In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina doesn’t really fit in. And being an assassin – the only profession fit for an outcast – doesn’t help matters. But she’s never brought her work home. Until now.
Her latest mission is uncomfortably complex and threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races. As Sabina scrambles to figure out which side she’s on, she uncovers a tangled political web, some nasty facts about her family and some unexpected new talents. Any of these things could be worryingly life-changing, but together, they could be fatal... (Blurb from the back of the book) Red-Headed Stepchild is the debut novel in the Sabina Kane series by Jaye Wells. Sabina is half-vampire and half-mage, which is a forbidden mixture of bloodlines. Due to this, and her job as an assassin, she is an outcast among the vampires. Raised by her grandmother, one of the leaders of the vampires known as the Dominae, after being orphaned at birth, Sabina was raised to hate all other beings but vampires.
The book starts out with Sabina burying her latest meal, right before she assassinates her latest target for the Dominae, who also happens to be a friend of hers. Orders are orders though, and the Dominae know what's best, right? So she does what she must, then does a few things she doesn't quite have to do. This helps lead to a great cover story for the Dominae's next plan for her. They want her to go undercover and infiltrate a rival group that is trying to unite supernaturals together. She is to find out who their spies are and assassinate their leader Clovis. Easier said than done, especially since she's never been any kind of spy. In the process she wants to find out who this strange mage is who keeps following her.
I was quickly caught up in this world and was done with the book before I wished I was. While a lot of the supernatural creatures are ones that have been seen a lot, this take is a fresh one. Vampires are the descendants of Liliath and Cain, and a lot of the other mythology spins off from there. It was wonderful!
Sabina is an interesting character. She was raised by vampires, but was hurt by them her whole life, and seems confused at times when her conscience seems to speak up a little. Her journey through this book is a big one, but there is a lot more to find out, so I can't wait to continue on in The Mage in Black.
Secondary characters were also great. Sabina gets a surprise roommate, Giguhl, who is hilarious! Vinca is full of surprises. Adam, is... well, he's just Adam, and I want to know more! Clovis is scary, but still draws you in, which makes him that much worse.
So, overall... loved it! This was an urban fantasy book that gave me everything I wanted: action, humor, sexual undertones, and a very promising beginning to a series I can't wait to continue!
Sabina Kane series: 1. Red-Headed Stepchild 2. The Mage in Black (release date: April 1, 2010) Also, the Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance, vol. 2 contains a story ”Vampsploitation”, that is a prequel short story to Red-Headed Stepchild. It also sets up backstory for The Mage in Black.
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 that are 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. (Blurb from the back of the book)
Tempest Rising is the debut novel in the Jane True series by Nicole Peeler. Jane True is a book store clerk in Rockabill, Maine. She has never fit in with the rest of the town, mostly due to her outcast of a mother and her own strange ways. Now, she keeps herself secluded because she, along with everyone in the town blame her for the death of her boyfriend Jason.
The book starts off seeming to go through a normal day with Jane. She takes out dinner to defrost for her and her father, who she takes care of, and then she goes to work. Her co-workers and only friends Tracy and Grizzie are a blast! Grizzie especially. Tracy and Grizzie are a couple, but that doesn't stop Grizzie from flirting with just about everyone especially Jane, though what she wants most is for Jane to find someone and be happy.
After a run in with one of the nastier people in town, Jane turns to what calms her the most after she gets off work, swimming. That's when we see that things with Jane aren't quite so normal. Not everyone can go jump in freezing water, naked, and swim near a whirlpool that should be way to strong for her. Then things start to get even worse. Jane finds a body in the water and rescues it from the whirlpool. Not knowing what to do with it she leaves it on the beach to hopefully be found by an old man that lives there.
From there things get really strange. Jane ends up meeting a group of supernatural beings who inform her that she is half-selkie and that an investigator will be coming to ask her some questions about the murder, because it was related to the supernatural. The investigator's name is Ryu who is incredibly good looking and powerful, oh and a vampire. He wants Jane's help with the murder investigation, and the farther they get into the investigation, the more Jane goes into that world and the more dangers she finds.
This book was a very fast read for me, and I didn't want to put it down. The world was very intriguing with a list of all different types of supernatural beings apart from the usual ones. Even those had a bit of a different twist to them. There was a lot of humor and a lot of sex, but it still balanced out enough for me. The fighting in it was a bit light compared to some other urban fantasies, but that was a nice change. Most of the struggle was within Jane herself.
The characters are awesome! I absolutely adored Jane from beginning to end! Ryu was a lot of fun and can make a scene hot, but I don't think I want him with Jane. Jane's human friends are hilarious with strong personalities. Her supernatural friends are people I can't wait to find out more about in the next book, one in particular!! Overall, this book was fabulous and I can't wait for the next one, Tracking the Tempest!
Jane True series: 1. Tempest Rising 2. Tracking the Tempest (release date: July 1, 2010) 3. Tempest's Legacy (release date: January 1, 2011)
THE THING NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT DYING IS JUST HOW MUCH FUN IT CAN BE.
