Review: Dangerous Depths

Dangerous Depths by Karen Amanda Hooper

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Book Info: Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reading Level: Older YA, younger NA
Recommended for: fans of YA/NA Paranormal romance, mermaid stories
Trigger Warnings: violence, mutilation

My Thoughts: Karen Amanda Hooper does something amazing. She writes romance stories that I actually enjoy. This particular book is less about the romance and more about the action, about going to Harte (pronounced “Har-tay”) to try to save Vienna, Rownan's wife, who—in desperation—traveled there 16 years ago trying to return to the Earth realm to be reunited with Rownan. A good part of the book is also about Yara learning about her new abilities and how to use them, as well as deepening the ties between her and Treygan.

At any rate, this is a highly enjoyable story. While the first one was definitely YA, this one is starting to move a bit more toward younger NA readers, but I think readers of all ages will enjoy this story. If you enjoy magical, romantic stories, definitely check this one out.

Series Information: The Sea Monster Memoirs
Book 1: Tangled Tides, review linked here
Book 2: Dangerous Depths
Book 3: Sacred Seas, available in 2014

Disclosure: I received an e-Galley from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: Hell hath no fury like a selkie separated from his true love.

The gate to the sea creature realm is finally open. Yara wants to bask in the glow of her budding relationship with Treygan and explore Medusa’s world, but as the new leader of Rathe her powers are needed to save a sea creature she’s never met. 

Rownan assumes the worst is behind him when he returns home to be reunited with his wife, Vienna, only to discover she’s gone. She traveled to the evil realm of Harte to find another gateway to Earth and was never heard from again. Rownan claimed he would go through hell to be with her, and now he must prove it. 

Rownan, Yara, and Treygan will put their lives and souls at risk by traveling to the most dangerous realm of all. Love is supposed to conquer all, but no one has ever conquered Harte.



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@JennCodyEpstein #Giveaway "Gods of Heavenly Punishment" (US/Canada)

Thanks to TLC Book Tours (full schedule here) for letting me give away one copy of this book. Here is some information about it:

Triumphant…Big, visceral, achingly humane." —Jennifer Egan

In this evocative and thrilling epic novel, fifteen-year-old Yoshi Kobayashi, child of Japan's New Empire, daughter of an ardent expansionist and a mother with a haunting past, is on her way home on a March night when American bombers shower her city with napalm--an attack that leaves one hundred thousand dead within hours and half the city in ashen ruins. In the days that follow, Yoshi's old life will blur beyond recognition, leading her to a new world marked by destruction and shaped by those considered the enemy: Cam, a downed bomber pilot taken prisoner by the Imperial Japanese Army; Anton, a gifted architect who helped modernize Tokyo's prewar skyline but is now charged with destroying it; and Billy, an Occupation soldier who arrives in the blackened city with a dark secret of his own. Directly or indirectly, each will shape Yoshi's journey as she seeks safety, love, and redemption.

You can learn more about the author at her blog or on Facebook. Please note this giveaway is only for people in the US or Canada. My apologies to my international followers; hopefully I'll feel ambitious enough to start up international giveaways soon! Please note: the Rafflecopter form is not working currently. If you cannot enter via the Rafflecopter, please leave your e-mail address in the comments and I'll pick a winner that way. My apologies.

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Review: Ready Player One

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



My review can also be seen here.

Disclosure: Read in Dec. 2011 from a copy received from Amazon Vine.

My Synopsis: Wade - known in the OASIS as Parzival - like many of the people in his future society, spends most of his time immersed in the virtual-reality, on-line world known as the OASIS. Created by a brilliant but eccentric man, who was obsessed with the culture of the 1980s (as well as the 1970s and 1990s) named James Halliday, OASIS helps modern people forget the misery of their poverty-stricken lives in a world where energy sources are so rare and expensive that many people can't even afford to go to a job if they are lucky enough to have one. When Halliday dies and wills his entire fortune, and the control of the OASIS, to whomever manages to find a hidden Easter Egg inside OASIS, a fierce competition arises, leading to dangers that Wade couldn't possibly have imagined. Will he be able to solve the puzzles to find the clues to reach the end? Will he even manage to survive that long?

