Review 2013

Review: Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh

/ beckireads / 2 Comments

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE PSY-CHANGELING SERIES AS TANGLE OF NEED IS THE ELEVENTH BOOK IN THAT SERIES.

Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh

Title: Tangle of Need (A Psy-Changeling Novel, 11)
Author: Nalini Singh
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Gollancz (7th June 2012)
Source: Local Library
Blurb:

Adria, a wolf changeling and resilient soldier, has made a break with the past. Now comes a new territory, and a devastating new complication: Riaz, a SnowDancer lieutenant already sworn to someone else.

For Riaz, the primal attraction he feels for Adria is a staggering betrayal. For Adria, his dangerous lone-wolf appeal is beyond sexual. It consumes her. It terrifies her. It threatens to undermine everything she has built of her new life. But fighting their wild compulsion towards one another proves a losing battle.

Their coming together is an inferno . . . and a melding of two wounded souls who promise each other no commitment, no ties, no bonds. Only pleasure. Too late, they realise they have more to lose than they ever imagined. Drawn into a cataclysmic Psy war that may alter the fate of the world itself, they must ame a decision that might just break them both.

Rating: *** (3 stars)
Review:

Tangle of Need is the eleventh book in the Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh (I cannot believe that there are eleven books, it doesn’t feel that many).  It tells the story of Adria and Riaz who are both part of the wolf pack SnowDancer. Neither have had an easy time, and have returned to the centre of the SnowDancer pack to try and move on. Singh helpfully provides a list of characters and their designations at the beginning of the book so that if you’ve forgotten at a glance you will know who the character is connected to.

Continue reading →

Review: Archangel’s Storm by Nalini Singh

/ beckireads / 2 Comments

Archangel’s Storm by Nalini Singh (UK cover)

Title: Archangel’s Storm (A Guild Hunter Novel, 5)
Author: Nalini Singh
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Gollancz Fiction (13th September 2012)
Source: Local Library
Blurb:

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price – Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmate . . . and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion tht threatens to drench them both in blood.

Rating: *** (3 stars)
Review:

Archangel’s Storm is the fifth book in Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series. The story focuses on Jason, one of the Archangel Raphael’s Seven. Singh introduces us to Princess Mahiya, who has ties to the Archangel Neha and who lives at her court. Singh also continues Dmitri and Honor’s story from Archangel’s Blade through occasional chapters.

Continue reading →

Review: Lord’s Fall by Thea Harrison

/ beckireads / 3 Comments

Lord’s Fall by Thea Harrison

Title: Lord’s Fall (A Novel of the Elder Races, 5)
Author: Thea Harrison
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Piatkus (6th November 2012)
Blurb:

In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, two mates find themselves on different paths, torn between their duty to the Wyr and the passion that binds them . . .

Before she met Dragos, half-human/half-wyr Pia Giovanni was alone and on the run. Now she’s mated, pregnant and heading south to repair the Wyr’s frayed relationship with the Elves. Being separated from Dragos is painful, but for the good of the Wyr demesne they need to figure out how to be partners – in more places than just the bedroom.

In New York to preside over the Sentinel Games, Dragos is worried about his mate, but knows that finding two replacement sentinels is essential to show the rest of the Elder Races just how strong and brutal the Wyr demesne can be. But as the games heat up, Pia’s negotiations with the Elves take a turn for the dangerous, straining her bond with Dragos and threatening everything they hold dear . . .

Rating: *** (3 stars)
Review:

Lord’s Fall is the fifth book in the Novel of the Elder Races series and it takes place six months after the events in the preceding four novels, and features many of the characters that appear in them. Having lost two of his seven sentinels Dragos is forced to replace them not only to keep the Wyr demesne functioning but also to prove to those watching that he is still a force to be reckoned with. Pia takes the opportunity of the Sentinel Games to try to fix the trouble she and Dragos caused with the Elves in Dragon Bound. Like Dragon Bound, Storm’s Heart, Serpent’s Kiss, and Oracle’s Moon, Lord’s Fall is very definitely a book – and a series – which is aimed at an adult audience.

Continue reading →

Review: Oracle’s Moon by Thea Harrison

/ beckireads / 4 Comments

Oracle’s Moon by Thea Harrison

Title: Oracle’s Moon (A Novel of the Elder Races, 4)
Author: Thea Harrison
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Piatkus (2nd August 2012)
Blurb:

In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, an untested young woman must claim her place as the Oracle – and contend with a powerful Djinn who has decided to become part of her life . . .

