Review: The Blood Code by Misty Evans

The Blood Code by Misty Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review! Thank you, Entangled Publishing!

This book is part of a series, but can be read standalone, which is a good thing as I have never read any other books in this series. After reading this one, I certainly will be on the lookout for the others!

This is a romantic suspense novel, set in Russia. Anya and her grandmother emigrated to the United States shortly after the death of Anya's parents. When her grandmother is kidnapped and goes missing, Anya, after receiving a message, flies to Moscow. The book starts off with a car chase and Anya spilling out of the car and into the arms of Ryan Smith, super agent!

The villain, Ivanov, desires to rule Russia and is obsessed with bloodlines. His and Anya, one of the last descendants of the Romanovs. (Was anyone else envisioning little Bartok the white bat from Anastasia commenting while reading this? OK, nevermind. :) ) So not only does he want to wipe the United States and other superpowers off the face of the planet, but he wants to be a new kind of Hitler, too, and populate the world with super Russian babies made between him and Anya. Iew. He was gross and gave the icky creepy vibes. What a great villain!

Anya is what I love in a heroine/lead female protag: brave, smart, witty, and doesn't just faint in the face of danger and expect a man (Ryan) to clean it up for her. I like her little klepto skills in an attempt to do spywork for Ryan and I admired her love and dedication to her grandmother. Not many would be brave enough or love someone more than themselves enough to persevere.

Ryan is delicious - I like how discombobulated he is by Anya and the fact that she makes his head swim.

So so enjoyable!


View all my reviews

RBTL Presents: LEGACY OF BLOOD by J.L. McCoy SPOTLIGHT with excerpt!

Title: Legacy of Blood

Author: J.L. McCoy

Series: Skye Morrison Vampire Series (#4)

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Self Published

Release Date: Feb 16 2013

Edition/Formats Available In: E~Book & Print

Synopsis:

"Skye Morrison begged for death.  Fortunately, someone didn't listen.

Skye awakens to discover she has been irrevocably changed and the unprecedented circumstances of her rebirth have now created a new threat to her very existence. Sired by both the monster Amun and the vampire Archer Rhys, Skye must prove to the army of An Dilis (The Faithful) whose essence is most dominant within her and that she is not a danger to them or society.  The Faithful soon discover that she is unlike any vampire ever created before as she struggles to adjust to her new life and the changes that come with it.

Her recent brush with death has made Skye realize that life is precious and she wastes no time telling the one she loves how she feels about him.

But, Amun finds out that someone interfered with Skye's transformation and the intrusion makes him livid.  He gives Skye 7 days to come to him or he threatens to begin killing the ones she loves most. 

Will Skye be able to survive long enough to enjoy her new life now that Amun is hunting her and everyone she loves?

Book Links

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Print

Barnes and Noble

Books A Million (BAM)

Goodreads

About the Author

J. L. McCoy resides in the beautifully weird city of Austin, Texas with her opinionated Pekiweenie Isabel and handsome husband Kenny.  She has always been a passionate reader and enjoys watching movies, traveling, listening to heavy metal/classic rock/80s music, getting mani/pedis with her girls, and singing karaoke.  She loves body art and is hopelessly addicted to Sonic’s ice and Route 44 un-sweet raspberry iced tea. 

Blog

Facebook Author Page

Goodreads

Store

Twitter

Website

 

Other Books in the Skye Morrison Series

Blood of the Son: (Book #1 in the Skye Morrison Vampire Series)

Sins of the Father: (Book #2 in the Skye Morrison Vampire Series)

The Original Sin: (Book #3 in the Skye Morrison Vampire Series)

Praise

"[Legacy of Blood] left me breathless and wanting more."  -NarlyNut's Book Lovers and Reviews

"J.L. McCoy takes us on a continued ride of intense, enthralling, page turning fascination."(praise for The Original Sin) -NarlyNut's Book Lovers and Reviews

"And I can't wait to sink my fangs into the next book, to see what the hell is going on with Skye. Once again I give this book Five GOTHIC stars!!!" (praise for The Original Sin) -CYNTHIA SHEPP BOOK REVIEWS & EDITING

"This series floored me! I was sucked in (pun intended) from the very beginning." -Bex 'N' Books

EXCERPT

I slowly opened my eyes and saw I was lying in an endless field of scarlet paintbrush wildflowers. I gasped at its beauty as I stood up and took in my surroundings. Tall hills rolled in every direction and the sea of flowers summited them as well. Where am I? I turned slow circles where I stood, trying to gauge where I was, but I had never seen this place before; I had never seen a place as breathtaking as this in my entire life.

