Dark Hope (The Archangel Prophecies #1) by Monica McGurk

Release Date: July 29, 2014
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
Series: The Archangel Prophecies, Book 1
Author Website: http://monicamcgurk.com

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After living with her overprotective, religious father since her parents' separation, Hope thought living with her mother might just be the thing she needed. She was more prepared than the average teen to live with the long absences her mother's job demanded. That was until she was blindsided by Michael, a good-looking, well-talking guy who gave her more attention than she knew how to handle. He became a shield against the guys tormenting her on the bus and throughout her school day.

Once assigned to pair up with another student for a paper, Hope's life turned upside down as secrets about her past surfaced to impact her present. She and Michael set out on a journey to discover the answers before time ran out. Putting their lives on the line to fight prophecy and mankind's own type of evil, they traveled across country on the promise of answer. Can she keep herself safe as she followed her heart? Will they be able to save the world without killing themselves?

Review:
One of my favorite things about NetGalley has always been the emails they send to entice you to read something outside your usual genres. This book, as well as the sequel, were available for reading. These books intrigued me by their delving into the fallen angel theories. I anticipated the teenage hormones and angst that came with the setting of a high school, but was a little surprised to find Hope more mature in some ways and really naive in others due to her upbringing.

The very beginning of the book laid the groundwork for her past - a victim of a child abduction found safe inside a hotel room as the abductor was found dead within the bathroom. The only reminder was a tattoo on her back, near her neck. From that moment her parents took two different paths. Her father went overboard to keep her safe from further harm, going so far as to quit his job and research any and all friends. Hope's mother wanted her to have a normal childhood, unmarred by the abduction. When they couldn't find common ground, they separated. Hope lived a fairly isolated life with her father due to the long work engagements that her mother's job demanded. There weren't very many people in her life, so these characters became distinct, reacting in different ways to the events of the story. Other characters appeared toward the end of the story, impacting the book in slightly-anticipated manner. Still, I found most of the characters held their own as the action moved toward that ending. Hope and Michael's characters began to blend somewhat near the end, but I do think that was in response to some of the events and my remembering that she was a teenager unaccustomed to life as an average teen.

I found the book contained something for everyone - romance, action, hormones, prophecy and angst to spare. However, that wasn't all there was to the book. The author used both Hope's abduction and one of her classes to open the discussion about human trafficking and how widespread the issue grew to include men, women and children here in the United States. While the voices on behalf of these victims grew louder over the past decade, there remained more work to be done in order to help those trapped in some very serious situations. I could tell how passionate the author was about the subject by the way Hope devoured whatever information she found and stood resolute in helping one victim regain her freedom. A portion of the proceeds from the author's book sales goes to helping end human trafficking and the victims left behind.

While I enjoyed a good portion of the book, I did find one aspect of the story more disturbing than entertaining. There were many layers within this story as the author combined theology, prophecy and real life issues to create a world where one teen girl might make a difference. Her rich descriptions of places and people helped Hope's world to come alive and to deliver the emotional roller coaster expected in today's YA books. Despite many good things, I found the relationship between Hope and Michael to be on an abusive collision course. To be honest, I felt disheartened when I reached that point in the book, because I'd enjoyed the story until then. Reading the rest of the book, I understood why some actions were taken, given their situations, but overall, it left me feeling really mixed about the book. I was glad that one character picked up on the same feeling. I'm interested to see how the sequel deals with all the groundwork that's been laid. If you enjoy your YA with a hint of darkness, prophecy and what-the-heck action sequences, then I would recommend this book for your TBR list.

Dark Hope (The Archangel Prophecies #1) by Monica McGurk is currently available at several online retailers including Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Amazon. It can be found in paperback or digital (Kindle) formats. The link provided below is for the book's Amazon page.
Dark Hope (The Archangel Prophecies #1) by Monica McGurk

Trollhunters (Trollhunters #1) by Guillermo del Toro, Daniel Kraus

Release Date: June 30, 2015
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Series: Trollhunters series, Book 1
Author Website:  http://danielkraus.com/, http://deltorofilms.com/

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
The innocence of childhood was ripped away from the town of San Bernardino, California as more children disappeared during the lazy, summer days of the 1960s. Jack and Jim Sturges spent Jack's birthday playing their favorite games up to the moment that Jack vanished and Jim's world shifted forever. That moment defined life for the Sturges family.

Now decades later, Jim Sturges Jr dealt with the paranoia and aftermath of his uncle's disappearance with the nonchalance his teenage years allowed. When a series of weird events raised questions about the history of his family, Jim Jr found a group of people who had some answers. But these weren't the ones he thought he'd get. Can Jim Jr set things right within the time given?  Or will everything be changed forever?


Review:
NetGalley sent me an email alert to let me know that this book was available for reading and reviewing. I was excited for a couple reasons. First, I love being part of the start of a new series for many genres. The excitement about a new world and the uncertainty of how the story played out were always at the top of my list with books in a new series. Second, I didn't know that Guillermo del Toro and co-authors wrote different series of books. I know that I'm behind in that knowledge, but I made up for it slightly by diving into the realm of San Bernardino and the Sturges family.

From the very beginning of the book, the authors made it clear there were at least two types of beings sharing one world. Of course, they weren't sharing very well since one species constantly snatched and ate the other! The human world was largely ignorant of the Trolls. This ignorance lasted until an abundance of child abductions forced the town to become hyper-vigilant. Yet, even with all the curfews and layers of security, Jack Sturges disappeared while playing with his younger brother, Jim. Thus began Jim Sturges' lifelong ambition to seek out the other world in the shadows, find the monsters who tore his family apart, and destroy them. His son, Jim Jr., wasn't keen on carrying on his father's work until the day he saw the trolls himself for the first time.

Because the book fell into the children/YA categories, I kept in mind that many of the over-the-top descriptions and outrageous characters would capture the younger reader's attention.  They would be able to identify with Jim Jr. and the other teen characters due to the authors' use of modern technology and situations that kids find themselves - dealing with bullies, school, and worrying over parents or girl/boyfriends. Now, a couple of characters were exaggerated a little too much for me to like them, but I felt they'd be a good draw for the young readers. The trolls weren't the cute, little ones we've all seen in cartoons or the old dolls from the 1990s. These were mean, nasty and gross creatures who wanted nothing more than to chomp a good kid or two for dinner!

I thought the book's pace was steady and revealed a decent amount of information as action propelled the story forward. Not a lot of scenes were filled with gross descriptions, but I loved how the authors really created the world of the trolls by exploring what their homes might have looked like and how the trolls family dynamics would be. Overall, the story entertained me, pulling me from the real world and into one where the imagination can run rampant. If you love reading books that push your creativity or enjoy something otherworldly with a hint of ickiness, then you really should try this book! Kids should too!

Trollhunters (Trollhunters #1) by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus is currently available for purchase at several online retailers and bookstores. The book can be bought in hardcover, paperback, audio-book and digital (Kindle) formats. Below is a link to the book's page at Amazon.
Trollhunters (Trollhunters #1) by Guillermo del Toro, Daniel Kraus

Hell (The Afterlife Series #2) by Mur Lafferty

Release Date: June 2, 2011 (first published 2007)
Publisher: Restless Brain Media
Series: The Afterlife Series, Book 2
Author Website:  http://www.murverse.com

Rating: 4 out of 5stars.

Synopsis:
Kate and Daniel came together once again as their duties in Heaven ended. Their mission to recover the remaining stolen souls directed them to wander through the various versions of Hell and deal with the rulers therein. One by one, the souls were sent to their rightful homes by both Kate and Daniel, but the duo found themselves dealing with long hidden secrets and feelings.

