So it's been a while...

Got quite a few books to review which hopefully I'll start this week.

Got the remaining Morganville Vampires books
The Vampire Diaries
And hopefully Alexandra Ivy's Guardians of Eternity. Halfway through the first of the series.

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

Georgina Kincaid Series by Richelle Mead (SPOILERS)

This is another series where I read them so quickly I though it would be better to review them all at once and then add new reviews once the books are released.

Succubus Blues


When it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants. The wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical?

But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid’s life is far less exo

tic. Her boss is a middle-management demon with a thing for John Cusack movies. Her immortal best friends haven’t stopped teasing her about the time she shape-shifted into the Demon Goddess get-up complete with whip and wings. And she can’t have a decent date without sucking away part of the guy’s life. At least there’s her day job at a local bookstore—free books, all the white chocolate mochas she can drink, and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can’t.

But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle’s demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won’t help because Georgina’s about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny…

Succubus on Top


Love hurts, and no one knows it better than Georgina Kincaid. If she so much as kisses her new boyfriend, she’ll drain his life force. Georgina is a succubus—a demon who draws her power from other men’s pleasure. Admittedly, the shapeshifting and immortality perks are terrific, and yes, Georgina did choose to join the ranks of hell centuries ago. But it seems completely unfair that a she-demon whose purpose is seduction can’t get hot and heavy with the one mortal who knows and accepts her for who she is.

It’s not just her personal life that’s in chaos. Doug, Georgina’s co-worker at a local bookstore, has been exhibiting bizarre behavior, and Georgina suspects that something far more demonic than double e

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spressos is at work. She could use help finding out, but Bastien, an irresistibly charming incubus and her best immortal friend, is preoccupied in the suburbs with corrupting an ultra-conservative talk radio star—and giving Georgina some highly distracting come-hither vibes. Georgina is going to have to work solo on this one—and fast because soon, Doug’s life won’t be the only one on the line…

Succubus Dreams

Some days, a girl just can't catch a break especially when the girl in question is Georgina Kincaid, a shape-shifting succubus who gets her energy from seducing men. First there’s her relationship with gorgeous bestselling writer Seth Mortensen, which is unsatisfying on a number of levels. It’s not just that they can’t have sex in case Georgina inadvertently kills him (generally a turn-off for most guys). Lately, even spending time together is a challenge. Seth's obsessed with finishing his latest novel, and Georgina's under demonic orders to mentor the new (and surprisingly inept) succubus on the block.

Then there are the dreams. Someone, or something, is preying on Georgina at night, draining her energy, and supplying eerie visions of her future. Georgina seeks answers from Dante, a dream interpreter with ties to the underworld, but his flirtatious charm only leaves her more confused—especially as the situation with Seth reaches crisis point. Now Georgina faces a double challenge—rein in her out-of-control love life, and go toe-to-toe with an enemy capable of wreaking serious havoc among mankind. Otherwise, Georgina, and the entire mortal world, may never sleep easy again…

Succubus Heat

Georgina Kincaid has been a bad, bad succubus which should be a good thing. But lately, thanks to her foul mood over breaking up with bestselling writer Seth Mortensen, she’s been so wicked that Seattle’s über-demon Jerome, decides to “outsource” Georgina to a rival—and have her spy for him in the process.

Being exiled to the frozen north—okay, Vancouver—and leaving Seth in the cozy clutches of his new girlfriend is unpleasant enough. Then Jerome is kidnapped, and all immortals under his control mysteriously lose their powers. One bright spot: with her life-sucking ability gone, there’s nothing to keep Georgina from getting down and dirty with Seth—nothing apart from his girlfriend that is. Now, as the supernatural population starts turning on itself, a newly mortal Georgina must rescue her boss and figure out who’s been playing them—or all hell will break loose…

I think this is my favourite series by Richelle Mead. The conflicts in Georgina's character are so engaging. For a series which revolves around sex the scenes are well written and don't leave me feeling sick. The interactions between each of the characters are totally believable and I find many of the characters endearing. I can't believe I have to wait until April for the next book as I've been totally sucked into Georgina's world. Love Love Love this series

Overall maks out of 10: 10

Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead (SPOILERS)

I read all these books in like 3 days so I decided it would be better to do a review of the series so far and then add each new book as it comes out.