Alive, ad exec Amanda Feral worked hard to wring enjoyment out of her days. Now that she's a zombie, it's a different story. Turns out, Seattle is home to glamorous undead of every description, and Amanda- stylish and impeccably groomed even in the afterlife- is swinging cocktails and living large (so to speak) among its elite. But there are downsides. Not being able to stomach anything except alcohol and human flesh, for instance. And the fact that someone is targeting Seattle's otherworldly inhabitants for their own sinister reasons.
Preying on the undead is seriously uncool. The only option is for Amanda and her zombie BFF Wendy and gorgeous gay vampire pal Gil to unearth the culprit among the legions of Seattle's bloodsuckers, shapeshifters, reapers, succubi, and demons- before they meet a fate a lot worse than death... (Blurb from the back of the mass market paperback)
Happy Hour of the Damned is the first book in the Amanda Feral series by Mark Henry. Amanda is a newly created zombie, a fashionista, and possibly the snarkiest character I've come across. The book starts out while Amanda is out with her friends for drinks, and boy do they drink a lot, but they have few choices. Being a zombie gives Amanda the choice of drinking alcohol and eating people. If she has anything else, the results are not pretty, and yes you get to find out what they are. Lucky you.
Anyway, when one of their friends is later than usual for drinks, Amanda finally receives a text asking for help. When they go to her house there's no trace of her. The search is on. Unfortunately for the lost friend, she's got the most self-centered group of people looking for her. Amanda doesn't even like taking the time out in the story to tell the background of the other characters because that takes the focus off of her, and the other ones are about the same really.
This is one twisted tale that gets Amanda in deeper and deeper trouble. She might have to rethink her plans because she doesn't want to mess up her unhealable zombie flesh. That just would not do!
It took me a while to get my thoughts in order about what to say about this book. It's unique that's for sure, and I loved it! As someone who uses LOL probably too much, I don't actually laugh out loud a whole lot. I usually chuckle quietly to myself. While I read this book, I LOL, then LOL, then LOL, I think you get the point. However, I kind of hate Amanda... but I like reading about her and her friends. She's bitchy and self-centered and that's even before she became a zombie, so now you add in eating people. With that said, she's perverted, foul-mouthed, and absolutely hilarious! Also, the girl can dress!
As for her friends, Wendy is also a zombie, and a lot like Amanda, which is why they get along so wonderfully. Gil is the gorgeous gay vampire of the group who fits right in as well. Ricardo is the hunk of a zombie bartender who also helps out the gang from time to time. Other creatures are thrown in here and there, and then there's the search for their friend Liesl.
The world is fabulous, and by fabulous I mean dark, gritty, stylish, and funny. Mark Henry takes us to the dirty underside of the city while trying to figure out who dunnit. If you get grossed out easily, are offended by bad language, or are looking for some romance, this is not the book for you. But if you like a book that can make fun of everyday pop culture from Starbucks to music, while being filled with snark and paranormal creatures galore, then here ya go! I loved it and hope to soon read the next two books in the series!
Amanda Feral series: 1. Happy Hour of the Damned 2. Road Trip of the Living Dead 3. Battle of the Network Zombies (just released February 23rd)
Here’s a piece that’s a little different from what I usually have on here. From Edera Jewelry, this is the Dauphine Silver Lace Necklace. This reminded me so much a necklace I read about once. Now if only I could remember what book that was in…
This is too awesome! The Library Lover’s Pocket Fold Book by Green Tea Bookworks has built-in pockets that can hold your own cards and photos, or the 4 library cards and 2 date due slips that come with it. It also has a few blank pages to keep notes in it.
As if the computer virus wasn't annoying enough, now cable has joined in the conspiracy against me and the use of my computer. I have a cable internet connection... and the cables out, well not out totally, just enough to where it won't let me access the internet. So I'm sorry that I didn't get my Friday Finds up. Hopefully, I'll be able to get some use of a computer tomorrow to do my Shop on Saturday post. If not at least you can have a lot of book reviews to look forward to because I've been able to get a lot of reading done without my computer working. March has to be a better month than February has been, right?
Design a button for my blog for a book from the Book Depository up to $10 in value. Enter by March 4, 2010.
New Contests:
~Fangtastic Books is having a 500 Follower giveaway! One lucky follower will win: A Fang-tastic Books tote bag and t-shirt, signed copies of Eternal Desire and Insatiable by Roxanne Rhoads, Blood Ties Season 2 DVD set, Blood Price byTanya Huff, Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro, and Mr Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange. Contest ends whenever followers reach 500.
~Lurv a la Mode is giving away a few copies of Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison. Enter by February 24, 2010.
~Fantasy Dreamer’s Ramblings is giving away a copy of Roadkill by Rob Thurman. Contest ends February 25, 2010.
~Smexy Books is giving away a signed copy of Shade Fright by Sean Cummings. Contest ends February 25, 2010.
~Mundie Moms is giving away Beautiful Dead by Eden Maguire. Contest ends February 25, 2010.
