Book Review: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard by Lars Guignard

Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard by Lars Guignard is the first book in the Zoe & Zak Adventures children's book series. Zoe Guire is along for the ride as her mother takes a business trip to India. she is excited to see the country, and to have some time with her mother. Unfortunately, Zak has come along with his father, and the two are thrown together as their parents are called away from the hotel on business. Even worse, strange things have started to happen. An elephant statue speaks to Zoe, and that is just the beginning. Soon Zoe and Zak are on a trip through the country of India to protect a mysterious Ghost Leopard; guided by a strange snake charmer, butterflies, and a mysterious woman. But, they are not the only ones looking for the leopard. Can the pair survive their journey, trust in themselves, and become friends?

Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard is a fantasy and adventure novel with strong characters. Zoe typically avoids odd things, working with logic and research. that is something I can relate with. Zak is much ,ore of a free spirit, living life in the moment. while they do not always get along, the pair complement each other in a way that feels natural rather than formulated. Zoe has questions about her family and her past, which is tied up in the larger story of the series, but her growth and aptitude for the gift she need to survive are well done. I enjoyed watching her grow through the story, and while we do not get to see Zak's thought process through the story, I felt like he had come to several realizations and grown as well. The action is fast paced, and the mythology used was fascinating to me. my only real concern was that the parent's distance from the kids, which was necessary for the story to take place but had trouble accepting, maybe because I am a parent.

I highly recommend Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard to readers around age eight and older. Fantasy and adventure fans should ad this to their must-read list. There is fast paced action, mythology, magic, and interesting things about India that can quickly capture the imagination. I found the characters to be engaging and look forward to reading more in this series. I can not wait to see what kind of trouble Zak can find next, and what Zoe can discover about herself.

Book Review: Coveted by Shawntelle Madison

Coveted by Shawntelle Madison is a novel for adults, and young adults, that speaks about mental illness in a fresh new way. Natalya Stravinsky is a werewolf with a broken heart, and who feels broken in a much larger way. She calls herself a collector, but in reality is a hoarder. She is obsessively clean, and has a special love for Christmas ornaments. She was not always like this, but events that broke her heart and brought her to be an outcast of the pack have exasperated her urges, and she is a little out of control. Now complications are starting to pile up faster than the ornaments, as a rival pack brings danger close to home, Nat's ex boyfriend returns, an old friend comes to stay, and a return to therapy brings new connections and surprises.

I really fell into the world of Nat and Coveted. She loves her family, friends, and pack but is often insulted and typically outright mistreated or ignored because of her strange habits. She has found a job that soothes her need to organize and be in control, but the chaos of life often bring on urges to search out new items for her collection. Even those with no mental illness, or lacking a close connection to someone with one, can relate to that need for some level of control when life seems to spin out of control. The explanation of how it feels to have compulsive urges and to face them, is something many readers need to understand simply to understand others they will encounter in life, and Coveted handles it with honesty and compassion.

Oh, and then there is the supernatural component to Coveted. The werewolf hierarchy is not new, readers of paranormal novels will already have an understanding of how it works, and it holds true here. However, I greatly enjoyed the inclusion of other supernatural creatures. I always found it silly to write about one type of supernatural creature with dismissing the idea that if one exists, it is likely that there are even more possibilities out there. The introduction of a wide variety of supernaturals, and the open possibilities of more being out there, makes the world Nat lives in feel even more realistic to me.

I highly recommend Coveted to readers that enjoy a well written paranormal or urban fantasy novel, but are tired of reading ones that all feel the same. Readers with mental illness, or close to someone with one, will have even more to love about Coveted as it gives an honest look at compulsive urges and the true humanity of those so often ignored or shunned by other people.

Book Review: The Dragondain by Richard Due, Illustrated by Carolyn Arabascio

The Dragondain written by Richard Due and illustrated by Carolyn Arabascio is the second book in the Moon Realm middle grade fantasy series. Lily has returned from her trip to the Moon Realm and sent Jasper to take his turn, but he slept through most of her instructions and explanations. When Jasper wakes up, groggy and confused, he thinks that the Rinn that surround him are part of a dream. Quickly Jasper wakes up fully and follows Lily's path to two of the moons, discover more than he could have dreamed about his Uncle Ebb's tales. Can he convince those of Rinn and Dain that working together might be thier only hope, and can he get closer to Dubb's daughter Darce without her inflicting bodily harm? Lily gets a return trip to Dain and things begin to spin further out of control.

The Dragondain is a fantastic followup to The Moon Coin. The adventure and characters continue on in full color. I will admit to being completely hooked on this series, and eager for the next installment. However, even with the fantastic world building and solid character development, I did have two things that left me uphappy at the end of the book. First, I would love to see Jasper get a little more screen time, which will happen to at least some degree in the next installment, judging by the ending of this one. I also was less than thrilled with how much was left in the air. Cliffhanger and quite a few unresolved issues that left me looking for more, but slightly dissatisfied. I do not mind aspects of a cliffhanger, but there were just so many things that I know I will have to wait to discover without many solid answers to balance that effect. I still loved the book, but wanted at lest one more chapter for a smidge of resolution before moving on to the next installment.

I highly recommend the Moon Realm series, but before reading The Dragondain,  readers must first read The Moon Coin or they will be lost. Readers should also be prepared for the story to continue further, because The Dragondain  is by no means the end of this story.

Author Interview with Deanna Lynn Sletten, Author of Memories

Memories by Deanna Lynn Sletten is an emotional and gripping read. Michael DeCara came home with physical and mental scars from Vietnam. After a failed marriage he lost himself in caring for his daughter and a string of short term relationships.  Danielle Westerly has lost herself in work and a few close friendships, ever since a relationship that left her deeply wounded. How could a mutual friend know that the cause of Danielle's pain and Michael could be related? After they are back in each other's lives they each need to come to terms with the past, and just maybe look toward the future. They each journey through heartache, tragedy, and understanding. See my review and enter to win a signed copy here. Friday is the last day to enter!