With each touched by the Divine in different ways, Kate and Daniel worked their magic upon the Underworld until they reached the end of the line. One last soul needed to be collected. It would decide the fate of the Cosmos, the Afterlife and their friendship. Can all the differences be reconciled before it's too late? Will Kate and Daniel be separated forever?

Review:
As with the other books in the Afterlife series, I first took note of them when they were released in audio-book form by the author on Podiobooks, a podcast reading of her written material. Once I saw them in Kindle format, I snagged each one of them. Reading through the books brought back all the feelings and excitement of listening to them for the first time. To be honest I found this book as good the second and third times as I found it the very first time.

While the second book followed the further adventures of Kate and Daniel, many other characters were introduced into the mix as well. The reader was given a front row seat to the many different versions of hell that exist within the various religions around the world and from past civilizations. As with their adventures in Heaven, the duo challenged the rulers of the different areas of the Underworld and began a significant change in the structure of the particular Hell they visited. In some instances they made such a difference that the Hell no longer existed after their intervention. Along the way Kate and Daniel had to deal with their feelings for each other that they revealed at the end of the first book.

They weren't the only players to wreak havoc in the Underworld though. Familiar faces reappeared in this book to reveal their own agendas that included Kate and Daniel from the very beginning. At one point Daniel faced one of his most guarded secrets. (No spoilers!) Not only did the stolen souls play a part in shaping the story, but Daniel's anger as well as Kate's sadness became characters in the latter part of the story. Toward the end of the book, everything they went through shaped them into the perfect vessels to complete the next stage of their journey through the Afterlife.

From the start there was action, drama and bits of comedy that maintained a steady pace throughout the rest of the book. I was surprised at how well the story continued from the first book. It was very evident that a lot of research went into the different layers and versions of Hell that the duo walked through. By the time I connected all the dots near the end, I was already invested into these characters. I wanted to see them succeed, felt sad when their darkest secrets came out to test them, and celebrated when Kate and Daniel were able to reach common ground. Overall, I enjoyed this story the third time reading it as much as I did the first time I heard it in audio-book version. If you're looking for a different take on the "downside" of the Afterlife or want to know what happens to Kate and Daniel, then you definitely have to pick up this book!

Hell (The Afterlife Series #2) by Mur Lafferty is currently available at several online retailers in digital formats including Kindle. You can purchase the book from Amazon at the link provided below.
Hell (The Afterlife Series #2) by Mur Lafferty

Trail of the Torean (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #2) by Ron Collins

Release Date: November 30, 2014
Publisher: Skyfox Publishing
Series: Saga of the God-Touched Mage series, Book 2
Author Website: http://typosphere.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Two sects of magic users, the Lectodinians and Koradictines, joined forces in order to rid the world of the Toreans, including Garrick, but they never counted on Garrick becoming an integral part of the Gods' plans. In order to either learn more about his newly-discovered powers or rid himself of the curse completely, Garrick accepted a contract alongside Darien, another hiding his true identity to be his own man.

As they journeyed together, they found themselves in the midst of turmoil at every turn. Whether they fought for their own lives or helped a fellow Torean escape the clutches of the others, Garrick struggled to find a balance between the part of him which wanted to heal and the part of him that sought destruction. Can he find a way to reconcile the two halves before time runs out for both him and Adruin?

Review:
I was thrilled to have time to get back to this series of books written by a local author. The second release, which began with Glamour of the God-Touched, continued Garrick's tale after the discovery of new powers, his master murdered, and his whole world turned upside down. This book revealed more about the three mage orders as well as some history about other mages who were also known to be God-Touched. Information about the God-Touched's full potential was shrouded in myth and lore. Each side of the magical triad had their own and wanted to be better than the others. Therefore, the reader was left to explore the limits and consequences alongside Garrick throughout the book.

As with the first book, Garrick was the central character in this tale, but he wasn't alone in his adventures. In order to complete a contract for coin, he agreed to ride with a companion, Darien, as an insurance policy that one of the riders would return with the merchandise. The differences between the two men were noticeable from the start. Where Garrick was quiet and guarded, Darien was jovial and likely to sing in order to pass the time. I really liked the relationship that grew between them as they were tested with several situations where trust played a factor. Along with these two, more individual mages were introduced. I got the feeling that these men and women weren't people who would be toyed with or taken lightly. They possessed great powers and each of them knew they were revered or reviled for those powers.

Not only did the book have new characters and meatier interactions to savor, but this book also featured new cities. While one appeared to be a larger version of the village Garrick lived near, the other was located in a desert-like place. These places and the landscape between offered several occasions for action and adventure for the duo and became character-like themselves.

From the first chapter the pace of the novel was quick, yet steady. As more secrets were revealed and action took place, the pacing gathered speed. I wasn't surprised at the end when the mad dash to freedom was matched by dialogue and what was occurring in the scene. The author did a great job allowing the reader time to breathe between battles before leading them into the fray once again. Even in the very last chapter, the pace mimicked the story in such a way that I felt the sense of acceptance that washed over the characters.

Overall, I found myself invested in both Garrick's history and his future now that new information was known. With well-thought fight scenes and descriptive spell work, the author continued laying the foundation of a series worth further exploration. New characters on all sides with their own agendas for Garrick impacted the story thus far, and possibly in the future as well. I'm curious to see how Garrick settled the war within himself while fighting continued all around him. What future role does Darien have in this whole thing? This book answered some of the questions I had after book one, but left me with new questions. I'm very much looking forward to delving into the next book. For those who love a great adventure tale full of political intrigue, gods who love using humans as playthings, and seeing the underdog fight his way to the top, I recommend this book be placed on your TBR as soon as possible!

Trail of the Torean (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #2) by Ron Collins is currently available online wherever books are sold. It can be purchased in either paperback or digital (Kindle) download. It's also available in a bundle package with all the books in the saga. The following link will bring up the book's page at Amazon for purchase.
Trail of the Torean (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #2 by Ron Collins

Fire Heart (Broken Bottle #2) by Pamela Taeuffer

Release Date: September 8, 2014
Publisher: Open Heart Press
Series: Broken Bottle series, Book 2
Author Website:  www.pamelataeuffer.com/

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Nicky Young thought she had her life after high school planned out. First, she'd graduate and attend Stanford. Second, she'd be free to explore all that college life had to offer. Yet, right before she put the plans into motion, she found herself torn between two men, Ryan and Jerry. As she explored the feelings that being with each bring out, her emotions range from pure bliss to reluctance and foreboding.

Spending time with either of them brought a sense of vulnerability to the fore of her mind. Nicky felt her walls immediately seal around her heart whenever either asked her to love them. Seeing the dysfunction of her parent's marriage and the phoenix-like revival of her sister's life after a devastating rape, Nicky wasn't sure that she could be intimate with anyone. Her newly-found feelings drove her forward, leaving her to decide which man will have her heart and where her future would led her.

Review:
Getting an email from NetGalley alerted me that both this book and the first, Shadow Heart, were available for reading. I took a step from my comfort zone of mysteries and thrillers to see what these two titles held. The first book left Nicky after a confusing and exhilarating night at a beach bonfire with Jerry while Ryan was away on a game tour. Today's book picked up the day after the events of that night and chronicled all the emotions on either end of the spectrum that both men brought out of her. Word of warning for this book - there was a large amount of information concerning sexuality and keeping oneself safe while engaging in adult activities. The information was very pertinent to a young adult in today's society, written to inform and empower both young men and women about their bodies. While the intimate situations between the young lovers weren't graphic, the instructional information was very much in the open between Nicky and her sister.

