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