REVIEW: Grave Ransom by Kalayna Price

*Thank you to Netgalley & Penguin Books for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Grave witch Alex Craft is no stranger to the dead talking. She raises shades, works with ghosts, and is dating Death himself. But the dead walking? That’s not supposed to happen. And yet, reanimated corpses are committing crimes across Nekros City.

Alex’s investigation leads her deep into a web of sinister magic. When Briar Darque of the Magical Crimes Investigation Bureau gets involved, Alex finds herself with an unexpected ally of sorts. But as the dead continue to rise and wreak havoc on the living, can Alex get to the soul of the matter in time?

This was a fantastic, detailed and exciting urban fantasy read building on the standalone story but also on the world-building and character struggles of the previous books in the series.  I love Alex. She's smart, kick-ass and funny but there is also a vulnerability to her as she explores more of her magic while also balancing the limitations set upon her by her grave magic.

Her love life continues to be complicated and one scene in particular made my heart break. I'm excited to see what might be in store for future books.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Eleventh Grave in Moonlight by Darynda Jones

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

Charley Davidson is still learning to balance her life as a sleuthing, part-time P.I. and full-time Grim Reaper. Investigations, talking to the departed plus dealing with all manner of demons, hell-hounds, evil gods and angels are just another normal day. Not to mention lusting after her often infuriating and hot as hell husband, Reyes Farrow--literally the son of Satan.

In this 11th installment to the series, Charley continues to discover the scope of her powers since learning that she is a goddess with extreme abilities and her daughter is destined to save the world from total destruction.  Charley is still dealing with the fact that she cannot raise or even see her child in hopes to protect her from those who mean Beep harm.

Readers are in store for another humorous, sexy and well crafted supernatural mystery/thriller with plenty of unexpected twists. Charley continues her investigative work which often have multiple ties to her personal life. There is definite friction between herself and Reyes since she pursues the case against the Fosters--the couple who kidnapped Reyes as a baby as well as his 'brother' and other children. What she finds is surprising but connected to the supernatural.

The Amber story-line was a surprise turn but a well crafted bit of writing from the author to tie a lot of the narrative together as well as continuing to give readers of glimpse of where this series might be going and steer the course for the spin-off Jones keeps promising.

Eidolon makes a surprising reappearance that again brings about dire turmoil and consequences for Charley and her supernatural crew.  I had an inkling regarding the ending but was not prepared for the shock nor the lingering sense of disbelief that we'll have to wait for the next book for some answers and 'hopfully' peace of mind.

Reading these in print is never a disappointment but I can't wait to revisit it in audio as performed by Lorelei King.

Overall, I LOVED IT!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @darynda

#11thGrave #CharleyDavidson #grimreaper #humor #paranormal #romance #mystery #reading

REVIEW: Old Demons (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10, Vol 4)

With supreme Big Bad, Archaeus (connected to many Slayers throughout time), wreaking havoc, Buffy and the Scooby Gang need more reinforcements.  Defeating this foe poses a challenge, especially when the extent of Archaeus' power and his plans, and their connection to the new rules of magic, are revealed.

For the first few issues, Angel is back.  It is a bit awkward, especially since Spike and Buffy are a thing again. Angel broods, he and Spike fight, they all talk it out, Angel gets a Willow peptalk, then he leaves again basically biding his time until he thinks Buffy and Spike will break up again in the future. Not a whole lot of character progression for him here.

What I did find interesting was pushing Buffy and Spike's relationship further in later issues, especially touching upon the fateful bathroom violence and near rape of television's season 6. The conversation was long overdue.

I enjoyed Giles grown up romp when he's free from his child body for a bit.  It is always nice to see Olivia show back up.  And I'm curious to see where the plot is going with the not-Anya spirit and also dreading that Riley is going to show back up (make it stop!).

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars


#buffy #buffythevampireslayer #graphicnovels #comics #DarkHorseComics #vampires #supernatural #humor

REVIEW: Half-Resurrection Blues by Daniel Jose Older

The first in the Bone Street Rumba series, is a foray into paranormal noir.  Carlos Delacruz is an inbetweener--half dead, half alive--working for the New York Council of the Dead.  He thinks he's unique—until he encounters other entities walking the fine line between life and death.

Eliminating a threat at the Council's behest, Carlos learns that he isn't alone.  Guilt and duty lead him to find the sister of his victim. However, what Carlos discovers is an inbetweener sorcerer who has summoned ngks, a horde of imp-like creatures that consume spirits. If they're not stopped, they'll spread through the city like a plague. Revealing the identity of this man means that Carlos must confront his own life and death. Much remains shrouded in mystery for tale to come.

This was my chance to try a genre I'm not as familiar with. At times Carlos reminds me a bit of Harry Dresden (but Dresden has a better sense of humor or an isn't as cynical). Other readalikes are Fated by Benedict Jacka, The Devil You Know by Mike Carey, and Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey.

