I received the following email today. Do you think I should join?
WORLD GREATEST OFFER
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We make people great and we rule the world. The world leaders are members. When you accept this offer you will have the opportunity to be great and dine with great men from different nations. We rule every social part of the world, music, sports and politics, the second essential component is control of the media. It is controlled through business fashion. We choose men with potentials and we made them what they are today. We are here for you to make your dream come through; if you dream it you can achieve it.
These are opportunity the celebrities and the richest men had, they utilize it and became an American idol. You have more to know when you are chosen as a member.
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You can try this offer; you can be among the chosen. In two months the story of your life will change. Do not be the killer of your dream.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Jennifer AShley and Erica Hayes reviewed
Mate Claimed
Jennifer Ashley
Berkley, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425251010
In Shifterown, Iona Duncan hides her shifter Wildcat side though she refuses to wear a Collar because she fears if exposed what will happen to her mom and sister. The town’s alpha Eric Warden recognizes Iona as a hybrid masquerading as a purebred human. He waits anticipating when her mating need takes over her mind and body.
Eric worries about Iona because if she remains stubbornly in denial she soon will die. Worse he knows who her mate is and waits for her to recognize the reality of who he is. When her mating desire explodes, Iona struggles to control her need for Eric.
The latest Shifters Unbound romantic urban fantasy (see Wild Cat) is a wonderful brisk thriller due to the relationship between the two protagonists hampered by Iona’s clinging to her denial defense mechanism. The heroine’s insistence on pretending to be human even as her mating instincts demand otherwise brings freshness to a strong series. Readers will relish the paranormal romance dance of love or death. Harriet Klausner
Revelation
Erica Hayes
Berkley, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425258378
In what was once Manhattan, but now Babylon, Luniel the Fallen Angel looking out from Liberty Island sees the signs that Apocalypse is coming. Demons have released two of God’s holy wrath vials. One changed the sea near Liberty island into blood and the other has created zombies.
Medical examiner Dr. Morgan Sterling believes everything can be explained by science with the cause for those phenomena that cannot be proven due to a lack of understanding. She believes she can cure the zombie plague using medical research. Lune comes to her morgue but fails to persuade the agnostic leaning atheist that there are things from heaven and hell that science cannot fathom. They team up in search of Patient Zero as he and other Fallen seeking redemption seek those royal demons who stole and deployed two of the seven holy wrath vials.
The first Seven Signs romantic dark urban fantasy is an exciting thriller starring an intriguing Fallen angel in a world in which the Demon Princes have begun the End of Days although Morgan’s obstinacy in spite of the evidence to the contrary becomes a distraction. Still readers will enjoy Revelation as Apocalypse now has commenced in New York City. Harriet Klausner
Jennifer Ashley
Berkley, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425251010
In Shifterown, Iona Duncan hides her shifter Wildcat side though she refuses to wear a Collar because she fears if exposed what will happen to her mom and sister. The town’s alpha Eric Warden recognizes Iona as a hybrid masquerading as a purebred human. He waits anticipating when her mating need takes over her mind and body.
Eric worries about Iona because if she remains stubbornly in denial she soon will die. Worse he knows who her mate is and waits for her to recognize the reality of who he is. When her mating desire explodes, Iona struggles to control her need for Eric.
The latest Shifters Unbound romantic urban fantasy (see Wild Cat) is a wonderful brisk thriller due to the relationship between the two protagonists hampered by Iona’s clinging to her denial defense mechanism. The heroine’s insistence on pretending to be human even as her mating instincts demand otherwise brings freshness to a strong series. Readers will relish the paranormal romance dance of love or death. Harriet Klausner
Revelation
Erica Hayes
Berkley, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425258378
In what was once Manhattan, but now Babylon, Luniel the Fallen Angel looking out from Liberty Island sees the signs that Apocalypse is coming. Demons have released two of God’s holy wrath vials. One changed the sea near Liberty island into blood and the other has created zombies.
Medical examiner Dr. Morgan Sterling believes everything can be explained by science with the cause for those phenomena that cannot be proven due to a lack of understanding. She believes she can cure the zombie plague using medical research. Lune comes to her morgue but fails to persuade the agnostic leaning atheist that there are things from heaven and hell that science cannot fathom. They team up in search of Patient Zero as he and other Fallen seeking redemption seek those royal demons who stole and deployed two of the seven holy wrath vials.
The first Seven Signs romantic dark urban fantasy is an exciting thriller starring an intriguing Fallen angel in a world in which the Demon Princes have begun the End of Days although Morgan’s obstinacy in spite of the evidence to the contrary becomes a distraction. Still readers will enjoy Revelation as Apocalypse now has commenced in New York City. Harriet Klausner
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Update and reviews
Hoping for the results of the CAT Scan on Monday. I keep hearing Arnold from Kinndergaren Cop saying "It's not a toomuh".
Here's a couple of reviews from Harriet to tide you over.
The Sparrow and the Hawk
Meg Lacey
ImaJinn, $14.00
ISBN: 9781610260978
At Ardmore College near Cincinnati, NAS (Normal, Abnormal, Strange) Agency chief Dr. Calvin Walters assigns his niece operative Jillie “Sparrow” Harte with obtaining the dangerous Carmaletta Choker. Uncle Cal believes collector Franklin Doherty has the choker that if deployed could destroy the world.
Jill uses her cover as a documentary filmmaker doing a movie on “Decoration, Fashion and Accessories Throughout History” to meet Franklin as he owns a famous collection. However, her cameraman fails to make the assignment; instead Griff “Hawk” Ryland replaces him; Jillie is attracted to, but distrusts him. After meeting with Franklin, he invites them to stay at his mansion and attend a party he hosts. Strange happenings occur, but the most enigmatic is they find Franklin dead.
The Sparrow and the Hawk is an enjoyable fantasy undercover thriller starring two intriguing protagonists and a weird house filled with odd collectibles that belong in Warehouse 13 (mansion included). Fast-paced with a tongue in cheek feel to the events that unfold, fans will appreciate the case of the Carmaletta Choker while the heroine wonders who she can trust. Harriet Klausner
Between Two Fires
Christopher Buehlman
Ace, $25.95
ISBN: 9781937007867
The Lord God had turned his face from men. His devoted angels know they must protect the children of Adam from the Fallen. As the Lord made no answer to the plight of man, Lucifer tells his followers it is time to test God’s will by releasing the Great Death Plague onto the Lord’s greatest insult the sons and daughters of Adam. The fallen leader says this will mark the beginning of the second war of heaven.
In 1348 in Normandy so many have succumbed to the Great Death, burials have stopped. Four excommunicated former knights turned brigands (Thomas, Godefroy, Jacquot and the fat one) travel the land scavenging for food while forced to eat spoiled meals. They reach a barn in a devastated village. There they meet the Girl who expected their arrival as an angel told her. The Girl realizes Godefroy wants to rape her while Thomas protects her killing two of his companions. She informs her savior that the Black Death is the opening salvo in Lucifer’s plan to win the second war of heaven with mankind caught in the middle of the combat zone. The Girl persuades Thomas to escort her to Avignon where she will confront evil.