1. Was there a specific moment or idea that inspired writing Memories?

Not really. The idea for this love story rattled around in my head for quite some time until I actually sat down and started writing it. That is usually how my stories start, as a small idea that grows the more I think about it. I knew that I wanted to write a story that included a man who had returned from the Vietnam War and was struggling to get back to being "normal". The rest of the story just blossomed from there.

2. As a reader I felt like I was joining the characters of Memories on an emotional roller coaster, did it feel the same as you wrote and edited the book?

I know it sounds odd since I'm the one who wrote this book but there are parts of it that still make me cry when I read it. I wanted the readers to feel what the characters were feeling and I wanted Michael's war experiences to be heartfelt and even heart-wrenching. Even though this book makes me cry, I was still surprised when readers responded so strongly to the emotions in this book. It's rewarding to know that the readers are feeling how I did when they read this novel.

3. Do you see bits of yourself, your family, your friends, or your life in your characters that surprise you?

There really aren't any characters in this novel that are a reflection of me or people I know. These characters really are just from my imagination. Although I did do research, reading true stories of soldiers who were in the Vietnam War, I didn't base Michael's experiences off of any one person. I read their stories to get a feel for what the war was like and how the soldiers felt and then created scenarios for Michael's nightmares. And of course, as a child of the 1970s, I have known many Vietnam War Veterans, but I didn't base Michael off of any one person I knew.

4. Did you always want to write, did your characters or a particular story just need to be written, or were you brought to writing in a completely different path?

I have always loved reading and the idea to write a book did cross my mind many times while I was growing up, but I never really thought of it as a career path. When I was in college, I had two separate English teachers tell me that I should be majoring in writing and this was enough encouragement for me to start writing my first book. Of course, I didn't publish it for years, but I was on the right path. For many years I was a freelance writer and wrote non-fiction articles for magazines, blogs and websites and in that time I completed three novels and started several others. I don't choose my stories, they choose me. When characters and stories start rattling around in my head, I have to write them down.

5. Do you have any set writing routine or rituals, or do you work as inspiration strikes?

I think if I waited for inspiration, I would never actually sit down and write. So instead, I make myself sit down at certain times of the day and night and I write. I usually write a couple of hours during the day and then between 10 and 2 at night. My only "ritual" is to re-read what I had written the day before so I can get back on track with where I have been with the story and where I am heading.

6. What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

In Memories, my favorite parts to write were Michael's nightmare sequences. Not because I liked torturing the poor guy, but because they had to be descriptive and as true to life as possible. I think the nightmare scenes showed why Michael was traumatized and really gave readers an insight into why he had acted the way he did in the past.

7. Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

Generally, when I am finished with a novel I feel I'm done with those characters and that situation. However, I do have another idea for a novel which will be set in the 1960s and involves another Vietnam War Veteran. I also plan on finishing another novel I've started that includes the real-life characters of Etta Place, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid (characters from my kid's novel, Outlaw Heroes). This one, however, will be written for adults.

8. If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of writing Memories or getting it published that you would change?

No, I love this story exactly as it is. If I could have found a traditional publisher for it, that would have been nice (I have dozens of rejection letters, but that is another story), but I am very happy with being able to self-publish my novels.

9. What do you do when you are not writing?

Lately it feels like all my spare time is spent on promoting my writing when I'm not writing. But that's okay; it's all part of being a self-published author. For fun, I like getting outside and walking the forest trails with my beautiful Aussie, spending time out on the lake in our boat in the summer, going to the movies and reading. Now that winter is coming, I will certainly be doing less outdoor activities and, hopefully, writing even more!

10. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

First, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to read my novel and sharing your wonderful review of Memories with your readers. And also for the opportunity to share my thoughts with your readers during this interview. I'd like to thank all the wonderful readers who have read my books and left reviews. It is so great to know that people are reading my books and enjoy them, and I appreciate each and every one of you.

About Deanna:

Deanna Lynn Sletten is a novelist who writes women's fiction novels and also has written one middle-grade fiction action/adventure novel. Deanna started her writing career as a freelance writer for parenting publications in the early 1990s and transitioned to writing for blogs and websites until she made the leap to novelist. Deanna's latest novel, SARA'S PROMISE, will be released December 10^th in paperback and on Amazon Kindle. She is currently working on her fifth novel.

Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, Deanna enjoys walking the trails around her northern Minnesota home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd.

Connect with Deanna:

Blog: http://www.deannalynnsletten.com

Twitter: @DeannaLSletten

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/DeannaLSletten

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/555634.Deanna_Lynn_Sletten

Book Review and Giveaway: Memories by Deanna Lynn Sletten

Do not forget to comment on this review to win your own signed copy!!

Memories by Deanna Lynn Sletten is an emotional and gripping read. Michael DeCara came home with physical and mental scars from Vietnam. After a failed marriage he lost himself in caring for his daughter and a string of short term relationships.  Danielle Westerly has lost herself in work and a few close friendships, ever since a relationship that left her deeply wounded. How could a mutual friend know that the cause of Danielle's pain and Michael could be related? After they are back in each other's lives they each need to come to terms with the past, and just maybe look toward the future. They each journey through heartache, tragedy, and understanding.

