REVIEW: Smoke & Iron by Rachel Caine

*Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Books for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Published July 10, 2018

Publisher's Summary: 
The opening moves of a deadly game have begun. Jess Brightwell has put himself in direct peril, with only his wits and skill to aid him in a game of cat and mouse with the Archivist Magister of the Great Library. With the world catching fire, and words printed on paper the spark that lights rebellion, it falls to smugglers, thieves, and scholars to save a library thousands of years in the making...if they can stay alive long enough to outwit their enemies.

_________________________________________

Smoke and Iron marks the 4th installment to this series.  Jess and his friends/allies are still determined to end the reign of corruption of the Great Library and Archivist. Readers know that book 3 ended in surprises and betrayals. With the group divided, half believe that Jess has betrayed them all. Likewise, Jess, Wolfe and Morgan are imprisoned, an although there are some secrets, many are clever enough to realize the need for such actions and use the imprisonment to aide their cause.

Readers will enjoy this book's same approach to action and adventure through strong writing full of detail and world building. Caine creates a fantastic alternate history with diverse characters as well as compelling and thought provoking themes of power, knowledge, and the access to information and what happens when access is limited by those who control aspects of education, government, religion, and the economy.

One downside was that this series has yet again failed to find its finish.  I found the need to continue to add another 5th book in the future rather unnecessary. Simple pacing and some editing could have allowed this to be the final book.

Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Ash & Quill by Rachel Caine

Publisher's Summary:

Words can kill.

Hoarding all the knowledge of the world, the Great Library jealously guards its secrets. But now a group of rebels poses a dangerous threat to its tyranny…

Jess Brightwell and his band of exiles have fled London, only to find themselves imprisoned in Philadelphia, a city led by those who would rather burn books than submit. But Jess and his friends have a bargaining chip: the knowledge to build a machine that will break the Library’s rule.

Their time is running out. To survive, they’ll have to choose to live or die as one, to take the fight to their enemies—and to save the very soul of the Great Library.

__________________________

Ash and Quill is certainly a book about betrayals. Jess and his group of exiles have fled London and start out imprisoned in Philadelphia. Again, they work together to defy the odds in order to escape.  Finding respite with the Brightwell clan, Jess is in for a betrayal he didn't see coming and will ultimately have to betray those he loves and trusts the most for the greater good.  It is the only chance they'll have to finally be free of the Great Library's oppression.

Another highly imaginative and well written book full of action, suspense and romance. The plot certainly thickens for the fourth installment, Smoke & Iron, expected to be published July 3, 2018. Look at that cover! Oh so pretty! 

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Intensity by Sherrilyn Kenyon

*Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

It’s a demon-eat-demon world for Nick Gautier. Just when he thinks he’s finally gotten a handle on how not to take over the world and destroy it, Death returns with an all-star cast that is determined to end the Malachai reign and lineage forever. Worse? Death and War have found the one, true enemy Nick can’t find, and even if he did, it’s one he could never bring himself to banish or kill.

Now framed for murders he hasn’t committed, and surrounded by new friends who might be turncoats, Nick is learning fast how his father went down in flames.

Intensity is the 8th in Kenyon's Chronicles of Nick YA series which connects in large part to her Dark Hunter universe. It remains terribly confusing to explain everything to a non-series reader; however, fans of Kenyon and her ability to map out a spectacularly detailed world and connected characters will enjoy Intensity for its place within the timeline as well as its humor and action.

This novel appears to map a shift in the series and what comes for the future of the Nick Gautier arc for both YA reads and adult fans. We'll just have to wait and see how all of it pans out. The new shift in publication seems to follow his son for now and hopefully undoing a lot of the negative impact Cyprian will have on the whole Dark Hunter universe.


Overall, good pacing but a little confusing at times. Readers will have to stay with it to truly get the point. Some good zingers, tears and a great cliffhanger.


Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: The Innkeeper Chronicles Vol 1 by Ilona Andrews

*Thanks to Netgalley and Subterranean Press for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Meet Dina Demille, a nice Texas gal who runs a seemingly ordinary, quaint B&B. But Dina’s inn is a magic, thinking entity; her fluffy Shih-tzu, Beast really is a beast; and her guests are the kind that no one on earth is supposed to know about: guests like a dethroned galactic tyrant with a massive bounty on her head, the Lord Marshal of a powerful vampire clan, and a displaced—and superhot—alpha-strain werewolf.

So don’t expect a normal stay…and don’t stand too close, or you may be collateral damage….

In Clean Sweep, Dina—with the unwanted assistance of newcomer (and alpha werewolf) Sean Evans and Arland, a cosmic vampire soldier—takes on an extraterrestrial killing machine that could destroy her Inn, her neighbors, and everything she holds dear.