The books in the series so far are
1) Vampire Academy
2) Frostbite
3) Shadow Kiss

Vampire Academy

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fraught with danger both ins ide and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever...

Frostbite

Rose Hathaway's got serious guy trouble. Her gorgeous tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason has a huge crush on her, and she keeps getting stuck in her best friend Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian. (So not cool).

Then a massive Strigoi attack puts St. Vladimir's on high alert, and the Academy crawls with Guardians--including the legendary Janine Hathaway...Rose's formidable, long-absent mother. The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks. This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is

mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only provide the illusion of safety. When three students run away to strike back against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. Only this time, Rose--and her heart--are in more danger than she ever could have imagined...

Shadow Kiss

It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling quite right. She's having dark thoughts, behaving erratically, and worst of all...might be seeing gh

osts.

As Rose questions her sanity, new complications arise. Lissa has begun experimenting with her magic once more, their enemy Victor Dashkov might b

e set free, and Rose's forbidden relationship with Dimitri is starting to heat up again. But when a deadly threat no one saw

coming changes their entire world, Rose must put her own life on the line--and choose between the two people she loves most.

I absolutely adore this series. Rose is an amazing character. She is so fiesty and strong. All the secondary characters completely enhance the strong and I can't help but be sucked into this world. The relationships between Rose and other characters are fascinating especially with Lissa and Dimitri (who by the way is incredibly sexy). It is quite common for a series like this to get quite repetitive but that is not the case with these books. I could read them all again they were that good.

Overall marks out of 10: 10

The Darkest Pleasure - Gena Showalter

This is a continuation of 'The Lords of the Underworld' series and this novel focuses on Reyes and his love interest Danika. Reyes is still trying to keep Danika safe from Aeron and the hunters in the world. There is a twist though in that Danika becomes essential in the search for Padora's Box. The warriors also have a few battles with hunters and there are some shocks for the Lords when they discover the leader of the hunters.

Again this is another fabulous book from Gena. Everytime I read one of these books the couple becomes my favourite and Reyes and Danika are definately gonna be ones to beat when it comes to how much the suit each other. The further plot development is brilliant, each of her novels flow into each other flawlessly. The lords become more endearing with every novel and you can't help but feel so awful for them and their cursed lives. The insights to the other warriors that Gena slots in create anticipation for the next novel and add to the understanding of each of the warriors and their motives for what they do. I really can't think of more ways to say that these books are amazing.

Overall marks out of 10: 10

Prey - Rachel Vincent

It's finally time for Manx's trial and time for Faythe to see Marc. But then they are ambushed by an army of strays. But things must go on and after Faythe leaves Manx at her trial she returns home to help Kaci who is still refusing to shift and she's getting sicker because of it. Then Faythe receives a phonecall...Marc has been kidnapped. Now Faythe is on a mission to get him back and to find out what is going on with the strays.

I absolutely loved this book but it left me infinately sad. I'm not gonna spoil it but I was very shocked by Rachel's twists in the plot. I can accept that it was needed for the story to move on but it didn't make it any easier to digest. Faythe makes some colossal mistakes in this novel and I'm still very angry with her. I adore the emotion that Rachel brings out of me whenever I read her novels. The developments in this novel have me really excited for 'Shift'. I just never want this series to end.

Overall marks out of 10: 10

Storm Glass - Maria V Snyder

Opal has a very strange magical gift. She's not like other magicians with a range of powers. Opal can trap magic inside glass. So obviously she's the best person to send to the stormdancer clan when they are having trouble with their glass orbs. But it's not a simple as it sounds. Someone is trying to stop Opal and to bring about the downfall of the stormdancer clan.