Between Two Fires is an engaging good and evil medieval thriller. With a sense of eeriness throughout, Thomas and readers wonder if the orphaned Girl he escorts is a Lucifer witch or a heavenly messenger. Although the key cast (except for the mysterious Girl) is stereotypical of the Heaven War trope, fans will enjoy Christopher Buehlman’s trek across war fourteenth century ravaged and now plagued-torn France. Harriet Klausner
Here's a couple of reviews from Harriet to tide you over.
The Sparrow and the Hawk
Meg Lacey
ImaJinn, $14.00
ISBN: 9781610260978
At Ardmore College near Cincinnati, NAS (Normal, Abnormal, Strange) Agency chief Dr. Calvin Walters assigns his niece operative Jillie “Sparrow” Harte with obtaining the dangerous Carmaletta Choker. Uncle Cal believes collector Franklin Doherty has the choker that if deployed could destroy the world.
Jill uses her cover as a documentary filmmaker doing a movie on “Decoration, Fashion and Accessories Throughout History” to meet Franklin as he owns a famous collection. However, her cameraman fails to make the assignment; instead Griff “Hawk” Ryland replaces him; Jillie is attracted to, but distrusts him. After meeting with Franklin, he invites them to stay at his mansion and attend a party he hosts. Strange happenings occur, but the most enigmatic is they find Franklin dead.
The Sparrow and the Hawk is an enjoyable fantasy undercover thriller starring two intriguing protagonists and a weird house filled with odd collectibles that belong in Warehouse 13 (mansion included). Fast-paced with a tongue in cheek feel to the events that unfold, fans will appreciate the case of the Carmaletta Choker while the heroine wonders who she can trust. Harriet Klausner
Between Two Fires
Christopher Buehlman
Ace, $25.95
ISBN: 9781937007867
The Lord God had turned his face from men. His devoted angels know they must protect the children of Adam from the Fallen. As the Lord made no answer to the plight of man, Lucifer tells his followers it is time to test God’s will by releasing the Great Death Plague onto the Lord’s greatest insult the sons and daughters of Adam. The fallen leader says this will mark the beginning of the second war of heaven.
In 1348 in Normandy so many have succumbed to the Great Death, burials have stopped. Four excommunicated former knights turned brigands (Thomas, Godefroy, Jacquot and the fat one) travel the land scavenging for food while forced to eat spoiled meals. They reach a barn in a devastated village. There they meet the Girl who expected their arrival as an angel told her. The Girl realizes Godefroy wants to rape her while Thomas protects her killing two of his companions. She informs her savior that the Black Death is the opening salvo in Lucifer’s plan to win the second war of heaven with mankind caught in the middle of the combat zone. The Girl persuades Thomas to escort her to Avignon where she will confront evil.
Between Two Fires is an engaging good and evil medieval thriller. With a sense of eeriness throughout, Thomas and readers wonder if the orphaned Girl he escorts is a Lucifer witch or a heavenly messenger. Although the key cast (except for the mysterious Girl) is stereotypical of the Heaven War trope, fans will enjoy Christopher Buehlman’s trek across war fourteenth century ravaged and now plagued-torn France. Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Press release
The cigar-chomping monkey is back!
Gareth L. Powell signs up for early 2014 sequel to Ack-Ack Macaque
Solaris is pleased to announce that it has commissioned Gareth L. Powell to write the sequel to his well-received science-fiction Steampunk novel, Ack-Ack Macaque.
HIVE MONKEY will be delivered in summer 2013 for an early 2014 publication.
Powell, author of critically-acclaimed The Recollection, was commissioned by Jonathan Oliver, editor-in-chief of Solaris Books, which published Ack-Ack Macaque earlier this month.
The novel about a sentient cigar-chomping, gun-wielding, Spitfire-flying monkey who once battled German ninjas in the skies over Britain in 1944 made a huge splash when it was published earlier this month.
Supported by a strong social media campaign by Powell, and with a well-received comic strip prequel published in legendary British SF comic book 2000 AD, Ack-Ack Macaque was an inventive science-fiction novel with a fun Steampunk sheen and a primate twist.
“Fizzes with wild ideas... A ripping yarn about murder, mayhem and monkeys”
– Philip Reeve, author of Mortal Engines
series on Ack-Ack Macaque
Ack-Ack Macaque
By Gareth L. Powell
$8.99/$10.99 (US & CAN) ISBN 978-1-78108-060-3
£7.99 (UK) ISBN 978-1-78108-059-7
Also available as an ebook
Monkeys. Ninjas. Zeppelins. A science-fiction novel with a Steampunk sheen and a primate twist, Ack-Ack Macaque is a blisteringly fun SF masterpiece from master storyteller Gareth L. Powell.
In 1944, as waves of German ninjas parachute into Kent, Britain’s best hopes for victory lie with a Spitfire pilot codenamed ‘Ack-Ack Macaque.’ The trouble is he’s actually a cynical, one-eyed, cigar-chomping monkey, and he’s starting to doubt everything – including his own existence!
A century later, when nuclear-powered Zeppelins circle the globe, ex-journalist Victoria Valois is drawn into a deadly game with the man who killed her husband and stole her electronic soul, while the heir to the British throne goes on the run. Meanwhile, the doomsday clock ticks towards Armageddon...
About the Author
Gareth L. Powell is the author of the SF novel Silversands, and the critically acclaimed short story collection, The Last Reef. His work has been published all over the world and featured in a number of recent anthologies, including Shine. Gareth lives in the English West Country with his wife and two daughters.
www.garethlpowell.com
Gareth L. Powell signs up for early 2014 sequel to Ack-Ack Macaque
Solaris is pleased to announce that it has commissioned Gareth L. Powell to write the sequel to his well-received science-fiction Steampunk novel, Ack-Ack Macaque.
HIVE MONKEY will be delivered in summer 2013 for an early 2014 publication.
Powell, author of critically-acclaimed The Recollection, was commissioned by Jonathan Oliver, editor-in-chief of Solaris Books, which published Ack-Ack Macaque earlier this month.
The novel about a sentient cigar-chomping, gun-wielding, Spitfire-flying monkey who once battled German ninjas in the skies over Britain in 1944 made a huge splash when it was published earlier this month.
Supported by a strong social media campaign by Powell, and with a well-received comic strip prequel published in legendary British SF comic book 2000 AD, Ack-Ack Macaque was an inventive science-fiction novel with a fun Steampunk sheen and a primate twist.
“Fizzes with wild ideas... A ripping yarn about murder, mayhem and monkeys”
– Philip Reeve, author of Mortal Engines
series on Ack-Ack Macaque
Ack-Ack Macaque
By Gareth L. Powell
$8.99/$10.99 (US & CAN) ISBN 978-1-78108-060-3
£7.99 (UK) ISBN 978-1-78108-059-7
Also available as an ebook
Monkeys. Ninjas. Zeppelins. A science-fiction novel with a Steampunk sheen and a primate twist, Ack-Ack Macaque is a blisteringly fun SF masterpiece from master storyteller Gareth L. Powell.