My Thoughts: I was about half afraid that this book would be so full of obscure, 1980s pop culture references that the average person wouldn't have a clue - being a child of the 80s myself, I wasn't too worried about it, personally, but I could see where it could be a problem. While it is true that there are some rather obscure references, for the most part they are explained enough so that pretty much anyone can enjoy and understand them. The evolution of Wade and his budding friendships with Art3mis and Aech made for fascinating reading, as did the intricate puzzles that were created to stump the players. I can definitely recommend this book for almost anyone.



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@ValerieDouglasA @TheFinishingFae #Excerpt "The Coming Storm" by Valerie Douglas

Welcome to Valerie Douglas' The Coming Storm Blog tour.  Check back to The Finishing Fairies daily to find out where she'll appear next.

Excerpt from The Coming Storm

The orcs, those monstrous, bear-like things with their oddly hinged jaws were more than his small party could face, particularly Iric and Mortan. Despite their protest, he and the two other elves had taken their watch this night. In the end, both men had to admit they were too weary to be useful. What tricks men used to stay alert had long since worn off. They were completely exhausted, and both now slept deeply.

Alic gestured a warning and Colath tensed.

They’d had many nights like these, startled into alertness by some sign or strange noise. Once they’d had to kill a basilisk looking for a temporary den. Alic had been caught and frozen, to his shame, before the glare in those eyes.

That was the basilisk’s magic, their method for capturing their prey.

No shame to him, though, as basilisks here were as common as salamanders – that is, not common at all. They were southeastern creatures.

Then Colath caught the scent of what alarmed Alic, a faint stinging in his nostrils. A boggart or boggarts, and near. He nudged Jalila gently. She rolled over, instantly aware and awake.

The two men were so deeply asleep they dared not nudge them to consciousness for fear they would cry out. As cruel as it was, it was still much better to press a hand over their mouths and frighten them awake than it was to risk an outcry. He nodded to Jalila to wake Iric, while he went to Mortan.

Mortan bucked beneath his hand, but then his eyes opened enough to see Colath’s face in the dim glow cast by elf-light. Abruptly, he subsided, but he looked more alert than he had in several days, the little bit of sleep and fright charging him with energy. It wouldn’t last, Colath knew, beyond a few hours. He hoped it would be enough.

Tapping his sword, he drew it, so the two men could see it. Nodding, they drew their own.

Elon of Aerilann, Elven advisor to the High King of Men, helped negotiate the treaty between Elves, Dwarves and men. He suddenly finds that fragile truce threatened from without by an unknown enemy and from within by old hatreds and prejudice. With the aid of his true-friend Colath, the wizard Jareth and the Elven archer Jalila, he goes in search of the source of the threat.

Ailith, the Heir to Riverford, fights her own silent battle. Her father has changed, but her quest to discover what changed him puts her life and very soul in danger and leaves her only one direction in which to turn. Elon.

To preserve the alliance, though, Elon will have to choose between his honor, his duty and everything for which he fought.

Amazon | Goodreads

A Convocation of Kings (The Coming Storm, #2)

Not Magic Enough (The Coming Storm, #3 (Novella))

Setting Boundaries (The Coming Storm, #4(Novella))

Valerie Douglas is a prolific writer and a genre-crosser, much to the delight of her fans. A fan of authors of almost every genre from Isaac Asimov to Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, she writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and as V.J. Devereaux, erotic romance. Who knows what will pop up down the road!

Happily married, she’s companion to two dogs, four cats and an African clawed frog named Hopper who delights in tormenting the cats from his tank.

You can find more information at Valerie Douglas Books, or at Alexandria Publishing Group.

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@matthews_mark #Review "On the Lips of Children" by Mark Matthews

On the Lips of Children review
Author: Mark Matthews
4 out of 5 stars

Book Info: Genre: Literary Dark Fiction
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of dark fiction
Trigger Warnings: murder, mutilation, cannibalization, cutting (self-injury), reported death of a child, danger to babies, kidnapping

My Thoughts: This is a very twisted book. Dante's behavior due to the excessive drug use and his constant talk about needing to take people's faces off to see who they really are made me think of that movie Face-Off. I also have to wonder why, after seeing what meth and salts do to other people, anyone would even want to try the stuff.

