**And just an FYI: if you see a book listed on my blog that is part of a series, just go ahead and assume that I've read all the books, or am working on reading ALL the books within that series. I may not always list them on here but trust me - they were read.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

staying dead

Author: Laura Anne Gilman

Wren Valere specializes in finding things that have gone missing, or rather stolen. The "magical" world calls her a Retriever. Wren and Sergei are partners (or perhaps more??) in a business where he handles the money and finding clients and Wren handles completing the jobs. Up until now ALL of their jobs have been done to the satisfaction of their customers. But when a cornerstone of a building with a spell in it goes missing that changes, and Wren is the first Retriever the client calls...after of course, the Council.

Wren and Sergei have always done what they could to NOT be involved in ANY Council politics or otherwise in their business. But with this case they took...it looks more like they aren't going to be able to avoid them anymore.

As they go along their journey they finally realize that maybe neither of them would be happy without the other in their life. Of course having these feelings while in the middle of a job that could possibly end with one, if not both, of them dead is NOT the best time to figure this out....but I suppose it's better then never.

I know that this  may not be the best explanation for this book but it really was a good read. There are six books so far in her series and I plan on reading them all as they become available at my local library. I hope you enjoy!! Feel free to check out the authors website and you can get better descriptions of each book within the series.

Hunted by the Others

Author: Jess Haines

Shiarra Waynest is a PI for the mortals of the world. A job that was only sometimes dangerous. But Shia's financial situation is dwindling and she agrees to a job that puts her in work for a powerful mage who's wanting information on the towns most powerful and oldest vampire, Alec Royce.

The mage, who's a member of "The Circle",  requests that Shia make friends with Alec in hope of gaining information on an ancient artifact that she believes Mr. Royce to be in possession of. If he does have it, then The Circle can move and try to take it from him...if not, then they need to know that too. Only when Shia meets Mr. Royce does she realize what she's gotten herself into. Sexy vampire or not, he could kill her in an instant. And now that the crazy human activists have seen her coming in and out of Alec's restaurants and clubs they are after Shia as well, to recruit her as an assassin.   

Learning bit by bit as she comes along on her journey she realizes she is in WAY over her head and has to determine who exactly can be trusted....or who should be shot. Oh....and there's always a little bit of romance involved.

Pretty fun read. It looks like the next book in the series just came out with another one due out in July 2011.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Midnight's Daughter

Author: Karen Chance

Karen Chance is also the author of The Cassandra Palmer Series, which is also a great read. Midnight's daughter actually involves many of the same characters from the Cassandra Palmer Series. Dorina Basarab is a dhampir - half human, half vampire. She is also the daughter of Mircea, member of the Vampire Senate and highly powerful. Now, most dhampir die at a very young age from their uncontrollable rages. Dory has been able to control hers by only unleashing it on those who deserve it and having a roommate who is a null tends to help calm her anger.

With her best friend and roommate missing without a word, Dory is on the hunt for who has her. But her Daddy needs her help with a family problem. Her Uncle Dracula has escape from his prison and will soon be aiming for them both. Question is whether or not they will be prepared enough to fight him....and win.  Mircea proposes that Dory help Louis-Caesar with hunting down Dracula. In return he, along with the Senate, will help track down her roommate. Out of options and money - she reluctantly agrees to his plans in hopes she will soon find her best friend - and sanity again.

Karen Chance is a wonderful, fun author. Check out her website and you can read the first chapters from ANY of her books to see if you'll like them as much as me. Happy Reading!

P.S. I've ready requested the second book in this series. :)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Bitten in Two

Author: Jennifer Rardin

This is book seven in Rardin's Jaz Parks Series. There will be only one more book, The Deadliest Bite, in this series. Not because it needs to end, but because Jennifer Rardin past away earlier this year. She was a very talented writer whom I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I hope you do as well...

I'm not planning on giving any spoilers to those of you who have yet to enjoy even one of the books in this series. The best way to describe Jaz Parks is to describe her the way Publishers Weekly did, "Fuses spy girl with vampire slayer". And although the vampires play a major role in Jaz's life - they are not the only "bad guys" in it. Demons, Weres, along with Witches and Warlocks make for interesting marks to be assassinating. And seeing as she is the best assassin our government has.....well, it makes sense that Jaz really enjoys a good fight, and since she's partnered with one of the oldest vampires she knows (who happens to be a good guy), there's no question trouble will find them both.

I've really enjoyed losing myself in these book over the past few months. If you've liked any of the previous books I've recommended, I know you will too.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Clockwork Angel - The Infernal Devices Book One

Author: Cassandra Clare

Tessa Gray has lost everything. At seventeen years old she's lost her Aunt and her brother. Her parents have long been dead. All alone, and now kidnapped by the Dark Sisters. They've claimed they have her brother, and she can save him if she does as they ask.

While being held captive Tessa learns that she's not just human. She's got a rare ability: the power to transform at will, into another person. The "Magister" wants the Dark Sisters to train Tessa so she can control her ability and claim her powers for himself. But before the ceremony can take place, a handsome and witty Shadowhunter breaks Tessa free.

Tessa is determined to find her brother, and go home to her "normal" life....but that's just not going to happen anymore. Not only is she far from "normal" now....she may just be discovering how dangerous love can be.

WONDERFUL READ!! GREAT AUTHOR.

Spider's Bite : An Elemental Assassin Book

Author: Jennifer Estep

Spider is THE most fear assassin in the South. As a Stone Elemental, Spider has the ability to hear the whispers from stones and gravel to know without a doubt if anything is wrong. Spider's real name is Gin Blanco. And when she's not out on an assignment - she's cooking up some yummy food at the Pork Pitt with her handler and Foster Father, Fletcher Lane.

Fletcher has an assignment for Gin. He wants it to be the "last" one for, so she can retire from the business. She decides to take it. While she's hiding in the shadows biding her time she notices Detective Donovan Caine talking to her mark. Curious about this new development she decides to wait on killing who she's there for...which was a mistake.

Now, she's on the run from the local police, from fellow assassins, and from a crazy Air Elemental hell bent on having ALL the power she find.

Drama, Romance, Comedy.....what else could you ask for??