~Wicked Little Pixie is giving away a signed copy of one of Anton Strout’s books. Enter by February 26, 2010.
~Book Chick City is giving away a copy of Shiver, the UK edition by Maggie Stiefvater. Contest ends February 26, 2010.
~Mundie Moms is giving away a Mortal Instruments necklace and a bookmark signed by Anastasia Hopcus. Contest ends February 26, 2010.
~Rachel Vincent is giving away 5 copies of the UK edition Rogue, 5 copies of the UK edition of Pride, and 3 cover flats of the American version of Shift. Enter by February 26, 2010.
~Sidhe Vicious Reviews is giving away an e-copy of Dusk by Lana Griffin. Contest ends February 28, 2010.
~SciFiGuy is giving away a copy of Rogue Angel: The Spirit Banner by Joe Nassise. Enter by March 1, 2010.
~Book Junkie is giving away 3 copies of Oriana and the Three Werebears by Tia Fanning. Enter by March 1, 2010.
~Pop Culture Junkie is giving away Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten. Enter by March 5, 2010.
~Shiloh Walker is giving away a NOOK! Enter by March 6, 2010.
~Tales of the Ravenous Reader is giving away 5 copies of Token of Darkness by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. Enter by March 8, 2010.
~The Qwillery is giving away the first 4 books in Rob Thurman’s Cal Leandros series. Enter by March 8, 2010.
~The Bibliophilic Book Blog is giving away Spider’s Bite by Jennifer Estep. Contest ends March 10, 2010.
~Elegantly Bound Books is having a 50 follower contest! The prizes are Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz, and The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine. Enter by March 12, 2010.
~The Story Siren is giving away 3 Prize Packs of Awesomeness! Enter by March 12, 2010.
~The Book Muncher is giving away 3 copies of Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten. Enter by March 15, 2010.
~Book Faery is giving away the Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead. Contest ends March 19, 2010.
~Dark Faerie Tales is having 500+ Followers Contest! 4 winners get to choose from a list of amazing books! The books are Shift,Delicious, Bound, Branded, & Brazen, Serpent Moon, Deep In the Woods, Shadowglass, Hex Hall, A Local Habitation, Before I Fall, Forget-Her-Nots, Broken, The Line, Werewolf Smackdown,Hourglass, The Dead-Tossed Waves, Angelology, Abandon the Night, The Body Finder, Voices of Dragons, Brightly Woven, The Devil’s Playground, and Mind Games. Contest ends March 21, 2010.
~Books at Midnight is giving away some Kristin Walker swag! Enter by February 26, 2010.
~Wicked Awesome Books is still having their New Books in the New Year Contest! Several winners will get the chance to pick from a great list of books! Enter by February 26, 2010.
~Jennifer’s Musings is having another great contest. She is giving away a signed copy of Heavenly, a copy of Falling for Romeo, a bookmark, a purple pen, and some gum. Please tell her Amanda Leigh or NRSVampChick sent you! Enter by February 27, 2010.
~Book Junkie is giving away 5 new copies of Dare to Surrender by Lilli Feisty and one used copy. Winner will by chosen February 27, 2010.
~Shooting Stars Mag is giving away a Book Lover’s Basket full of goodies! Enter by February 28, 2010.
~Parajunkee is giving away 10 copies of Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole. Enter by February 28, 2010.
~Wicked Awesome Books is giving away her review copy of A House Afire by Emma Kinna to another blogger to read and review. Enter by February 28, 2010.
~Shooting Stars Mag is giving away an ARC of White Cat and a $250 Holey Donuts Card. Enter by February 28, 2010.
~Books at Midnight is giving away a copy of Light Beneath Ferns by Anne Spollen. Enter by February 28, 2010.
~Reading with Tequila is having a February Review Book Giveaway. Choose from Gentlemen Prefer Succubi by Jill Miles or something from the Prize Bin. Enter by February 28, 2010.
~Twisted Fates’ Cafe is having a huge February giveaway that is also great for charity! Win from a nice pick of YA books. Contest ends February 28, 2010.
~Steph Su Reads is having a big Blogoversary Giveaway! Several people will win several ARCs and their choice of books as well!!! Contest ends February 28, 2010.
~All Things Urban Fantasy 300+ Follower Giveaway! The winner will receive the Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. If the 400 follower mark is passed before the end of this contest, another winner will be chosen to receive the Alpha and Omega series also by Patricia Briggs! So, please enter and spread the word! Contest ends February 28, 2010.
~Books of Dela is giving away Forever Princess by Meg Cabot and Man and Wife by Tony Parsons. Contest ends March ?
~The Neverending Shelf is giving away Beautiful Dead by Eden Maguire. Enter by March 1, 2010.
~Tales of the Ravenous Reader is giving away a copy of Where Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten. Contest ends March 1, 2010.
~Mundie Moms is having their 1st Birthday Bash giveaway. You can win a hardcover and audiobook Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink. Enter by March 1, 2010.
~SciFiGuy is giving away 2 copies of Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb. Contest ends March 1, 2010.