Once again, Nicky related her story through her point-of-view. The reader received a front row seat to the warring emotions and feelings that filled her mind and journal. Much of the cast of characters which made up the first book also appeared in this sequel. Both love interests, Ryan and Jerry, made her decision to choose very difficult by opening themselves up to her. Ryan allowed her to meet part of his family and revealed more of his own dysfunctional family. Jerry made his own attempts to capture her heart, but his focus was divided between Nicky and his budding baseball career. Nicky's family were more prominent in this particular book, especially her older sister. A few new characters made their way into the story and brought out some hidden secrets and set up future conflicts.

Much of the pacing seemed slow but steady for the entire book. For me, the only time events picked up speed was when Nicky was invited to go to L.A. with a girlfriend and that happened for a weekend. The slow pace did allow for a softening of Ryan's character and a deepening bond between Nicky and her sister, Jenise. The constant shift between still being a child and becoming an adult showed up many times in both dialogue and her thoughts/feelings as they appeared in the book. As with many confused young adults, she could wear the clothes and makeup, appearing much older than her eighteen years, but she still had the thought processes and feelings of a young teen. Without experiences to judge which direction to turn, she was smart enough to go to someone older for advice.

Overall, I thought the book was okay. It was a quick read that expanded on the themes and circumstances which began in the first book. I did like how Nicky grew stronger as the book progressed. While still low, her confidence level shifted and allowed her to voice her opinion more often, especially toward the end of the book. Dialogue filled a large portion of the character's interactions and provided most of the information necessary to move the story forward. The way the dialogue was broken into many paragraphs did distract me at times. It became easy to forget which speaker was talking. Some of the characters spoke in such a similar manner that it also contributed to the feeling that one person was speaking when the book showed two characters. All that aside, it was an okay sequel to the first book and set up a number of questions to be answered in the next book. This book should be on your TBR shelf if you've read the first book or if you're a lover of people overcoming dysfunction in order to find love again.

Fire Heart (Broken Bottle #2) by Pamela Taeuffer is currently available at all major online retailers in either paperback or digital (Kindle) formats. Below is a link to the book's page at Amazon for purchase.
Fire Heart (Broken Bottle #2) by Pamela Taeuffer

Shadow Ritual (Antoine Marcas #2) by Eric Giacometti, Jacques Ravenne

Release Date: March 25, 2015
Publisher: Le French Book
Translator: Anne Trager
Series: Antoine Marcas series, Book 2

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After giving a presentation at a lodge in Rome, Antoine Marcas accepted his friend's invitation to attend an elite-rich, celebrity-filled party at the Farnese Palace. With the gala in full swing, a murder took place upstairs in a manner few would recognize. Thousands of miles away in a high-tech lab, a similar murder occurred and the contents of the man's research stolen. Antoine Marcas was drawn into the mix by sheer luck of being present at the gala and being a detective in his native country, France.

Back on his home turf, Antoine was assigned to figure out who was behind the killings alongside Special Agent Jade Zewinski, a battle-hardened agent determined to avenge one of the deaths. Leads, more murders and ancient clues buried in long-forgotten manuscripts sent both of them on a hunt that collided paths with an underground society hell-bent on bringing about racial purity. What they discovered put them directly in the line of fire.

Review:
Another good find from NetGalley, this book piqued my interest from its synopsis. I'm a sucker for symbols, mysteries and adventure. This book had all of that and more. There were quite a few twists and turns that I didn't expect and some that I knew were coming from having read other similar stories in the past.  However, this book did a good job of stepping down other avenues while retelling familiar tales. It was refreshing to have another element added to the usual mystery or suspense type novel. There was a definite French and international flavor to the novel, due in large part to the authors, as well as many layers and conspiracies which played upon myths or legends within several regions of France.

Much of the story followed Antoine Marcas, a French detective and Freemason, who found himself saddled with a partner who didn't like his fraternal order much. Jade Zewinski had experienced a lot in her young life and it all began with some bitter dealings with Freemason. This particular conflict gave way to some good dialogue as well as opened doors for further information to be put into the novel without weighing the conversation or reader down. Other characters filled the ranks on both sides of the chase, each one a little more disturbed/sane than the next. I liked the fact that the book had both a male and a female character that could not only take the lead but seemed strong, resilient even without the other present. In truth there were a couple of characters on the "bad" side that made me feel the same way. With their deep-rooted likes or dislikes, many of the characters seemed as real as you or I.

There were plenty of action scenes within the novel. While much of the book took place in modern or present day places and time, a few important scenes occurred in the past to set the stage for the book as a whole. With so much information to impart to the reader, the authors did a great job of sliding it into conversation or within manuscripts that the characters read on their own. The combination of the usual thoughts and feelings about one secret society versus another also added a new dimension to the novel. I really liked how they took what has become standard in regards to Freemason theology and put a new twist on their myths and legends. Though I could guess where the story led a few times, I was pleasantly surprised more often than not by the events that took place in the book.

Overall, this book wasn't a run-of-the-mill type of mystery novel that centered around symbols and myths. The authors took information that had been used many times before and displayed it in such a way that made it seem fresh and new. I did enjoy the fast-paced excitement of the chase as well as the slow unearthing of information as a few characters dug through ancient archives. While the book does lean toward French audiences, anyone can enjoy the hunt and the terror the authors put into the pages. If you're a lover of ancient myths and secret societies or simply enjoy a good mystery surrounded by the past, this book should be on your TBR pile!

Shadow Ritual (Antoine Marcas #2) by Eric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne is currently available at many online retailers. It can be purchased in hardcover, paperback or Kindle (digital) formats. The link below will take you to the book's Amazon page.
Shadow Ritual (Antoine Marcas #2) by Eric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne

Shadow Heart (Broken Bottle #1) by Pamela Taeuffer

Release Date: February 26, 2014
Publisher: Open Heart Press
Series: Broken Bottle series, Book 1
Author Website: www.pamelataeuffer.com/

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Dark secrets were found in many families, and Nicky's family was no different. Adapting to her father's condition, she and her sister adapted to the volatile ways of their home. Nicky became obsessed with her job of leaving home and attending Stanford, pushing aside all other distractions - especially boys. To help her application to Stanford look more enticing, she put together a business plan for the local baseball team to have a cheer squad. She worked hard to perfect the cheers, connect with the fans and hit each of the goals she'd put into the plan.

What she didn't count on was a popular player, Ryan Tilton. He kept his distance from her, guarding his own dark secrets and his feelings for her as much as she hid her own awakened desires. As they struggled with their respective demons, life kept bringing them into the path of the other. Nicky must make several decisions despite her confusion. Can she maintain a relationship with anyone and achieve her goal of attending Stanford? Will letting go destroy everything including her level of control on her life?

Review:
To be honest I might not have given this book a second glance if I hadn't received a promotional email from NetGalley. The romance genre wasn't always one I delved into, but I decided to take a chance to step out of my reading comfort zone and give them a chance when I read that the books were inspired by actual events from the author's life. From the very beginning scene, there was a raw grittiness to the memories of what the main character, Nicky, and her sister, Jenise, went through as children living in a home where alcohol reigned supreme. Not every scene was filled with the turbulence of home life as Nicky navigated the world while carrying the weight of her father's "condition" and wanting to achieve her lifelong goal of leaving the town behind by attending Stanford.

Written in first person point-of-view, the book followed Nicky through the strange, double-sided childhood that she and her sister endured before her junior year of high school. It was easy to understand how she could be such a conflicted character when it came to the way in which the world really worked. Her father was a severe alcoholic that didn't think twice about enforcing his version of discipline when he was drunk. Her mother struggled to work in order to provide for the family, protect her daughters when she was home, and find a way to endure her own hell with the man she married. Since you can't have a romance novel without romance, in walked Ryan Tilton, the ruggedly handsome baseball player, and Jerry, the boy she'd known for her entire childhood. Each of these guys made a dent in her walled-off heart, but Nicky struggled to choose between them. I think that stemmed from the duality of her home life as well because she tried to push them away whenever they attempted to break through the walls she put up around her heart.