I really enjoyed this book.  The Andrews husband/wife writing team do what they do best, build a fast paced, detailed and adventurous world filled to the brim with action, tension, humor and memorable character.  I love Dina and the other characters for their diversity as much as the snarky humor these authors do so well.

While this is a contained story-line, readers are introduced to enough continuing questions to want to come back for more!  I also cannot speak highly enough of the audio narration as performed by Renee Raudman.  She does a stellar job as she has will all the other Andrews audio titles.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Sweep in Peace, finds Dina hosting an anything-but peace summit between three warring intergalactic species; Space Vampires, the Hope-Crushing Horde, and the devious Merchants of Baha-char. 

This book was a hoot! I loved the premise and all the details of trying to make the peace summit successful despite some big hurdles.  What I also loved was the crossover from The Edge series and seeing some well loved characters mix with Dina.  However, for me, the best part was Orro, the high strung and masterful chef, who has been disgraced following the poisoning of a diplomat.  I adore him to the moon and back!

Overall, some great twists and surprises to bring back key characters.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

One Fell Sweep sends Dina to the galaxy’s worst penal colony to rescue her sister; and back home to fend off a clan of assassins in pursuit, all while saving a guest’s civilization from annihilation…and searching for her missing parents.

Another excellently plotted adventure with good romantic tension, action, and humor.  I enjoyed the addition of Dina's sister and niece as well as the resurgence of characters and some unexpected twists. Dina is making strides toward finding companionship and answers to her parents' disappearance. 

Fantastic performance in audio again by Renee Raudman.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

REVIEW: Dogs of War by Jonathan Maberry

*Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin's Griffin for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Robots are no longer science fiction. Autonomous, programmed to react like animals: fast, relentless, deadly. From microscopic nanobots to massive self-guided aircraft. This technology is here, it’s accessible, and it’s dangerous. What’s even scarier is that almost anyone can get their hands on it.

A freelance terrorist uses the latest generation of robot dogs to deliver WMDs into cities across America. Sophisticated military weapons systems turn on their human masters. A technological apocalypse is coming and we may be too late to stop it.

Joe Ledger and a newly rebuilt Department of Military Sciences square off against this new and terrible threat.

Dogs of War is another pulse pounding, action packed bio-terrorism thriller in the Joe Ledger series. What is not to love:

NANOBOTS!

RABIES TURNED BIO-WEAPON!

EXPLOSIONS!

FIGHT SCENES!

DARK, SARCASTIC HUMOR!

CREEPY VILLAINS!

I loved everything about the book, both in print and in audio (seriously Ray Porter is a narrative genius!). Predator One and Kill  Switch were heavy and the fallout for the characters is still very real. None of them are on their game when this new threat comes into play.

Maberry is a fantastic action writer and excels at pacing, character building, dark humor and just general great storytelling. His villains are legendary as are his heroes. My only problem now is that I've gobbled up this new release and have to wait for another!

Final rating: ALL THE STARS!!!

REVIEW: Dragonmark by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Centuries ago, Illarion was betrayed– a dragon made human against his will, then forced to serve humanity as a dragonmount in their army, and to fight for them in wars, hating everything about them. He's enslaved and separated from all family, even forced into a fey realm. Illarion's life will change when he meets his mate; however, lies, betrayal and more loss will plague their lives before they can find a chance at happiness.

I'm torn with Dragonmark. I enjoyed it so much as a good chunk of it is a POV retelling of Dragonbane. I will always admire Kenyon for her creativity and imagination to create such a detailed and connected world of characters; however, the narrative is becoming to complicated and at the same time formulaic.

Illarion is another tortured hero who has faced unimaginable heartache.  Enter the woman who will change all that. 

But wait!  Something horrific happens and they're separated :(

Time passes....

Then all is well!

I know this is the format for typical romances but the past few Dark Hunter books lack the umph of earlier titles in the series.  And at least for me, these aren't the page turners that I loved back in the day.  I still love to see appearances by favorite characters but I want a return to more focus. 

My complaint is that readers should have to have a chart to keep characters unraveled.  That Dragonmark is #27 of Dark Hunters, #1 in Dragon's Rising, and #5 in the Avalon series is just too confusing.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Virals #4 and #5 by Kathy and Brendan Riechs

Let's recap...

Tory Brennan and three of her friends who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina were exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus when they rescued a dog caged for medical experimentation. Calling themselves "Virals," they have heightened senses and animal quick reflexes that help them solve crimes but also cause them to keep secrets from those closest to them.

