Reviews: Undertow and Styx's Storm

Undertow: Building Sanctuary, Book 2
Author: Moira Rogers
Publication: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (October 5, 2010)


Description: Being needed isn’t half as desirable as being wanted.


Building Sanctuary, Book 2


Victor left behind a life of crime to focus on a new vision—helping his alpha build an island sanctuary for werewolves. Harsh experiences prepared him for the hardships involved, except when it comes to dealing with the young female refugees of the brutal Boston pack—especially Simone, who rouses his inner wolf like no other. A woman he must resist, or risk becoming just the latest man to make demands on her.


Born to wealth and privilege, Simone lost everything when she fell for the seductive whispers of the textile heir who turned her. Once adrift, now she is fired by a new sense of purpose—the chance to broker peace between werewolves and European wizards. Yet even as Europe beckons, her instincts—the same ones that led to trouble before—keep drawing her back to Victor.


During a sailing trip to the mainland for supplies, Victor finds it impossible to hold himself aloof from the warm, engaging Simone. And when a winter storm traps them together during a full moon, she breaks through his walls so easily and completely, the question is no longer how he’ll stay away, but how he’ll let her go.


Warning: This novella contains werewolves engaged in such improbable (but legal) activities as lobster fishing and sailing during nor’easters. The breaking and entering and instinct-driven sex on every surface in someone else’s summer cottage is a little more criminal


My Thoughts: This was another interesting episode in this werewolf story. It is unusual because it is set in the Depression. Other than that it was a typical romance where the characters were misinterpreting each other and a little honest conversation could have ended the book pages sooner. I didn't feel that the romance was as steamy as the more contemporary books by Rogers. I didn't really feel that I got to know Simone very well. She was primarily characterized as suffering from guilt because she couldn't keep the other young women from becoming victims of the corrupt alpha. Victor was the more interesting character for me. He was trying to help the young women and not be seen as just another abusing alpha. He had strength and was very conscious of how he might appear to the young women. However, I felt that he underestimated their strength. 


Generally, the story was OK but not very memorable.

Styx's Storm
Author: Lora Leigh
Publication: Berkley; Original edition (October 5, 2010)


Description: To save innocent, young Storme Montague from the claws of Breed slave traders, Wolf Breed Styx is forced to claim her himself-on the condition that Storme will no longer be a virgin by night's end. And though Storme's defenses are up, Styx will free her-in ways she never expects.


My Thoughts: Ignore the description above. I don't know what book they were talking about but it was not the one I read. 


Storme has been on the run from both Breeds and the Council since she was 14. She was given a microchip by her father who was a Council scientist and also a Breed sympathizer and told to give it to the one who asked for it. Both sides want the microchip.


Now she is 24 and Styx, a wolf Breed from Sanctuary, has caught her. Styx thinks that she is his mate but the mating is not going like other Breed matings. Lots of time in the story is devoted to this "almost mating." Because Storme watched a coyote Breed kill her father and brother and because she always felt jealous of her father's devotion to Breeds, Storme has developed a prejudice against Breeds. She has a profound distrust of Breeds and everyone else. Styx thinks this is why the mating isn't normal. 


The one part of the romance that I couldn't figure out was how Leigh was going to overcome the hatred and distrust that was so much a part of Storme's character. Leigh managed to make Storme's change of heart and romance with Styx work. 


This was a nice entry in the series but not an outstanding one. 


Neither book was a favorite. Both books did add to the series that they are parts of. Read them if you are following the two series. Otherwise, these could be missed.


Challenges: RYOB Reading Challenge, Paranormal Reading Challenge

Review: Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews

Bayou Moon
Author: Ilona Andrews
Publication: Ace; Original edition (September 28, 2010)


Description: The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is a fairy tale--and the Weird, where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny...


Cerise Mar and her unruly clan are cash poor but land rich, claiming a large swath of the Mire, the Edge swamplands between the state of Louisiana and the Weird. When her parents vanish, her clan's long-time rivals are suspect number one.


But all is not as it seems. Two nations of the Weird are waging a cold war fought by feint and espionage, and their conflict is about to spill over into the Edge--and Cerise's life. William, a changeling solder who's left behind the politics of the Weird, has been forced back into service to track down a rival nation's spymaster.


When William's and Cerise's missions lead them to cross paths, sparks fly--but they'll have to work together if they want to succeed...and survive.