I bent down and softly trailed my fingers over the dewy tops of the flowers as I slowly walked through them. Water droplets kissed each petal and shined and shimmered like diamonds in the bright morning sun.

How did I get here? I thought back as hard as I could, trying to remember. Slowly, memories of pain and blood flashed through my mind. I remembered looking up at Archer from my place in his arms and I gasped audibly as I recalled my painful death.

“I’m dead,” I whispered to myself as I looked around at the wildflower field again. It was so beautiful and could only mean one thing. “I made it to heaven?”

“No, child,” Amun said behind me and I whipped around as I fearfully clutched my hands to my chest. “Do not be afraid, Damu. I mean you no harm.”

“I-Is this one of your dreams?” I asked unsteadily. “Am I dreaming?”
“Something like that,” Amun nodded his head. “You are evolving, my precious.”
I suddenly remembered the last few words Archer and Trey spoke before I slipped into unconsciousness.

“Oh my God. Her eyes.”
“She’s transforming. She’s turning.”
“Her eyes are completely pitch black. They look just like...him.”
Anger coursed through me as my hands fisted tightly down at my sides. “What did you do to me?!” I roared.
“I granted you eternal life, Damu,” he said as he slowly stalked toward me, a look of absolute calm on his face. “You should be grateful, not angry.”
“You stole my life from me and you expect me to be grateful for it?!” I seethed. “Why?

Why!”
“My son, the only other one I have ever sired, is long dead,” he explained as he stepped up to me and stopped. “It was time I sired another.”
“BUT WHY ME?!” I begged in a yell. “Why couldn’t you just leave me alone?!”
“Child,” he tsked, growing impatient. “I have given you a gift. Soon you will rise and take your place beside me. Rest in the fact that you will be at peace once your transformation is fully complete. You will obey me in all affairs and do so gladly. I am now your father, Nisiqtu, and soon I will be your husband.”

“Over my dead body,” I growled angrily as I started to back away.
“Too late,” he grinned as he thoughtfully tapped his index finger on his lips.
I turned and rushed through the endless field of flowers. I didn’t know where I was going; I just knew I wanted to get as far away from him as possible.

Blog Tour! FIERY EDGE OF STEEL by Jill Archer

Fiery Edge of Steel
Noon Onyx Book  Two

Jill Archer

Genre: Fantasy with elements of mystery and romance

Publisher: Ace

Date of Publication: May 28, 2013

ISBN-10: 0425257169

ISBN-13: 978-0425257166

Number of pages: 336

Word Count: 105,000

Cover Artist: Jason Chan

Amazon   Barnes and Noble   IndieBound

Book Description:

Lucifer and his army triumphed at Armageddon, leaving humans and demons living in uncertain peace based on sacrifice and strict laws. It is up to those with mixed demon and human blood, the Host, to prevent society from falling into anarchy.

Noon Onyx is the first female Host in memory to wield the destructive waning magic that is used to maintain order among the demons. Her unique abilities, along with a lack of control and a reluctance to kill, have branded her as an outsider among her peers. Only her powerful lover, Ari Carmine, and a roguish and mysterious Angel, Rafe Sinclair, support her unconventional ways.

When Noon is shipped off to a remote outpost to investigate several unusual disappearances, a task that will most likely involve trying and killing the patron demon of that area, it seems Luck is not on her side. But when the outpost settlers claim that an ancient and evil foe has stepped out of legend to commit the crimes, Noon realizes that she could be facing something much worse than she ever imagined.…

A_TiffyFit's Review:
Jill Archer is now at the top of my "always buy" list. This has everything I adore about fantasy novels: unique world, strong characters with flaws-but not wholly ruined-, great plot, smart writing. 

This picks up where DARK LIGHT OF DAY left off. Noon is now Primoris and given a new case along with her lover, Ari, who is Secundis. They are heading to the dangerous shallows, after a complaint is received by the council accusing a Patron demon of murder.

I like the legal aspects and terminology in these novels. It asks moral questions, incredibly appropriate considering this world: post-apocalyptic, but thousands of years after and not a nuclear one, but of the fabled angel vs demons war. And the demons won!

But despite Lucifer's and his demons' victory, we have this new balance to the world. Demons may rule, but they are tempered by Lucifer's laws, enforced by the council and its Maegesters, Luck's enforcers who in turn are supported by Guardian Angels. 