There are some typos. Most consistently, “feint” is used instead of “faint”, and “taught” instead of “taut”, but I noticed others as well. The copy I had was an ARC; the typos were corrected in the final copy.

This is not quite horror, although the ending is left vague enough that you could imagine it so if you wished. The main characters, Macon and Erin, are both adrenaline junkies, into tattooing and running. I know this author is a runner, so it's obvious he writes what he knows. Fans of dark fiction should find this an interesting read, but keep in mind there is a lot of rather nasty gore, so more sensitive readers should beware.

Disclosure: I received an e-book copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: Meet Macon. Tattoo artist. Athlete. Family man.

He's planning to run a marathon, but the event becomes something terrible.

During a warm-up run, Macon falls prey to a bizarre man and his wife who dwell in an underground drug-smuggling tunnel. They raise their twin children in a way Macon couldn't imagine: skinning unsuspecting victims for food and money.

And Macon, and his family, are next.

Review: Epic Fails

Epic Fails by Scott Rhine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



It's so secret that I think Scott Rhine is brilliant, and this anthology of fantasy shorts would be a great way for you to find out just how talented he is. My favorite was "The Loneliness Drug," a stream-of-consciousness treat for the mind. Ranging from serious to silly, there is something here for everyone.

I edited the stories in this anthology a few at a time over the past year or so, and they were awesome. I do not receive remuneration based on sales, and all opinions are my own.



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Review: Carnival of Cryptids: An Anthology of Strange and Mysterious Creatures

Carnival of Cryptids: An Anthology of Strange and Mysterious Creatures by Matt Posner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Book Info: Genre: Cryptid short stories/horror
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of cryptid stories, short suspenseful pieces, any of the authors involved
Trigger Warnings: murder, killing

My Thoughts: This is a really fun book of short stories, all tied together with prologue, epilogue, and segments between the chapters. The first couple stories felt Lovecraftian to me; there was a steampunk story set in an alternate dimension, and even a parody of a cooking show (my favorite of the bunch). Not much I can tell you without spoiling things. The only problem is there were some nitpicky editing errors, such as “canon” being used instead of “cannon” and a man being consistently described as “blonde”. Still, not something the layperson would necessarily pick up on. Great bunch of stories for fans of cryptids, or just people who enjoy a well-told, short, suspenseful story, and all proceeds go to charity! Can't beat that!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in e-book format from one of the authors who has a story in this anthology in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: The Creatures of Myth and Legend

Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, Chupacabra. These are the names whispered by villagers and sailors and adventurers around the world. They fill the imagination with wonder and drive ordinary men mad in their quest to tame them. 

Join the Kindle All-Stars as they set off in search of the unseen. Journey with them into the heart of imagination itself, where the jungle grows dark and when something moves against you beneath the surface of the water, you dare not look. 

All Profits Donated to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Featuring: 
"Carnival of Cryptids Pts. 1-9" by Bernard Schaffer
"ABC" by Tony Healey
"Six-Gun Diplomacy" by William Vitka
"Where is Captain Rook?" by Jeff Provine
"The Cage" by Simon John Cox
"The Ogopogo Club" by Susan Smith-Josephy
"Oh, My Darling of the Deep Blue Sea" by Doug Glassford
"The Paring Knife" by Matt Posner

For lovers of cryptozoology, bigfoot, loch ness monster, sea monsters, cryptids, cryptid hunters, and more!



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Review: Finding Family: A Mystery Novella

Finding Family: A Mystery Novella by Giacomo Giammatteo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Book Info: Genre: Suspense
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of the author's stories, those looking for more info on Dominic Mangini from A Bullet for Carlos
Trigger Warnings: domestic violence, alcoholism,

My Thoughts: This is a prequel novella in the Blood Flows South series, taking place before the events of A Bullet for Carlos (review linked here). It provides background for Dominic. A Bullet from Dominic should be released soon.