Memories begins with a look into the future, so while reading, I already knew how the big picture would come together. However, the journey was no less emotional because of knowing the final destination. Danielle is a character that I can relate to, in that she losses herself in the day to day life rather than looking towards her personal future. Micheal has spent so much of his life running from his family and war wounds while caring for his daughter that he is just getting back into looking for his own happiness again. The reunion of the two, and the still present feelings, set both on paths that require self reflection and looking back at how they effected each other. Their story really grabbed me and would not let me go.

Memories is not my typical read. While it has romance, it is an emotional story rather than something fun and easy to get lost in. I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone! I literally read the book in one sitting, reading long after I should have been asleep simply because I had to read to the end. It is no surprise to me that Memories has been chosen as a Semifinalist in The Kindle Book Review's Best Indie Book of 2012 Contest.

I highly recommend Memories to readers that enjoy books that deal with deep emotional understand of the main character, and those around them. In fact, I loved the book so much that I would like to share the signed copy I received to review with a lucky reader. If you would like to receive a copy just comment here on this blog post. Quick and easy, right? A lucky commenter will be chose randomly on Friday October 26th!

Release Party for Heart Song by Samantha LaFantasie

Samantha LaFantasie is the author of Heart Song (now available on Smashwords and Kindle). Friday, September 28 is her release party on Facebook. In honor of the party, and to introduce the book and author to you, here is a quick blurb about the book and an interview with the main character, Relena.

"There once was a world filled with magic and immortals. To protect the immortals the world was torn into two realms, one of mortals and one of magic. For centuries Jiren has been one of the leaders of the immortal realm, but his power is now put at risk when it is said that the heart song between a mortal, Relena, and a werewolf, Marren is fated to bring both the mortal and immortal realms together once again before the world is forever shrouded in darkness.

The shape-shifting, ethereal vampire, Jiren, will stop at nothing to prevent the realms from rejoining, even killing another Ancient—the most unforgivable crime. In addition, Relena and Marren are put through one of the greatest tests of their relationship just to prove their love for one another, putting the future of both realms in jeopardy; solely to appease the other Ancient rulers of the immortal realm.

With both realms doomed if they are not together, will Marren and Relena be able to prove their heart song or will Jiren have his way and throw the world into complete devastation?"

Questions for Relena:


1. What was it like for Samantha to write your story?

Frustrating at times. Samantha kept wanting to make the story more complicated than it was, and she
kept trying to add things in that didn’t really happen. There were even some things that happened that
she didn’t put in. But for the most part, when she did listen, she was able to capture the right words and
translate what happened to me in ways that matched what I saw and felt. Those times were the best.
Those are the times we worked very well and accomplished the most.

Other times, I felt like tapping the blade of a sword on her shoulders—just to get her to listen…

2. What was your most trying experience?

Besides working with an author like Samantha? There are a number of times that were just as hard to
deal with as any other but the most difficult period of my life was going through the test of the Ancients.
I didn’t know when it was happening and with the whole circumstance surrounding it, the test was
just the most difficult thing to go through. Not only did I have to face the fact or possibility that I was
not Marren’s heart song, I had to come to terms with myself in other ways as well. Such as learning to
surrender and give in, and not being in control of everything. That was really difficult for me.

3. What is the one thing that you would change about your story?

I think that, with the story the way that it is, even with some events missing, there really isn’t anything
that I would change. Because all those events added to who I am now. They say the destination isn’t
what is important, but the journey. In my case, it rings the truest of all.

4. What do you feel like is your greatest weakness/flaw?

My greatest weakness and flaw? Uh…you first. Just read my story and make that decision for yourself.
I’ve had people say that I was too selfish. I’ve had people tell me that I was too stubborn. I’ve even had
people say that it was uncharacteristic in the way that I fell for Marren.*shrug* It is what it is; in the past
and a part of my history.

5. Taking into account what a heart song is, is it a blessing or a curse?

Hmm…There was a point in time, right after getting rescued from the Cyrs, where I felt that it was a
blessing and a curse. It truly isn’t an easily explained feeling or emotion that could come close to what
it is. In ways it was a curse because, as Enid had said, whether I wanted to choose Marren or not, I
belonged to him. And anything that forced me to do anything I didn’t choose to do on my own was not
okay with me in any way. Then again it was certainly a blessing because I was at one of the upmost
darkest points in my life at that time and the magic and enchantment was so uplifting and powerful that
it made that darkness fade away.

6. If there was one person in your life you could bring back from the dead with absolutely no
consequences, who would it be and why? You don’t have to choose just someone in the story either, you can choose anyone who you may have known before the story!

Danst. No thought required.

What you didn’t get to see was how incredibly close we were. And Marren even pointed out to me
afterwards, just how much I meant to him and it nearly made the pain of his loss, the empty space that
was left with his absence, so much bigger. There are just so many things that I would do differently with
him if I had the chance to.

7. What would you change about your author if you had the power? What I mean is would you have her relax a little more? Would you want her to eat more cotton candy?

Definitely relax a little more. If she just sat down and listened to me, I wouldn’t have had to give her
the cold shoulder. I thought heavily about handing her a sword and dueling it out that way, but she’s so
clumsy…I was more concerned about her accidentally impaling herself and leaving me with no one to
write my story! And they say I’m stubborn.

8. Oh no! Marren is about to undergo a transformation and you can only pick one aspect of him to save! What will it be? His hot body? His devotion? Quick! Choose!

*laughs* What kind of transformation? *bobs eyebrows* Honestly, there isn’t a thing that I could single
out to keep. It’s like asking me to choose which limb or vital organ to live without. Marren is just as
much a part of me as I am him. It’s what the heart song does. It makes it to where you are no longer two
separate people, but one entity. Yeah, I know human marriage does that too, but human marriage is
symbolic whereas the heart song is much more literal.

