly lives up to it’s title. Although I’m fairly certain where my loyalties lie, there is still a tiny flicker of doubt as all parties involved are appealing in their own way, yet they are flawed and have given plenty of reason why they should not be fully trusted.  The ending absolutely blew me away and yes, I’ve picked a team…but maybe not.

I loved Mind Games but Double Crossed gave me a good hard shove into crazy, maniacal fan girl territory.  (Don’t be scared CC, I’m harmless).   Double Cross is a must read.

P.S. I’m totally pissed that I read through this book and completely forgot to mark my favorite quotes.  I wonder if forgetfulness is symptom of vein star syndrome?  I’m pretty sure it is, but I forgot. o_O  I’ll have to look that up.  My head feels tingly.  

 

Other books in the series:

• Mind Games

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author’s Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository

Venom by Jennifer Estep Paperback: 416 pages Publisher: Pocket Available: September 28, 2010 Genre: Urban Fantasy

What kind of assassin works pro bono?

It’s hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most. To the public, I’m Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland’s best barbecue joint. To my friends, I’m the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker—Mab’s right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists. At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I’ll take my chances. Then there’s Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland’s finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I’m a cold-blooded killer . . . who is about to save her life.

Reviewed by: Sophia (FV) 

Gin is still officially retired from her trade however she hasn’t stopped flexing her assassin skills.  She’s on a mission to end Mab Monroe, the woman who killed her mother and sister years ago.  But Gin is ever loyal to her friends and family and when she finds out that Mab’s right hand man, giant Elliot Slater is stalking her vampire friend Roslyn, she sets out to put an end to his reign of terror.  She’s also got Jonah McAllister, Mab Monroe’s personal attorney breathing down her neck and maybe even trying to break it.  He suspects Gin had some kind of involvement in his son’s murder, which she did. 

Gin kicks ass, and takes names like no other urban fantasy heroine earning her a spot on my all time favorite heroines list. In Venom, we learn even more about her past through flash backs and thus begin to discover who the real Gin Blanco of today really is.  Although Gin thinks of herself as a cold blooded killer, she is so much more.  She is an intriguing character that can be counted on to do right by those she loves no matter what it takes.

Speaking of love, Gin’s love life has taken an interesting turn.  Owen Grayson is a much bigger part of Gin’s life now and he is determined to win her over.  Gin has to decide if she should continue pining over the upstanding Detective Caine that is everything she thinks she is not, or should she take a chance on Owen who not only wants her, but seems to get her as well.  That fact that Owen is charming and super sexy doesn’t hurt his case at all.  

All of the secondary characters we’ve come to know from the previous books are present within this story but it seems that as time goes on Gin’s friends are becoming more like extended family to her.  Now a new upstanding Detective has hit town and it’s Bria, the baby sister who Gin once thought perished along with her mother and older sister.  Gin will have to keep Bria safe and in the dark about her true identity until she comes to terms with this new turn of events and decides just how to handle this new discovery.  There relationship will be interesting since they are on opposite sides of the law. 

While I enjoy the colorful cast of characters in this series, one secondary stands out above the rest and I just can’t get enough of him.  Finnegan Lane is a womanizing, sort of sleazy but not really, kind of guy that adds a special flavor to this series.  Jennifer Estep really has a knack for creating characters that by all intents and purposes should be despicable but I just can’t help but love. 

Venom, like the previous books in the series is action packed, violent, and is a genuinely kick ass read.  But Jennifer Estep really kicks it up a notch and out does herself with this installment in her Elemental Assassin series.  This is definitely a page turner and the ending will leave you itching for more.  

Favorite Quote:

Finn did what he always did when confronted by an angry woman—he checked out her boobs.

 

Books in the series:

• Spider’s Bite
• Web Of Lies
• Venom (September 28, 2010)
• Tangled Threads (May 2011)
• Untitled (October 2011)

Other reviews on GoodReads

Author’s Website

Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository

Check back later today for a guest post from Jennifer Estep.  She’ll be giving away a copy of VENOM to one lucky reader.