One thing that Giacomo Giammatteo does very well is to show how a basically decent man slowly goes bad out of need and desperation and desire to care for his family. I love the fact that his characters are so layered and multidimensional. If you have read and enjoyed A Bullet for Carlos, do not miss this one.

Disclosure: I picked this book up for free on Amazon during a promotion. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: Dominic Mangini wanted what all 8-year-old boys want—time to laugh and play, loving parents, and enough food on the table. But in war-ravaged Sicily, food was scarce, and his parents were as scarred as the land. 

His father said they must move to America so they could start over and be a family once again. Dominic got a new start, and he got a new family—but not the kind of family he expected.



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Review: Necessary Decisions, A Gino Cataldi Mystery

Necessary Decisions, A Gino Cataldi Mystery by Giacomo Giammatteo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Book Info: Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of suspense/thriller/mysteries with a noir feel
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, sexual assault, threat of rape, violence, drug use, mention of girl being raped in the past, murder

My Thoughts: This is actually the second book in a new series, but due to some issues that needed to be ironed out, the first book, Old Wounds, will not be released until next year. The books do not need to be read in order, so it all works out.

This is another excellent book by Giacomo Giammatteo. Gino is a great character, multifaceted. In fact, I was incredibly impressed by how everyone had shades of gray. Even many of the villains were highly relatable. Mostly this is a fairly sober book, as it's about serious things, but Gino has a dark sense of humor that comes out in unexpected ways, such as when he is watching the airport and thinks, “No one was coming out holding signs that read, 'we're the kidnappers.' I felt pretty confident of that.” Or when he was on hold: “I was deeply involved with trying to decipher the hidden meaning of it [Mr. Tambourine Man]—all songs from that era [60s] had hidden meanings...” Tip Denton was a real hoot, very much a Texan at heart and always first to make a comment about anything. Julie is never seen, but described as having purple hair, multicolored nails, and always listening to music from the 60s. Just a great group of characters.

One thing did bother me, though. Having faith is all well and good, but I found Lucia's constant comments that, “The Lord won't let anything bad happen to such a good person,” to be naïve and unrealistic. Bad things happen to good people all the time, and telling yourself that sort of thing will just bring heartache when those bad things happen.

But that is such a small thing, and really didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book. If you like mystery/suspense/thrillers with a noirish feel, then you really can't go wrong with this one. Check it out!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: Gino Cataldi is a man hanging on by a thread. Cancer took his wife, and drugs put his son in rehab. All he has left is his badge. 

When a teenage girl is kidnapped it brings back nightmares from the worst case he ever worked—the one that tore his life to shreds and forced him out of Philadelphia. 

Gino doesn't want this case but he knows he has to take it. Not just to save the girl, but to earn redemption for what went wrong in Philly.



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@MajraBook @LadyReaderStuff #Giveaway Book Blast MAJRA by J. Simon (GC)

“In distant Sa'bahr, divinely inspired lunatics spend their lives inscribing every story ever told upon the backs of giant tortoises. The tortoises spend their lives weeping, for they cannot read the wondrous tales written upon their own backs...”

Aris has managed to live a quiet life, even in a stark desert land of glorious tales and beautiful lies, crazed artists and mad hermits. So what if he has a knack for tales? A mere messenger can't change the world. Mighty great works he'll leave to mighty great men.

Now the soldiers of Majra have come to pacify his “savage” people.

Few dare stand against them. Certainly Aris never meant to. Taking work with the invaders was a way to help his family, not gain insights into the alien ways of their singular truth.

Beset by beguiling widows and vengeful plutocrats, firebrand Sheyks and sword-tongued maidens, the choices Aris faces could save his land—or break it.

Smashwords

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J Simon is a small blue bird who has been published in magazines and anthologies ranging from Baen's Universe to Writers of the Future. 

This surely indicates a lapse by the Guardians of Taste, and inquiries are being made.  

There is also a very small chance that nuclear test fallout has transformed J Simon into a gigantic nuclear starfish poised to attack Tokyo, but these reports have yet to be confirmed.

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