9. This is a two part question: Firstly, you had a pretty rough upbringing. What do you think contributed most to that? Secondly, if you could change whatever it was that had the biggest influence on your childhood, would you?

Though I did have a rough early life, I think that it turned out quite well and so that part of me no longer
is thought of. But if I had to say what had to have contributed to it the most, it would be what started
how rough my life was. And that was my mother running away with another man.

No, to the second one. Because I wouldn’t have met Danst and I can’t even bare to think what could’ve
happened if Marren didn’t come into my life when he did.

All in all, my life has been pretty great. Despite the fact that I can live theoretically forever, my
experiences has done nothing but shape who I am and I’m comfortable with where I’m at.

10. Jiren is a pretty despicable person/vampire/entity. Through the entire story he does nothing but try to bring destruction to the world and to you and Marren. Despite all this, do you believe there might be some good in him? Do you think he has his reasons for wanting all of this or do you think he’s just an old bitter bigot who is too narrow minded to see opinions other than his own?

Despite the fact that he tried to kill Marren, Naloud, and me, I think Jiren’s intentions were honorable. He
wanted to save what was left of him and his people’s ways. He just let fear of losing his control over his
races control his actions, and let his greed become who he was instead of who he was meant to be. As
sad as it was for him to do the things he had done, I think his intentions were good.

11. Where do you see yourself in sixty or seventy years?

From now? There’s no telling. I’ve lived such a long life and seen so many changes in the world. Marren
and I were thinking about one last adventure before letting ourselves move on from this realm. Can
you imagine a couple of centuries old werewolves showing up in the desert out east and scarring some
people? And no one thought we had a sense of humor…

12. What traits do you most admire in a man? A woman? Why?

This is an interesting question. I don’t think that I look for any specific traits. With Marren, one thing I
love about him is his persistence. He knew he had to do whatever it took to get me to open up to him and
he did. And with Naloud, her strong will and compassion. I love Enid’s protection and wisdom. Raden’s
wit. Nyr’s loyalty. Each person in my life is there for a reason, but not just specifically based on their
traits.

13. What do you admire most about yourself? This can be anything from physical appearance to a
particular part of your personality that you think you like best.

I think the thing I love the most about me is my werewolf side. The side that Marren gave to me. I find
that I miss it the most during dark nights and it makes me remember the time we spent on the immortal
realm.

14. Sometimes we wonder what would’ve happened to us had a certain event not occurred. What
is that certain event for you? What do you think your life would’ve been like had that event not
happened?

I wonder, but I do not dwell. But it is what could’ve happened to me if Marren didn’t make it in time to
take me from the Cyrs. I’d like to think that he would’ve hunted them down until he found me, but it’s
such an unnecessary unknown that I smile when I think back to that night. I’m grateful he came when he
did.

Book Review: House on Plunkett Street by Lorena Bathey

House on Plunkett Street by Lorena Bathey is a story about life and love. Phoebe Bertramis has just lived her life in the background. She grew up overshadowed by her brothers and has gotten into the habit of getting by with just enough and without taking risks. She has taken the safe, but boring, road and has ended up with a boring but stable boyfriend, a dull job, and a bland wardrobe. Suddenly her life is up in the air, her apartment and job are at risk. Taking one chance on a new apartment and built in mentors lead Phoebe on a path of self discovery, learning to take risks and really live life rather than plodding along the expected path. Learning to understand and love herself, and her life, might just lead Phoebe to discover love, as well as her own strengths.

House on Plunkett Street is a great book about one woman's path to self discovery. The building that Phoebe moves into has a history, and life of its own. That life is so vibrant that women from its past help Phoebe better herself and her life. I  loved that the three very different women that guide Phoebe are spirits but the book does not have the feel of a paranormal of spiritual book. I also enjoyed that while Phoebe's romance is an important aspect of the book, it does not overpower the true essence of the book, Phoebe's journey in discovering herself and how to live life.

The fact that the women, and Phoebe, are all very different but can be considered equally strong because of their differences rather than despite them. Some of the takes on feminism I did not agree with, but those were the beliefs of individual characters and time-frames in the struggle to discover and hold onto the power of women rather than views that were being pressed upon the reader in order to change minds.

I highly recommend House on Plunkett Street by Lorena Bathey to readers that love to read about women discovering themselves, and finding love. The story is very much about discovery, and while the romance is important, even the romance has a part in Phoebe discovering her own faults and learning how to deal with strong emotion in herself an others. I think most readers can relate to Phoebe's fears and feeling of being trapped by the expectations and lifestyle that we find ourselves in.

This was outside the realm of my normal read, but I am glad that I accepted the author's request to read and review the book. It was as important for me to step out of my comfort zone once and awhile as it is for Phebe throughout the book.

Book Review: Heart Song by Samantha LaFantasie

Heart Song by Samantha LaFantasie is a novel of fantasy, adventure, and romance. Relena has never had an easy life, but betrayal by those closest to her could cost her everything. Marren is on the fringes of her life, until that twist of betrayal brings them together and the truth of their connection is known. A prophesy has the world or magic reuniting with the world Relena thinks she knows because of the bond, or Heart Song, shared by Marren and Relena. Not everyone is happy with that idea, and some would go to very drastic lengths to keep them from finding happy ever after. Can Marren and Relena forge a solid relationship while saving the world?

Heart Song is an adventure story full of fantasy and romance elements. While the relationship between Relena and Marren is key to the story it does not overwhelm their struggles and danger they find themselves in, rather it makes everything much more poignant. Some might find the instant connection between Relena and Marren off putting, however I found it to be a complication in their relationship rather than something that solved problems. Some of my favorite paranormal romance novels use a connection of some sort (which is outside of the two party's control) as a starting point in the relationship much like it is used here. I like that no matter how connected they are, the two never lose sight of the possible dangers that surround them, something some other authors. I quickly cared for the major players, even if I did not always agree with their choices. I was certainly emotionally invested in the story and found my self cringing or getting upset right along side the characters.