In 1944, as waves of German ninjas parachute into Kent, Britain’s best hopes for victory lie with a Spitfire pilot codenamed ‘Ack-Ack Macaque.’ The trouble is he’s actually a cynical, one-eyed, cigar-chomping monkey, and he’s starting to doubt everything – including his own existence!
A century later, when nuclear-powered Zeppelins circle the globe, ex-journalist Victoria Valois is drawn into a deadly game with the man who killed her husband and stole her electronic soul, while the heir to the British throne goes on the run. Meanwhile, the doomsday clock ticks towards Armageddon...
About the Author
Gareth L. Powell is the author of the SF novel Silversands, and the critically acclaimed short story collection, The Last Reef. His work has been published all over the world and featured in a number of recent anthologies, including Shine. Gareth lives in the English West Country with his wife and two daughters.
www.garethlpowell.com
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Medical Update
Apologies for not being as active on here as I need to be. Have been having vision and hearing problems for the last 6 weeks. Have seen three different doctors, took three different antibiotics and decongestants and nothing has done the trick,
Will be going to the VA Hospital for a head CT scan tomorrow. Will let you know something as soon as I find out.
Will be going to the VA Hospital for a head CT scan tomorrow. Will let you know something as soon as I find out.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Hellhole: Awakening
HELLHOLE: AWAKENING, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, Tor, $27.99, reviewed by Jim Brock.
HELLHOLE: AWAKENING is volume two in Herbert and Anderson’s Hellhole series and I have been anxiously awaiting it since reading the first volume. That book was one of the most imaginative, entertaining and enthralling science fiction books I have read in years. It absolutely left me with a hunger for more. The grand scope of the universe of Hellhole overrode my general distain for science fiction series. A lot of series fiction of any genre consists of rehashing what might have been a great story the first time around. It is the rare series where the author or authors have the scope, the skill and the imagination to justify the continuation of the story.
The Hellhole series is one of those rarities. There are two groups of planets: the Crown Jewels being the establishment plants ruled by a noble class under the control of a tyrannical empress-type called the Diadem and the Deep Zone planets under the influence of the exiled General Tiber Adolphus. The DeeZees once paid tribute and were submissive to the Diadem until they rebelled under the leadership of Adolphus. In HELLHOLE: AWAKENING, the Diadem has sent a new expedition to regain control of the DeeZees and capture Adolphus. The word Awakening in the title adds a new element in that major changes are beginning in the flora and fauna of the planet, Hellhole, itself as long-lost species are reappearing. And the use of telemancy powers by the native Xayan and the human host/Xayan duos has also awakened an ancient danger that more than doubles the perils Adolphus, Hellhole and the DeeZees face.
The plots are excellent, characterization is excellent, and the expansion of new elements freshens and builds the excitement and the intensity of the saga. Not a complaint by any means, the character of Adolphus is not the all-knowing, super competent leader that his reputation would suggest. He seems to me to assume and overlook and frankly, get his butt saved by the Xayan backed telemancy powers. Adolphus is the type of leader whose sense of honor and position allows him to feel good about himself while getting a lot of ordinary Joes killed because he can’t bring himself to believe in or match the win at all costs philosophy of his enemy. At least, that’s my read of Adolphus and that just makes him and the course of Hellhole all the more interesting.
SO get HELLHOLE, read it and develop your hunger for HELLHOLE: AWAKENING. Then get HELLHOLE: AWAKENING, read it, and then join me. I’m hungry as heel for even more Hellhole.
HELLHOLE: AWAKENING is volume two in Herbert and Anderson’s Hellhole series and I have been anxiously awaiting it since reading the first volume. That book was one of the most imaginative, entertaining and enthralling science fiction books I have read in years. It absolutely left me with a hunger for more. The grand scope of the universe of Hellhole overrode my general distain for science fiction series. A lot of series fiction of any genre consists of rehashing what might have been a great story the first time around. It is the rare series where the author or authors have the scope, the skill and the imagination to justify the continuation of the story.
The Hellhole series is one of those rarities. There are two groups of planets: the Crown Jewels being the establishment plants ruled by a noble class under the control of a tyrannical empress-type called the Diadem and the Deep Zone planets under the influence of the exiled General Tiber Adolphus. The DeeZees once paid tribute and were submissive to the Diadem until they rebelled under the leadership of Adolphus. In HELLHOLE: AWAKENING, the Diadem has sent a new expedition to regain control of the DeeZees and capture Adolphus. The word Awakening in the title adds a new element in that major changes are beginning in the flora and fauna of the planet, Hellhole, itself as long-lost species are reappearing. And the use of telemancy powers by the native Xayan and the human host/Xayan duos has also awakened an ancient danger that more than doubles the perils Adolphus, Hellhole and the DeeZees face.
The plots are excellent, characterization is excellent, and the expansion of new elements freshens and builds the excitement and the intensity of the saga. Not a complaint by any means, the character of Adolphus is not the all-knowing, super competent leader that his reputation would suggest. He seems to me to assume and overlook and frankly, get his butt saved by the Xayan backed telemancy powers. Adolphus is the type of leader whose sense of honor and position allows him to feel good about himself while getting a lot of ordinary Joes killed because he can’t bring himself to believe in or match the win at all costs philosophy of his enemy. At least, that’s my read of Adolphus and that just makes him and the course of Hellhole all the more interesting.
SO get HELLHOLE, read it and develop your hunger for HELLHOLE: AWAKENING. Then get HELLHOLE: AWAKENING, read it, and then join me. I’m hungry as heel for even more Hellhole.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Obama's Gun Control Plan
The Office of the Press Secretary sent out the following list of all 23 executive actions.
Today, the President is announcing that he and the Administration will:
1. Issue a Presidential Memorandum to require federal agencies to make relevant data available to the federal background check system.
2. Address unnecessary legal barriers, particularly relating to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, that may prevent states from making information available to the background check system.
3. Improve incentives for states to share information with the background check system.
4. Direct the Attorney General to review categories of individuals prohibited from having a gun to make sure dangerous people are not slipping through the cracks.
5. Propose rulemaking to give law enforcement the ability to run a full background check on an individual before returning a seized gun.
6. Publish a letter from ATF to federally licensed gun dealers providing guidance on how to run background checks for private sellers.
7. Launch a national safe and responsible gun ownership campaign.
8. Review safety standards for gun locks and gun safes (Consumer Product Safety Commission).
9. Issue a Presidential Memorandum to require federal law enforcement to trace guns recovered in criminal investigations.
10. Release a DOJ report analyzing information on lost and stolen guns and make it widely available to law enforcement.
11. Nominate an ATF director.
12. Provide law enforcement, first responders, and school officials with proper training for active shooter situations.
13. Maximize enforcement efforts to prevent gun violence and prosecute gun crime.
14. Issue a Presidential Memorandum directing the Centers for Disease Control to research the causes and prevention of gun violence.
15. Direct the Attorney General to issue a report on the availability and most effective use of new gun safety technologies and challenge the private sector to develop innovative technologies.