~SciFiGuy is giving away 2 copies of Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison. Enter by March 1, 2010.
~Luxury Reading is giving away a copy of Double Trouble by Susan May Warren. Contest ends March 1, 2010.
~The Bibliophilic Book Blog is have an awesome giveaway for a Nook, a Kindle, a Sony Touch, or a Sony Pocket (your choice), or a gift card to the bookstore of your choice. Enter by March 1, 2010.
~Should Be Reading has info on the Susan May Warren “Double Trouble” Contest. One grand prize winner will receive a $150 Super Sleuth prize package filled with an iPod Shuffle, iTunes GC, Amazon GC, Starbucks GC, designer sunglasses, scarf, and signed copies of Nothing but Trouble and Double Trouble. Contest ends March 1, 2010.
~The Royal Reviews is giving away a copy of The Iron King by Julie Kagawa. Enter by March 1, 2010.
~Elizabeth Scott is having a HUGE giveaway to help promote the release of her book The Unwritten Rule. Enter to win 25 books! Contest ends March 2, 2010.
~Luxury Reading is giving away a copy of Totally Toned Arms by Rylan Duggan. Enter by March 3, 2010.
~At Home With Books is giving away 2 copies of Postcards from a Dead Girl by Kirk Farber. Contest ends March 3, 2010.
~The Story Siren is giving away a signed copy of Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison. Enter by March 5, 2010.
~Wicked Thorn and Roses is giving away a $10 Barnes and Noble Gift Card. Contest ends March 5, 2010.
~Teens Read and Write is having a MegaBook Giveaway!!! To celebrate hitting 500 followers, they have a list of books to give away. As more followers are added, more winners and more book choices will be added! So spread the word so that more people have a chance to win! Contest ends March 7, 2010.
~Tales of the Ravenous Reader is giving away Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, Captivate by Carrie Jones, Chronicles of Vladimar Todd, Dirty Little Secrets by C. J. Omololu, Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey. Enter by March 7, 2010.
~Le Femme Readers is giving away Wherever Nina Lies to 3 winners. Contest ends March 8, 2010.
~The Undercover Book Lover is giving away a wonderful list of books! Enter to win The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, The Sight by Judy Blundell, Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn, Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready, The Line by Teri Hall, The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott, The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting, Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken, Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken, Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White, and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. Contest ends March 10, 2010.
~Shooting Stars Mag is giving away a paperback copy of Wake and a harback copy of Fade by Lisa McMann to 2 winners. Enter by March 15, 2010.
~Tartitude is giving away a Kindle! Enter by March 15, 2010.
~Welcome to Larissa’s Life is having a 350 Follower Giveaway! Several winners get their choice of books and swag. More winners could be added. Enter by March 15, 2010.
~Rex Robot Reviews is having an awesome giveaway! Several winners will be chosen to win some awesome books and swag. Enter by March 17, 2010.
~Storywings is having a 49 Followers Contest! As more followers join, more books and winners are added, so far the list of books is amazing! Contest ends March 19, 2010.
~Cherry Mischievous is giving away a copy of Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. Enter by April 16, 2010.
I’m sorry if I forgot or missed anything this week, but I’m sure I have with all my computer problems. Feel free to leave links in the comments to any contests you would like to share. If you have any contests you want listed on next week's post and/or images to go with your contest, please email me @ notreallysouthernvampchick(at)gmail(dot)com. :)
Alright everyone, what I badly need is a button for my blog. Unfortunately, I am not the most tech-savvy person in the world, or the most decisive all the time. So, why not have another contest. This one is so much easier though, well if your not me anyway. Make me a button for my blog! You can make it however you want, just try to make it fit how you see my blog. Just make sure there are no copyright problems, ok? This contest will be open internationally, where ever the Book Depository delivers, so make sure it can deliver to you before you enter! The winner will get their choice of book up to $10 dollars, which will be shipped straight from the Book Depository! Sound good? I hope so! You have until March 4th, 11:59 PM Central, to enter! I will pick my favorite button to win and announce it on March 5th!
Send entries to notreallysouthernvampchick(at)gmail(dot)com
P.S. I really don't like much pink. Just thought I'd give you a heads up!
Between the Olympics and a computer virus, I haven’t read or reviewed exactly what I meant to, big shocker I know, but hopefully I’ll get my computer back to normal this week and then the Olympics aren’t on much longer.
My Zombie Valentine anthology by Katie MacAlister, Angie Fox, Marianne Mancusi, and Lisa Cach
Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn
Reviews I Need to Complete:
My Zombie Valentine anthology by Katie MacAlister, Angie Fox, Marianne Mancusi, and Lisa Cach
Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn
Books I am Currently Reading/Listening To:
Beyond the Night by Joss Ware (I finally rescued it from the car, now I just have to finish it.)