We have two new characters in this book - the Guardian Angels themselves, Rafe Sinclair and Fara Vanderlin. They are assigned to work with Ari and Noon. I found both incredibly likable despite seeming so cagey at first. Rafe's devil-may-care veneer is fascinating as it comes and goes, and though we never get Fara's full story (or Rafe's for that matter) she is just as intriguing with her constant chirping of quotes from the Book of Joshua, having a tiger as a pet, etc. 

This book is faster paced than book one, which only makes sense since Dark Light of Day was setting up Noon's story, introducing us to the world and other main characters. I couldn't put this one down either. I love the world, I love the history, the characters, and the plot. 

Noon is an amazingly feisty, complicated character whom we can relate to despite us not having magic. Self-doubt, apprehension, going with her gut, being brave in the face of danger (and then second guessing herself, and third guessing) - she is so normal emotionally.

There is a HUGE twist at the end. GEEBUS. I don't know what outcome I want in future novels. But I do know this: I. Want. More. Ms Archer - if you write it, I'll read it, especially in this Noon Onyx world!

Dark Light of Day
Noon Onyx Book One

By Jill Archer

                                 

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Ace

ISBN: 978-0-425-25715-9

Number of pages: 384

Word Count: 123,000

Barnes & Noble   Amazon

Book Description:

Armageddon is over. The demons won. And yet somehow…the world has continued. Survivors worship patron demons under a draconian system of tributes and rules. These laws keep the demons from warring among themselves, the world from slipping back into chaos.

Noon Onyx grew up on the banks of the river Lethe, daughter of a prominent politician, and a descendant of Lucifer’s warlords. Noon has a secret—she was born with waning magic, the dark, destructive, fiery power that is used to control demons and maintain the delicate peace among them. But a woman with waning magic is unheard of and some will consider her an abomination.

Noon is summoned to attend St. Lucifer’s, a school of demon law. She must decide whether to declare her powers there…or attempt to continue hiding them, knowing the price for doing so may be death. And once she meets the forbiddingly powerful Ari Carmine—who suspects Noon is harboring magic as deadly as his own—Noon realizes there may be more at stake than just her life.

(My review for Dark Light of Day can be found HERE)

About the Author:

Jill Archer is the author of Dark Light of Day, the first book in the Noon Onyx series. Raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jill now lives in rural Maryland with her two children and her husband, who is a recreational pilot. She blogs about books, movies, interesting people, and various weekend adventures.

website/blog: www.jillarcher.com

twitter: @archer_jill

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillarcherauthor

goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5782149.Jill_Archer

Giveaway!

Okay, so I absolutely adore the world of Noon Onyx. It's smart, it's entrancing, it's so different than any other demon vs angel novel I've ever read. It has magic and normal people living together, working together, etc. Annnnnnnd guess what I have to give away?

I can give away one set to one winner of BOTH books! US only. HOW EXCITED ARE YOU? xD I'm pretty damn excited.

Away we go! Thank you for stopping by the blog, reading my reviews, and for being awesome!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BLOG TOUR!: MUCKROSS FOLLY by J.L. Austgen SPOTLIGHT and GUEST POST

Title: Muckross Folly
Author: J.L. Austgen
Publisher: Dreampipe Publishing
Length: ~340 pages
Editions: print and e-book

Synopsis: Reeling from the destruction of her team at the hands of her deputy, FBI agent Evelyn Morgan vows revenge against her nemesis, the assassin that planned the operation, Omar Ben Iblis. The trail leads to an old friend, well-connected and well-placed in Washington's political establishment. When he refuses to help, Morgan must scramble to find the pieces to the puzzle. While investigating, she discovers a vicious new menace, more cunning and deadly than anyone she has ever faced. Trained and mentored by Ben Iblis, this new threat has already struck her family, and if Morgan doesn't act quickly, she'll be the talented protégé's next victim.

A Guest Post from J.L. Austgen!!!

Thank you very much for hosting me today!

One of the greatest things I enjoy about being an author is engaging with readers. It was a little strange at first, shortly after my first novel was published, getting used to the idea that people were interested in asking questions and discussing characters and issues I created. With the publication of Muckross Folly, though, I've grown used to it. Invariably, one of the most frequent questions I get when speaking with readers is, "How do you write a female heroine?"