16. Clarify that the Affordable Care Act does not prohibit doctors asking their patients about guns in their homes.
17. Release a letter to health care providers clarifying that no federal law prohibits them from reporting threats of violence to law enforcement authorities.
18. Provide incentives for schools to hire school resource officers.
19. Develop model emergency response plans for schools, houses of worship and institutions of higher education.
20. Release a letter to state health officials clarifying the scope of mental health services that Medicaid plans must cover.
21. Finalize regulations clarifying essential health benefits and parity requirements within ACA exchanges.
22. Commit to finalizing mental health parity regulations.
23. Launch a national dialogue led by Secretaries Sebelius and Duncan on mental health.
Today, the President is announcing that he and the Administration will:
1. Issue a Presidential Memorandum to require federal agencies to make relevant data available to the federal background check system.
2. Address unnecessary legal barriers, particularly relating to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, that may prevent states from making information available to the background check system.
3. Improve incentives for states to share information with the background check system.
4. Direct the Attorney General to review categories of individuals prohibited from having a gun to make sure dangerous people are not slipping through the cracks.
5. Propose rulemaking to give law enforcement the ability to run a full background check on an individual before returning a seized gun.
6. Publish a letter from ATF to federally licensed gun dealers providing guidance on how to run background checks for private sellers.
7. Launch a national safe and responsible gun ownership campaign.
8. Review safety standards for gun locks and gun safes (Consumer Product Safety Commission).
9. Issue a Presidential Memorandum to require federal law enforcement to trace guns recovered in criminal investigations.
10. Release a DOJ report analyzing information on lost and stolen guns and make it widely available to law enforcement.
11. Nominate an ATF director.
12. Provide law enforcement, first responders, and school officials with proper training for active shooter situations.
13. Maximize enforcement efforts to prevent gun violence and prosecute gun crime.
14. Issue a Presidential Memorandum directing the Centers for Disease Control to research the causes and prevention of gun violence.
15. Direct the Attorney General to issue a report on the availability and most effective use of new gun safety technologies and challenge the private sector to develop innovative technologies.
16. Clarify that the Affordable Care Act does not prohibit doctors asking their patients about guns in their homes.
17. Release a letter to health care providers clarifying that no federal law prohibits them from reporting threats of violence to law enforcement authorities.
18. Provide incentives for schools to hire school resource officers.
19. Develop model emergency response plans for schools, houses of worship and institutions of higher education.
20. Release a letter to state health officials clarifying the scope of mental health services that Medicaid plans must cover.
21. Finalize regulations clarifying essential health benefits and parity requirements within ACA exchanges.
22. Commit to finalizing mental health parity regulations.
23. Launch a national dialogue led by Secretaries Sebelius and Duncan on mental health.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The Moonstone and Miss Jones and Forge of Darkness reviews
The Moonstone and Miss Jones
Jillian Stone
Kensington Brava, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758268983
Phaeton Black has escaped from a succubus and who the hell knows what else only to be shanghaied in Shanghai. He escapes again and contacts America Jones, daughter of a Cajun witch, to meet him. Though she wants to hang the SOB blaming him totally for her delicate little pea of a condition, America shows up at the rendezvous point.
Professor Lovecraft assigns the duo to find the mysterious Moonstone he needs for his latest gizmo. Also seeking the Moonstone is a team of Nightshades. They join forces as apparently this mystical gem is the cause of the destruction of a parallel future London neighborhood. Others, some of whom have nefarious purposes, seek the gem too.
The second Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator (see The Seduction of Phaeton Black) is a zany late Victorian romantic investigative steampunk fantasy. The lighthearted fun combines a tongue in cheek steampunk venue with an exciting paranormal mystery. The Devil and Miss Jones make a wonderful pairing as they battle each other, wonder about little pea, and fight deadly adversaries in search of the Moonstone. Harriet Klausner
Forge of Darkness
Steven Erikson
Tor, $27.99
ISBN: 9780765323569
In in Kurald Galain, the Tiste people look forward to the peace after a brutal war against the Forulkan and the Jheleck. However, the militia having no external hostilities to fight refuses to give up power earned during the war and argue between themselves over leadership. Additionally, the three prime Tiste races (the Andii, Liosan and Edur) also are divided as the eight-Highborn noble families covet more affluence and influence.
In this hodgepodge of potential violence, Tiste ruler Mother Dark chose Draconus as a lover. This angers the other noble families who feel their ruler slapped them with picking Draconus; as in their minds the consort is a nonentity lesser Highborn while each of the other aristocratic houses expected one of their members selected. Even the commoners take issue with Draconus as they demand Mother Dark choose their hero Vatha Urusander. Civil was seems imminent.
The opening entry in The Kharkanas Trilogy prequel to the Malazan Book of the Fallen is a fascinating tale that occurs centuries before any event (including flashbacks) in the main saga. The engaging storyline focuses on how they got here questions from the series though there remain older historical events (including new references). Well-written for fans of the Malazan although there is no closure, readers will appreciate this epic prequel. Harriet Klausner
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Gordon Lee
Gordon Lee, who ran my local comics shop, Legends, has shuffled off this mortal coil after suffering a series of strokes. I've known Gordon for over 30 years and there will be a huge emptiness that can never be filled. It has been a wild and interesting ride. The Atlanta Comics Cons, The Dixie Treks, The Dragon Cons and all the local shows that he put on and friends that have been made over all the years will make his memory live on for a long time.
Rest well old friend.
Rest well old friend.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Slayer's Prey and Blaze Reviewed
Slayer's Prey
Crystal Rain-Love
ImaJinn, $14.00
ISBN: 9781610260909
CFFs Jacob Porter and Bobby Romano take a short cut home through an alley. Jacob is nervous while Bobby is fearless. Vampires attack the two tweeners. Bobby is killed while a female voice tells Jacob to run, which he does. A cat attacks the vampires killing three of them, but one Demarcus escaped though she clawed him and he bit her. The feline becomes Jacob’s pal but conceals from the child she protects that she is a shapeshifter; while he vows to slay the species who murdered his friend.
Sixteen years later Jacob and his kitty Alley follow a vampire blood bath from Baltimore to Louisville. Alley loves Jacob, but because of the bite has no hope for a future with him. Still she decides she needs to be in human form if she is to keep Porter safe as he goes after a deadly predator. Thus Nyla Katt the huntress appears. As they team up to assassinate Demarcus, he needs one of them to purify what the shapeshifter did to him; so to trap his adversaries, he has spread bloody breadcrumbs from Maryland to Kentucky.
The second Blood revelation romantic urban fantasy is a fabulous thriller starring two appealing protagonists and a stalking vampiric psychopath. Readers anticipate the High Midnight confrontation supplemented by an intriguing refreshing romantic subplot. Harriet Klausner
Blaze
Joan Swan
Kensington Brava, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758266408
The FBI and ATF surround the Nevada cult compound. FBI agent Keira O'Shay wants to lead an assault to rescue a child Mateo who she has a mental connection with through her clairaudient skills that she conceals from the Feds in order to avoid becoming a lab rat. Her assignment however is to eliminate the sniper Rostov.