A steady pace pushed the story from event to event, making this novel a fairly quick read. Though this was a romance novel, there wasn't an overabundance of sexual scenes. Many times the characters found themselves in compromising positions, but the author didn't cross the boundary into a sex scene. That allowed Nicky to retain her steadfast control on when, where and to whom she would delve into that world. Due to the father's battle with alcohol, or liquid candy as Nicky referred to it, domestic violence was commonplace in their home. Some of these scenes were very hard to read and I wanted to get through them as soon as I possibly could. Not only did these moments make the story darker, but they left lasting marks on the lives of everyone involved and led some down a dark path.

Overall, the book was pretty enjoyable despite the darker scenes that were sprinkled throughout it. The author did a good job balancing the cold, dark truth about growing up with a parent who fought with alcoholism and keeping comedic, light moments in between to lighten the book. At some points the dialogue between Nicky and Ryan seemed a little off to me, mostly from Ryan's side. I could understand why Nicky said and did the things she did, but things he said sometimes distracted me from the story itself. I was glad to read the book and definitely glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. If you're looking for coming of age story with a dash of romance or a book which explores how someone with a dysfunctial childhood finds her footing in the world, this is one series that does those two things and more.

Shadow Heart (Broken Bottle #1) by Pamela Taeuffer is currently available in either paperback or digital (Kindle) formats. It can be found at many online retailers including Barnes & Noble as well as Amazon. Below is a link to the book's page at Amazon.
Shadow Heart (Broken Bottle #1) by Pamela Taeuffer

Mr. Mercedes (Bill Hodges Trilogy #1) by Stephen King

Release Date: January 6, 2015
Publisher: Gallery Books
Series: Bill Hodges Trilogy, Book 1
Author Website: http://www.stephenking.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Before his retirement, Detective Bill Hodges and his partner caught the case of a lifetime. Early one morning someone decided it would be an awesome idea to drive a Mercedes through the foggy streets and into a crowd of people waiting for a job fair. As difficult as investigating such a case was, there was little evidence to lead them to the person responsible. Thus, the case remained open and active when Bill was handed his retirement award.

It wasn't until a special message arrived in the mail months after the party that Bill woke from the afternoon tv-induced coma. The person responsible for the live lost at the job fair wanted to clear his conscience to Bill, but the message also hinted that more tragedy might be in store for the people in Bill's town. That's something he couldn't have on his own conscience. Alongside two unlikely helpers Bill followed the bits of clues left by the killer until they reached the ultimate showdown with thousands of lives in the balance.

Review:
Many of my friends and relatives know of my love for books. Certain authors became my favorite over the years. Stephen King has always been one of them, a constant from an early age. There were only a few books of his that I can't read more than a handful of times. I didn't know what this book was about before it was given to me. Once I read the blurb on the back, I was hooked by a few things. Why would the killer want to mess around with a cop from his past when the killer had gotten away with murder? In reality the killer didn't escape punishment for a small number of murders, but also escaped punishment for a massive trauma to the city through the people injured and the psychological repercussions to the citizens after the event.

I was also intrigued by some of the characters themselves because the monster I needed to fear was an ordinary schmuck that could be anyone around us. They and their reactions carried this story forward without any supernatural interference or otherworldly poking and prodding. Bill Hodges remained old-school throughout the book, preferring to use pen and paper when thinking through the case or following up leads on foot when the need arose. When it came time for him to venture further into the technological world, he called upon the teenager who helped him around the house from time to time. Jerome was able to navigate the cyber world with less effort than Bill as well as help the older guy understand this generation's way of thinking. Then there was Mr. Mercedes himself, both an evil phantom and a regular guy. He was an odd blend of Bill and Jerome in the fact that he was young enough to employ the resources of today well and old enough to know that you have to put some muscle into things if they're going to work as well. In true King form, there were a number of fringe characters who provided necessary information, comedic relief and even became the voice of reason when it all became too much.

The characters weren't solidly within the good or bad guy columns either and this sort of grey area played as much a part in the book's events as the characters did. In a sense that's how people in the world are today. They had moments of goodness that made me want to cheer. Within a page, sometimes less, their actions placed them in the bad column. Whether it was morally or legally ethical, Bill and all the other characters did what needed to be done. Even when it caused further pain or distress, they didn't shy away from plans already put in place. Some of these plans pushed the story forward at a decent pace. As much as I like a lot of King's work, there were some moments that seemed to drag out the action. Thankfully, I didn't find too many of the slower passages and was pretty happy at how rapid the pace became once the ball truly began rolling.

Overall, I really liked this first step into the world of Bill Hodges. Action, a bit of romance and a lot of crazy combined quite well to make a good read. For me, that's a pretty decent recipe that I hope continues throughout the rest of the trilogy. A few doors were kept open a crack toward the end of the book which gave me chills because I had hoped things would settle. Underdogs and morally-ambiguous characters kept me intrigued in this installment. I can't wait to see what they get into during the next book. If you're looking for a thrill ride into the world of crazy with average looks or simply want to enjoy a creepy story without the supernatural flair, take a drive into Mr. Hodges' neighborhood.

Mr. Mercedes (Bill Hodges Trilogy #1) by Stephen King is currently available at many online retailers and local bookstores. It can be purchased in a number of formats, including hardcover, paperback, Kindle (digital) or audio-book. The link provided below leads to the book's Amazon page.
Mr. Mercedes (Bill Hodges Trilogy #1) by Stephen King

  

Seeker (Seeker #1) by Arwen Elys Dayton

Release Date: February 10, 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Series: Seeker series, Book 1
Author Website: http://www.arwendayton.com

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Quin spent her whole life training to become a Seeker, a noble occupation that only few in the world were granted access to do. She worked alongside her cousin and another apprentice to achieve the goal, but she found out too late that becoming a Seeker wasn't as glamorous as the old tales made it out to be. After a series of grueling assignments, Quin was left to wonder if her whole life was a lie or if there was even a way to right the wrongs.

Everything changed the night her homestead in Scotland was attacked. She and a few survivors escaped, at the cost of her memories of her former life. When people from her past came calling, she was forced to remember the painful things in order to protect those she loved and the world as she knew it. Will she be able to cope with the monstrous memories which hide behind the veil of amnesia? Can she keep the tools of her trade from falling into the wrong hands?

Review:
One of the best perks in being a member of NetGalley were the emails alerting me to interesting, new books that I may not read otherwise. This book was among several that I received in the past few months. The idea of being the "Seeker" intrigued me. Being the first book in a series, the author did a good job setting the foundation for both the world in which the characters lived and describing the many responsibilities that the Seeker has. According to the history learned throughout the book in bits and pieces, there were once many Seekers who kept the balance of good and evil within the world. Each Seeker came from a particular family which was assigned an animal to represent them in documents or tools. Some of these tools were more important than others, important enough to kill to obtain.

Right away three young apprentices were introduced right before the Seeker's initiation ceremony. Quin, Shinobu, and John held hopes that they would join the noble class of Seekers. Tension between the three initiates and their instructors was obvious from the beginning. The three of them were each main characters as the chapters denoted which point of view was being followed at the time. Being young adolescents their interactions with one another, as well as others, were pretty close to real life. The added pressure of their Seeker responsibilities also hampered some of their reactions and decision-making abilities. Add to all of this another character named Maud and you've got quite a soup of emotions, beliefs and actions pushing the story forward.