Exposure is book 4. Twin classmates from Bolton Prep are missing, appearing to be kidnapped and held for ransom.  Tory Brennan and her 'pack' of Virals decide that they are the best equipped to solve the case.

However, there are more problems to consider:

 1) Their powers are growing harder to control

2) Chance Claybourne continues to investigate Tory, her friends, and the medical experiment that went awry.

Tory are crew save the day using a mix of their abilities, science and some good old fashioned sleuthing.  This is an action packed mystery/thriller great for fans of the genre, Bones, Maximum Ride or who want a fun read.

Final rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Terminal is the final full length novel of the series.

The Virals are back—but they’re not the only pack in town anymore. Tory and the rest of the Morris Island gang track a pack of rogue Virals who call themselves the Trinity. The new pack was infected by a strain of supervirus created by Tory’s nemesis and sometimes-crush, Chance Clayborne, who accidentally infected himself, too.

These red-eyed Virals have openly challenged Tory’s pack for domination of Charleston, bringing on the attention of a shadowy government organization intent on learning the secret to their powers. Surviving it all is going to test the limits of the gang’s abilities and push them to make some tough decisions about their future as Virals.

Great pacing and sense of action and adventure with some twists and turns.  Loved the ending and can't wait to read the follow up novella!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews

*Thank you to Netgalley and Ace for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Expected publication: September 20, 2016

Kate Daniels is back with another highly entertaining adventure in Magic Binds.  The dynamic husband/wife writing duo of Ilona Andrews stun with not only compelling characters, dialogue and stories but also with heart pounding action, humor and plenty of angst.

Kate and Curran are still adjusting to their new roles after leaving the Pack with Curran reorganizing The Guild and Kate keeping her father, Roland, at bay despite his encroachment on Atlanta, which Kate had to claim for her own.  Tensions are high politically and personally as Roland manipulates those closest to Kate and pushes her boundaries by overstepping his place on many levels.  Finally deciding to tie the knot, Kate learns from the Witch Oracle that her impending marriage will cause Atlanta to burn and the death of the man she loves.  And the only person she can turn to for help is long dead. Fortunately for Kate, death isn't the obstacle it could be.  She'll have to learn to master her power and call upon other alliances if she stands a chance at changing her future.

I adored this book as I do all in the series! It was entertaining, funny and thoughtful. I love the continued progression of characterization as it pertains to the growing story arc.  Kate Daniels and the supporting cast remain some of my absolute favorites in any genre. This writing duo knows just how to craft a truly memorable narrative.

Honestly, I can't think of a single fault except that it is far too long until the next book is published.  I can't wait to see what is in store for Kate and Curran as well as the implications the cliffhanger has for this world.  While I loved getting to read Magic Binds ahead of time, I did miss the added bonus of listening to this on audio.  I definitely will seek it out upon its release.

Final rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @ilona_andrews



#magicbinds #ilonaandrews #katedaniels #magic #romance #humor #action #netgalley #supernatural

REVIEW: Dark of Night by Jonathan Maberry

Please excuse my squeals of excitement after finishing another amazing tale by Maberry in which he has paired with debut author Rachael Lavin!

I'm an uber fan of Maberry's writing with special love of the Joe Ledger and Rot & Ruin books.  I've thought the Dead of Night series particularly captivating since they bridge the gap between Ledger and Ruin, providing the important details into the outbreak and pretty much the why and how all hell broke loose leading to the 15 years later in which we meet Benny Imura and friends in Rot & Ruin.

Dark of Night is story 2.5 in this series following the intensely painful end of Fall of Night.  In this story, readers follow the perspectives of three key players as the novella brings together all three series.  Captain Joe Ledger (Joe Ledger), former cop Desdemona Fox (Dead of Night), and Rachael Elle (Bits & Pieces) have all been doing everything they can to survive fighting an endless onslaught of living dead until their stories unexpected converge.

This novella is an in your face adventure full of heart pounding action, compelling characterization and some pretty terrifying zombie action plus the struggle for survival in a chaotic world where the survivors much face not only undead monsters but also those who while still human have embraced the evil, dark side of human nature.

The audiobook narrated by doesn't disappoint and adds a whole new facet for how to experience the story. For me, it was pretty much perfect in every way except that I am always left wanting MORE, MORE MORE!

Bravo to Maberry and Lavin! Now, please go write more :)

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author and narrator on Twitter: @jonathanmaberry @Ray_Porter



#darkofnight #joeledger #deadofnight #rot&ruin #zombies #horror #books #audiobook

REVIEW: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

The first in Clare's new Dark Artifices series centering around character first introduced in The City of Heavenly Fire.  Orphaned at the age of twelve by Sebastian Morgenstern, Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn are parabatai, fighting partners, confidants and best friends. Parabatai can be everything to each other--but they can never fall in love.  At 17, their feelings for each other are changing and the true question remains whether passion and love can outweigh the law of the Clave.