Former California fire captain turned ATF hostage negotiator Luke Ransom is her guide. They were lovers when she was on the same firefighting team until she left him three years ago for the Feds. Now they almost die trying to rescue Mateo and the other kids before a tragic Jonestown repeat. Like Keira he has enhanced skills caused by the same chemical spill that gave to her new paranormal talent. As they fall in love all over again, they learns of a government conspiracy tied to the chemical explosion that changed their lives.
The second enjoyable Phoenix Rising romantic urban fantasy (see Fever) is a fun entry as the paranormal skills especially of the heroine smoothly blends into the storyline making them seem genuine. The intriguing conspiratorial overarching theme moves forward though the maybe relationship between Luke and Keira feels distracting. Harriet Klausner
Crystal Rain-Love
ImaJinn, $14.00
ISBN: 9781610260909
CFFs Jacob Porter and Bobby Romano take a short cut home through an alley. Jacob is nervous while Bobby is fearless. Vampires attack the two tweeners. Bobby is killed while a female voice tells Jacob to run, which he does. A cat attacks the vampires killing three of them, but one Demarcus escaped though she clawed him and he bit her. The feline becomes Jacob’s pal but conceals from the child she protects that she is a shapeshifter; while he vows to slay the species who murdered his friend.
Sixteen years later Jacob and his kitty Alley follow a vampire blood bath from Baltimore to Louisville. Alley loves Jacob, but because of the bite has no hope for a future with him. Still she decides she needs to be in human form if she is to keep Porter safe as he goes after a deadly predator. Thus Nyla Katt the huntress appears. As they team up to assassinate Demarcus, he needs one of them to purify what the shapeshifter did to him; so to trap his adversaries, he has spread bloody breadcrumbs from Maryland to Kentucky.
The second Blood revelation romantic urban fantasy is a fabulous thriller starring two appealing protagonists and a stalking vampiric psychopath. Readers anticipate the High Midnight confrontation supplemented by an intriguing refreshing romantic subplot. Harriet Klausner
Blaze
Joan Swan
Kensington Brava, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758266408
The FBI and ATF surround the Nevada cult compound. FBI agent Keira O'Shay wants to lead an assault to rescue a child Mateo who she has a mental connection with through her clairaudient skills that she conceals from the Feds in order to avoid becoming a lab rat. Her assignment however is to eliminate the sniper Rostov.
Former California fire captain turned ATF hostage negotiator Luke Ransom is her guide. They were lovers when she was on the same firefighting team until she left him three years ago for the Feds. Now they almost die trying to rescue Mateo and the other kids before a tragic Jonestown repeat. Like Keira he has enhanced skills caused by the same chemical spill that gave to her new paranormal talent. As they fall in love all over again, they learns of a government conspiracy tied to the chemical explosion that changed their lives.
The second enjoyable Phoenix Rising romantic urban fantasy (see Fever) is a fun entry as the paranormal skills especially of the heroine smoothly blends into the storyline making them seem genuine. The intriguing conspiratorial overarching theme moves forward though the maybe relationship between Luke and Keira feels distracting. Harriet Klausner
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Maggie Shayne and Mercedes Lackey
Mark of the Witch
Maggie Shayne
Mira, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778313335
Indira Simon was once a practicing Wiccan, but became a doubter. However, recently her dreams have become real as she wakes up from a nightmare to find bruises on her arms.Though her reaction to what is going on will remind her why she left, Indy contacts her former High Priestess Rayne for help.
Growing up, Father Thomas heard the tale of the three witches. Now he believes what he thought was mythos is real and that the trio is reborn to assist their master. Father Thomas believes he needs to be there to aid the witches; of which he thinks Indy is one. Mentored by Father Dom, Father Thomas risks everything to protect Indy; however, he was not expecting his heart was at risk too. As death seems imminent for both of them, they have their faith and their love.
The first Portal romantic urban fantasy is a superb tale that interweaves ancient Babylon into a contemporary thriller. Fast-paced and filled with twists, the key cast makes for a strong opening act as readers will believe in the magic of Maggie Shayne. Harriet Klausner
Redoubt
Mercedes Lackey
DAW, $25.95
ISBN: 9780756407452
In Valdemar, Herald trainee Mags displays unique skills as he is fluent in Mindspeech and shows a penchant towards stealth. The King’s Own Herald Nikolas trains Mags as a royal spy.
His first assignment is to investigate the strangers who recently have arrived in Valdemar as his mentor needs to know who they are and more important why they entered the city. Unaware when he began spying on the newcomers, they are interested in him. When they kidnap him, Mags knows he needs to escape soonest or face death and perhaps something worse as he realizes these new arrivals targeted him from the onset.
The fourth Valdemar Collegium Chronicles (see Changes) is an entertaining fantasy starring a likable lead character who has come a long way from his Magpie slave days (see Foundation). Fans of the saga will enjoy the engaging storyline due to the 5-whys mystery, but Mags fails to assimilate as he does not move forward much even in captivity; he remains a stranger in a strange land though he learns more of who he is. Harriet Klausner
Maggie Shayne
Mira, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778313335
Indira Simon was once a practicing Wiccan, but became a doubter. However, recently her dreams have become real as she wakes up from a nightmare to find bruises on her arms.Though her reaction to what is going on will remind her why she left, Indy contacts her former High Priestess Rayne for help.
Growing up, Father Thomas heard the tale of the three witches. Now he believes what he thought was mythos is real and that the trio is reborn to assist their master. Father Thomas believes he needs to be there to aid the witches; of which he thinks Indy is one. Mentored by Father Dom, Father Thomas risks everything to protect Indy; however, he was not expecting his heart was at risk too. As death seems imminent for both of them, they have their faith and their love.
The first Portal romantic urban fantasy is a superb tale that interweaves ancient Babylon into a contemporary thriller. Fast-paced and filled with twists, the key cast makes for a strong opening act as readers will believe in the magic of Maggie Shayne. Harriet Klausner
Redoubt
Mercedes Lackey
DAW, $25.95
ISBN: 9780756407452
In Valdemar, Herald trainee Mags displays unique skills as he is fluent in Mindspeech and shows a penchant towards stealth. The King’s Own Herald Nikolas trains Mags as a royal spy.
His first assignment is to investigate the strangers who recently have arrived in Valdemar as his mentor needs to know who they are and more important why they entered the city. Unaware when he began spying on the newcomers, they are interested in him. When they kidnap him, Mags knows he needs to escape soonest or face death and perhaps something worse as he realizes these new arrivals targeted him from the onset.
The fourth Valdemar Collegium Chronicles (see Changes) is an entertaining fantasy starring a likable lead character who has come a long way from his Magpie slave days (see Foundation). Fans of the saga will enjoy the engaging storyline due to the 5-whys mystery, but Mags fails to assimilate as he does not move forward much even in captivity; he remains a stranger in a strange land though he learns more of who he is. Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Gideon's Angel is coming
Gideon’s Angel
By Clifford Beal
The plot thickens on February 28th (UK) and March 11th (US & Canada)
£7.99 (UK) ISBN 978-1-78108-083-2
$7.99/$10.99 (US & CAN) ISBN 978-1-78108-084-9
Available as an ebook
1653. Naive Royalists plot the downfall of Oliver Cromwell. But only one man knows the true enemy isn’t the Lord Protector – not when Satan is after the throne of England.
