The Summoning (Book 1 of the Darkest Powers Series) by Kelley Armstrong

This was an outstanding book. I can't stress enough how much I really loved this book.

Following the case of Chloe Saunders, haunted with a strange childhood that included the tragic death of her mother, she finds that she is very different from other girls her age. She suddenly begins to see ghosts, and she is chased by one in her school before taken away to the hospital for psychic evaluations. She is then sent to the Lyle House to recouperate with other kids her age. She finds out that she has been diagnosed with Schizophrenia.

Strange events begin to occur inside the walls of Lyle house, Derek and Simon begin to tell her that all is not what it seems. Chloe finds out that some other kids in the house harbor supernatural abilities. And she comes to the realization that she isn't Schizophrenic, she can actually see and communicate with ghosts. She's a Necromancer, with a very strong capability of raising the dead.

My only problem with this book was that it ended in a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2 to find out more of what happens. I highly recommend this book!

Nightwalker (Book 1 of the Dark Days Series) by Jocelynn Drake

I give this book an enthusiastic 5 out of 5 stars. I absolutely loved this book. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

This book follows a very unique vampire named Mira. She has the ability to create fire, which is unheard of with her kind. She is charged with keeping the peace and maintaining secrecy in her area of the United States. Then Danaus shows up, he's tall, dark, and mysterious and very sexy. He's not a vampire, but he's a hunter. He's been killing off vampires in her area for weeks now, and she's ready to confront him.

Her world entirely unravels as she discovers through Danaus that the vampires' mortal enemies, the Naturi, have returned from their exile. No one believed that they could have returned. Now that Mira and Danaus have a much worse enemy to contend with, they are forced to trust each other and work together to stop them.

As Mira's past comes back to haunt her, she discovers some very unwelcome truth about the nightwalker she trusted with her life.

So, as I said. It is definitely worth reading. With all these books I find so fascinating and wonderful, I'm going to need to convert a whole room into a library before long.

The Hunger Games (Book 1 of the Hunger Games Series) by Suzanne Collins

I'm going to give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I'd give it 5 out of 5, but there's a few things with which I have some issues.

Set many generations into the future, the world is a much different place. The United States have fallen and a new nation has risen in its place, Panem. With 13 districts outside the capitol, the people yearned for the days of their freedom. They tried to fight Panem, and as a permanent warning, they destroyed District 13 with what is believed to be nuclear bombs. The remaining 12 districts are mandated to watch the yearly Hunger Games which takes 1 boy and 1 girl from each of the 12 districts, places them in a big playing field, and they fight to the death until one is left alive.

There are some complicated rules, but essentially each person, ages 12-18 is entered, and every year the ballots compound. In order to help keep families afloat, many teens actually add more ballots to their plate through other efforts to remain alive or to sustain their families.

The story follows Katniss, a 16 year old girl, taking care of her mother and little sister, Prim (12 years old). Katniss is shocked when her sister's name is drawn, and she quickly volunteers her position to go to the games. The boy to accompany her is Peeta, the boy that risked himself to provide food for her before she realized she could sustain her family.

The two head off to the games with an unlikely edge over the others, making the rich in the capitol feel sympathy for them. Two in love, forced to fight each other.

To maintain not giving away any spoilers, I have to say I loved it up until the very end of this book. It is going to be a trilogy and I am sincerely hoping that my dear Katniss redeems herself. She royally made me angry at the end.

This is a young adult book with some violence and gore involved, but it's not too bad. Collins provides enough detail to the let the imagination take over. Though there are a few heart-wrenching parts, it is not a depressing story and it didn't really have a bad ending, there are two more books on the way! I highly recommend that you give this book a shot. Book 2, Catching Fire comes out on September 1!

ReVamped (Book 2 of the Void City Series) by J.F. Lewis

This is the second novel in Lewis's Void City series. It did not disappoint. I give this one another enthusiastic two thumbs up!

Continuing the story of Eric and Tabitha as they try to make their way through life and all the mystery and madness that fills to the brim. Rachel, Tabitha's little sister, who was supposed to be dead, is alive and well, and has stolen Eric from her. Eric, having been blown to bits after four months is returned to his normal forgetful self, with some perks. His mustang is now a part of him. He lovingly names it Fang the 'Stang, as it is an undead car.