The only fault I could find with Heart Song, is that at a certain point I hit an emotional overload with the characters and burnt out a little. There is just so much action, drama, and plotting with in the story that it could easily have been made into two books, and I would have gladly bought and read them both. I would have been much more present and on edge during the very dramatic conclusion if I had taken a short break from the story to recharge, but maybe that was just because of how quickly I devoured the first two-thirds of the story.

I recommend Heart Song to readers that like action, adventure, fantasy, and romance melded together in equal portions. The characters are engaging, there is plenty of drama, and the romance is challenges the characters and keeps everyone paying attention.

Keep on eye out for an interview with Relena, the main character of Heart Song, on September 24. On September 25, a related giveaway will begin, a cool hand crafted bookmark from the author,  Samantha LaFantasie.

Book Review and Giveaway: Darkbeast by Morgan Keyes

Do not forget to read to the bottom of the review to find out about the book giveaway!

Due to slow response I have extended the giveaway until Friday September 21! I want everyone to have a chance to win this book.

Darkbeast by Morgan Keyes is a fantasy novel for children, from around age ten through high school. Keara is about to turn twelve, and in her world this means it is time for her to turn her back on her childhood and kill the darkbeast, an animal dedicated to taking her failings and helping her become a better person. However, unlike most children who are eager to destroy their darkbeast, Keara loves the crow named Caw.  Instead of follow the laws of the land Keara flees, following the Travelers who entertained her village days ago, in hopes of saving herself and Caw. After breaking the law, and offending the gods, Keara can only try to stay with the Travelers and hope no one discovers her dark secret.

Darkbeast is a great fantasy story, one that felt both new and familiar to me as I read. I do not mean familiar in a bad way, but like coming home to a style and pace that reminded me of the books I read as a child and young adult. Discovering Keara's world and walking with her in her troubles reminded me of my first journeys into the lands of Pern or Narnia.

Keara's world is well built, and full of religious laws and corruption. A world where failing to fall into step could mean a visit with the inquisitors, who seem to enjoy their job or punishing the lost a little too much. Keara is a girl that feels very real, she has faced hardship but still maintains a sense of innocence that is charming. She seemed very real to me, a good combination of independence and confusion that captures the true conflicts of anyone standing on that cusp of childhood to adulthood. At no point was I bored, or felt like Keara was truly safe. The ending was unexpected and offered enough of a conclusion for me to feel satisfied, but enough interest in the characters to hope there is a sequel.

I really enjoyed Darkbeast, and was honestly surprised at the ending, which seems hard to do these days. I highly recommend it to readers from age ten and up. I sincerely hope that a sequel is planned, and that I do not have to wait too long to get my hands on it if or when it comes out!

Due to how much I enjoyed this book, I want to share it! I have a copy from Morgan Keyes that I would like to pass on to one lucky reader. How can you win? Simply reply to this post with your favorite fantasy book or world. It could be Narnia, Discworld, Pern, or any other fantasy realm that you love or remember fondly. If you want an extra chance to win you can share this post via Facebook or Twitter, but do not forget to come back and tell me about it so I can put your name in the drawing the extra time. A random winner will be chosen and contacted on Saturday.

Due to slow response I have extended the giveaway until Friday September 21! I want everyone to have a chance to win this book.

Book Review: St Viper's School for Super Villains. The Riotous Rocket Ship Robbery

St Viper's School for Super Villains; The Riotous Rocket Ship Robbery, written by Kim Donovan and with illustrations by Anthony Petherick Button, is the first novel in a new children's fantasy series. At St Viper's School for Super Villains it is good to be bad. Demon kid really wants to be bad, and show his father and the rest of the world, that he can be a world class super villain. but Demon Kid's father is a tough act to follow, and upper class-men are sinister in their own way. Can demon kid and his new friends prove their worth, and survive the semester?

St Viper's School for Super Villains; is a fun and fast read about fitting in, finding yourself, and being evil (in a good way). Demon Kid, Stretch, Shrink, and Wolfboy might not have the most original names; but their childhood antics and grand schemes make up for it. Although, I have to think that in a world full of super heroes and villains I have to imagine that the best names would run out fairly quickly. There is no deep character exploration before the action starts, but there are glimpses as the story goes on. I like the quick pace and humor that is a constant through out the book.

I do recommend St Viper's School for Super Villains to readers that like fantasy, space, comic books, and stories about the underdog having a day of glory. Young readers will quickly become involved in the story and will enjoy it greatly. i think it will appeal particularly to those that complain about other books being 'slow' or 'boring', because nothing they find in this book is either.

Book Review: Detecting Magic with Dick Hunter: The Mort des Hommes Files by A. Jarrell Hayes

Detecting Magic with Dick Hunter: The Mort des Hommes Files by A. Jarrell Hayes is a blend of urban fantasy and classic hard boiled mystery. Dick Hunter, yes there are jokes about his name, is a wise cracking detective. When a woman enters his office he knows that it will lead to trouble, because it always does, but he had no idea the extent of the trouble he is about to encounter. A simple case to find a missing husband leads him on a wild ride that leads him to defend the world from the very gates of hell. A crash course in magic and some serious taxi time might lead Dick to save the world, or he just might end up dead.

Dick Hunter is a intelligent and smart mouthed man with the expected penchant for alcohol. He is also unexpected in many ways. He is a young black man with a shaved head, rather than the middle aged binge drinker that one might expect in his position. Under all his bluster and cases he takes to earn a living, Hunter is a man looking to do what is right. A brutal murder is what draws him into the crazy world of magic, seeking justice for a wounded family.