They Call Me Death by Missy Jane
Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
What’s Up Next:
The Sin Eater’s Prince by Keta Diablo
Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells
Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler
Will I finish all these? Probably not. But darn it I’m gonna try! Wait a minute is there a prequel in an anthology before Cry Wolf? I just remembered something about that… and the beginning sure seemed like I might be missing something…
Do to a lovely computer virus, I’ve been using a different computer and having to share with way too many people. I also temporarily don’t have use of my digital camera. Well, I can use it, but it doesn’t get along with this computer, so you all can’t see the pictures LOL. So, no pictures this week, but here’s what I got!
Bought By Me:
From Borders
Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry (two copies)
Valentine’s Duckies! They’re super cute! I wish I could have taken a picture.
This is your last day to enter my Have a Zombie Valentine Giveaway! So hurry and do it now! In the spirit of the last day of my zombie giveaway, I’ll continue on in my zombie theme. At Zombie Tools you can find wicked blades and other merchandise to help prepare you for a zombie apocalypse!
Todays Shop on Saturday is going to be from shops around Etsy.
From Space Dog Studios, this is the bookmark I needed for some of the books I’ve read, especially in school. It’s also a small personalized notebook that can be filled with your notes as you read. Nifty huh?
Rhymes With Magic has the perfect earrings for most of us I think! Look at these awesome earrings that say Book Freak! There is plenty of other book jewelry there too!
Gurly Girl has this Fleur d’lis leather bracelet for men. Don’t worry ladies, her shop mostly has jewelry for women, even a few bookmarks, but I had to share this because I think it’s awesome!
Last but not least, from Pearlie Girl, you can make a personalized, handforged copper bookmark! Will not necessarily match the one pictured. Can be made to your liking.
Just when I thought I was going to have to do something boring for my guest-blogging spot, along came Amanda's review of Vintage Soul, and I knew what I'd write. That's two gifts she's given me today – the review, and an idea.
One of the things that Amanda mentions is world building. This is something that authors handle in very different ways, and to very different degrees, so I thought I'd write a little about my own methods, and at the same time fill in a little more information on Donovan DeChance, and the city of San Valencez, California.
One school of thought on world building is that you should cram a lot about your world, like all the rules and the major players, into the first few chapters of each book so people are "up to date" and can comfortably drop back into your particular universe. I understand the logic behind this, but at the same time, it has a formulaic feel that itches at my nerves. I just can't do it.
What I have tried to do in Vintage Soul is to drop bits and pieces of information into place, hints of a bigger "whole" without providing an information overload that slows the pace of the actual story. While the DeChance Chronicles will be a series, I want each book to stand alone, and above all – this being my shot at showing how I would write the sort of fiction I created for White Wolf publishing without the constraints of their "rules" – I don't want to bog readers down with back story. I want it to come out gradually over time.
I do intend to write the book that reveals more of Donovan's past. I suspect that one is about four or five on the list. The third book, unless something changes my mind, will be titled "Kali's Tale," and will follow the quest of one of the young vampires in Vintage Soul as she track's her "maker," with Donovan and Amethyst's assistance and guidance.
Donovan has been alive a very long time. I hint at this in both of the first two books without nailing down times and places. I believe, though, that he has always lived in America, and that limits me somewhat, since he's not a Native American. His roots are in the old west, and the times just before California became "Gold Country." He began as an apprentice, and it was the act of shaking off that apprenticeship that set him on his own quest – to gather the magical text and knowledge of the world, categorize it, organize it, collect it – and above all – protect it. Donovan DeChance helps to guard the "balance" of powers in the world. He's one of the good guys on an epic scale, though he often finds himself entangled in much more personal squabbles.
To keep myself from wandering too much, and to be certain that I provide continuity between novels, I convinced one of my fans to help me start putting together a sort of "series bible" for these books. In it we record the characters, the settings, the amulets and charms and rules, and anything else of relevance that will help me build a recognizable, familiar, and comfortable world for a long-term fan base. I think we're on the right track.
It's interesting to note that San Valencez, California, as well as Lavender and Friendly California, Random Illinois, and Old Mill, NC are all cities I've created over decades of writing. I have several novels set in San Valencez, as well as two other series. It's a place that attracts the strange and the magical. My upcoming novel Maelstrom takes place in Lavender, just outside San Valencez, and involves the Shady Grove Cemetery, which also appears in Vintage Soul.
Over the years, all of my works have begun to wind in toward a shared center. I like the way that feels, and I hope that some of you will buy my books, follow along, and make yourselves at home in my world.
I have my own digital publishing company, where many of my novels (including the vampire cult classic "This is My Blood," and the first in one of the other urban fantasy series set in San Valencez, "Deep Blue," can be found in digital format, as well as a lot of my other work).
Review copies can be sent on request of the e-books in whatever format you prefer…I'm always available for interviews and guest blogs, or to discuss my work.
Friday Finds are books I've heard about during the past week. Credit goes to MizB from Should Be Reading
Found this @ All Things Urban Fantasy. Well, I saw the cover for the 6th Pepper Martin book there and looked up the rest of the series which I have not yet read.