The English Civil War has ended with Cromwell now king in all but name. Many want him dead, including exiled royal officer, Richard Treadwell. But when the soldier-for-hire returns to England, he uncovers another plot to assassinate Cromwell that could bring a very different monarch to the throne – Satan himself!
Treadwell must choose between avenging the family and fortune stolen from him and the future of his country – because in order to save England from the Devil, he is going to have to save Cromwell.
Not to mention convincing a certain musketeer by the name of d’Artagnan that he should help him rather than drag him back to his would-be masters in France.
With gorgeous alternate covers for the UK (above top) and North America, demons, religion, magic, Freemasons, and Ranters all tangle together in this bloody historical adventure that requires an old Cavalier to save the English throne from the Lord of Hell!
“Splendid... Seventeenth-century Britain in all its sweaty, superstitious,
blood-soaked savagery, with the bonus of added demons.”
– New York Times bestselling author James Lovegrove
About the Author
Clifford Beal, originally from Providence, Rhode Island, worked for 20 years as an international journalist and is the former editor-in-chief of Jane’s Defence Weekly in London. He is the author of Quelch’s Gold (Praeger Book 2007), the true story of a little-known but remarkable early 18th century Anglo-American pirate.
By Clifford Beal
The plot thickens on February 28th (UK) and March 11th (US & Canada)
£7.99 (UK) ISBN 978-1-78108-083-2
$7.99/$10.99 (US & CAN) ISBN 978-1-78108-084-9
Available as an ebook
1653. Naive Royalists plot the downfall of Oliver Cromwell. But only one man knows the true enemy isn’t the Lord Protector – not when Satan is after the throne of England.
The English Civil War has ended with Cromwell now king in all but name. Many want him dead, including exiled royal officer, Richard Treadwell. But when the soldier-for-hire returns to England, he uncovers another plot to assassinate Cromwell that could bring a very different monarch to the throne – Satan himself!
Treadwell must choose between avenging the family and fortune stolen from him and the future of his country – because in order to save England from the Devil, he is going to have to save Cromwell.
Not to mention convincing a certain musketeer by the name of d’Artagnan that he should help him rather than drag him back to his would-be masters in France.
With gorgeous alternate covers for the UK (above top) and North America, demons, religion, magic, Freemasons, and Ranters all tangle together in this bloody historical adventure that requires an old Cavalier to save the English throne from the Lord of Hell!
“Splendid... Seventeenth-century Britain in all its sweaty, superstitious,
blood-soaked savagery, with the bonus of added demons.”
– New York Times bestselling author James Lovegrove
About the Author
Clifford Beal, originally from Providence, Rhode Island, worked for 20 years as an international journalist and is the former editor-in-chief of Jane’s Defence Weekly in London. He is the author of Quelch’s Gold (Praeger Book 2007), the true story of a little-known but remarkable early 18th century Anglo-American pirate.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Age of Voodoo Coming
Age of Voodoo
by James Lovegrove
The ritual begins 26th February (US & Canada) and 28th February (UK)
£7.99 (UK) ISBN 978-1-78108-085-6
$8.99/$10.99 (US & CAN) ISBN 978-1-78108-086-3
Available as an ebook
You don’t know what a little Voodoo can do to you...
James Lovegrove is returning to his New York Times bestselling Pantheon series – which has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide – where gods are made real and men have to contend with their rule.
The latest stand-alone title in this action-packed military SF series takes you to the Caribbean, where paradise isn’t exactly what it seems and a world lurking beneath the surface is waiting to be unleashed.
Lex Dove, retired British wetwork specialist, is quietly living in the Caribbean when he gets the call: one more mission where the money and risks are high. But he didn’t think that leading a US black ops team to an abandoned Cold War bunker would lead to the discovery of barely human monsters, created in a disastrous mix of science and voodoo. But if they can’t stop the clock, if they can’t contain the god deep in the earth, then those monsters are the least of their problems – because if his anger is released, the world might not survive it!
“The kind of complex, action-oriented SF Dan Brown would write if Dan Brown could write”
– The Guardian
“Lovegrove is vigorously carving out a godpunk subgenre.”
– Pornokitsch
Other books in the series
A thematic series of related, but stand-alone novels, the Pantheon series addresses the theme of “men versus the gods” in different worlds, with different pantheons, offering different takes. All high-action military SF books, the series has presented an armed uprising against distant but powerful Egyptian divinities, a high-powered slugfest between battle-suited humans and super-heroic Greek gods, and a gritty, intimate firefight between an infantry company and an army of ancient Norse giants.
About the Author
James Lovegrove published his first novel at the age of 24 and has since had more than 40 books out, including The Hope, Escardy Gap (co-written with Peter Crowther), Days, The Foreigners, How The Other Half Lives, Untied Kingdom, Imagined Slights, Worldstorm, Gig and Provender Gleed. His short fiction has appeared in magazines as diverse as Interzone and Nature and in numerous anthologies. He has written extensively for reluctant readers, with titles such as Wings, The House of Lazarus, Ant God, Cold Keep, Kill Swap and Dead Brigade. He has also produced a sequence of teen fantasy novels, the Clouded World series, under the pseudonym Jay Amory. He is a regular reviewer of fiction for the Financial Times and lives in Eastbourne on the south coast of England with his wife Lou, sons Monty and Theo, and cat Ozzy.
Monday, January 7, 2013
New Hippoocampus Titles
Special pricing is good until the end of this week, but check with them and make sure before you order.
THE COMPLETE POETRY OF GEORGE STERLING
Limited Edition Slipcased Hardcover (50 sets only)
Limited Edition Hardcover (150 sets)
Edited by S. T. Joshi and David E. Schultz
1317 pages (three volumes)
ISBN 978-1-61498-050-6
ORDER NOW AND SAVE $100
George Sterling (1869-1926) was an American poet based in California who, during his time, was celebrated in Northern California as one of the greatest American poets. A student of Ambrose Bierce, he was himself the mentor to the young Clark Ashton Smith. His poetry has never been collected in a definitive edition-until now.
The Hippocampus Press edition of The Complete Poetry of George Sterling has been in preparation for close to a decade, and is finally nearing fruition. Meticulously edited by by S. T. Joshi and David E. Schultz, and featuring a preface by noted historian Dr. Kevin Starr, this three volume collection will be released in a limited edition of only 200 sets.
Advance orders receive a substantial discount on the set, plus free worldwide shipping. This special offer is extended for one week only. In addition, the first fifty sets include a custom slipcase-the first such amenity Hippocampus Press has ever offered.
