Month: April 2013
Review: The Hob’s bargain by Patricia Briggs
This is one of Patricia Briggs earlier books. And it shows, the plot has its weak spots, the characters could do with a bit more fleshing out. Still, it wasn’t bad, none of Patricia Briggs books are. But… I had troubles connecting with the characters. Part of it was because I had read this story, many, many times :).
Artomancer’s Tale cover mock up
I played around with Unicorn brushes this afternoon and created this cover for a prequel short story to The Raven Mocker. I like it :). The cover would have my name, and etc.
The brushes were created by darkonelh at DeviantArt.
Friday Finds April 26th
This is the books I have found this week.
Two years after his untimely death, Matthew Swift finds himself breathing once again, lying in bed in his London home.
Except that it’s no longer his bed, or his home. And the last time this sorcerer was seen alive, an unknown assailant had gouged a hole so deep in his chest that his death was irrefutable…despite his body never being found.
He doesn’t have long to mull over his resurrection though, or the changes that have been wrought upon him. His only concern now is vengeance. Vengeance upon his monstrous killer and vengeance upon the one who brought him back.
Realizing romantic heroes are a thing of the past, graduate student Eloise Kelly is determined to focus on her work. Her first stop: England, to finish her dissertation on the English spies of the Napoleonic Wars, like the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian.
But her greatest conquest is to reveal the most elusive spy of them all, the dashing Pink Carnation. As she does, she discovers something for the history books-a living, breathing hero all her very own…
Bestselling author Lisa Scottoline has thrilled millions with her emotionally-charged novels that feature strong women exploring the boundaries of family, justice, and love. In Don’t Go, she breaks new ground and delivers the story of a soldier who discovers what it means to be a man, a father, and ultimately, a hero.
However, in an ironic turn of events, as Mike operates on a wounded soldier in a war-torn country, Chloe dies at home in the suburbs, in an apparent household accident. Devastated, he returns home to bury her, only to discover that the life he left behind has fallen apart. His medical practice is in jeopardy, and he is a complete stranger to the only family he has left – his precious baby girl. Worse, he learns a shocking secret that sends him into a downward spiral.
Friday Bargains: Historical mystery and Urban Fantasy ( and a recommendation)
If you like Contemporary Romance and Women’s fiction, I recommend that you add Lani Diane Rich to a E-reader IQ alert since her books are really good and in KDP Select. Right now, A Little Ray of Sunshine is free.
In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina Kane has the only profession fit for an outcast: assassin. But, her latest mission threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races and Sabina must scramble to figure out which side she’s on. She’s never brought her work home with her—until now.
This time, it’s personal.
Living in small town Rockabill, Maine, Jane True always knew she didn’t quite fit in with so-called normal society. During her nightly, clandestine swim in the freezing winter ocean, a grisly find leads Jane to startling revelations about her heritage: she is only half-human.
Now, Jane must enter a world filled with supernatural creatures alternatively terrifying, beautiful, and deadly- all of which perfectly describe her new “friend,” Ryu, a gorgeous and powerful vampire.
It is a world where nothing can be taken for granted: a dog can heal with a lick; spirits bag your groceries; and whatever you do, never-ever rub the genie’s lamp.
Catherine Webb’s Horatio Lyle mysteries are discounted to 1 dollar at Omnilit. They seem to be 8-10 dollar at all the other stores. I bought the first one, since it sounded intresting.
Review: Revelation by Lauren Dane
He has the one thing she never thought she deserved. A place to belong…
At long last, Kendra Kellogg has found her sister—but she’s no closer to filling the gaps in her past. The magick that brought them together makes them targets for dark mages intent on finishing what started with their mother’s murder.
As if her life wasn’t chaotic enough, in barrels the one thing she doesn’t expect, Max de La Vega. He’s six-and-a-half-feet of cocoa-brown alpha male. He’s strong, intelligent, sexy and intense. Everything she’d wanted in a man. And he scares the hell out of her. Still healing from a disastrous past relationship, she wonders if she’ll ever have that kind of forever.
The next in line to run his jaguar jamboree, Max is unused to hearing “no”. Once he knows what he wants, he assumes he’ll get it. And he wants Kendra. She deserves happiness and it’s his mission to give it to her.
When dark mages attempt to steal her magickal energy, Max’s cat agrees with the man—Kendra is his to protect and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe. She can push him away as hard as she likes, he’s not going anywhere.
3 Women SF/Fantasy writers to read
Yesterday, Kari Sperring started the hashtag #womentoread on Twitter. Today, she is asking bloggers to write about a woman writer they love. One? One? *mutters* I think I’ll pick 3, instead.
Lazette Gifford is small press and self published, but I really like her books. Her fantasy novels are well written, but her Science Fiction novels are exceptional. I love how they explore cultural differences, tech vs non tech, humans vs non humanoid species. I especially like the fact that they don’t contain any romance.
I have read almost all of Wen Spencer’s novels, and I love them. I love them for the mix of genres, even if technically all of them are science fiction.
Military fantasy at its best. The characters are great, the plot twists fascinating. And… unfortunately out of print. But I encourage you to snatch up a used copy if you stumble upon it.
That said, I took a good look on my autobuy list, and realised that it is almost only female writers. So, I guess I should give some male writers a try.
ARC Review: Diana’s Hound by Moira Rogers
5 fantasy novels I would love to read
I think everyone have books that they are would love to read, even if they know that the chance is slim, if not non-existant.
I love the Hurog duology, and I would love to read more in that world. If you haven’t read them, I recommend that you check them out.
James Hetley is among my favorite authors, and I especially likes his Stonefort novels. I know it isn’t likely, but I am crossing my fingers.
RT Expo going virtual ( May 2)
I squeed when I read this on RT’s webpage. One day, I am going to Expo, probably 2020, or there abouts. But I am really excited about this opportunity :).
From RT’s webpage:
FOR THOSE WHO *CANNOT* ATTEND THE EXPO IN PERSON
Mark Your Calendar for the RT EXPO on May 2 from 4 to 6pm and join in the virtual EXPO event!
THIS YEAR THE RT EXPO IS GOING GLOBAL! ARe is the official bookseller for RT’s Expo and this year we are making the book lover event global so that everyone from home can participate. Join in the fun by visiting this page on May 2 from 4pm to 6pm and attend the virtual event! Just click on any author’s name and it will take you to their unique author page on All Romance e-Books website where you can begin purchasing. We recommend that, if you do not already have an account with ARe, you set one up before the EXPO begins on May 2 to make your purchasing easy on the day of the event. We will be tweeting and Facebooking from the hotel with a live feed so feel free to join in the fun!
In the meantime, you can preview the books from each author now by clicking on the author’s name below.