I truly love this car. It can drive itself, it can feed, and it's totally aware of what's going on. He's impervious to the sun, he can tint his windows to protect the vampires, if any, are inside.

This book is a struggle for Eric to fight the underlying cause of his problems from Staked. He just can't seem to figure out who is working for him, or against.

This book was full of laughs and I would recommend this book to anyone. I can't wait to hear more from this series!

Staked (Book 1 of the Void City Series) by J.F. Lewis

Alright I thought about putting this off for a few days, but I just can't. I absolutely adored this book. It's the first of Lewis's Void City series. I give this book two thumbs up, way up!

It follows the story of Eric, a vampire suffering amnesia, who usually can't remember what happened only moments before. The book begins with Eric, just realizing he blacked out and killed a vampire he recognizes but can't place. He's attacked by a werewolf, but manages to survive. The sun comes up and a van comes to rescue him and take him home to his strip club, the Demon Heart, and neighboring vintage theater, the Pollux.

Eric's girlfriend, human, named Tabitha helps him feel better and, because Eric's such a softie, he finally agrees to turn Tabitha into a vampire. One thing after another happens as the local werewolves come after Eric for retribution, while Tabitha comes to terms with her new undead life.

This is a thrill ride you just can't resist. And, much like I experienced when readin' the Jaz Parks series by Jennifer Rardin, I laughed most of the way through it. I highly recommend reading this piece of überfun.

Visit Lewis's site for more information@ www.authoratlarge.com

Pleasantly Suprised!

After some debacle after another, I was finally able to stop at the library last night to pick up Staked (the First of the Void City Series) by J. F. Lewis. Here is a synopsis from Lewis's website (http://www.authoratlarge.com/). You can also find him lurking around Twitter under the handle of @jf_lewis.

"Murder is a fact of life for the vampire Eric, owner of the DemonHeart strip club in Void City, but when he kills a werewolf in self-defense, things get wildly out of hand. Though the local Alpha and his pack of born-again lycanthropes are out for holy retribution, they're the least of Eric's worries when he finds himself caught between his girlfriend Tabitha, who has always wanted to be a vampire, and her sexy little sister Rachel, a tantric witch with a hidden agenda.

Why can't unlife be easy? All Eric wants to do is run his club, drink a little blood and be left alone.

In his quest to discover who is trying to end him and why, he must survive car crashes, embalming, sunlight, tantric magic, and werewolves on ice as well as his own nasty temper, forgetfulness, and mistakes. More diamond in the sewer than diamond in the rough, Eric is willing to take on the world in Staked, a book where love just might conquer all, even if it is twisted, evil, and undead."

As you might be able to guess, I'm really looking forward to reading this little piece of heaven!


While trying to find the book and the Book Depository, I stumbled on 3 others with my name written all over them. I hadn't received an email telling me they were ready to go, but I was very pleased nonetheless.

The other books I picked up:

ReVamped (the Second of the Void City Series) by J. F. Lewis. Assuming as though I'll enjoy Staked, which I have no reason to think I wouldn't considering what I've already read from the juicy book. Synopsis? Yes!!

"Eric has lost his strip club, his Mustang, and even Marilyn, the love of his (mortal) life. Even his body was obliterated. In short, they almost got him. But when you're a vampire, "almost" is a very important word. With a little magical help from his friends, Eric is restored to corporeal form, but his treasured Mustang gets caught up in the sorcery as well and ends up with an unlife of its own. Now, along with "Fang the Stang," he's out to save Marilyn from one of Void-City's most powerful soul-stealing demons. But salvation comes at a high price, forcing Eric to venture into his own worst nightmare, Vampire High Society, to uncover the truth about the origin of his powers.

At the same time, Eric's ex-girlfriend Tabitha, has begun to wonder exactly what it was that she admired about those High Society vampires in the first place. Her quest to find her own place in this deceptively vicious circle may lead her right back to Eric's side, if her little sister Rachel doesn't kill her first.

Eric will need all the help he can get, because it looks like someone is out for his soul, too. Blood will flow, fangs will be bared, and the claws will come out, because revenge is never pretty... and Eric has plenty to pass around."