The city and this interpretation of Brooklyn are very much supporting characters to the narrative. Carlos is intriguing in perspective--jaded, but likeable for readers. What is interesting is experiencing him learn of his own fragmented memories and to see how he deals with some pretty life altering changes. I liked the book for its diversity of characters, pacing and storytelling. I did feel the flow was hampered a bit at times and I didn't particularly like the ending. Furthermore, I'd have to have proof that the depiction of female characters improves in subsequent books. From the covers alone, I think at least Sasha plays a larger role.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @djolder



#BoneStreetRumba #halfresurrectionblues #paranormalnoir #mystery #ghosts

REVIEW: Lost Souls by Kelley Armstrong

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

Expected publication: March 2017

Lost Souls is set between Deceptions and Betrayals (book 3 and 4 in the Cainsville series). This novella features characters from the series embarking on an investigation that has little bearing on the main struggles of the characters.

With Liv away on a vacation with Ricky, Gabriel has too much time to feel insecure about both their personal and working relationship.  Patrick attempts to engage or distract Gabriel with a new investigation. Strange occurrences happen with what appears to be a hitchhiking ghost; however, delving into details on his own and finally Liv, Gabriel discovers that there is also a distinct tie not only the fae but also to his past.

This is very much an opportunity for readers to explore Gabriel's insights and character.  He's had a troubled past and doesn't always play well with others but the introduction of Liv into his life has changed him.  Gabriel is learning, but in Lost Souls he still just can't quite go for it and let loose his emotions and say what he wants or means. It is a big moment for him to be able to admit that yes, his is a lost soul, but in the admittance he acknowledges that he is working toward finding his way. Having recently read Betrayals, I've gleaned more insight into his progress but he isn't quite there yet--we have to see what Rituals has in store.

What I did miss here with the advanced copy was access to the illustrations available with the release in hardcover come March.  Based on similar collaborations from Armstrong and Subterranean Press for her Women of the Otherworld series, I'm sure they are well done and add a bit of extra flair to the story.  I'll definitely be seeking out the print book when it is available. 

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @KelleyArmstrong

#LostsSouls #Cainsville #mystery #ghosts #subterraneanpress #illustrations #netgalley

REVIEW: Phantom Kiss by Chloe Neill

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

Phantom Kiss is a novella serving as 12.5 in the Chicagoland Vampires series. Merit and Ethan are just two months from their wedding.  After attending a joint wedding showing, the couple is once again sidetracked by supernatural duty to help protect Chicago from all manner of paranormal beasties.  When they get a call detailing that someone is disturbing graves and stealing skulls, they are on high alert that a past foe, a powerful sorceress, might be back in town.

When a dangerous spirit seems to have followed them home to Cadogan House, Merit and Ethan realize that vanquishing this evil spectre might be a challenge.

This is a quick, exciting read with just enough supernatural flair! I enjoyed the banter and visits from some of the series' favorite characters. Neill makes it easy for fans to fall right back in with characters and the tone of familiarity between not only Merit and Ethan but the rest of the gang. My only request was that the story be longer so as to build up the sense of intrigue but overall it was engaging and well written.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @chloeneill



#PhantomKiss #ChicagolandVampires #novella #MeritAndEthan #mystery #ghosts #romance

REVIEW: Dead Seekers by Barb & JC Hendee

*I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review*

Set in the same epic fantasy world as the Noble Dead series, Barb & J.C. Hendee treat readers to a new adventure.

Noble born Tris Vishal has left his title and lands in order to travel from village to village using his unique gift to put unsettled spirits to rest.  Orphaned Mari Kahleja, a Mondyalitko shapeshifter, has thirsted for vengeance ever since her family was seemingly slaughtered by violent spirits.  She's devoted her life toward tracking the one she believes responsible--the Dead's Man.

When their paths finally cross, Mari cannot fathom that this young and solemn loner could be the one responsible for her pain. Before she kills him, she must be sure.  Traveling as his companion to learn more, they begin a journey where those living are just as dangerous, if not more so, than the dead.

The only question remaining for them is just who is the predator and the prey?

The Hendee's continue to do what they do best--write interesting and unique characters who discover themselves as they journey throughout a well crafted fantasy landscape.  The world building is stellar as are the emerging character relationships. I like both Tris and Mari and am interested to see what develops between these two as the series continues.  In some ways they remind me fondly of how Magiere and Leesil might have been like before readers met them in Dhampir (Noble Dead #1).

In general, the plot and overall mystery adventure was entertaining and kept my interest throughout. I breezed through the book since it had good pacing.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the authors on Twitter: @NobleDeadOrg  @BarbHendeeOrg



#DeadSeekers #fantasy #ghosts #spirits #netgalley #books