I was taken aback the first time I heard the question. I mean, I get the idea that I'm a man, and men may not always understand women, but as an author, I understand characters. And while my wife may argue I view Evelyn Morgan as more than a character, at her core, that's what she is. That's where I started. It was the transformation and development of this character into a woman which sometimes surprises even myself. That's a rather long-winded expansion on my standard answer, which goes something like, "It's a challenge." Which it is. But I'm not sure it's anything particularly special. Of course, I have several fantastic female editors, who I can't thank enough. Particularly my wife. On several occasions, she's read initial drafts of passages, shaken her head, and said, "There's no woman in the world who would say that." Or do that. Or think that. So I suppose a lot of my success in crafting Evelyn goes back to the ongoing education I receive from all of my female friends, my editors, and my wife.

I suppose I should start preparing myself for the inevitable "How do you write a female villain?" (Because there's a nasty one in Muckross Folly.) But I haven't gotten that question yet, and the novel was published over sixty days ago. I'm not sure what that says about how women are perceived.

I sincerely hope you enjoy Muckross Folly, and please read the first novel in the series Keyser Run. I would also love to hear from you at Facebook, on Goodreads, or on my site http://www.jlaustgen.com.

Blog Tour! The Alyx Rayer Chronicles by S.J. Pierce

Marked for Vengeance by S.J. Pierce
Series: Alyx Rayer Chronicles #1
Publication date: October 10th 2012
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Alyx Rayer’s existence in Atlanta, the eternally bustling capital of Georgia, is one of routine and blending in among the worker bees. But her ‘normal’ life is actually a façade for a higher calling; she's a three hundred year old soul, encased in a human vessel and sent from the darkness between heaven and Earth to capture her Marked when summoned by her superiors.

During the initial, routine stake-out of her Marked, a dream prophet named Isaac Walsh, Alyx is thrown for an emotional loop when his allure captivates her heart from two rooftops away. The event marks the very instance when her sense of what’s right and what’s wrong is brutally challenged as her contact with him is strictly forbidden.

While already trapped between honor and desire, her emotional struggles are further challenged by a man in a black suit who continually pops up when she least expects it, his presence evoking a strange response from the scar she was branded with at birth. The scar tingles like a warning beacon, alerting her that something is amiss. Because her superiors never told her what this would mean, or much of anything except what to do when they summon, she can only conclude to try and keep her sanity, and her life, from completely shattering to pieces.

This engaging first book of the series is a Paranormal Romance novel interlaced with twists, turns, and thrilling suspense that is sure to satisfy readers of any genre.

GOODREADS

___

Tethered by Fate by S.J. Pierce
Series: Alyx Rayer Chronicles #2
Publication date: November 29th 2012
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Where fate would take the both of them now, Isaac wasn’t sure, but either way their paths were irrevocably tethered."

Hurled into the midst of a holy war between the sinister fallen Angel of War and their beloved Creator, gifted humans, Angels, and Spirit  Guides unite to create a formidable, ethereal army. With the imminent battle only days away, continue to follow the story that captivated your hearts as a Protector Angel named Alyx struggles with her own inner conflicts between right and wrong, love and honor.

Passionate, engaging, and filled with surprising twists and turns -- see which path fate will lead our beloved Angel down next in this second book of the Alyx Rayer Chronicles.

 GOODREADS

----

AUTHOR BIO

Susan James Pierce has a degree in Marketing Management, works for a Fortune 500 company in Atlanta, Georgia, and devotes her precious, spare time to writing Fantasy and Sci-fi novels. 

Even though her full-time career has nothing to do with books at all, she has always enjoyed complex storytelling with fascinating characters, and has had a penchant for the written word since grade school. As a matter of fact, her first publishing credit was a poem she wrote at the age of twelve. Why her love for writing never translated into a career, she can only attribute to 'life happens', but her wish is that she can redirect her career path into something that satisfies her creative inner-self.

 Website -  Goodreads Page -  Facebook Author Page

BUY THE BOOKS!

This tour starts today! For this week only, the first book will be FREE and the second book only 99cents on amazon.com! 

Next week, you can still get a deal as each book will be only 99 cents each!! 