I really enjoyed this book. I will admit that it did take me a bit longer to get into it than I expected. The plot is believable and the new characters that Maria introduces are very likeable. My favourite thing about this book, however, was the connection to the previous series based in this world. I loved that Yelena and Valek were mentioned and that Leif was even in the novel. It added a very cool touch and the story then became more alive for me.

Overall marks out of 10: 7

Pride - Rachel Vincent

Faythe Sanders is on trial for her life after she accidentally turned her ex-boyfriend into a werecat but whilst at her trial there are greeted by an angry bruin, werebear. There are werecats running all over his territory and he's not happy. But then one day he returns with a tabby, an orphaned tabby. It's upto Faythe to find out about this tabby and save her from the scheming of the council.

This is such a compelling series and I'm absolutely addicted. I love Faythe's character and the learning curve that she is going through. She matures with every book and her ability to get herself into trouble and then right back out of it is quite amusing at points. It actually really nice to see Faythe have some of a maternal instinct and I couldn't wait to read Prey.

Overall marks out of 10: 10

The Darkest Kiss - Gena Showalter

Lucien is the keeper of death and Anya is the Goddess of Anarchy. Together they are trying to save the Lords from Pandora's box and the hunters who would have all the Lords dead. If only they could get past the intense attraction between the two of them that they both know will only get them in trouble. Throw in Cronus leader of the Titans who wants Anya dead to get a hold of her special gift.

This is another good 'un from Gena. The development of Anya and Lucien from the previous novel is brilliant. Anya is such a fiesty lady and she brings the best out of Lucien's character. Lucien is also such a captivating character and the glimpses into both characters past enhances everything about their personalities. The development of the polt through this novel is also very good and flows very nicely from the previous novel. Another thing that I love about this book is that the novel is not completely about Anya and Lucien and there are hints and glimpses into the old novel and into the next few in the series. It makes me very excited for the next novel and I most definately.

Overall marks out of 10: 9

The Turning - Jennifer Armintrout

Carrie has just become a Doctor but one night someone comes into the hospital and knocks Carrie right out of her bubble. Someone so damaged the fact that they are conscious is a miracle. Inevitably this person dies and is sent down to the morgue where Carrie goes to confront her fear of them and then she is attacked. She wakes up after a few surgeries and there is something different. She has an insatiable appetite and she's sensitive to light. In her quest for answers she meets Nathan who helps her get new to her new life. Carrie has been turned into a vampire and the person who sired her is one of the most evil vampires on the planet. But Carrie can't help but be attracted to her sire, Cyrus. She keeps telling herself it's the blood tie that happens between the two of them but how can she be sure? And then add in the problem of the attraction between her and Nathan. What's a girl to do?

This book is a lot more sinister than the previous books I have reviewed but it was brilliant. Carrie is a brilliant character and the things we discover about her really enhance her character. The plot is very well constructed and flows very well and Nathan and Cyrus' opposite personailities offer the most realistic clash and bring out both sides of Carrie's new life. The revelations in this novel are superbly placed and add a more dramatic effect to the story. A very very good read.

Overall marks out of 10: 9

Enslave Me Sweetly - Gena Showalter

Mia is an alien huntress. Her job is to hunt and kill the aliens on Earth who break our laws. Human men are going missing and then showing up dead, on display. It's now Mia's job to find the alien responsible and eliminate them. But first she has to get past the seductive Kyrin and alien with whom Mia develops an undeniable attraction. Together they must find this alien, if they can keep their hands off each other.

This book was the bomb. Aliens are not usually my thing but Gena made this book so realistic I was able to work with them. The plot is excellent and very well written with a brilliant pace. This was another book that I found difficult to put down. Mia is one kick-ass no-nonsense chick and I absolutely adore her character. Kyrin is so sexy it's hard not to want him yourself but with this gorgeous vulnerable side. Overall he's delicious. My thoughts on this book are only good and this is just another book to add to Gena's immense books list.

