Review: Red-Headed Stepchild- by Jaye Wells

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.

Review: Tempest Rising- by Nicole Peeler

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)

Review: Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry

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)

A February Challenge and a new 2010 Challenge to go along with it!

Literary Escapism is hosting their annual New Authors Challenge (see more below) and to go along with it this month there will be a mini challenge featuring The League of Reluctant Adults.  I’ve followed their blog and read a few of them, but have been meaning to read more.  Looks like now is the perfect time!  Here is a list of all the members in the League:

 

Mario Acevedo	Stacia Kane	Kate Richardson
Michele Bardsley	Caitlin Kittredge	Michelle Rowen
Dakota Cassidy	Kelly Meding	Diana Rowland
Carolyn Crane	Richelle Mead	Jeanne Stein
Molly Harper	Nicole Peeler	Anton Strout
Mark Henry	Cherie Priest	Jaye Wells
Jackie Kessler	Jennifer Rardin	Rob Thurman

Here are the details for the challenge:

1. You do not have to be a participant of the New Authors Challenge, but if you’re not, why not?
2. The Challenge will run from February 1st through the 28th.   All reviews must have a February 2010 date.
3. The goal is to read up to 5 different authors from the above list.  There are 20 different authors, so finding three shouldn’t be too hard.
4. The idea is to try a new author (it is a New Author mini-challenge), however, if you’ve already read all 20 of them, you can still participant, but don’t re-read a novel.  Try something new.  Not only is this an excuse to try a certain group of authors, but it’s also a great chance to help promote them.

An AMAZING list of prizes are being offered up by the League members, so check it out!

I intend to at least read:

1. Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry (February 27, 2010)
2. Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler (February 28, 2010)
3. Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells (February 28, 2010)

 

Literary Escapism is once again hosting the 2010 New Author Reading Challenge.

Here are the guidelines:

1. Runs from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010.
2. Since this is an author challenge, there is no restriction on choosing your novels. They can definitely be from other challenges. However, the authors must be new to you and, preferably from novels.  Anthologies are a great way to try someone new, but only a third of your new authors can be from anthologies.
3. I want this to be an easy challenge, so you can pick to do either 15, 25 or 50 new authors.  It all depends on how fast you read and how adventurous you want to be.  For me, I’m trying another 50 new authors.  If you reach your goal halfway through the year, don’t stop.  Any new author you try can be added to Mr. Linky.  We all want to know about your new experience.
4. After reading your new author, write your review and then come back here and add your link to Mr. Linky.  Make sure you include your name and the author, but adding the title is completely up to you.
5. Bloggers or Non-Bloggers alike are welcome.

 

I’m positive that I can read 15 new authors this year, so I will try for 25.

1. Boys That Bite by Mari Mancusi (January 6, 2010)
2. Firespell by Chloe Neill (January 10, 2010)
3. Soulless by Gail Carriger (January 15, 2010)
4. Night Rising by Chris Marie Green (January 16, 2010)
5. Storm Front by Jim Butcher (February 10, 2010)
6. Freaksville by Kitty Keswick(February 14, 2010)
7. Vintage Soul by David Niall Wilson (February 18, 2010)
8. Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry (February 27, 2010)
9. Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler (February 28, 2010)
10. Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells (February 28, 2010)
11.Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison (March 5, 2010)
12.Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce (March 29, 2010)
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