Amie is his guide, and his temptation. She explains the world of magic and the animal familiars that are key in the story. Some of this came a little too fast and a little too heavy for my tastes, but everything was well drawn out and easily understood. One distraction that I had while reading were the names of the magical critters, they were just all so cutesy. Although I did get a sense of their very different personalities as the story progressed.

I recommend Detecting Magic with Dick Hunter to fans of books that blend fantasy with mystery. It is vaguely like the work of Jim Butcher or Simon Green but not in a way that will have you confusing Hayes with either of the other authors. Some of the writing is well suited for young adults however there is swearing and sexual situations so I would not recommend it for the younger set.

Early Book Review: Until There Was You by Jessica Scott

Until There Was You is the second book in the Coming Home series by Jessica Scott. It is scheduled for release on October 8 2012. Captain Evan Loehr is a black and white kind of guy, always following the rule book. Captain Clair Montoya is fiercely loyal to her friends and cares about the lives of her soldiers, and is willing to bend some rules in order to protect others. They share an instant attraction, and in the amount of emotional and physical scars they carry. They each need to come to terms with their own demons, and decide if love is enough of a prize to risk everything else.

Until There Was You contains a brilliant and believable blending of romance into the real lives of our military. I have yet to read anything by another author that makes the story so authentic, rather than a romance with a dash of warfare or a military with a romantic sidebar. Scott makes the two seamless, bring the characters to life. Evan, Claire, Sarah, Reza, and other characters are flawed and absolutely real. They have painful pasts, are stubborn, and are also genuinely good people. The detail and realism involved in how people deal with the day to day while deployed, and when home, is stunning and sometimes heart rending. By the time I finished the book I felt like I knew the characters, deeply cared for them, and still find them in my mind a week after finishing the book.

I only have one complaint, and it is not with the quality of Until There Was You. If I had read this book without reading Because of You first, I would have had nothing negetive to say. However, I am still desperate to find out what happens next to some of the characters and in the larger plot line of Because of You, and it was not here. I will keep reading, and keep hoping that the story I am looking for is continued in the next book, which I have to wait for January to read.

I highly recommend reading Until There Was You as soon as it comes out. It can be read as a stand alone book, with no carryover storyline to confuse new readers. When you fall in love with Scott's writing, go read Because of You which is absolutely amazing. I cannot wait for the third book in the series, Back to You which is scheduled for release in January 2014, so that I can see where Scott will take us next.

Early Book Review: The Phoenix Girls: Conjuring Glass by Kelly Knight

Conjuring Glass, is the first book in a new young adult fantasy series The Phoenix Girls by Kelly Knight. The website for Genius Publishing states that the book will be available come fall of 2012. Penny Sinclair is a thirteen year old dealing with the loss of her mother. When she is moved from a group home to her godmother's home in the country she thought life would be boring. Thankfully, her godmother Susan and small town life provide Penny with the space and freedom she has never enjoyed before. However; a talking fox, a new friend in Zoe, a special hidden grove, and the discovery of true magic lead Penny into an adventure she never imagined. There is a magical heritage and family secrets that will need to be uncovered. A mysterious magician raises Penny's hopes, while missing children bring about varying degrees of suspicion and panic.

Conjuring Glass is a great start to a series of magic and growing up for the middle grade and young adult set. Penny is facing major adjustments, Zoe has her own issues at home, and the town is unique and harbors clues to Penny's family history. The story of the girls discovering their magic, and finding their place in town is well done and enjoyable. I really loved the attitude of the petite Penny coming to the defense of those being bullied and could identify with her on several levels. My only concern is the glossed over feel of her grief for her mother. It comes up a few times, but if I lost my mother today even as an adult I think it would have more influence over my daily thoughts. It might alienate readers that are going through the grieving process, or have.

I greatly enjoyed reading Conjuring Glass, and thing that young adults and middle grade readers would enjoy the book just as much. It was a solid fantasy read, with enough of a conclusion not to frustrate me but enough of a tease for the next instalment that I want to keep reading.

Book Review: The Hambledown Dream by Dean Mayes

The Hambledown Dream by Dean Mayes is a book that defies my genre categories. It is not quite romance, or coming of age, spiritual, or paranormal but somehow holds elements of all four. Denny Banister had everything, until cancer tore him down and took him away from his two passions, Sonya and the guitar. Andy DeVries lives across the world, and has a life very different from Denny. He deals drugs, works at a pub, and stumbles through life. The only thing Denny and Andy share is a love of guitar and being at death's door at the same time. When Andy recovers from an overdose he finds that he has changed, even more than one might expect. He is haunted by dreams, of memories, that do not belong to him and starts to change his life. He tries to redeem himself, find the woman that haunts his dreams, and find himself.

The Hambledown Dream is not a rehash of Ghost, while there were a few moments that struck a familiar chord. Andy's journey through the haze of drugs and trying to escape that life felt very genuine, though I have never been there. the stark contrast between the drug scene in Chicago and Sonya's grief in scenic Hambledown makes the emotion involved in both more vivid and poignant to me. Andy's struggles were vast, and some were those that readers could easily identify. The lost feelings had during the early adult years, struggling with family relationships, making strides to follow the right path rather than the path with the most empty praise, are all things most of us can recognize in ourselves on some level. I will admit that this is not my normal kind of book, I tend to read things that take me away from reality, rather than books that stir up deep emotion. However, I am extremely glad I read it.