Marked for Vengeance

Tethered by Fate

A_TiffyFit's Review
Marked for Vengeance: This book was very unique! It kept me hooked without ever explaining anything in full. I thought - well, perhaps I better read the synopsis again as this is not what I originally thought it was! (I'm not a synopsis reader as I came across quite a few that gave the book away entirely! I read the blurbs to see if I'm interested in reading the book and then I dive into the book later when reading without refreshing myself on the blurb!) Anyway, so for a moment I thought I should reread the blurb, but decided to plow ahead and just keep reading. This story unfolds in spirals and reveals only vague ideas, a tiny bit at a time, while keeping you in suspense. You know that this is Alyx's third time on Earth, that she has a Marked, and that her kind only lives 3 times. She is an old soul in a young body...and really this is where I felt sad for her: she doesn't get her own full life to live. At first, I thought her Marked was someone she had to kill! But you soon learn that it is her person to protect.

Alyx and her Marked, Isaac, are likable because they are NOT perfect.  Isaac is so normal as a widower mourning his wife and whose only cares are his son and his art, inspired by his vivid dreaming. Still grieving for his wife and yet tenacious enough to hunt Alyx down after a chance encounter t ofind out who she is.

Alyx is endearing because she seems so...lost. She is a endearing mix of uncertainty and confidence, reverent and rule-breaking. She doubts herself and doesn't know her powers, but is sure enough to break the rules and desire Isaac. Her first thought when violence erupts is to protect those she loves including her friend Cindra. She doubts her abilities and yet still leaps forward on faith. It makes her human and vulnerable.

Her vulnerability combined with Isaac's genuine emotions and reactions pull the reader in fast and deep. The ending...omg I've never been happier to have a sequel in my hands already. *blows out a breath* MY KINDLE LIED AND SAID I HAD 15% MORE TO GO! I did not. :(

Tethered by Fate: These. Endings. Are. Killing. Me. KILLING ME, Ms. Pierce! The action in this book, the pace of the plot, far outstrips the first. This is to be expected as we now have our main characters and events are set in motion. Thankfully, this picked up right where we left off in book one! I really enjoyed these books.

However, the sheer vindictiveness, viciousness, and "mean-girl" pettiness of these "angels" is revolting! Where I liked Alyx's vulnerability that made her more human, these reactions made me sneer in disgust at the other Protectors. This isn't a bad thing; obviously Ms Pierce wrote this well enough to get a visceral reaction from me, the reader, including cheering when Alyx hauls off and socks... I'll let you read that part. I guarantee you'll be cheering, too.

We get added characters in this book: more Protectors, some Warriors, some gifted Humans, and some Elders. Man...that one Elder, you are going to want to punch in his mouth. I don't know...I'm not religious at all, but I kind of think of Angels as not being so...petty and vindictive. Those are not nice qualities.

My heart hurts for poor Samuel and Julie. Samuel...I guess he loves her no matter what and respects her for being forthright with him. Julie...poor Julie. And yet, it works out well that it turned out that way. I guess we'll find out more in book three.

HEY! I don't have book three!!! :( Guess, I'll be waiting with you guys. 

I get to give away one of the books in e-book format! That means...RAFFLECOPTER TIME! :)

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Book Review: Dark Light of Day by Jill Archer

Title: Dark Light of Day
Author: Jill Archer
Publisher: Ace
Publishing Date: September 25, 2012
Length: 384 pages
Editions: print, ebook formats
Source: purchased


Synopsis: Armageddon is over. The demons won. And yet somehow…the world has continued. Survivors worship patron demons under a draconian system of tributes and rules. These laws keep the demons from warring among themselves, and the world from slipping back into chaos.

Noon Onyx grew up on the banks of the river Lethe, the daughter of a prominent politician, and a descendant of Lucifer’s warlords. Noon has a secret: She was born with waning magic, the dark, destructive, fiery power that is used to control demons and maintain the delicate peace among them. But a woman with waning magic is unheard of, and some would consider her an abomination.

Noon is summoned to attend St. Lucifer’s, a school of demon law. She must decide whether to declare her powers there…or to attempt to continue hiding them, knowing the price for doing so may be death. And once she meets the forbiddingly powerful Ari Carmine—who suspects Noon is harboring magic as deadly as his own—Noon realizes there may be more at stake than just her life.

A_TIFFYFIT'S REVIEW
Rating: 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book, cannot believe it didn’t hit my radar until now. I am a host on the upcoming blog tour for book 2, “Fiery Edge of Steel” and the premise of that book seemed so good that I figured I had to read this one first!

From the synopsis, we know that this is a different society. Armageddon has happened; the demons have won. That right there should tell you that this is book is going to take the normally accepted good/bad and turn it on its side. As Ari Carmine says, “it is what it is.” And now…it’s about living in a new kind of world, a new kind of society, even though this world is a couple thousand years old!