My Thoughts: This was a very interesting and suspenseful fantasy/romance. William is a great character. He had always been alone, having been abandoned at birth by his mother, and raised in what was essentially a prison and trained to be a weapon. He is a changeling and, while he knows something of what humans expect, his own instincts are those of his wolf. Cerise is the strong leader of her family. She is the one who has managed the money and also managed to keep everyone fed and clothed. When her parents disappear, she is ready to do anything to get them back but human enough to know the emotional costs. She is attracted to William but reluctant to invite him home with her because she knows how hard her family can be on outsiders.  William is also attracted to her. They have trouble connecting because they each misread the other's signals.


The book was filled with fascinating characters. The villain - Spider - was the worst kind. He could commit any kind of atrocity with no regrets because he felt has cause was just. That is creepier than someone who is insane or evil. Many of the members of Cerise's family were also unique and interesting characters. I am especially fond of Kaldar who is always talking, arranges the marriages, and can do magic if someone will bet him before he tries.


This is not a story for the faint of heart. A few of the atrocities who were associates of the Spider will be appearing in my dreams for a while. But if you like action and adventure, and a well-told tale, you can't go wrong with this story. I recommend it to lovers of paranormal fantasy.


Favorite Quote:

"You have to spell things out," Murid said. "No games, no hints. You have to be very, very clear with him, Cerise. Be very careful and think before you act. He's dangerous. Hugh didn't change shape often, but William does, because he knows how to hide it. He's been trained to fight and whoever trained him knew how to make the most of William's strengths. So far he's behaving himself, but if you're alone with him and you don't have a blade, you don't stand a chance. Don't send him the wrong messages and don't get yourself raped. William may not even know it's wrong to force a woman."

Her memory thrust the lake house before her. Oh, he knew. He knew very well.

Challenges: RYOB Reading Challenge, Paranormal Reading Challenge

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (Oct. 4, 2010)

It's Monday, What are you reading is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.  

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This has been a good reading week for me even though I have been felled by a terrible cold. I have gone through a box of Kleenex and a bottle of cough medicine so far and I'm still not over it. 

I decided to begin with two books that I had received for review. 

I got The Valcourt Heiress by Catherine Coulter via LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program. It was a nice historical romance with interesting and quirky characters. My review is here.

Siren Song by Cat Adams was another gritty urban fantasy. The main character is Celia Graves. She was a bodyguard but, after being attacked by a vampire, she is now part vampire and part Siren. Neither is an aide to living a safe life. My review is here.

Even though I should have switched to young adult book, I couldn't resist reading these new arrivals.

Alpha by Rachel Vincent is the final volume in the Shifters series. Faythe has to defend her Pride from a megalomaniac Alpha and sort out her own love life. She is in love with two wonderful men but has to choose. My review is here.

Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews is the second book in the Edge series. This is a fascinating fantasy world that exists between our world and the paranormal world. This was an excellent story with two very strong and interesting main characters. My review is will be published on Oct. 4.

I received Radiance by Alyson Noel for review. This is the story of Riley Bloom. She is the younger sister of Ever from Noel's Immortals series. She is also a ghost getting used to the afterlife. My review will be posted on Oct. 5 at Ms. Martin Teaches Media.

Plain Kate by Erin Bow is a wonderful book by a YA Debut Author. It might be my favorite book of the year so far. It is a fantasy with many fairy tale-like qualities. My review is here. I will be donating this copy to my HS Media Center but I will be buying a keeper copy for myself too. 

I am currently reading an ARC that arrived in my mailbox as a surprise. Matched by Ally Condie is also by a 2010 YA Debut Author. This is a dystopia where young people have their futures planned for them and their future spouses chosen by The Society. 

Next week? Well, my stacks are going down and, currently, I am further behind on my adult books than my YA books. However, I know that I have at least six new books arriving on Tuesday. Something there might jump to the top of the list.

Adult Books

Young Adult Books

That was my week. How was yours?

In My Mailbox (Oct. 3, 2010)

The weekly In My Mailbox post is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It is fun to see what everyone else gets in their mailboxes, shopping bags, and library visits. Click on the link to The Story Siren's site to see the rules and join in the fun.

I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow when you see all the cool books everyone gets. You will discover lots of wonderful blogs and lots of books that you won't be able to live without.

Two books that I have been waiting for arrived this week. 

Alpha by Rachel Vincent is the 6th and final book in her Shifters series. This was my drop everything and read book this week. I devoured it. I thought it was a very good ending to the series. My non-spoiler review is here.

Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews also hit my mailbox this week. I am currently reading it. While I don't love this series as much as the Kate Daniels series, I am really enjoying the world, characters and action in this story.

I gave up waiting for my autographed copy of Saltation by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. I think it bounced back to them because I was away for the summer and the Post Office didn't forward my packages. I decided I wanted a print copy enough to buy my own. I have the ebook on my Kindle and loved it. 

I also got Masques by Patricia Briggs. This is an early book that is now back in print. I really like her writing style and am eager to read this one too.

I also bought the Harvest Moon anthology because it contains stories by Mercedes Lackey and Michelle Sagara. The Segara story is in her "Cast in" world. I couldn't resist.

This is what arrived in my mailbox. What did you get in yours?

Scott Nicholson Is My Guest

I am proud to be a stop on Scott Nicholson's blog tour. He sent me a video to share with you all today.



He also sent this text.

The Red Church on sale for 99 cents, or get your signed paperback directly from the author for $8.95 at Haunted Computer. For every book of mine that hits the Top 100 during the tour, I will throw in an extra Kindle 3 giveaway. Tell your friends. Amaze your neighbors. Shock your therapist.

Scott Nicholson is author of 12 novels, including the thrillers Speed Dating with the Dead, Drummer Boy, Forever Never Ends, The Skull Ring, As I Die Lying, Burial to Follow ,and They Hunger. His revised novels for the U.K. Kindle are Creative Spirit, Troubled, and Solom. He’s also written four comic series, six screenplays, and more than 60 short stories. His story collections include Ashes, The First, Murdermouth: Zombie Bits, and Flowers.

To be eligible for the Kindle DX, simply post a comment below with contact info. Feel free to debate and discuss the topic, but you will only be entered once per blog. Visit all the blogs on the tour and increase your odds. I’m also giving away a Kindle 3 through the tour newsletter and a Pandora’s Box of free e-books to a follower of “hauntedcomputer” on Twitter. Thanks for playing. Complete details at http://www.hauntedcomputer.com/blogtour.htm

This book sounds perfectly scary. It would be just the thing to read in October to get yourself ready for Halloween.

Be sure to check out the schedule on Scott's website so that you can increase your chances of winning a new Kindle 3 by visiting more of the blogs that he will be visiting.

Good luck and happy reading!

Review: Alpha by Rachel Vincent

Alpha
Author: Rachel Vincent
Publication: Mira; Original edition (October 1, 2010)


Description: 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.


My Thoughts: It was wonderful! It was bloody, violent, heart breaking, and ultimately satisfying. There were betrayals and battles lost. There were unexpected heroes. Faith had seemingly insurmountable odds to face. 


I don't want to spoil the story for anyone but, I will say, that, if you have been following this series, you need to get this book and read it now. The quote might be considered by some to be "spoilery" but, having lost my father, I thought it was a great summation of the way I felt (only said much better than I could ever say it).


Highly recommended for all lovers of urban fantasy/paranormal romance.


Once more people have had a chance to read the book, I would love to discuss Faythe's romantic dilemma in this one.




Favorite Quote:

My father had been the single greatest strength in my life. He was the force that made the clocks tick, and the sun rise and set. In my youth, his expectations fueled my ambition and his disappointment cut deep into my heart, even when I rebelled in an attempt to forge my own path. When I grew up, making him proud still carried the same weight, even if I wouldn't admit it.

Challenges: RYOB Reading Challenge, Paranormal Reading Challenge

Friday Memes: Alpha by Rachel Vincent

Happy Friday everybody!!

Book Beginnings

 

Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Becky at Page Turners. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading. If you like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence.

 

The Friday 56

Rules:

• Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
• Turn to page 56.
• Find the fifth sentence.
• Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Storytime with Tonya and Friends.
• Post a link along with your post back to Storytime with Tonya and Friends.
• Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Today my book is Alpha by Rachel Vincent. This is the long-awaited conclusion to the series that began with Pride. Here is the product description from Amazon in Faythe's own words: 

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.


Beginning:

"Are you sure about this?" Jace hesitated, one hand gripping a bare branch overhead, the other poised over his zipper.

Intriguing and tantalizing! And they aren't getting ready to do what you might think.


Page 56, Sentence 5:

"But I wanted you to hear it from me. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. We didn't want to give you one more thing to worry about."

So far, this book is really good and well worth dropping everything else I should be doing and choosing it to read immediately.