My only problem with The Hambledown Dream is small, though it repeats regularly. Andy is a recovering addict through the majority of the book. However, alcohol is a frequent companion. I would think that drinking would not be helpful in recovering from a crystal meth addiction, but again, I have not been there so I can only guess. On the other hand, I found the characters and their reactions to situations and where they found themselves to be very real and believable to me as I read. I cared for Andy, Denny, Sonya, and the others very quickly. Even now, days after having finished the book, I find myself thinking about the characters and wondering how things turned out for them in the long run.

The Hambledown Dream is a deep and enthralling book. I found it hard to put down, and am still emotionally invested in the characters. I highly recommend reading this adults, as well as to young adults and teens. There is some violence and some intimate moments, but nothing that would stop me from encouraging the read. I think teens and those in their early adult life could benefit from becoming invested in some of Andy's story, and it could help start a dialogue with the others in their lives. I will warn those that cry easily, you will want tissues handy. As someone that typically avoids tearjerkers, I invite my fellow stoic souls to give The Hambledown Dream a chance.

Book Review: The Dark Man's Son by Meg Whitlock

The Dark Man's Son by Meg Whitlock is the first book in the new Guardian Chronicles series. Jason Latimer always thought he was an average guy. He is a carpenter with a loving mother and stepfather. Then he is attacked by some large muggers, and introduced to a world beyond his imagination. A small woman saves him from the attack and introduces herself as Alex, offering further protection. Later that night a dark man enters his dreams and makes him a similar offer. Jason comes to believe and understand Alex's claims of demons, Guardians, Angels, and a Divine Mandate while finding himself the center of conspirises and power struggles. Will Jason chose the right path, and can the choices made seal the fate of the universe?

The Dark Man's Son offers readers wit, suspense, a touch of romance, historical fiction, and a larger look at religions and the universe. I enjoyed the world building and the character building greatly. There was just enough explanation and back stories offered throughout the story to help me understand the depth of the long lived characters, while still leaving plenty to be explored later in the series. There are twists and turs in present day and the past that really did surprise, and make everything really matter to me as I read. I found myself rapped up in the fate of Alex, her dark counter part Cassius, Jason, and even the Princes of Hell that play roles in the action. It was like when you find yourself shouting at a movie even though you know you cannot change the outcome. I caught myself wanting to shout out to the major players on a few occasions. The action of the story takes readers through history and around the world, from Renaissance Florence to the French Revolution, from World War II to the modern streets of New Orleans, and beyond. Best of all, the book offered some conclusion, while leaving me clamoring for the next book.

I recommend The Dark Man's Son to readers that enjoy truly falling into a good book. I was caught up in the story and the lives of the characters, putting off important things like making dinner or bedtime in order to keep reading. My only complaint is that the book ended. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next installment of the Guardian Chronicles.

Book Review: Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne

Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne is a romantic suspense novel that begins the Deadly Vices series. Nic Lamoureux is a big time movie star, dubbed Nic the Lover by the media, who has at least one crazed stalker and some secrets to keep. Lauren James is a photographer with the chance of a lifetime, photographing Nic could make her career. The stalker threatens the lives of the women surrounding Nic, leaving him worried and potentially ruining everything when Nic and Lauren grow closer and the stalker's actions intensify. Can Nic come to terms with his secrets, and will Lauren risk everything to help him?

Deadly Obsession was a good read, but did not wow me. Nic was a tortured alpha male, that just seemed to have everything going for him except the intense fans and lack of privacy. Lauren is a widow and single mom with issues of her own to deal with. They just happened to go to igh school together, and just happened to have crushes on each other back in the day but thought the other never noticed them. While it is done well in the book, it still felt a little to convenient to me. I also had a little trouble with the ease of which Lauren left her son behind with family, in fact I wondered through most of the book where her son was. The there was the suspense and mystery portion of the stalker. I quickly came up with my own idea of who Nic's stalker was, although I did doubt myself a few times because it seemed too easy. I will say that the character's trip to the conclusion was also well handled, a few curve balls to through me off the trail might have been nice, or Nic and Lauren agreeing on the culprit a little sooner would have been fine.

Deadly Obsession was a decent read, and I enjoyed it while I was reading. However, it did not rise above good. It did not wow me like some of my other recent reads have. Perhaps if I had not read this on the heals of some absolutely fantastic books I would have more positive things to say. So, if you are looking for a read to divert you or entertain you for a day or two, borrow Deadly Obsession but it will not it into my collection.

Book Review: Because of You by Jessica Scott

Because of You by Jessica Scott is a contemporary military romance book that just might hit close to home for many readers. Jen St. James is a nurse in a military town. Jen is also a cancer survivor, having faced chemotherapy and a mastectomy. Her best friend Laura's husband seems to be constantly deployed and drags Jen with her to the bar, where the men are getting set to be deployed again. Shane Garrison is hoping to keep all his men out of trouble that night, and to keep them safe once they hit Baghdad. One kiss and both their lives are changed, starting to break down barriers. When Shane is injured and sent home for care, the two have to face their own issues and decide if love is more important than their pasts or being independent.

Because of You does something I rarely see, accurately portrays what it is like to be deployed, what it is like o be waiting for a loved one that is overseas, and the physical and emotional wounds our soldiers have to face before and after duty. It might feel too close to home for some to read, either because of the military ties or the cancer, but the story is so perfectly told that it needs to be read. The emotional issues tied to Jen's cancer, family problems, war wounds, loss, and so much more are deal with in a very realistic manner but with an underlying feeling of hope and understanding. Too many military related books gloss over what really happens after our troops return home, and how it feels to be a parent and waiting for your spouse to come home.