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I AM PROVIDENCE: The Life and Times of H. P. Lovecraft (PAPERBACK)
by S. T. Joshi
Trade paper
2 volumes
ORDER NOW AND SAVE 10%
"I received Joshi's monumental biography of Lovecraft the other day and have been poring over it since. ... Every major library in world should have in its holdings these volumes. And Joshi should be recognized as the major biographer he has proven himself to be, his single volume biography alone having already well made this case." -Thomas Ligotti
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DEAD RECKONINGS No. 12
A Review of Horror Literature
Edited by June M. Pulliam and Tony Fonseca
No. 12 (Fall 2012)
96 pp.
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In future months, we'll be releasing H. P. Lovecraft: Letters to Elizabeth Toldridge and Anne Tillery Renshaw, as well as a monograph by David Goudsward on Lovecraft's travels in the Merrimack Valley; a collection of William F. Nolan's essays on Ray Bradbury, aptly titled NOLAN ON BRADBURY; plus new fiction titles from Jason Brock, John Langan, Matt Cardin and others. Stay tuned!
Thank you for your interest in Hippocampus Press!
www.hippocampuspress.com
Saturday, January 5, 2013
John Edwards, David Weber and Claire Ashgrove
Fallen Masters
John Edward
Tor, $25.99
ISBN: 9780765332714
Astronomers locate the dark mass and determine that the cloud hurtles toward the Earth like an arrow targeting a bulls-eye. However scientists are bewildered as to what this phenomenon is and how to prevent a calamity. Religious leaders representing all denominations are also at a loss as to what can be done. NASA scientist Jason Chang informs the President of the United States that Dark Matter has appeared from apparently a location in the Abell 2744 galaxy cluster with a trajectory destination earth.
Internationally respected inspirational singer Charlene St John heads to Mexico for her last performance as she has terminal cancer and is hoping to gain an audience with the Lady of Guadalupe; whom many believe is the Virgin Mary. Psychic Mama G envisions evil in space that will make humanity extinct unless this malevolence can be stopped. Surgeon Tyler Michaels lost his wife and unborn child while he saved someone else. He and Nurse Rae bond as both feel the cloud traveling towards earth is evil coming to destroy mankind. The dark horde waits for their advanced party to complete the first mission including the assassination of the American President and the abduction of the First Son as destination earth has begun.
Fallen Masters is an entertaining good vs. evil thriller that focuses on mankind’s final days in which the last hope is the inherent goodness in most people. The storyline makes a plea for readers to allow their inner spiritual goodness to flow free in order to make a better place to live for everyone. Although the characters are stereotypical to the nth degree, John Edwards’ fans will enjoy the psychic's novelization of his spiritual message. Harriet Klausner
Midst Toil and Tribulation
David Weber
Tor, $27.99
ISBN: 9780765321558
In the Year of God 896, the island kingdom of Charis continues to openly defy the Church of God Awaiting. The hostilities have been at sea, on land and in the minds of people via insidious religious terrorist propaganda.
A new front opened when a schism split apart the affluent Republic of Siddermark. The Church of God Awaiting Grand Inquisitor Vicar Clytahn, a member of the ruling Group of Four vicars, plans to starve the people of Siddermark into obedience. The vicars publicly acclaim his courage but fear the backlash as Siddermark is a major source of funding. The Charis Empire leaders (King Cayleb, Queen Sharleyan, and warrior monk Merlin Arthawes) believe they must aid the besieged people of Siddermark. Cayleb understands the implications as he has led naval victories over the enemy since his kingdom rebelled a few years ago; but deploying land forces to battle the more powerful militia of the Church means sending soldiers to their death. At the same time Group of Four Captain General Vicar Allayn Maigwair forges a powerful army.
The latest Safehold thriller (see How Firm a Foundation, By Heresies Distressed and A Mighty Fortress) is a strong entry as the military focus is on strategically key Siddermark. The storyline continues the overarching deep theme of a dictatorial church using all means to oppress its followers and destroy “heretics” like those who formed the Kingdom and Church of Charis deploying any means necessary to achieve their aims. Though the cast is out of a Cecile B. Demille’s epic can be overwhelming; a who’s who glossary helps as Midst Toil and Tribulation is an insightful engaging look at a dogmatic dictatorial church killing any opponents with collateral damage acceptable. Harriet Klausner
Immortal Surrender
Claire Ashgrove
Tor, $7.99
ISBN: 9780765367594
In 1119, the archangels warned the nine Knights of the Templar not to dig beneath the Temple Mount. They ignored the archangels and excavated holy relics. Their punishment for their disobedience is to combat Azrael's demons until they convert into evil Knights of Azrael; as ironically each demon they slew places darkness on their soul until they are engulfed. By the twenty-first century, for those still loyal need to find the Seraphim before Azrael obtains the eight remaining holy relics needed to defeat the Almighty.
Knight Farran de Clare rejects the destined mate though he knows the ultimate cost is his soul. Archangel Gabriel assigns Farran to keep safe scientist Noelle Keane. When he meets the atheist, Farran curses Gabriel as she is his seraph. Farran vows to protect her, but pledges never surrender his soul to her as he prefers Azrael if forced to choose. However when Azrael’s demons threaten Noelle, Farran realizes his foolishness and he will die to keep his soul mate safe. She stuns him when she demands he give her his heart along with his soul.
The second Curse of the Templars (see Immortal Hope) romantic urban fantasy is a super tale starring a wonderful obstinate lead pair. The atheist brings freshness with her viewpoint re angels, knights and demons troupe, oh my; while her knight provides a unique perspective on salvation. Claire Ashgrove builds on her mythos with the Templar history enhancing the contemporary tale of a cynical knight and a devotee of the scientific method. Harriet Klausner
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Vampires, Zombies, Fantasy and a Future Earth
Covet
Melissa Darnell
Harlequin Teen, $9.99
ISBN: 9780373210565
In Jacksonville, Texas until recently Savannah Colbert never comprehended why the Clann overtly loathed her. At school Tristan Coleman refused to acknowledge she existed as he was warned to keep his distance. That ended when she came back from a week of absenteeism totally changed as Sav and Tristan became an entry (see Crave).
After a warning from the Vampire Council to never see Tristan or else, Sav ends their relationship to protect her beloved from what she is tuning into. Tristan refuses to accept her assertion that it is over as he knows there is more to this. Vowing to find a way for them to be together, neither is ready for what awaits them.
The second Clann teen urban romantic fantasy is an engaging coming of age thriller. Both protagonists mature out of necessity as much as due to their love, while the support cast enhances the insight into the Darnell vampire mythos. Leisurely paced for the most part, readers will enjoy this fresh vampire romance. Harriet Klausner
Alice in Zombieland
Gena Showalter
Harlequin Teen, $18.99
ISBN: 9780373210589
On what should have been her sweet sixteenth birthday, Alice Bell tasted tragedy. Zombies killed her mom, dad and younger sister, and Alice’s innocence. Besides numbing grief and bone marrow deep need for revenge, Alice regrets that she believed her late father was a lunatic when he insisted monsters lived.
Alice believes she is targeted by these evil beasts for death too. She knows she cannot confront the malevolents by herself, but never expected Cole Holland, the student at school with the worst reputation, to become her defender and mentor. With him and his friends accompanying her, Alice prepares for war against the zombies; unaware that her new ally has secrets that make zombies look like preschoolers.