Don of the Dead by Casey Daniels Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: May 30, 2006 336 pages
Blurb: She sees dead people
Beautiful, smart, and chic, Pepper Martin never had to work a day in her life -- until her surgeon daddy was convicted of fraud, her wealthy fiancé took a powder, and the family fortune ran bone dry.
Suddenly desperate, the inexperienced ex-rich girl was forced to take the only job she could get: as a tour guide in a cemetery. But a grave situation took a turn for the worse when a head-on collision with a headstone left her with an unwanted ability to communicate with the disgruntled deceased . . . and now Pepper has a whacked Mafia don demanding that she hunt down his killers -- and threatening to haunt her until she does. (From publisher's website.)
Legend of the Caryph by Lynn Moyle Publisher: Eloquent Books Pub. Date: September 24, 2009 202 pages
Blurb: Centuries ago, an Order was formed to protect a select group of women who possessed powerful magic. These witches, known as Caryphs, were called upon to fight demonic forces released on the earth in an effort to enslave humanity.
Regan Thompson is an inexperienced young college student whose life is suddenly ripped apart when she discovers she has inherited the powers of the Caryph. Like the others before her, Regan must somehow learn to harness the pure, raw magic that is buried deep within. But when a demon is set loose upon the earth, it is up to Order members Wendell and Alec to help Regan overcome her sheltered ways and quickly master her abilities in order to protect herself, her friends, and humankind. (From Goodreads)
Glimmerglass by Jenna Black Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin Release Date: May 25, 2010 320 pages
Blurb: Dana Hathaway doesn't know it yet, but she's in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides she’s had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl—she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.
Soon, Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her newfound friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she’ll never have a chance with… until she does. Caught between two worlds, Dana isn’t sure where she’ll ever fit in and who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again… (From Jenna Black's website)
Blood Vice by Keith Melton Publisher: Samhain Pub. Date: December 1, 2009 280 pages
Blurb: Mafia hit man. Vampire. The criminal underworld just got a whole lot darker.
The Nightfall Syndicate, Book 1
Business has never been better for hit man Karl Vance. Boston is awash in mafia blood, and Vance has a certain fondness for blood. He’s a master vampire—one of the most powerful of his kind. Having sworn to never again feed on the blood of innocents, Karl preys instead on Boston’s criminal underworld. Which makes him a valuable asset to those who deal in death.
Maria Ricardi intends to use that asset to its full extent in order to gain power within her patriarchal crime family. Vance thinks he’s been hired to keep track of the family’s princess, but she’s got a plan to get her hands dirty and earn the respect she deserves. And she’s not above using their instant attraction to get what she wants.
That driving ambition draws the attention of a rival clan’s newest and most dangerous “consultant.” Alejandro Delgado, Vance’s centuries-old nemesis. Delgado zeroes in on the one chink in Vance’s armor—his fondness for the headstrong Maria.
When she becomes enslaved by Delgado’s unnatural kiss, only one thing is certain. Vance has to decide which he wants more. To settle the score—or rescue her soul.
Ok, Blood Vice has a warning label, how awesome is that! Once I saw that though, I think I've also heard about this book before on All Thing Urban Fantasy.
Vintage Soul is the first book in the DeChance series by David Niall Wilson. Donovan DeChance is a practicing mage, sometimes private investigator, and always collector of ancient manuscripts, but wait I'm already getting ahead of myself. The book starts out at a party full of vampires. Security is both the best technologically speaking that money can buy, and under the best supernatural supervision. This still does not prevent the kidnapping of the host's lover, Vanessa, one of the sexist women ever apparently from the way people react to her. The vampires know they are no match for someone who has magical talents that could breech their security, so they enlist the help of DeChance, who they have gone to in the past.
DeChance meanwhile gets a nasty surprise of his own when he's attacked at home and a journal that he has acquired is taken. When he finds out about Vanessa's kidnapping, he realizes the two things are connected, which is a very, very bad thing, especially for Vanessa. The journal contains all the parts needed for an outlawed ritual, that includes Vanessa's blood. Now, it is a race against time. Can Donovan keep this mysterious bad guy from getting all the ingredients needed and flush him out before the ritual can be completed?
It might take a little bit of help from some others to figure all this out. Thankfully, Donovan has a familiar, Cleo who is downright helpful and able to get in touch with Amethyst for him. What is Amethyst and Donovan's past? No idea. They are involved though, and they also help each other out magically when needed. Oh boy is it needed, and Amethyst has impeccable timing because Donovan did not think to prepare for everything.
In this book, the POV jumps around a bit. It's nice being able to see things from all the different sides, the vampires, Donovan, Amethyst, even our villain every now and then. This did, however, let you know who the villain was a lot sooner than Donovan did, but that's okay. It happens a lot and doesn't take anything away from the story.
Now, at first I had a bit of trouble getting into the book. It starts with the vampires, and that's all fine and well. Then we switch to Donovan, and the magic and all begins without any sort of major back story or world building or anything. So color me a little confused for a bit. The thing is, I was wanting to like it because I liked Donovan, but I didn't know enough to like it. Well, the magical world is still never explained in as much detail as I would like, but this is going to be a series, so there's still room for that in other books I can hope. As far as me liking the book... oh yeah! Once I got more into the world and the characters I was set. Oh, and the action really started to pull me in somewhere in the middle.