Though the first few chapters began with a touch of action, there were some moments when the story dragged along until the next bit of action prevailed. Once the first of many showdowns happened, the pacing picked up quite a bit. Each chapter pushed the characters closer and closer to another showdowns. The interesting thing about much of the story was how some of the characters would act outside their usual boundaries. Especially in Quin's case due to circumstances beyond her control, many decisions impacted which path was taken or whether another lived or died. A number of unanswered questions lingered after reading the end of the book, so I'm glad that this was simply the first book in a planned series.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. There were many wonderful descriptions of beautiful landscapes within Scotland and the busy, decorative streets in Hong Kong. Not only were the settings used to create mood, they were at times characters themselves as they impacted the action by their restrictions and/or climate. While there were times when I had to push myself to finish the book, I'm glad to have done so. The many secrets kept by Quin's family and the hunt in which John has been trapped were all interesting enough to keep me turning the pages. I was also very happy to see that Shinobu found a purpose for his life other than to simply waste it. What part he'll play in the grand scheme of things, I'm not entirely sure, but it will be interesting to find out. If you're a lover of YA Fantasy series or simply enjoy catching something slightly outside the norm from its beginning, then this book is the one for your TBR list.

Seeker (Seeker #1) by Arwen Elys Dayton is currently available in hardcover, Kindle or audiobook formats at many online retailers and local bookstores. The link below will take you to the book's Amazon page for purchase.
Seeker (Seeker #1) by Arwen Elys Dayton

Heaven (The Afterlife Series #1) by Mur Lafferty

Release Date: April 27, 2011
Publisher: Restless Brain Media
Series: The Afterlife Series, Book 1
Author Website:  http://www.murverse.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Kate and Daniel were best friends, sharing everything from intimate details of their lives to most of their secrets. When their lives reached the end of the line, it came as no surprise that they went together. Each of them found their versions of Heaven, enjoying everything that was offered until questions began to scrape away the glitz and glamor.

Kate and Daniel decided to strike out on their own journey, to see everything that Heaven had to offer those who made it through the gates. Along the way, they discovered that nothing was really what it seemed and something wrong bubbled beneath the surface of happiness and joy. Their adventure began a series of changes throughout the other versions of Heaven and left them rushing off into unknown lands. Can they discover the truth behind the changes before it's too late? Will they be lost forever in the vast open road around Heaven?


Review:
Thanks to Podiobooks I discovered this series and other writings by the author many years ago. To be honest, it was one of the few audiobooks that I really wanted to see in print. When I came across the Kindle version on Amazon, it took less than a minute of debating before I purchased the series. It was interesting to read the words on the page and still hear the author's voice in my head. Even after a number of years, the book still captivated me as I delved deeper into the adventures of Kate and Daniel in the afterlife.

Much of the book focused on Kate and Daniel after their untimely deaths. Seen through Kate's eyes, Heaven was very much a place determined by the person's ideas, wants and how he or she saw the afterlife.  Kate's personality, quirks and beliefs stayed the same after she awoke in Heaven, as did many of her likes and dislikes. The same occurred for Daniel, although they didn't share the same vision of Heaven. The fact that their relationship carried over into the afterlife made it easy for me to keep up with the various changes around them as they journeyed through different times, places and even some versions of paradise that I wouldn't have imagined. Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Demi-gods from a wide spectrum of belief systems made appearances in the story. They did more than simply stand around while the Travelers went about their adventure. These Supreme Beings also impacted the duo's thinking and actions, causing all kinds of chaos for everyone.

Because both Kate and Daniel were early twenty-somethings at the time of their deaths, it was easy to relate to their thoughts and feelings. The dialogue was current, brash and honest at times. I liked the descriptions the author used to relay the differences between the different versions of Heaven that they encountered. The way the people dressed, the food they ate, how the religion of that particular section affected the daily life - all were written in a such a way that the reader could understand even if the reader had little or no knowledge about that particular religion. The action came quickly and propelled the story forward. At a steady pace, the story led from one idealized version of Heaven through various others. Each time the two of them left for another, there were consequences. Sometimes a lot of the consequences weren't always on the good side of things.

Overall, I really liked this book. I actually noticed a few things about their time in Greece and Dog Heaven that I didn't catch when listening to the audiobook. Having the Kindle format allowed me to zero in on these additions and it added a hint of comedy to the book. There's so much more going on with the story, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Between the changes Kate and Daniel brought to the afterlife and the awkwardness of the love triangle developing, I can't wait to see what happens. If you're looking for a different take on what happens when one leaves their mortal life behind or a wondrous new adventure filled with gods, goddesses and more, then this book is something you need to have on your shelf.

Heaven (The Afterlife Series #1) by Mur Lafferty is currently available at many online retailers in digital format. The following link will bring up the book's page at Amazon.
Heaven (The Afterlife Series #1) by Mur Lafferty

Glamour of the God-Touched (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #1) by Ron Collins

Release Date: November 15, 2014
Publisher: Skyfox Publishing
Series: Saga of the God-Touched series, Book 1
Author Website: http://typosphere.com/ 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
From the moment his mother sold him to a merchant, Garrick never knew an easy life. He lacked control over his life as the merchant ordered about as a servant. It wasn't until the merchant needed to pay a debt that glimmers of hope and change surged within Garrick. This was his chance to walk a different path, be his own man, and have the power and privilege that witnessed in others.

Becoming a mage's apprentice was simply the first step in his path. Though tedious, it provided the structure and doorways to a new world that he craved. After a devastating accident left him in a position to make a life or death decision, everything Garrick had planned for his life was turned upside. Now he must learn to control the power which threatened to destroy everything he held dear. Can he learn to rein in the power before it's too late?

Review:
I found this novel when it was advertised by the author on his Facebook page. After reading the description, I knew it was going to find a place on my TBR list. I was somewhat sad that the book was short in terms of length. However, I found that the lack of pages didn't hamper the progression of the story at all. There was quite a lot of information about the world and its key players packed into the short amount that it still hit all those adventure or fantasy notes.

Like many adventure/fantasy books, there was a central character in which the story revolved around. Garrick's strange, painful journey impacted the entire world, the people within it, and even the plane where magical gates were opened to perform spells. From the beginning of his life, Garrick was nothing more than a throw-away type of individual. He didn't have much to offer anyone around him. He was treated as a piece of property until he became a mage's apprentice. That moment changed the way he thought about himself and what he wanted for his future life. However, he wasn't the only one to be explored in the book. There were also two sects of mages that sought to control the entirety of magic use. Their differences were as drastic and deeply rooted as the way they practiced their craft. Their distrust of one another (and for the free-thinking mages as well) was apparent the moment they appeared in the story. I really liked the fact that each of the three types of mages had their own dress code and also a different "taste" to their magic. I don't think I've come across another book where the magic user described the magic having a taste such as honey or mint. It was unique and intriguing for me.

Now, this book was a quick read for two reasons. One, it did have less pages than I expected for an introduction to a new world and its inhabitants. While the length didn't take away from the quality of the story, it truly did leave me wanting more. The other reason was simply the pace of the book. From the first chapter, the pace was set at a steady clip. When the events of the story began unfolding, there was absolutely no way to stop them. Once those wheels of time and magic turned, no brakes would've stopped them. The end of the book definitely revealed the fact that there were more books to come in this series. Something much larger than Garrick's simple life was at stake, but we have to wait and see what terrors they hold for Garrick and the rest of his world.