Nouiomos Onyx is a twin. She and her brother, Nocturo, were born with waxing and waning magic…except, she should’ve received the waxing magic and Night should have received the waning. That’s how it works: males get waning, females get waxing. But for some reason, it was reversed for them. Dealing with parents that are stand-offish, seemingly ashamed of their kids, keeping them isolated etc from the Host way of life, Night and Noon have been struggling with their identities their whole lives. Night runs away a few weeks before Bryde’s day, where they must declare their magic according to demon law. Noon gets matriculated at St. Lucifer’s by her mother, without her consent.

I found St. Luck’s and the classes they were taking pretty freaking cool. I liked the descriptions of the different legal courses they were going to take, the hyrke (human) versus host and angel schools of thought, etc. Of COURSE it would focus on law and not just because the author is an attorney. But come on…we’ve all heard phrases such as “a devil’s bargain” or making a deal with a demon/devil, etc. It makes sense, and has been referenced in a lot of other paranormal books, that demon law would be a forefront in this world ruled by Lucifer’s army.

Incredibly well thought out and plotted world, the depth of which was quite amazing as I read and thought about it. I liked seeing the differences in they hyrke customs versus an angelic family like the Asters versus the host family of Onyx. As you would expect, to draw conclusions based on labels alone would not be wise. I found Peter anything BUT angelic and Ari and Noon anything but demonic. The demons were as expected: selfish, cruel, tricky.

I loved the development from instant lust to wary trust to full love between Noon and Ari. The celebrations were really well described and the magical wines created by angels were again, not as angelic as you would think if you went by the label angelic, and utterly fascinating. It made me wish there were such a thing as Summer Queen wine!

I did find Noon annoying at times. I think she took too long to embrace who she was, but then again, for 20+ years, she’s been rejected, not taught to embrace and use her powers, and basically raised as a human/hyrke. I also was torn between whether or not I found her wariness of Ari, especially after Rochester’s warning, dumb and annoying or smart and self-preserving. In the end, it was a little of both, but completely necessary as she develops and learns and grows.

I am so glad that she kept her relationship with Ivy and Fitz and was forthright with them once she declared. I loved the fact that they were totally expecting her to reject them and move on to be with the other Maegester-in-Trainings and that she absolutely did not do that, forsaking her friends for people with “power.” Had she done that and ignored them, I would’ve been disgusted with her character. Not that the MITs were people she COULD befriend, but loyalty is a trait to be admired.

Peter Aster, her childhood best friend, is something not to be admired. His fervor and intensity on finding the spell to change Noon is obsessive and frightening. What kind of angel then coerces someone he claims to love in order to save the life of someone dying at their feet? To say that he’s not going to say the damn spell to try and save Ari unless Noon agrees to leave Ari and live with him was dead on with the character and wholly disgusting. In the beginning, I thought Peter’s obsession with finding the Reversal Spell sweet and devoted. And with each encounter with him, it just left a foul taste in my mouth to the point that I started finding him repulsive. I was glad for his character flaws to highlight the difference between the Angel Peter who wants to change Noon to fit his version of love and the Maegester Ari who loves her for who she is, as conflicted as that may be.

There are a lot of religious comments/reviews on this book about blood sacrifice in this book for the demon worshipping, that “Good is no longer present” etc. I’m sure that this type of controversy will continue to exist as when you get to the nitty gritty of people and their faith, you’re wasting a lot of steam talking. You just can’t budge people from their faith and belief, and really, I don’t think you should want to do so. I fully support people’s right to believe what they want. However, I feel the need to say something in my own review of this book in regards to this conversation.

It is fine if you did not like the book or were unable to enjoy it, however to slam a fiction book because it doesn't mesh with your religious ideas is absurd. One of the reasons given in a recent conversation hindered on blood sacrifice as the hyrke worship demons of crops, of rivers, of fertility, etc. This is a bit hard for me to understand WHY. Not only because this book is fictitious, but because the sacrifice of blood IS an acceptable reality by christian standards, both animal and, later human in the form of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus sacrificed himself to atone for our sins, no? (Leviticus 17:11 is the Old Testament’s central statement about the significance of blood in the sacrificial system. God, speaking to Moses, declares: “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”) In fact, you celebrate this sacrifice when you symbolically ingest it and his body (sidenote: cannibalistic much?) when you take the sacrament. So your argument there is invalid. Note, I said symbolically.