The first White Rabbit Chronicles is an exciting teen urban fantasy starring a terrific protagonist whose entire life changes in a nanosecond. The key cast is fully developed while enhancing Alice’s coming out party. Although references from the Carroll’s classic starts as fun, these citations eventually distract from what overall is an entertaining zombification of Alice. Harriet Klausner
Darkest Desire
Tawny Taylor
Kensington Aphrodisia, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758265661
The three Alexandre Brothers (Drako, Talen and Malek) have been the leaders of the Black Gryffon for a decade since their father retired at fifty; as expected. Although Drako as the oldest is top griffin, his siblings understand the mission is to protect humanity and keep secret the sources of humanity's power safe from the covetous Chimera. Proud of his offspring, their father reminds them it is time for wives and children so that they too can retire at fifty like he did.
Drako has found his woman Rin (see Darkest Fire). As the second Malek believes he has selected his mate in former sex slave Lei. However, though she is attracted to him, they have a problem with their relationship since both are doms. Adding further complications are Male is in a relationship with Brent and the Chimera targets Lei.
The second Black Gryffon erotic Celtic fantasy romance is an action-packed thriller with an intriguing love between two doms arguing who’s on top. However, neither protagonist feels three dimensional though sub-genre fans, especially those who read Darkest Fire, will enjoy the heated courtship. Harriet Klausner
Dearly, Beloved
Lia Habel
Del Rey, $16.99
ISBN: 9780345523341
By the end of the twenty-second century, much of the planet was devastated; the United States nuked itself into a united wasteland. Central and South America consolidated as New Victoria with the capital in New London, Nicaragua. The society is based on the historians' interpretation of life in Britain during the reign of the late nineteenth century monarch.
Not all is idyllic as the Laz virus has created sentient and feral zombies. Most humans refuse to distinguish between the two classes of zombies as a majority of the humans believe a truly dead zombie is a good zombie. However, some individuals like teenager Nora Dearly knows otherwise ever since she met Punk undead Bram Griswold who saved her life (see Dearly, Departed). The civil rights issue explodes into hostilities especially between the Changed dead and the Murder alive. Collateral damage is an acceptable norm by the two enemies as each believes innocent civilians is an oxymoron. However, as both extremist sects focus on a zombie sympathizer who’s dearly father the scientist seeks a cure for Lax, the heated dispute changes for the worst when a zombie with a new strain of the virus emerges.
The key to this great futuristic urban fantasy is Habel World as the author makes her vision seem vividly real through an insightful historiographical premise and a racist profiling. Action-packed, readers will relish the second Dearly thriller as the heroine and her allies push for equal rights for all, her endeavor enables the Changed and the Murder to agree on one thing: Nora’s permanent demise. Harriet Klausner
Melissa Darnell
Harlequin Teen, $9.99
ISBN: 9780373210565
In Jacksonville, Texas until recently Savannah Colbert never comprehended why the Clann overtly loathed her. At school Tristan Coleman refused to acknowledge she existed as he was warned to keep his distance. That ended when she came back from a week of absenteeism totally changed as Sav and Tristan became an entry (see Crave).
After a warning from the Vampire Council to never see Tristan or else, Sav ends their relationship to protect her beloved from what she is tuning into. Tristan refuses to accept her assertion that it is over as he knows there is more to this. Vowing to find a way for them to be together, neither is ready for what awaits them.
The second Clann teen urban romantic fantasy is an engaging coming of age thriller. Both protagonists mature out of necessity as much as due to their love, while the support cast enhances the insight into the Darnell vampire mythos. Leisurely paced for the most part, readers will enjoy this fresh vampire romance. Harriet Klausner
Alice in Zombieland
Gena Showalter
Harlequin Teen, $18.99
ISBN: 9780373210589
On what should have been her sweet sixteenth birthday, Alice Bell tasted tragedy. Zombies killed her mom, dad and younger sister, and Alice’s innocence. Besides numbing grief and bone marrow deep need for revenge, Alice regrets that she believed her late father was a lunatic when he insisted monsters lived.
Alice believes she is targeted by these evil beasts for death too. She knows she cannot confront the malevolents by herself, but never expected Cole Holland, the student at school with the worst reputation, to become her defender and mentor. With him and his friends accompanying her, Alice prepares for war against the zombies; unaware that her new ally has secrets that make zombies look like preschoolers.
The first White Rabbit Chronicles is an exciting teen urban fantasy starring a terrific protagonist whose entire life changes in a nanosecond. The key cast is fully developed while enhancing Alice’s coming out party. Although references from the Carroll’s classic starts as fun, these citations eventually distract from what overall is an entertaining zombification of Alice. Harriet Klausner
Darkest Desire
Tawny Taylor
Kensington Aphrodisia, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758265661
The three Alexandre Brothers (Drako, Talen and Malek) have been the leaders of the Black Gryffon for a decade since their father retired at fifty; as expected. Although Drako as the oldest is top griffin, his siblings understand the mission is to protect humanity and keep secret the sources of humanity's power safe from the covetous Chimera. Proud of his offspring, their father reminds them it is time for wives and children so that they too can retire at fifty like he did.
Drako has found his woman Rin (see Darkest Fire). As the second Malek believes he has selected his mate in former sex slave Lei. However, though she is attracted to him, they have a problem with their relationship since both are doms. Adding further complications are Male is in a relationship with Brent and the Chimera targets Lei.
The second Black Gryffon erotic Celtic fantasy romance is an action-packed thriller with an intriguing love between two doms arguing who’s on top. However, neither protagonist feels three dimensional though sub-genre fans, especially those who read Darkest Fire, will enjoy the heated courtship. Harriet Klausner
Dearly, Beloved
Lia Habel
Del Rey, $16.99
ISBN: 9780345523341
By the end of the twenty-second century, much of the planet was devastated; the United States nuked itself into a united wasteland. Central and South America consolidated as New Victoria with the capital in New London, Nicaragua. The society is based on the historians' interpretation of life in Britain during the reign of the late nineteenth century monarch.
Not all is idyllic as the Laz virus has created sentient and feral zombies. Most humans refuse to distinguish between the two classes of zombies as a majority of the humans believe a truly dead zombie is a good zombie. However, some individuals like teenager Nora Dearly knows otherwise ever since she met Punk undead Bram Griswold who saved her life (see Dearly, Departed). The civil rights issue explodes into hostilities especially between the Changed dead and the Murder alive. Collateral damage is an acceptable norm by the two enemies as each believes innocent civilians is an oxymoron. However, as both extremist sects focus on a zombie sympathizer who’s dearly father the scientist seeks a cure for Lax, the heated dispute changes for the worst when a zombie with a new strain of the virus emerges.
The key to this great futuristic urban fantasy is Habel World as the author makes her vision seem vividly real through an insightful historiographical premise and a racist profiling. Action-packed, readers will relish the second Dearly thriller as the heroine and her allies push for equal rights for all, her endeavor enables the Changed and the Murder to agree on one thing: Nora’s permanent demise. Harriet Klausner
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