Donovan is a great and likable character. He's powerful and intelligent, and I like the undercurrent of romance going on with him and Amethyst. I love her as well. A woman that can take care of herself for the most part with different magical strengths than Donovan. The vampires are all great in there own ways, and I wouldn't mind seeing all of them again. Cleo, the cat, is a helpful familiar, and I wished we had gotten to see a bit more of her. There's also a certain crow, that I ended up really liking, but I don't want to give anything else away. :)
So, to sum it all up. This is kind of an urban fantasy noir starring book-hoarder/mage/investigator extraordinaire Donovan DeChance. Also featuring Amethyst, several powerful vampires who don't do much, several less powerful vampires who like to get in the way, and some awesome animals! Can't wait to read more about Donovan and learn more about this world, because I need to know more!!
~Shayla Black and Tracy Wolff are having daily contests from now until April 7, 2010, celebrating the releases of Delicious and Tease Me, when there will be a grand prize drawing for an i-pod Touch.
~Fantasy Dreamer’s Ramblings is giving away a coping of Xombies: Apocalypse Blues by Walter Greatshell. Enter by February 18, 2010.
~Welcome to Larissa’s Life is giving away a signed copy of Come Hell of High Water by Michelle Bardsley. Enter by February 18, 2010.
L-Ladies- giving away book inspired necklace from Etsy. If she reaches 550 followers by the end of the contest, there will also be a pair of earrings! Enter by February 18, 2010.
O-Older Readers- giving away 8 adult content books to one winner. Enter by February 19, 2010.
V-Very Young at Heart- giving away 4 YA books to one winner. Enter by February 20, 2010.
E-Everyone- giving away a choice of book (up to $15 in value) from the Book Depository. Enter by February 21, 2010.
~Wicked Thorn and Roses is giving away Alpha by Molly Maddox. Enter by February 19, 2010.
~Book Lovers Inc is giving away an ebook copy of Blood Vice by Keith Melton. Enter by February 19, 2010.
~Book Junkie is giving away a $10 GC to AllRomance.com. Contest ends February 19, 2010.
~Seductive Musings is giving away 2 copies of Legend of the White Wolf by Terry Spear. Enter by February 20, 2010.
~All Things Urban Fantasy is giving away a copy of Darklight by Lesley Livingston. Enter by February 20, 2010.
~Enchanted By Books is giving away The Bricklayer by Noah Boyd. Enter by February 21, 2010.
~Sidhe Viscous Reviews and EOS/Harper Harpercollins are giving away 6 books: 2 copies of Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter by A.E. Moorat, 2 copies of Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb, and 2 copies of Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison! Enter by February 21, 2010.
~Book Bound is giving away a signed copy of Shift by Rachel Vincent. Contest ends February 21, 2010.
~SciFiGuy is giving away a signed copy of Legend of the Wolf by Terry Spear. Enter by February 22, 2010.
~Paranormal Haven is giving away a signed copy of either Raphael or Jabril to one winner. Enter by February 22, 2010.
~The Qwillery is giving away 2 copies of Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry and a Zombie Devil Duckie! Contest ends February 22, 2010.
~Book Junkie is giving away 5 new copies of Dare to Surrender by Lilli Feisty and one used copy. Winner will by chosen February 27, 2010.
~Shooting Stars Mag is giving away a Book Lover’s Basket full of goodies! Enter by February 28, 2010.
~Parajunkee is giving away 10 copies of Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole. Enter by February 28, 2010.
~Wicked Awesome Books is giving away her review copy of A House Afire by Emma Kinna to another blogger to read and review. Enter by February 28, 2010.
~Books of Dela is giving away Forever Princess by Meg Cabot and Man and Wife by Tony Parsons. Contest ends March ?
~The Neverending Shelf is giving away Beautiful Dead by Eden Maguire. Enter by March 1, 2010.
~Tales of the Ravenous Reader is giving away a copy of Where Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten. Contest ends March 1, 2010.
~Shadow Hunters is having their 1st Mundie Moms Birthday Bash giveaway. You can win a hardcover and audiobook Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink. Enter by March 1, 2010.
~SciFiGuy is giving away 2 copies of Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb. Contest ends March 1, 2010.
~SciFiGuy is giving away 2 copies of Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison. Enter by March 1, 2010.
~Luxury Reading is giving away a copy of Double Trouble by Susan May Warren. Contest ends March 1, 2010.
~Elizabeth Scott is having a HUGE giveaway to help promote the release of her book The Unwritten Rule. Enter to win 25 books! Contest ends March 2, 2010.
~Luxury Reading is giving away a copy of Totally Toned Arms by Rylan Duggan. Enter by March 3, 2010.
~At Home With Books is giving away 2 copies of Postcards from a Dead Girl by Kirk Farber. Contest ends March 3, 2010.
~The Story Siren is giving away a signed copy of Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison. Enter by March 5, 2010.