Overall marks out of 10: 9

Glass Houses - Rachel Caine

The plot for this novel is as follows: Claire has just started at a university in Morganville Texas but she's having a few problems fitting in with the other girls and this eventually leads to Claire moving out of dorms and into the Glass House with 3 other roommates. Claire soon discovers that Morganville is not as it seems. The town is run by vampires and the town is divided into two different sets of people: the Protected, and Unprotected. Claire soon ends up in a bit of trouble and its up to the inhabitants of the Glass House to sort it out with a few surprises thrown in.

I absolutely loved this book. It actually read it in one night. The characters are totally lovable and Claire's ability to get herself into trouble is very endearing rather than being annoying. The twists thrown into this book are excellent and keep you on your toes. The plot moves at a briliant pace and I never felt myself getting bored whilst reading this book. This is definately one of the better young adult books that I have read previously. I'm so glad that this is the first book in a series rather than a stand alone novel because I can't wait to read the next one.

Overall Marks out of 10: 9

Angels And Demons - Dan Brown

So I think I'm safe in assuming that everyone knows about this book.

The plot is as follows: Robert Langdon, a professor at Harvard University is called in to assist in a murder where the vicitim has been branded 'Illuminati' and then starts a ride that takes him and a very smart Italian named Vetra to Vatican City and all around Rome solving clues to find the forgotten meeting place of this secret society. Chuck in a bunch of Cardinals on the verge of deciding the new Pope and you have a very fast paced thriller novel.

My feelings on this book are very mixed. I love the history and architecture and science that he weaves into this incredible storyline, he always makes me want to see these things for myself, whilst still keeping it relevant and up to date. The pacing of this novel is also fantastic and I found it very difficult to put down until I got to the final chapters and this is where my mixed feelings come in, and the same thing happened with Da Vinci Code, I find he ruins it with some unbelievable ending. I can believe that Robert langdon solves the clues, I can believe that there will always be corrupt people in the church, but jumping out of helicopters I don't think so. I feel that maybe Mr Brown should take a step back and think I am I going to far with this story line and if he did I think the answer he would find would be 'yes'.

Overall Mark out of 10: 8

Shall We Tell The President? - Jeffrey Archer

This is the last book I have finished and it's probably best I give you some background on why I actually read this book. When I was younger and first getting in to more adult novels my mum recommended I read 'Kane and Abel' also by Jeffrey Archer and I just adored the book, so obviously that lead me on to reading 'The Prodigal Daughter' which I also adored and the follow on from that was 'Shall We Tell The President'. For years and years I could not find this book anywhere and eventually I found it on Bookmooch and I was absolutely delighted.

So the story starts as Florentyna Kane has just become president and now she is up for re-election. It is a given that she is re-elected and she announces her two main bills for her time in the White House - one on gun control and another on free medical care for everyone. Flash forward to years to the time when her bill on gun control is being debated and a waiter overhears a plot to assassinate the president. This is where the FBI gets involved and things get nasty when everyone but one person who knows of the plot dies. It's upto FBI agent Matt to uncover all he can in a week to foil this attempt whilst keeping under the radar.

So I went into reading this book already expecting to love it and I was a tad disappointed. This book lacked the hook of the previous two books and I put this down to the lack of face time with Florentyna. Throughout 'The Prodigal Daughter' she was such a compelling character and there was a certain part of me that needed her to still be there more than she was. As you can imagine there is a love understory in this novel which I also find to be a bit far fetched. However the police procedural part of this book is excellent. I share every discovery that Matt makes and I found myself figuring things out with him at the exact same time. Overall I think this is a excellent book as a standalone novel but if you read this as part of the trilogy I imagine you will be disappointed but that may just be because I read the book so long ago they've gotten better with time.

Overall marks out of 10: 7

Summer

So I'm on my summer holidays at the moment and have been doing lots of reading to pass the time. So far this week I have finished 3 books and I've decided I should share my knowledge and love of books with other people.

I feel though that maybe I should let everyone know that I don't have a preferred genre and I will go through phases of reading only one kind of book and then moving on or I will chop and change between genres with each book.

I am also open to recommendations on books you may have read so feel free to email me at feallan@o2.co.uk if you have an idea for a book I would like that you've loved.