Overall, I liked the book because it was a quality read and it left me questioning what was to come. It was easy to relate to Garrick's desire to be his own man, something more than a simple pawn in the game of life. When the one bit of happiness in his life was taken, he became desperate to have it once again. I think nearly everyone has been in this position at least once in their life. Because the decision he made had horrible consequences, he needed to find a way to fix what he'd done - something else that many can relate to as well. If you're looking for a well-written introduction into a world where mages still exist or simply want a quality book to pass the time, this is the book to fulfill both of those and more.

Glamour of the God-Touched (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #1) by Ron Collins is currently available at several online retailers in either paperback or digital formats. The following link will provide the book's Amazon page.
Glamour of the God-Touched (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #1) by Ron Collins

Serial Killers True Crime Anthology 2014 (True Crime Library RJPP #1) by R.J. Parker

Release Date: December 11, 2013
Publisher: RJ Parker Publishing
Series: True Crime Library RJPP, Book 1
Authors Included: R.J. Parker, Peter Vronsky, Dane Ladwig, Sylvia Perrini, Michael Newton  

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Those who step outside the bounds set by society captivated the masses for as long as the tales of their deeds were told to the next generation. Real evil began to infiltrate the usual bedtime stories about scary boogeymen, vampires or werewolves. Men and women who became obsessed, or some say possessed, by the desire to take the lives of others roamed the streets and blended in with average folk as they went through their everyday routines.

In this volume of the True Crime Anthology, several serial killers were explored from their birth and early childhood through their crimes and the aftermath. The novel included both men and women from both ends of the financial spectrum and from various parts of the world. Exploring the cases through police reports, court documents and even through the words of the killers themselves, the authors shine a light on the dark deeds without neglecting to remember the victims.


Review:
*Graphic Warning* - This novel explored subject matter that might be disturbing to some readers. It included pictures of crime scene evidence as well as statements made by the killers in written or vocal interviews.

This book was among one of the great deals that I found on OHFB - a site that I love for keeping my Kindle stocked with lots of different books. Since I was always interested in crime and crime-related stories, I knew the included photographs or statements wouldn't bother me. However, I must say that there was little, if any, censoring of either items in their related stories, but there weren't a lot of the photographs throughout the book either. Each of the authors covered a particular serial killer, or killers in a few cases.

They delved into the earliest known information about the serial killer involved and follow him or her through the years, the murders and the repercussions of their actions. Written and taped interviews were used alongside police evidence and court documents to try and find the answers to questions that plagued investigators and society alike over the years. Some of the killers in this volume of the anthology include people from hundreds of years ago to the early part of the 2000s. Some were rich, killing with impunity because of their station in life such as Erzsebet (Elizabeth) Bathory. Others weren't so lucky to come from wealth and made due with what they were given, including the Bloody Benders and Robert Pickton.

For me there wasn't much in the way of pacing for this book. Each of the chapters laid out the timeline for each of the killers without leading into the next. It was much like the chapter was its own case file. That made it easy to set the book down if I needed to take care of something else and come back to it later without feeling lost or confused about where I am in the book. The victims weren't forgotten in the midst of all the coverage of the crimes. Their names, faces and voices gave them more weight than much of the media did during their coverage. Not a lot of detail about the actual crimes filled the pages even though they weren't hidden either.

While I knew of a few of the killers listed, there were a few that I hadn't heard of before, making it an interesting read. Overall, I liked the book and found it interesting to see the evolution of many included killers as well as possible explanations for their methods of madness. I was also glad to see that very little speculation appeared in the various chapters. When it did, the author was sure to note what was speculation and what wasn't. If you're looking for a fairly comprehensive look at a small section of serial killers and what may have led them to do what they did, then this anthology is definitely one to consider!

Serial Killers True Crime Anthology 2014 (True Crime Library RJPP #1) by R.J. Parker is currently available at various online retailers in paperback, Kindle and audio-book versions. Clicking the link below will bring up the book's page at Amazon.
Serial Killers True Crime Anthology 2014 (True Crime Library RJPP #1) by R.J. Parker

Game (Jasper Dent #2) by Barry Lyga

Release Date: April 16, 2013
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Series: Jasper Dent series, Book 2

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jasper Dent and the people of Lob's Nod spent months recovering from an attack by a serial killer known as the Impressionist. Thanks to Jasper's unique status as being the only son of Billy Dent, one of the most notorious serial killers in his own right, the town was saved with only a few casualties along the way. The aftermath left Jasper reeling as information about his past, as well as his father, found ways to slip out of their cages.

When a new, vicious killer began stalking the streets of New York, Jasper was called in to help with the search. Although he hoped to escape the clutches of his father's legacy, what he found in the latest case only confirmed how far-reaching Billy's influence truly was. Jasper was now in a race to solve the New York case, but to figure out the strange clues to his past before something bad happened to him or those he loved the most.

Review:
I found this book on NetGalley shortly after finishing the author's first book in the series. I was interested in what happened in Jasper's world since the events of the previous book, so I requested the book. Needless to say, there was quite a lot that going on for many within Jasper's circle of friends and not just to Jasper alone. This book didn't start immediately after the conclusion of I Hunt Killers, but some months after all hell broke loose in the little town of Lob's Nod.

The main trio of teenagers were once again in the middle of the action as a serial killer in New York baffled the police and FBI alike. As a last resort, one of the detectives made his case for Jasper's help in stopping the guy before a state-wide panic ensued. While the previous focused more on Jasper, his background and how the other people around town interacted with him, this book split the main focus on several of the players. Of course, we were shown more insights into the way Jasper navigated the world, but the author also presented more of Connie's home life and way of thinking and Howie's deep devotion to Jasper. Other characters introduced in this book include more of Jasper's strange family, law enforcement officials who were affected by Billy's crimes, and an ever-widening circle of killers who all seem to be linked.

After the book began with a pair of gruesome  murders and introduced the reader to whatever game was being played as well as the unknown players. The level of brutality and a strange level of creativity grew as the book continued. Even things taking place in Jasper's town seemed to be a beehive of activity that only settled down as the crimes elsewhere picked up. As the leads were followed and the case drew to a close, there was a sense that everything happened at a fever pitch until that final reveal. Conflict upon conflict upon conflict drove the story forward as everyone battled something whether it was an inner war or battling with someone else. There were a few moments where I couldn't believe the character made that particular decision. (Now, you know that I don't give spoilers if I can help it! Go read the book!)

In all honesty, this book was a really entertaining read for me. Even though I knew from the get-go that the killers were playing some sort of game, I didn't put it all together which game they were playing before Jasper did. Man, it was a bit of a shock when I did. That twist put a smile on my face because once it was out, you could flip back to the beginning and see it. What happened to the other characters and the other revelations the book offered really made me wonder how the end was going to answer all the questions from this book and the previous one. The ending both frustrated me and had me wanting to know where it was going. If you're looking for a special kind of twisted way of thinking mixed with the worries and problems that fill a teen boy's mind, then you need to pick up a copy of this book.

Game (Jasper Dent #2) by Barry Lyga is currently available at many online retailers and local bookstores in either hardcover or digital versions including Kindle. Clicking the link below will open the book's Amazon page.
Game (Jasper Dent #2) by Barry Lyga

The Competition (Rachel Knight #4) by Marcia Clark

Release Date:  July 8, 2014
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Series: Rachel Knight series, Book #4

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After a devastating school shooting in the style of Columbine, Rachel Knight is put on the case alongside Detective Bailey Keller to find the answers to some of the hardest questions they've had to face to date. Digging deeper into the reasons behind the shooting reveal that the concrete evidence they'd collected wasn't so concrete after all. Now, both Knight and Keller are on the hunt to find the person or persons responsible before it's too late.

As they weave their way around the trails that the evidence takes them, they find more questions than answers until the second shooting takes place. Everything they knew about the perpetrators was turned upside down. Now, Rachel must continue to find a way to stop the next shooting any way she can. Will she able to shift out the puzzle pieces that don't fit in time to save the next group of people?