~Tales of the Ravenous Reader is giving away Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, Captivate by Carrie Jones, Chronicles of Vladimar Todd, Dirty Little Secrets by C. J. Omololu, Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey. Enter by March 7, 2010.
~Le Femme Readers is giving away Wherever Nina Lies to 3 winners. Contest ends March 8, 2010.
~The Undercover Book Lover is giving away a wonderful list of books! Enter to win The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, The Sight by Judy Blundell, Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn, Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready, The Line by Teri Hall, The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott, The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting, Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken, Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken, Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White, and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. Contest ends March 10, 2010.
~Shooting Stars Mag is giving away a paperback copy of Wake and a harback copy of Fade by Lisa McMann to 2 winners. Enter by March 15, 2010.
~Welcome to Larissa’s Life is having a 350 Follower Giveaway! Several winners get their choice of books and swag. More winners could be added. Enter by March 15, 2010.
~Rex Robot Reviews is having an awesome giveaway! Several winners will be chosen to win some awesome books and swag. Enter by March 17, 2010.
~Storywings is having a 49 Followers Contest! As more followers join, more books and winners are added, so far the list of books is amazing! Contest ends March 19, 2010.
~Cherry Mischievous is giving away a copy of Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. Enter by April 16, 2010.
Contests still going on from last week:
Here at Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick, enter to win a copy of the My Zombie Valentine anthology or Mark Henry’s Happy Hour of the Damned! Enter by February 21, 2010.
~The Neverending Shelf is having a Uprinting Sticker Giveaway! Enter to win 250 custom stickers/labels. Contest ends February 17, 2010.
~Love Vampires is having a Jeri Smith-Ready Giveaway! Enter to win Wicked Game and Bad to the Bone from the WVMP Radio series. Contest ends February 20, 2010.
~Dark Faerie Tales is having a Valentine’s Day Book Massacre Giveaway! There is a fantabulous list of books up for grabs that is currently 30 books long!! Several winners will get several books of their choice so enter people! Contest ends February 21, 2010.
~Dark Faerie Tales is giving away an ARC copy of Possessed by Kate Cann. Enter by February 23, 2010.
~The Bookologist is giving away a hardcover copy of Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev and a matching bookplate! Enter by February 23, 2010.
~Books at Midnight is giving away some Kristin Walker swag! Enter by February 26, 2010.
~Wicked Awesome Books is still having their New Books in the New Year Contest! Several winners will get the chance to pick from a great list of books! Enter by February 26, 2010.
~Jennifer’s Musings is having another great contest. She is giving away a signed copy of Heavenly, a copy of Falling for Romeo, a bookmark, a purple pen, and some gum. Please tell her Amanda Leigh or NRSVampChick sent you! Enter by February 27, 2010.
~Shooting Stars Mag is giving away an ARC of White Cat and a $250 Holey Donuts Card. Enter by February 28, 2010.
~Books at Midnight is giving away a copy of Light Beneath Ferns by Anne Spollen. Enter by February 28, 2010.
~Reading with Tequila is having a February Review Book Giveaway. Choose from Gentlemen Prefer Succubi by Jill Miles or something from the Prize Bin. Enter by February 28, 2010.
~Twisted Fates’ Cafe is having a huge February giveaway that is also great for charity! Win from a nice pick of YA books. Contest ends February 28, 2010.
~Steph Su Reads is having a big Blogoversary Giveaway! Several people will win several ARCs and their choice of books as well!!! Contest ends February 28, 2010.
~All Things Urban Fantasy 300+ Follower Giveaway! The winner will receive the Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. If the 400 follower mark is passed before the end of this contest, another winner will be chosen to receive the Alpha and Omega series also by Patricia Briggs! So, please enter and spread the word! Contest ends February 28, 2010.
~The Bibliophilic Book Blog is have an awesome giveaway for a Nook, a Kindle, a Sony Touch, or a Sony Pocket (your choice), or a gift card to the bookstore of your choice. Enter by March 1, 2010.
~Should Be Reading has info on the Susan May Warren “Double Trouble” Contest. One grand prize winner will receive a $150 Super Sleuth prize package filled with an iPod Shuffle, iTunes GC, Amazon GC, Starbucks GC, designer sunglasses, scarf, and signed copies of Nothing but Trouble and Double Trouble. Contest ends March 1, 2010.
~The Royal Reviews is giving away a copy of The Iron King by Julie Kagawa. Enter by March 1, 2010.
~Wicked Thorn and Roses is giving away a $10 Barnes and Noble Gift Card. Contest ends March 5, 2010.
~Teens Read and Write is having a MegaBook Giveaway!!! To celebrate hitting 500 followers, they have a list of books to give away. As more followers are added, more winners and more book choices will be added! So spread the word so that more people have a chance to win! Contest ends March 7, 2010.
~Tartitude is giving away a Kindle! Enter by March 15, 2010.
If you have any contests you want listed on next week's post and/or images to go with your contest, please email me @ notreallysouthernvampchick(at)gmail(dot)com.