Nightwalkers (The First of the Dark Days Series) by Jocelynn Drake. This is another highly anticipated read on my list, and I can't wait to get to it! Drake's website (http://www.jocelynndrake.com/) has plenty of juicy goodness for your reading pleasure. You can find her dawdling on Twitter as @JocelynnDrake. Here's a synopsis from her site:

"For centuries Mira has been a nightwalker -- an unstoppable enforcer for a mysterious organization that manipulates earth-shaking events from the darkest shadows. But elemental mastery over fire sets her apart from others of her night-prowling breed...and may be all that prevents her doom.

The foe she now faces is human: the vampire hunter called Danaus, who has already destroyed so many undead. For Mira, the time has come to hunt or be hunted.

But in a dimension just beyond the worlds boundaries, a banished race stirs dangerously, hungry for power, for domination, for vengeance. Already a protective seal has been breached: already blood flows like a river through the world's great cities.

And only the collaboration of two sworn enemies can save humankind...and its ferel brethern."

Ah, yes, sweet music to my ears! Moving along!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This book is the first of a trilogy and I thought it might be worthwhile to read. Here's a synopsis from her website (http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/index.htm):

"Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When her sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place."

Needless to say it's going to be a fun-filled few weeks in store for me. I have about a dozen more books that I'm waiting for at the library, so that list is just going to keep on growing.

Stay tuned..

Edge of Desire by Rhyannon Byrd

This is the third book in the Primal Instinct Series. It follows the journey of Riley Buchanan, sent to recover a weapon buried in the woods behind an Inn that happens to be run by the woman who got away from him when he was younger.

While they struggle to uncover the weapon, the feelings that Riley feels for Hope and the awakening of his Merrick inside of him. He struggles against the love that he feels never left them so many years ago. But he tells himself he cannot bring her into his mess as his ancient enemy, the Casus, comes for him. He will take what she offers to finally awaken his Merrick and leave. But he is becoming increasingly aware of the lie he tells himself.

The Edge of Danger by Rhyannon Byrd

This is the second book in the Primal Instinct Series by Rhyannon Byrd. This book follows the youngest sibling in the Buchanan family named Saige. She's an archaeologist working to uncover the weapons the Merrick can use to truly defeat the Casus. Michael Quinn, a watchman sent to bring her to the safety of the compound to learn about the thirsty thing inside of her, is overrun by his intense feelings for her.

As Saige's Merrick grows stronger, and she craves blood more and more, Quinn must destroy her innocence so that she can get what she needs for her Merrick to thrive. This is the epic battle for Saige to reach the safety of the compound and learn to use the Merrick inside of her.

Edge of Hunger by Rhyannon Byrd

I read this a few months ago, and by request of one of my loyal readers and friends, I am here to post my review of this lovely series. I loved all three books of this series, and now a Prequel has been released in e-book format, which I will be purchasing soon! Again, this series is a Paranormal Romance, which means all kiddies out there need to steer clear of this until they reach a better age.

These books faithfully follow the Buchanan family. Beginning with Ian in Edge of Danger. Ian fears the darkness inside him, and he's spend the majority of his life running from it. Until a beautiful woman by the name of Molly Stratton enters his life to give him a message from his mother, from beyond the grave. Molly and Ian enter into the same dream, and they realize the darkness is much closer than either of them ever anticipated.

Ian struggles against the urges he feels for Molly, and fears the thirst he begins to feel. But the message his deceased mother passes along is that of a warning. Their great enemy is on the loose, and hunting him. He must control his thirst before it overtakes him.

Thus begins the realization of the ancient Merrick and Casus feud that will leave you thirsting for more.

Spider-Touched by Jory Strong

This book lived up to the potential left in the wake of Ghostland. I was very enthralled with it immediately. I just couldn't put it down. Loved it thoroughly. Just like Ghostland, this book isn't for the kiddies. It's got some serious lovin' in it, and if this is something they might want to read, they'll need to wait 'till they're older.

This book follows Araña. She's a young woman with the mark of demon. A spider. This spider makes skin-to-skin touch deadly, so Araña is forced to go through life without physical touch from a mortal. The spider moves into places that best suit the situation for her protection. At the beginning of the story she and her "family", for all intents and purposes, make their way on the boat Constellation to Oakland. Matthew and Erik are a couple, and Erik is sick with the wasting disease, and they've come to Oakland to find a healer. The problem is that the trio are thieves, and conduct justice when they find it appropriate. Who could find fault in executing a child molester?