Review:
After reading the first three books in the Rachel Knight series offered by NetGalley, I looked forward to reading this one as well and offering an honest review. Truth be told, each of the books covered a difficult case, but I felt this offering by the author was by far the most "ripped from the headlines" in the series. As with the other three books, this one incorporated information from the previous cases where needed without disrupting the current plot. Having a few familiar faces resurface in a few key areas not only helped to move the story along in a believable fashion, but made me smile a time or two at the hijinks they planned or enacted.

The novel is written from Rachel's point-of-view as it was with the previous three offerings by the author. Many of the key players from the previous cases return, bringing their expertise with them. Graden, Bailey and Dorian made themselves known from the start because of the severity of the case. Being a part of the Special Trials Unit and dating one of the brass in law enforcement did have a few perks for Rachel to enjoy, but it also meant that she endured some of the most devastating of cases - a school shooting. Not all of Rachel's core group had a major part in this book, but they were able to contribute their ideas here and there whenever there was a meeting of the minds, so to speak. Toni, another lawyer within Rachel's unit and best friend, didn't have as much of an impact within this story other than to offer an outsider's opinion. Because of the nature of the shooting, a pair of psychologists were thrown into the mix of experts and offered their insights into the dark mind of the shooter.

The book started off slow and focused on a few of the kids that would be attending Fairmont High School. Once they were in place at the school, the mood quickly darkened. Once the police were on scene, the pace ramped up and stayed at a high level as the characters raced against time to stop the next shooting from happening. Unfortunately, the persons responsible were quite a few steps ahead of Rachel and the investigative teams. When they thought they had a handle on the situation or a good clue that might bring an end to the terror, something or someone would reveal how far off-base they were. For a good portion of the book, I thought I had things figured out. I could see how they came to their conclusions and were just as confused when other revelations came to light.

Overall, I had mixed feelings about this book. While I enjoyed the story for its thrilling and mysterious atmosphere, the subject matter made it difficult to ignore the voice inside saying it hit a little close to home. It was interesting to see the focus placed more on the 'how to detect' angle instead of glorifying the shooter or the shootings itself. Many theories were thrown around, each credible in their own way, but there wasn't a simple explanation to sweep the devastation under a rug. When it came to the end, I hoped for a moment of clarity for the responsible party. I'm not sure if it ever truly came to pass. The thrill of the hunt combined with the overwhelming emotions the case brought on made for a wild ride all over L.A. and into Colorado. If you're looking for a story that will grab at your heartstrings and tug at them until the last possible moment, then this book is one you need to read.

The Competition (Rachel Knight #4) by Marcia Clark is currently available for purchase at many retailers, both online and local bookstores. It can be found in hardcover, paperback or digital editions including Kindle. The link provided below will take you to the book's Amazon page.
The Competition (Rachel Knight #4) by Marcia Clark

The Herald: The Sundering, Book VI by Ed Greenwood

Release Date: January 1, 2014
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Series: The Sundering, Book VI

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Every scrimmage, every battle had lead to this thrilling conclusion. The fate of both Toril and Abeir came down to the success of Elminster, the Chosen of Mystra, and his few trusted companions. Without Mystra's direct help, they must rely on the Weave, the fabric of magic that she wields that they have been strengthening for years.

Agents of Shadovar pushed forward with their sieges, covering the world in order to usher in Shar's rule. Elminster must find a way to prevent Shar from blanketing the worlds in her shadow weave without losing their world entirely as the Sundering continues. Will he fulfill his duty to his Goddess? Will he lose everything he cares for in the process?

Review:
The thrilling conclusion to the Sundering was made available for request through NetGalley. Of course, I had to request it. I needed to know how the series came to its end after reading the earlier books. While each of the books were written to chronicle the separation of Toril and Faerun froom one another, they were also able to stand on their own. Each book told the journey of a different Chosen or set of Chosen companions as they fulfilled their part of the overall prophecy. 

Book VI centered around the Chosen of Mystra, the Goddess who became the magical fabric known as the Weave. The Weave allowed all the magic users to work their spells and enchantments. Elminster and his consort, Storm, spent the years working to strengthen the Weave and place various wards which would allow the Weave to continue if certain key targets were to fall. They were also instructing the next Chosen of Mystra along the way. It's the close kinship and relationship that created the feeling that this war would be one of sacrifice so that another may live. Each of the character introduced in the book, whether good or evil, faced a point at which they must make a decision. There was a definite distinction between those that were to use the Weave for the good of all in the world of Toril and the Shadovar which would have ruled without mercy.

While some of the other books in this series started off with a bang, this one began slowly, almost methodically in setting up the main characters and the circumstances in which they would soon find themselves. Once the foundation of the story was out of the way, the action kicked in and left little doubt in my mind that this was the deciding battle. Myths, legends, and lore worked with sword, dagger and shield to make their side the winning one. Though there were plenty of lulls in the action or battles, there were many moments where the characters savored life's moments. It was a brilliant balance of peace and war. While the fighting dominated most of the book, the aftermath tied the loose ends of the series together. There's the slightest hint of more to come as some questions were left unanswered and doors open.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book as well as the entire series. Each of the authors taking part in this story arc brought their own favor and flair to their parts of the journey while this book brought everything to a center point. Knowing some of the characters from previous works enhanced my enjoyment. They were friends I hadn't seen in a long time and I enjoyed their visit very much. I cannot wait to see what comes next for Elminster or the other Chosen in the Forgotten Realms worlds. If you're looking for a magic-packed, action adventure with some comedic moments laced throughout, this is the series for you. I'd recommend picking up a copy of this book. Oh, heck. Buy the entire series.

The Herald: The Sundering, Book VI by Ed Greenwood is currently available hardcover, paperback and digital versions including Kindle. The link below will bring up the book's page at Amazon.
The Herald: The Sundering, Book VI

The Younger Gods (Younger Gods #1) by Michael R. Underwood

Release Date: October 13, 2014
Publisher: Pocket Star
Series: The Younger Gods series, Book 1

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jacob Greene was born and raised within the confines of a loving, religious family in Minnesota. Homeschooled in both formal and religious education, he did as his family needed him to do. His main job was to collect supplies for the family from a nearby store. All was well in his world until the night he brought home a friend to meet his family. The awful truth that had been his entire life lay before him.

Disgusted by his family and fleeing far from its reach, he settled into life as a college student in New York. He worked to forget and free himself from the terrors of his cultist family only to discover that not all his ties had been severed with his departure. Someone followed him to the Big Apple with intentions of fulfilling a long-held prophecy to bring about the end of the world. Only Jacob knew how strong this person was and sought out allies to help. Will they be able to stop the prophecy from unfolding? Can Jacob come to terms with his past in order to save the future?

Review:
I first found this title while browsing through the offerings at NetGalley. After having requested it for review, I received an invitation from the publisher to read and review this title. It's a wondrous thing when great minds think alike. The whole premise of the story grabbed my attention. Many books were written on the basis of the world ending due to some group wanting to have dominion. However, I can't think of very many which feature the outcast of a cult trying to prevent the end of the world for the good of humanity.

The story was told from Jacob's perspective, using his peculiar way of thinking and talking that was beaten into him as a child. Younger than nearly everyone at his college, he had trouble finding common ground with anyone who crossed his path. This included his roommate who was Jacob's polar opposite in nearly every respect. Since the story was set in New York, a variety of races, religions and dialects came into play during the journey that took the characters through each of the city's five boroughs. It can be difficult to keep the different personalities of the characters from blending as the story progresses, but I felt the author did a great job keeping each one of them distinct from the other. I also enjoyed the various reactions to Jacob as he revealed his lack of knowledge in the area of popular culture. In this day and age, not knowing about television or celebrities is nearly a sin unto itself.