As a second daughter, Grace Andreas never had to worry about the intrigues of the Elder Races. But when her sister, Petra, and her husband are both killed, Grace inherits the Power and responsibilities of the Oracle of Louisville, as well as he sister’s two young children – neither of which she’s prepared for.

Yet, she’s not alone. Khalil, Demonkind and Djinn Prince of House Marid – driven by his genuine caring for the children – has decided to make himself a part of the household, both as their guardian and as an exasperating counterpoint to Grace’s impudence towards the Elder Races. But when an attempt is made on Grace’s life, she realises that Khalil is the only one who can protect her – and offer her more than any mortal man . . .

Rating: *** (3 star)
Review:

Oracle’s Moon is the fourth book in the Novel of the Elder Race series, although it is not a direct sequel of Dragon Bound, Storm’s Heart or Serpent’s Kiss. Instead Oracle’s Moon takes characters from Storm’s Heart and Serpent’s Kiss and places them on centre stage. Khalil makes an appearance in both Storm’s Heart and Serpent’s Kiss, whilst Grace appears for the first time in Serpent’s Kiss. I think both Khalil and Grace are an interesting choice on Harrison’s part as neither is really fleshed out until their appearance in this book. Like Dragon Bound, Storm’s Heart, and Serpent’s Kiss, Oracle’s Moon is very definitely a book – and a series – which is aimed at an adult audience.

Continue reading →

Review: Serpent’s Kiss by Thea Harrison

/ beckireads / 2 Comments

Serpent’s Kiss by Thea Harrison

Title: Serpent’s Kiss (A Novel of the Elder Races, 3)
Author: Thea Harrison
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Piatkus (5th July 2012)
Blurb:

In the lastest Novel of the Elder Races, a queen on the brink of sanity has no one to rely on except the Wyr warrior whose conviction is every bit as strong as his passion . . .

In order to save his friend’s life, Wyr sentinel Rune Ainissesthai made a bargain with vampire Queen Carling – without knowing what she would ask from him in return. But when Rune attempts to make good on his debt, he finds a woman on the edge.

Recently, Carling’s power has become erratic, forcing her followers to flee in fear. Despite the danger, Rune is drawn to the ailing queen and decides to help her find the cure for the serpent’s kiss – the vampyric disease that’s killing her. With their desire for each other escalating just as quickly as Carling’s instability spirals out of control, the sentinel and the queen will have to rely on each other if they have any hope of surviving the serpent’s kiss . . .

Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review:

Serpent’s Kiss is the third book in the Novel of The Elder Races series, although it is not a direct sequel to either Dragon Bound or Storm’s Heart. Instead Serpent’s Kiss takes characters from both books and draws them on to the centre stage. We see Rune in both Dragon Bound and Storm’s Heart, though Carling doesn’t appear until Storm’s Heart. It is interesting to see both Rune and Carling step forward and become the protagonists in Serpent’s Kiss, and to read Harrison fleshing the characters out. Like Dragon Bound and Storm’s Heart, Serpent’s Kiss is very definitely a book – and a series – which is aimed at an adult audience.

Continue reading →

Review: Storm’s Heart by Thea Harrison

/ beckireads / 2 Comments

Storm’s Heart by Thea Harrison

Title: Storm’s Heart (A Novel of The Elder Races, 2)
Author: Thea Harrison
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Piatkus (7th June 2012)
Blurb:

He’s a Wyr warrior, a god of storms. She’s the heir to the Dark Fae throne. But desire will bring both to their knees in this all-new novel of the Elder Races.

During the rule of her murderous Dark Fae uncle, Thistle ‘Tricks’ Periwinkle found sanctuary among the Wyr in New York. Her ethereal beauty and sparkling personality won the hearts of the public, but after her uncle’s death, there are those who don’t want to see her ascend to the throne.

Able to wield the thunder and lightning, Wyr sentinel Tiago Black Eagle has rule the skies for centuries. His massive build and thunderous power make him one of the Wyr’s nest weapons. He’s the one sent to protect Tricks when she’s almost assassinated in Chicago. And before long, both Tiago and Tricks fall prey to the stormy hunger than engulfs them – a passion that will shake the very foundation of all the worlds . . .

Rating: *** (3 stars)
Review:

Storm’s Heart is the second book in the Novel of the Elder Races series, although it is not a direct sequel to Dragon Bound. Both Tricks and Tiago appear in Dragon Bound but only as secondary characters who both work for Dragos. Storm’s Heart sees them both stepping into the role of major characters, though in many ways Tricks is the protagonist of the novel. Like Dragon Bound, Storm’s Heart is very definitely a book – and a series – which is aimed at an adult audience.