Both have had to grow up too fast. In the absence of his parents and older siblings, Julian has had to raise his younger siblings as well as secretly run the Institute on behalf of his mentally incapable uncle.  Haunted by her parent's gruesome murder and convinced that Sebastian Morgenstern wasn't involved, Emma is determined to discover the truth. 

When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up murdered in the same way Emma’s parents , an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge—and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held prisoner by the faerie Courts. All Emma, Mark, and Julian have to do is solve the murders within two weeks while keeping their investigation secret and staying alive.

Each clue reveals some surprising secrets and betrayals, especially Julian's hidden feelings, more into the Clave's history of cruelty and why it is forbidden for parabatai to fall in love. These answers are just as eye-opening as they are heartbreaking.

I am hooked on these new characters and their dynamic within the Shadowhunter world. Emma is intelligent and fierce. Julian is dreamy, determined and optimistic. I love their relationship. It is heartfelt but also sexy and passionate; however, the angst and bittersweet status of their declaration will leave readers hoping for resolve but understanding that things will only get much worse before they get better.

Fans of the Shadowhunter world will be glad to see some familiar faces in cameo appearances.  Overall, it is a fun, exciting and engaging read, if a bit long. The audiobook narrated by Morena Baccarin was very well done. Great cliffhanger!!

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @cassieclare


#ladymidnight #darkartifices #Shadowhunters #YAlit #romance #angels #demons #teen #audiobook

REVIEW: Kill Switch by Jonathan Maberry

Expected publication: April 26, 2016

Jonathan Maberry provides readers and Joe Ledger legionnaires with another action packed and gripping adventure in the eighth installment to this bestselling series. 

It's just another day at the office for Ledger and his DMS Echo Team, or is it?   Terrorists have acquired a terrifying new weapon that can crash any power grid, rip planes from the sky and effectively plunge America into literal darkness and despair. And in that darkness a deadly plague will be released.

The DMS is down on its luck after a number of unsuccessful missions.  During the crisis, the intelligence services are being torn apart from the inside and it is difficult to judge who to trust. Time is literally running out for Ledger and his team to battle a new kind of foe who have the ability to take over any person, turning even the most innocent into killers.

Kill Switch is amazing and filled with the pulse pounding action and complex storytelling Maberry readers adore.  I will not add major spoilers because this is too much of a mind bending thrill ride to ruin it. Safe to say fans are in store for twists, turns, and plenty of double crossing, spectacular fights, mind controlling epic villains and yes, killer giant albino penguins!

I can't give the novel or Maberry enough praise. He's a spectacular writer and having gotten to speak with him on several occasions, a wickedly cool dude all around.  I read Kill Switch slowly because I wanted to savor it.  The only downside to an ARC from Netgalley was missing the audiobook experience but I plan to re-read it as soon as that is available!  I laughed, I cried and I found myself disaster planning for this very plausible threat.  I can't wait until the next book!!!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @JonathanMaberry


#KillSwitch #JoeLedger #thriller #terrorism #science #bookreview #netgalley

REVIEW: The Invisible by Amelia Kahaney

The Invisible is the 2014 follow up the The Brokenhearted.  Protagonist Anthem Fleet is back and more determined than ever to discover the truth behind her father's involvement in the Syndicate, Bedlam's corrupt, secretive and high powered organization determined to keep the wealthy rich and the poor in their place. Her quest for answers is balanced by an attempt at regained normalcy following the experimental operation that left her with a bionic hummingbird heart and a budding chance at romance with Ford, following his own life saving surgery. When a new foe called The Invisible attacks the elite families in Bedlam, Anthem feels compelled to stop him and his followers before even more people are hurt.  She is shocked to learn that Invisible's appearance and motives for revenge are deeply rooted within her own family history.

This is a fantastic series! The characters are well developed and intriguing with a certain comic-esque flair.  I kept drawing strong comparisons to Batman and the plight of Gotham. I highly recommend this to reading wanting a fast paced and exciting read or a read-a-like for other re-imagined superhero tales like Brandon Sanderson's Steelheart series or Bethany Frenette's Dark Star trilogy (Dark Star, Burn Bright, Fire Fall).  If this is it for the series, then it is a fitting conclusion but I'd love to see the characters come back for just one more adventure!

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Follow these authors on Twitter: @akahaney   @bethanyfrenette  @BrandSanderson



#Invisible #superhero #action #adventure #romance #thriller #YAlit #TRC2016