The romance between Jen and Shane is a slow burn, there is no sudden moment of 'perfect love'. Rather, they are real people with real issues that need to develop trust and work on their relationship rather than having it fall into place with no effort. The surrounding characters and plot make this even more than a deep love story, there is suspense and a bigger story that I can not wait to see develop in later books of the Coming Home series. Frankly, when I reached the end of the book I desperately wanted to know more of Laura and Trent's story, and am greatly relieved to see that I can read their book in 2013.

I highly recommend Because of You to readers that like romance with real conflict and emotion beyond the expected story. I was drawn into the character's lives almost immediately and had to take some time before diving into my next read, because I was still thinking too much about the story. This is a deep and captivating read worth every moment, even as I stayed up far too late to finish it.

Book Review: The Moon Coin by Richard Due and Carolyn Arcabascio

The Moon Coin, written by Richard Due and illustrated by Carolyn Arcabascio, is the first book in The Moon Realm Series. It is a children's fantasy novel appropriate for ages nine and older. Lily and Jasper are smart and talented children, and their Uncle Ebb is counting on it. He spends his visits giving them gifts and telling them tales about the Moon Realm, a wonderful world full of magic and amazing creatures. the pair fully believe Uncle Ebb's tales and his tinkering, creating wonderful things, are all just part of his eccentricity and fun nature. That is until Ebb disappears, and Lily discovers the secret beyond the tales, that they might hold some truth. Lily is on a wonderful, and terrifying, journey looking to find Uncle Ebb and discover the truth behind the terrible things happening in the Moon Realm.

The Moon Coin started off quickly, laying the groundwork for the relationship between Lily, Jasper, and their Uncle Ebb.I hope to see much more of Ebb in the future volumes, because the mysteries surrounding him grabbed me just as much as the problems in the Moon Realm. The character development and descriptions are extremely well done, and are just as interesting as the moments of high action, of which there are plenty. Then there are the beautiful illustrations by Carolyn Arcabascio, which are worth looking at the book for on their worth alone. I do not want to say too much about the story, or is that a tale, because I think everyone that enjoys fantasy on any level will enjoy this.

Can you tell I liked The Moon Coin? When the author approached me to read and review the book, my first thought was my already growing backlog. Then I read the description, and it sounded right up my alley. Gladly my second thought was the one I followed. The Moon Realm series is now on my must follow list, I cannot wait to see what happens next.I highly recommend it to readers in grade school, middle school, and on up through adults. Fans of anything fantasy; think authors like Tamara Pierce, Lemony Snicket, C.S. Lewis, and Kathryn Lasky, will find themselves as captured by this series as myself. 

Book Review: Dark Side of the Moon by Ahmad Taylor

Dark Side of the Moon by Ahmad Taylor is a suspenseful novel packed with action, deception, and a search for answers. Government Agent Derrick Thomas finds a message from his father, a fellow agent, seeking an information drop. However, as Derrick tries to deliver the message a mission goes south and his father has been transferred along with his sister. Derrick is on the hunt for his family, and the truth. Death follows in Derrick's wake as his hunt spirals out of control and everything comes into question.

Dark Side of the Moon sets the mood quickly; with disturbing dreams and a suspicion that not all is as it seems. The story jumps the timeline and voices a few times, giving a bit more detail and depth to the story and characters, although some readers might find this style distracting or confusing. I will also admit to having suspected some of the final twist along the way, but that did not lessen my enjoyment of the journey. There were a few significant surprises along the way, and many questions that I still want answered. I feel like readers are left craving more in order to strengthen the mystery of Derrick's current state and future. For instance, I would love to know what happened with Derrick's mother. Could she have been part of a larger plot, dream fodder, victim to violence, or something else completely. The questions left unanswered have stuck with me and deepened my appreciation for the story.

Dark Side of the Moon is a solid, suspenseful read that will appeal to those that enjoy action packed mystery. Readers that enjoy novels heavy on spies, government conspiracies, moral quandaries, and scientific possibilities will find themselves deep in Derrick's world as soon as they start reading.

Book Review: Deception of the Magician by A.L. Tyler

Deception of the Magician by A.L. Tyler is the second book in the Waldgrave trilogy. I highly suggest reading the first book, Arrival of the Traveler, before delving into the second so that you can fully understand the dynamics of the social conflicts and between the characters. Lena Collins is struggling to forge and maintain relationships. Not only with her uncle and the human born servants who she feels a kinship with, but also her best friend Hesper and the exasperating Griffin. She is also trying to gain the trust and respect of the Council and just trying to keep up with the secrets and conspiracies that seem to rise around her. A search for the artifact that seems to separate the Silenti most is Lena's solution to gain her own freedom, and to put an end to the fighting. However, nothing is as simple as it seems. Just when Lena thinks she has the perfect solution, she discovers that her actions could be causing more danger and harm than staying home. Everyone and everything is at risk, and no one can be trusted. 

After reading Arrival of the Traveler, I was eager to read Deception of the Magician. I am thrilled to say that I was not disappointed. Often times the second book in a trilogy feels more like a place holder, or time to figure out plot problems before a conclusion is reached. Deception of the Magician avoided that trap, and was even more intense than the first book. There were gunshots, deep dark secrets revealed, and unexpected answers. The character development and interplay ramped up even more than in the first book, and while some questions were answered those answers raised new, even more complicated questions. There was a satisfying ending which gave readers a conclusion, but also a need to read the next book. I am even more excited now to read the third book in the series, however I dread it at the same time because I am not sure I want the story to end. 

I highly recommend Deception of the Magician to readers that read and enjoyed Arrival of the Traveler. If you have not done so yet, I suggest reading it now. This series will appeal to fans of young adult books, fantasy, coming of age, mysteries, and character driven plots that are well written. I have high hopes that the third book and conclusion of the series, Secrets of the Guardian, will continue the trend of high quality and intriguing reads.