The guard immediately catch on that they've arrived and they are ambushed. Araña is the sole survivor and she is turned over to run the maze, which is essentially the post-apocalyptic version of gladiators (criminals) vs. gladiators (Weres). The maze is also patrolled by a Djinn named Abijah, who is stuck to perform at the whim of his master.

Araña survives the maze and later ambushes a trapper's truck on it's way to deliver more gambling fodder to the owners. Tir is on board. He's an immortal, who has lost his memory from being imprisoned for so long. Araña risks her life to free him and she succeeds in doing so, but the collar that binds his memory still remains on his neck. Tir and Araña embark on an entangling journey of lust, passion, and love Even the spider comes to crave the touch of Tir. They work together as Araña seeks revenge for the men who killed Matthew and Erik, and Tir struggles to be free of his collar and seek revenge on those that enslaved him and gave him this life of torture.

I was very pleased to see Aziel in this book, and even more happy when the Wrainwright witches returned as well. But I was the most pleased when Aisling and Zurael came into the picture yet again to assist in Araña's journey. I can't wait to see more of this post-apocalyptic world that Araña and Tir, Aisling and Zurael have come to find love in. Who's next in the game of the heavens?

Blue Moon (Book 2 of the Immortals Series) by Alyson Noel

This is the second book in the Immortals series by Alyson Noel. I really enjoyed this one too. My only qualm, it ended very abruptly.

This book follows Ever Bloom again, struggling to learn how to be an immortal. Damen, her immortal boyfriend is trying to teach her. A new boy comes to school by the name of Roman, and everything changes. Damen starts to get sick. The whole school, including Damen work against her. Ever doesn't know where to turn for help.

Again, I can't say too much or it'll give everything away! But if you like Evermore, I really suggest you keep on reading. Look out for book 3, coming in February 2010 called Shadowland.

Evermore (Book 1 of the Immortals Series) by Alyson Noel

I had so much fun reading this book. I read it in a day, and couldn't wait to start on the second of the series.

This book follows Ever Bloom, struck by the tragedy of losing her entire family. After a long time in recovery at the hospital, she moves from her hometown of Eugene, Oregon to Laguna Beach to live with her aunt, Sabine. The trouble with all of this is that Ever died, but came back to life, and when she came back, she had some, should we say, problems. She was psychic. She could read minds, see someone's entire life just by their touch, and much more.

A new guy comes to town named Damen Auguste that she intently tries to ignore, but he doesn't let up. Caught in a whirlwind romance, that's filled with confusion brings her to the fight for her life as she uncovers the truth about her beloved.

I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just leave it at that. This book was worthwhile and I really liked it. It's a quick read too, so you'll be ready for the next fairly quickly.

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

I give this book an enthusiastic 5 stars, 2 thumbs up, what-have-you!! I was absolutely floored.

When the book started out, I admit I was a little confused as to what was going on, but once I realized the Theatre Illuminata is actually a magical place, I understood how so much could go on and happen at a moments notice. I was a few hours into reading when this dawned on me, although if I really understood that to start with I would have enjoyed the beginning a bit more. No worries though! It did a very nice job at redeeming itself from it's early confuzzlements. This book follows the story of Bertie. She was left so-to-speak at the doorstep of the theater as a young child and she struggled to make her world livable within the theater.

She made friends, most notably the four troublesome fairies. On a side note, I loved the fairies, they were every bit as annoying and lovable as I imagined they could be. Bertie had a growing attraction for Nate, a pirate from The Little Mermaid but the mysterious Ariel has other agendas for Bertie and the theatre as a whole. When Bertie's entire existence at the theatre is threatened, she steps up her game to become a director. Many things go wrong and in the end she and her friends set off to rescue a member of the theatre.

Honestly, I cannot wait until the next one arrives on bookshelves. Even though I bought the book on the day it was released, I put it off, thinking I'd be able to draw out a good thing. I wish I had read it earlier, it was just too good! But not in a bad way, never.

Ms. Mantchev, keep 'em coming. To be honest, I think that the original idea of a trilogy could be very easily made into a full-length series! I would love to see more and more and more of Bertie and the rest of the gang.

Anyone out there who has read any Shakespeare or seen any plays in a theater that you found unforgettable, anyone who has read a fantasy book, anyone in general. You. Have. Got. To. Read. This. Book. I cannot recommend it more!