Retribution - Jeanne C Stein

Anna Strong was a tough-as-nails bounty hunter until the night she was attacked by a vampire – and changed forever…

A newly turned vampire, Anna is forging an uneasy balance between her old human life and her new supernatural one. Still, with her partner out of town, her family abroad and her mentor estranged, she doesn’t have anyone to turn to – which is why she’s keeping a low profile.

But now young vampires are turning up dead, completely drained of their life force. Although Anna worries she might be next, things start getting personal when her shape-shifter friend is found clinging to his life. So when Williams, her former teacher and now the leader of a supernatural enforcement squad, asks for her help, Anna can’t say no.

But soon she’ll wish she had…

This is one of my favourite series at the moment. Anna is a fabulous character, very loyal, strong and hot headed. Amberkatze said something that I think is perfect for this series - 'each time a new book comes out it is like catching up with an old friend'. This is totally how I feel about Anna and she is definately someone I would be friends with in reality. The plot in this novel is probably the darkest so far and events in the novel bring out a side to Anna she tries to keep in check. There is still the battle within her between human and vampire, and there are a few instances where it looks like her vampire side will win. The secondary in this novel also keep the story going and I find I like some of the more and hate some of them more. Long live Anna Stong I say as these books are brilliant.

Overall marks out of 10: 10

Blood Promise - Richelle Mead

Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters . . . Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

Well as you can read from my review of the previous books in the series this was a book that I was really looking forward to and it did not disappoint. Rose's journey through this book was both heartbreaking and enjoyable. Everything was incredibly well written especially the flashback scenes and inside Lissa's mind. The undercurrent of Lissa's story was also brilliant. I love kick ass Lissa and hopefully we'll see more scenes like that.

But let's talk about what everyone else is talking about. Evil Dimitri. Boy was evil Dimitri the best thing about this book. From reading previous thoughts and reviews on the book I know that not many fans like him but I loved this new character which is essentially what he is. He radiates this cruel, unnatural vibe which creeps me out but at the same time keeps me hooked.

BRING ON THE NEXT BOOK

Overall marks out of 10: 10

Thorn Queen - Richelle Mead

Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she’s also become queen of the Thorn Land. It’s hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one—except Eugenie—seems willing to find out why.

Eugenie has spilled plenty of fey blood in her time, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and nursing a very personal grudge. And the men in her life aren't making things any easier. Her boyfriend, Kiyo, is preoccupied with his pregnant ex, and sexy fey king Dorian always poses a dangerous distraction. With or without their help, Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in an unpredictable power she can barely control. Reluctant queen or not, Eugenie has sworn to do her duty—even if it means facing the darkest—and deadliest—side of her nature…

I love Eugenie, she is such a fabulous character and she is so lovable. Of all of Richelle's books this series is my favourite. The story flows brilliantly from the previous book and the character development of everyone in the novel is incredibly well thought out and written. I love the conflict between Eugenie's human and fey sides and her need to always do the right thing. It makes for a very compelling novel. The twists in this novel are both brilliant and heart-wrenching and my heart breaks for Eugenie at points throughout the novel. Such a good book.

Overall marks out of 10:10

Mark of the Demon - Diana Rowland

Cop and conjurer of demons, she’s a woman in danger of losing control—to a power that could kill….
Why me? Why now? That’s what Beaulac, Louisiana, detective Kara Gillian was asking herself when an angelic creature named Rhyzkahl unexpectedly appeared during a routine summoning. Kara was hoping to use her occult skills to catch a serial killer, but never had she conjured anything like this unearthly beautiful and unspeakably powerful being whose very touch set off exquisite new dimensions of pleasure. But can she enlist his aid in helping her stop a killer who’s already claimed the lives—and souls—of thirteen people? And should she? The Symbol Man is a nightmare that the city thought had ended three years ago. Now he’s back for an encore and leaving every indication on the flesh of his victims that he, too, is well versed in demonic lore.
Kara may be the only cop on Beaulac’s small force able to stop the killer, but it is her first homicide case. Yet with Rhyzkahl haunting her dreams, and a handsome yet disapproving FBI agent dogging her waking footsteps, she may be in way over her head…

I found this to be a very clever, well-written novel and when the story got going it really got going. Kara is a great character who has her own troubles in life. Her background also makes her very likeable and endearing. The support characters also enhance the story greatly and I adore Kara's Aunt. The crime element of the novel makes the plot so exciting and I didn't manage to guess anything about the crime which makes it even better. I can't wait for the sequel now.

Overall marks out of 10: 8