I'm okay with reviews where the reader didn’t find the protagonist (note I did not say hero/heroine) to your liking. I am okay with someone saying that he/she did not find a book exciting. To each their own when it comes to what you like to read about and how you find each story. However, since this book isn't selling itself as something that is anti-religious or even proselytizing demon worshipping and is instead just a fantasy fiction novel, perhaps we as readers and reviewers should aim to keep our opinions on faith out of our reviews and instead focus on things such as character development, action, world-building, etc.

I am eagerly waiting to pounce on book 2 which is mocking me from the reading pile to the left of my computer. I hope the author kept the hyrke friendships Noon had in this book, that she is more steady in her relationship with Ari, and that Peter does NOT make a reappearance.

BOOK REVIEW The Lives of Tao by Wesley Chu

Title: The Lives of Tao
Author: Wesley Chu
Publisher: Angry Robot
Publishing Date:
Length: 464 pages
Editions: print and ecopy
Source: Netgalley


Synopsis:
When out-of-shape IT technician Roen woke up and started hearing voices in his head, he naturally assumed he was losing it.

He wasn’t.

He now has a passenger in his brain – an ancient alien life-form called Tao, whose race crash-landed on Earth before the first fish crawled out of the oceans. Now split into two opposing factions – the peace-loving, but under-represented Prophus, and the savage, powerful Genjix – the aliens have been in a state of civil war for centuries. Both sides are searching for a way off-planet, and the Genjix will sacrifice the entire human race, if that’s what it takes.

Meanwhile, Roen is having to train to be the ultimate secret agent. Like that’s going to end up well…

A_TiffyFit's Review

Another winner from Angry Robots publishing house! What a great book! Almost makes you believe that it could all have been true and is STILL true. So many historical figures that Tao has influenced and made fantastic through possession and talking to the person, from Ghengis Khan to Mau to Roman emperors. We all know them from our history lessons. And that's why Tao's tales fit so perfectly and capture the reader with that sense of wonder, that sense of possibility. What if thye really DID have something to do with all of the leaps and bounds that we humans have made? Would knowing it all change how we feel about these Quasings? Would we feel manipulated and used or will we human beings take it in stride? In this story, they did direct many aspects of our evolution!

If Quasings have not interfered would we sill be back in the caves and have not the foggiest idea of the technologies of the day that we are so dependent on? Would we be writing on cave walls instead of our Facebook walls? 

The reader can easily empathize to the protagonist, Roen Tan and his experiences with the Quasings. He is the every man, at the bottom/in a rut as many of us can sympathize with having been there (or currently are there) ourselves.: work, the bar, home. These mundane every day living routines help us connect with him and feel everything that he experiences. He is human and therefore he is us. Roen is of good character, too, remaining his humble self even after his conversion. This, at least to me, makes him even more likable. And Tan, his Quasing partner, is similar in character, making it easier to accept that he is hitching a ride in Roen. I couldn't help but cheer them on as they fight the bad guys, the "evil" ones who really do not care what happens to the human race so long as they get the things out of them (humans) that they need.

It is really fantastic how the author, Chu, incorporates the historical milestones within the context of the  Tao's lives. I found it believable! THIS COULD ALL BE TRUE. Haha. What would we do if we knew? If I had to describe this book to someone in a few short words, I would use: imaginative, enjoyable, wondrous. 

Book Review: Tamed by Douglas R. Brown

Title: Tamed
Author: Douglas R Brown
Publisher: Rhemalda Publishing
Published: January 2012
Editions: print and ebook
Length: 312 pages
Source: Netgalley for an honest review

Synposis:
Werewolves are real. And they make excellent pets.

Owning one of the legendary creatures is the latest fad. The WereHouse insists their werepets are loyal, docile, and 100% safe, but what happens when these gentle giants turn on their masters?

While on a routine EMS call, paramedic Christine Alt is attacked by a rogue werepet. She escapes with her life, but the encounter leaves her with more than just scars. As her body begins to change, she discovers the WereHouse is hiding a terrible secret, and they will stop at nothing to keep her from exposing them.

Tamed is a werewolf tale with a twist from the author of the The Light of Epertase trilogy

A_TiffyFit's Review
Wow! Just when you thought that all has been covered about the stories of werewolves comes Douglas R. Brown's werewolves. This is certainly a new take on an old genre. And, I know I say this often (it's because I know how to pick 'em when I request books, seriously), but Brown's rendition is believable as in "holy crap this could happen!" Who knows? It could be you, it could be one of my relatives, or hey...it could be ME -- so watch out! Anything's possible!