Continue reading →

Review: Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

/ beckireads / 7 Comments

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE STUDY SERIES AS FIRE STUDY IS THE THIRD BOOK IN THE SERIES.

Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder (UK cover)

Title: Fire Study (Study #3)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Young Adult
Publisher: Mira (29th February 2012)
Blurb:

THE APPRENTICESHIP IS OVER
NOW THE REAL TEST HAS BEGUN

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder – able to capture and release souls – spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena’s unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena’s fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before.

Honour sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies and enemies. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself – and save the land she holds dear.

Rating: ****  (4 stars)
Review:

Fire Study is the third book in the Study Series, and in it we see Yelena finally come to terms with what she is and what that means for her. Like the previous two books in the series, Fire Study is packed with intrigue and adventure. Once started I found it hard to put the book down.

Continue reading →

Review: Eona by Alison Goodman

/ beckireads / 4 Comments

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE EON SERIES AS EONA IS THE FINAL BOOK IN THE DUOLOGY.

Eona by Alison Goodman

Title: Eona (Eon #2)
Author: Alison Goodman
Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Young Adult
Publisher: FIREBIRD (29th March 2012)
Blurb:

Once she was Eon, a girl disguised as a boy, risking her life for the chance to become a Dragoneye apprentice . .  .

Now she is Eona, the Mirror Dragoneye, her country’s savior – but she has an even more dangerous secret. She cannot control her power. Each time she tries, she opens herself to the ten spirit dragons whose Dragoneyes were murdered, and her ability twists into a killing force. Worse, more destruction is on her tail, for she and her friends are on the rune from High Lord Sethon’s army. They must find Kygo, the young Pearl Emperor, who needs Eona’s power if he is to wrest back his throne. But to help, she must drive a bargain with an old enemy, which could obliterate them all. Eona, with its pulse-pounding drama, unforgettable fight scenes – and many surprises – brings to a close an epic story.

Rating: *** (3 stars)
Review:

Eona brings to a conclusion the story started in Eon, where a girl disguises herself as a boy for the chance to become a Dragoneye. Eon had everything I love in a good sword and sorcery fantasy, so I was really looking forward to reading Eona. However, Eona didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

Continue reading →

Review: Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

/ beckireads / 3 Comments

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE MERCY THOMPSON SERIES AS FROST BURNED IS THE SEVENTH BOOK IN THAT SERIES.

Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs (UK edition)

Title: Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson novel, 7)
Author: Patricia Briggs
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Orbit (5th March 2013)
Blurb:

MECHANIC. SHAPESHIFTER. FIGHTER.

Now that she’s the mate of Alpha werewolf Adam, Mercy Thompson’s life finally seems to be calming down – but not for long. After a traffic accident, Mercy suddenly can’t reach Adam or the rest of the pack. All she knows is that Adam is angry and in pain.

If Adam’s disappearance has anything to do with the werewolves’ fight for public acceptance, it means the entire pack is in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy will have to seek help from an unlikely ally – no matter how grave the consequences.

Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review:

Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson Novels is one of my favourite urban fantasy series, so when the seventh book was published I snapped it up. One of the things I most enjoy about the Mercy Thompson Novels is the way Briggs uses humour: Mercy (or, to use her full name, Mercedes) is a Volkswagen mechanic. That just makes me smile.

Continue reading →

Review: Amarok by Angela J. Townsend

/ beckireads / 2 Comments

Amarok by Angela J. Townsend

Title: Amarok
Author: Angela J. Townsend
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (20th November 2012)
Blurb:

Emma’s life has been hell since she moved from sunny California to a remote Alaskan town. Abandoned by her father and living with the guilt caused by her mother’s death, she makes a desperate dash for freedom from her abusive stepfather. But when her car skids off the icy road, her planned escape leads to further captivity in a world beyond her imagining.

Dragged across the tundra by an evil mountain man and his enormous black wolf, she learns that love can be found in the most unexpected places. Amarok, as she’s nicknamed the wolf, is a young man from the gold-rush era enslaved by an ancient shaman. Emma’s gentle touch and kind heart win his love and devotion.

When a vicious madman – trapped in bear form by the same Shaman – attacks the travelers and injures Amarok, Emma must find the strength to face her fears and free the wolf she’s come to love. But that means she must face down the evil shaman, a Siberian mammoth hunter from the ice age, and he has no intention of giving up his power to her.

Rating: ** (2 stars)
Review:

I first heard of Amarok through the Waiting on Wednesday meme, and I thought that the cover looked amazing and the blurb sounded interesting and like there was a lot of potential for the story. It’s a pity that the book didn’t live up to my expectations.

Continue reading →