For me the beginning of the book was a little slow. It took some time for me to be accustomed to Jacob's way of speaking and thinking. Once I was used to him and the events of the story began to push the action to the forefront, the pace quickened and remained steady until the next discovery or battle took place. A lot of legend, myth and lore that the cult and other practitioners of magic within the city believe were woven through the story. Included were bits of information about the gems, tools and books used in the preparations and battles between the forces of good and evil. I liked the way the author wove that information into the story so as to not overwhelm the reader with everything at once. Some of it was a little unbelievable with today's way of thinking, but worked exceptionally well within the confines of the book.

Having a really good start to the series, I can see much more happening in the books to come that will not only expand the roles of the key characters, but those of the civilians as well. There's definitely more to this prophecy than we readers know. I enjoyed this book, even coming to enjoy the awkwardness that Jacob's personality creates in social environments. His sister, well, she can get what's coming her way as far as I'm concerned. I'm curious to know more about these hidden guardians that protect us from the unseen. If you enjoy the supernatural realm with a hint of possibility or are a regular lover of books just to the left of center, then this book (and series) will be perfect for you.

The Younger Gods (Younger Gods #1) by Michael R. Underwood is currently available at many online and soon to be at your local retailers. It can be purchased in digital formats including Kindle. The click provided below will bring up the book's Amazon page.
The Younger Gods (Younger Gods #1) by Michael R. Underwood

Wool 2 - Proper Gauge (Silo #1b) by Hugh Howey

Release Date: November 30, 2011
Publisher: Broad Reach Publishing
Series: Wool series (Book 2), Silo series (#1b)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After a cleaning, celebration and relief filled the air of the silo. Unfortunately, this cleaning also left a hole within the administration and forced Mayor Jahns and her deputy to consider three candidates for the job. Mayor Jahns used the celebratory atmosphere to visit the lower levels of the silo in order to get a sense of her candidates instead of forcing them to come to her.

As she and Deputy Marnes traveled over a hundred floors into the darkness of the silo, Mayor Jahns found herself accompanied by the ghosts of promises unfulfilled and unanswered questions. Interviewing their main candidate aimed a bright light on more than was expected, but all those problems lit a fire inside Mayor Jahns to make things right when she reached her home level. An unexpected incident put a dent in her plans, but will it stop everything? Will it put the entirety of the silo in jeopardy?

Review:
I purchased this book after I finished the first story in the series, Wool (Silo #1a), which I found thanks to OHFB. The events in the book began where the first ended, but the author used the opportunities within the story to give the reader a tour of life within the silo itself. There was a different air about this book since the cleaning relieved the pressure of uncertainty and uneasiness that filled the first book. Though this was the second in the series, the story within stood on its own and referenced enough of the first book to give the reader a full view of events without rehashing everything.

Two of the main characters in this book were introduced in the first one. Both Mayor Jahns and Deputy Marnes played supporting roles to Sheriff Holston. In this book their histories and current lives were on display as was their candidate to fill the void left by Holston. In an interesting twist, the silo itself became a main character as they traveled into its depths to interview someone on the deepest levels. On the way down to the Mechanical levels, we were given a glimpse of how life in the silo worked. Shops, farms, and porters filled the levels and provided everything that the people within could ever want. Hidden within the information about the various floors were tiny nuggets of information about the people that live and work on those same floors.

With the story beginning slightly after the events of the first book, the pacing started off strong. It continued on a steady pace as the story unfolded. There were moments where the characters rested or reflected on things in the past. These allowed a moment or two for the reader to take a breath and digest what had been revealed. I won't spoil the story, so the major points will stay hidden. However, I will say that much of the story provided background, but there were a few jaw-dropping moments that left me wanting to know more.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next part of the series. Many of the questions I had after reading the first one were answered in this one. I have a feeling that many more will be answered the deeper I dig into the series. With this being a quick read, the pages all but turned on their own as I wanted to know more of what was happening. If you like dystopian or post-apocalyptic stories filled with humanity and intrigue, then this book (and the series) is the one you need to read!

Wool 2 - Proper Gauge (Silo #1b) by Hugh Howey is currently available at many online retailers in either paperback or Kindle formats. Click the link below to visit the book's Amazon page.
Wool 2 - Proper Gauge (Silo #1b) by Hugh Howey

Plan Overboard (Toronto #14) by Heather Wardell

Release Date: May 28, 2014
Publisher: Holly Leaf Press
Series: Toronto series, Book 14

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After failing to achieve her lifelong dream, Corinne took some time to create a new, deeply detailed life plan for herself before putting it into action. Nearly three months later she was enjoying a long overdue time of relaxtion on a cruise. Her intention to study her books and go over her future plans vanished the moment she laid eyes on Austin. His easy-on-the-eyes looks and carefree attitude excited her, but also sent shivers of terror through her. His presence threatened to derail every bit of her plans.

Warm, sunny days and beautiful, star-filled nights made it too easy for Corinne to drop her guard around Austin. The more time they spent together, the more she questioned her decisions. As they neared the end of the cruise, a heavily hidden truth revealed itself and sent Corinne reeling for a second time in her life. Months of changes followed the cruise. So did the lingering questions. Should she give up her methodically planned life for something more exciting? Will she ever let go of the past enough to have a future?

Review:
I was offered the chance to read this title by the author herself in exchange for a fair and honest review. This book followed the last two books by Heather Wardell that I reviewed (Everybody's Got a Story and Fifty Million Reasons). It's also the long-awaited sequel to All at Sea which chronicled the events between a portion of the key characters which frequently appeared throughout this novel. This story stood well on its own, but the author did a wonderful job weaving in the events of the previous one without shifting the focus away from the main character of this story, Corinne.

Oh, Corinne. The poor woman's world crumbled the moment she failed to achieve a dream that had been the driving force of her life for over a decade, maybe longer. The weight of that failure drove her to the other extreme and led to what many would consider to be a life-altering decision. I was a little taken aback by what she did because her behavior at the start of the novel didn't lead me to believe that she'd do something like that. Then again, I could understand it as the story progressed. Most of the characters in this novel had easygoing natures which made a lot of the book a fun read. Each of them kept their individuality while blending well when grouped together, especially during the cruise segments of the book.

As I mentioned before, some of the characters were introduced in an earlier book. Nick, Mel and Austin all had their histories and reasons explored in more depth in it, but the author was able to weave in the important events during conversations and other small ways. Not only did it help to me understand the reasons why they said or did something, each instance helped to advance the plot in a way that kept me interested. The pace of the story was fairly consistent from beginning to end, allowing me to enjoy the story but also helped keep those pages turning.

In the end I found myself enjoying this book for a couple of reasons. The main reason was the fact I could relate to Corinne in the way she perceived herself for not achieving what was her lifelong dream. I've been there myself. I've also met a man similar to Austin in a lot of ways. Though he's not as well off as the character, it was a treat to read a book and see similarities in one's own life. Now, I will admit that I found a couple of the plot devices as easy to guess. However, the chapters before the ending really hit the nail on the head in regards to realizing what life was all about. It made the ride worthwhile for me. If you're looking for a book about an instant connection, dealing with the shards of broken dreams, or coming to terms with life and its scorn of plans, then this is the book you'll want to add to your collection.

Plan Overboard (Toronto #14) by Heather Wardell is currently available for purchase at many online retailers including Amazon as well as Barnes and Noble. It can be found in either paperback and Kindle formats. Below is the book's Amazon page.
Plan Overboard (Toronto #14) by Heather Wardell