I'm a firm believer that it is humans who are the pests and piranhas and parasites of the world, infecting and destroying the Earth and its animals. And that if there IS such thing as evil, it lies within human beings. The rest of the beings on earth have reason, but it's about survival. It is us humans who do the harm to all things on earth, and arrogantly believe we have the rights over all other things because we are at the top of the food chain since we can make weapons.

So. Brown's "Tamed" gave me great satisfaction when the revenge rains upon those humans who are this way: Those who disregard and disrespect all creatures and things because we are "the top" instead of being more caring, accepting, and brotherly like. The caretakers of all that's graced upon us, which includes all species big and small on this planet we share, this planet we all call home.

The "Tamed"'s different take is refreshing and full of energy and constant motion/action. It is a page turner that causes you to anticipate what will occur next. The end is both an expected event and a surprise, but a good one. One will come away from this book feeling good and satisfied.

A concise and well-told tale which doesn't get lost in too many unnecessary tangents. Brown's straight-forward story entrenches the reader in an exciting read that doesn't need or have superfluous fanfare! 

Book Review: The Truth About Bras, Boobs, and High-heeled Shoes! Is There More to Life than Sex? by Ann Young

Title: The Truth About Bras, Boobs, and High-heeled Shoes! Is There More to Life Than Sex?
Author: Ann Young
Publisher: author published
Publishing Date: January 2013
Length: 137 pages
Edition: kindle
Source: Author gifted for an honest review

Synopsis:
My new book The Truth about Bras, Boobs and High -Heeled Shoes! Is there more to life than sex? delves with humour and insight into some of the beliefs that exist in the mind of the modern day woman. From our bras and knickers, to shoes and romance, money and sex, discover with a touch of light heartedness, how we have been told to live our lives. Only then can we begin to understand the potential we have to turn things around, finally creating what we ourselves choose to create in our lives.

A_TiffyFit's Review:

If there ever were a book that I'd advise all women and girls to read in their life time, this would be the one. I wish I had the chance to read it when I was a much younger woman, as a girl. I think it would've played a big role in choosing my life's path. At least, it would have helped me to think deeper before jumping into things half-cocked and full of just emotions! Luckily for me that those leaps of faith worked out well and my life didn't fall off the edge of a cliff into the swirling miasma of muck.

What Ann Young does in this book is focusing and solidifying the ideas that we all are aware of in a concise, cognitive version that helps to define them and hopefully for us to put them into action for the changes that Young recommends. Many of us fail to fully mature in our mindset and go through life without cognition. Our bodies may mature with years spent living, but the minds haven't caught up with the aging body and we end up wondering, "What the hell happened?"

Ann Young attempts to help us, the readers, to "catch up" before that "WTH" moment happens. You can distinctly see that in her tale of her experiences and her discussion. Luckily for her, she's had these opportunities and the motivation to fully give it thought and go into action! What Young discusses isn't anything new, or a way of invention. What it is is that she is talented in her craft to help us see things as they are, and suggests to the readers to DO something about it rather than what most do: complain about it but do nothing to change it in the attempts to better oneself. 

Young doesn't say it outright, but many of us are lazy and terribly afraid of change. Unless of course we are thrown into a situation where you either sink or swim. So...are you going to take that leap of faith and swim? Or are you gonna just sink like a stone? When these situations happen, will you just continue to complain and stick to what is comfortable and not do anything about it, or will you fly?

Unless the reader is open to change and seeking a little guidance, this book will have no effect on them. But with those who are unknowingly, unconsciously seeking, this book will kindle that flame, give it the spark that it needs to go ahead. It is a good, rationally thought out discussion which may help young girls, as well as women of ALL ages, to get it focused and see at least how the society we live in is really like. And that that society really has a ton of room for improvement.

The next time they're reading women's magazines or young women's magazines, they'll see all the hype perpetuated in their attempts to sell products, thousands and thousands of products. How society knocks down all women just to get them to buy the latest panacea to aging, weight loss, beauty, hair, etc. 

Yes, Id' recommend this book to all women, and their men, to start a conversation. Perhaps it will be a start to some great changes for the sexes, to see ourselves for who we really are, and dammit, to finally be accepting of our selves and not worry about what others think so much! We will be more accepting of others as who and what they are and not judge a book by its cover if we can learn to accept ourselves and embrace our "content" as well as our "covers".