Nancy's Book Nook - Back Shelf Category





Title: All Together Dead Author: Charlaine Harris Publisher: Penguin Group Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The seventh installment in the Sookie Stackhouse series takes psychic waitress Sookie Stackhouse out of town to a vampire summit. Although she is working for the Queen, she finds comfort and friendship with another vampire hired psychic. This book is more of a mystery than the others, and focuses on Sookie and her skills rather than the crazy conflicts she has had with her neighbor Bill, the vampire. Can’t wait for the next installment and to see what HBO will do with the T.V. series based on these amazing books due out sometime this fall! Title: The Becoming ____ Author: Jeanne C. Stein Publisher: ACE/Penguin Books Copyright: 2004 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: A new addition to the growing urban vampire genre that tend to have a romantic writer at the helm. Meet Anna Strong, bounty hunter attacked by a rogue vampire and thrown into an ancient vampire power struggle she hardly understands. The mystery was relatively easy to figure out although the characters left standing at the end of the book indicates there may be further adventures in the making. This book is a quick read to fill in the void while waiting for more “meaty” vampire novels from the authors who keep us wishing they would write a book a week instead of a book a year. Title: The Blackstone Chronicles Author: John Saul Publisher: Random House Copyright: 1997 Reviewer: Patty Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This book is a collection of six separate novels centered around the abandoned Asylum in Blackstone, a quaint New England village. Some of the residents awaken to find very old objects on their doorsteps. After a period of time, each object brings an awesome power that causes havoc to whomever is in possession of the object. The village searches to find who left these objects and why. Title: Blood Bound ____ Author: Patricia Briggs Publisher: ACE Fantasy Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The second book featuring Mercy Thompson (Moon Called first introduced Mercy in 2006). Mercy finds herself again caught between fae, werewolf, vampire, and police politics as the Tri-Cities area finds itself swimming in a senseless bloodbath created by a rogue vampire sorcerer. Mercy is at her best and is just as engaging as she was in the first book of this remarkable dark urban fantasy mystery series. For those that have lost hope in Anita Blake, Mercy’s tales will surely restore faith that there are interesting heroines still around in this genre. Title: Blood Drive Author: Jeanne C. Stein Publisher: ACE Fantasy Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Wow! Just the right blend of action, adventure, and mystery to make this second book in the Anna Strong series move up on the book shelf next to the Rachel Morgan (series) and early Anita Blake (series) adventures. Anna Strong is a savvy, tenacious bounty-hunter who finds adapting to her new nature as vampire while maintaining her human relationships isn't as easy as she would like. The story reads quickly but never lets up with plot twists that keep you turning the page. This dark urban fantasy tale could stand alone, but best to read in series order. Title: Bloodsucking Fiends Author: Christopher Moore Publisher: Spike/Avon Copyright: 1995 Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: I don't know why this was published. The way the vampires played games made no sense to the story. The characters were weak and flat. I've got nothing good to say about this book. Title: California Demon Author: Julie Kenner Publisher: Penguin Group Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Kate Conner is back on the Vatican payroll as a demon-hunter in the second book of the Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series. Her family is clueless and the list of quirky characters who know her secret is growing. The story and writing style are much more consistent and believable in this book. The story ends setting up the next installment and I can’t wait to read more Kate Conner adventures. Title: Carpe Demon Author: Julie Kenner Publisher: Penguin Group Copyright: 2005 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The first book in the Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series. Picture Buffy the Vampire Slayer, all grown up, retired and living in the suburbs and you have a general idea of the life of Kate Conner, mother of two, retired demon-hunter living in San Diablo, California. Raised and trained as a demon-hunter in Vatican City, Kate has retired and settled into “normal” life as a mother and as a wife of an aspiring politician. Things change when a demon crashes through her kitchen window and she finds herself trying to balance demon-hunting and mall shopping. The story and characters have lots of promise but the writing is sophomoric at best. There are certain events that occur in the story that make the protagonist seem somewhat naïve for someone who, since the age of 4, has dealt with the evil in the world. Hopefully, the writing will improve because the story is the closest thing to revisiting “Sunnydale” as you can get. Title:Come Closer Author: Sara Gran Publisher: Berkley Copyright: 2003 Reviewer: Nancy Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Okay, so Amanda is slowly and insidiously being possessed by a demonic thing. She's acting really weird, but no one seems to notice...even her adoring husband. He even overlooks it when she takes up smoking and jams a cigarette into his hand. Too bad for him, because we know he's gonna be dead (and he is). But the worst, the absolute worst, is that even when Amanda gives herself over to the demon completely and is totally no longer a person, she continues to write in a sane and reasoned voice. This, quite possibly, is the weakest horror book ever written. Blech. Title: Dance Macabre ____ Author: Laurel K. Hamilton Publisher: Berkley Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Anita Blake, necromancer, animator-for-hire and merciless vampire hunter is back in this 14th installment of the series. Unfortunately, the savvy, talented Anita found in the early mystery-thriller novels is long gone. Instead, the new Anita is a prisoner to preternatural porn. The story in this latest installment takes place over a forty-eight hour period with Anita test driving a handful of potential lovers to add to her happy household of seven paramours. With the exception of the first scene (where Anita and friend, Ronny are discussing Anita’s fears of being pregnant) and one of the last scenes (where Anita, bodyguards, and a hand full of her lovers are at the hospital waiting the verdict regarding her pregnancy), this book reads like a modern day Anis Nin dollar-a-page porn exposé. Hamilton can write and now we know Hamilton can write porn. It is a shame she had to destroy one of the most exciting characters in this genre to prove she can write smut. Title: Dates From Hell ____ Author: Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong, & Lori Handeland Publisher: Harper-Collins Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: A supernatural anthology introducing various characters from different series written by four different authors. “Undead in the Garden of Good and Evil,” by Kim Harrison is the reason I read this book. Ivy and Kisten (the living vampires from the Rachel Morgan series) are having one rough night. This short story takes place shortly after Ivy begins working for the I.S., and ends with Ivy finding out her new partner is the loose-cannon I.S. witch, Rachel Morgan. Title: Dead and Dateless Author: Kimberly Raye Publisher: Ballantine Books Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Second book in the Novels of Vampire Love series. Lil Marchette, born vampire and owner of Dead End Dating is a stupidly ridiculous version of Betsy the Vampire Queen (Undead and…series) and Rebecca Bloomwood (Shopaholic series). Did I say “born” vampire? Yes, she reminds us of that fact ad nausea throughout the book as if it’s a badge of honor, placing her in the pecking order above any other supernatural creatures that exist. If she were human, she would be just as unbelievable as a shopaholic, entitled snob who cares little for anyone and is unable to make intelligent decisions regarding her own health and safety. The quality of writing coming from romance writers dipping into the supernatural genre is atrocious and the fact that this book is part of a series is down right baffling. Title: Dead and Loving It (Review #1) Author: MaryJanice Davidson Publisher: Berkley Sensation Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: O.K., so she is a romance writer and writes like one! This collection of four novellas about the Wyndham werewolves and Queen Betsy Taylor’s Undead series vampires are funny, engaging and way too brief. They need to be longer or Davidson needs to write faster. Title: Dead and Loving It (Review #2) Author: MaryJanice Davidson Publisher: Berkley Sensation Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Venus Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: MaryJanice Davidson writes just about the best humorous paranormal romance...and this book is no exception. A word of warning, if you are a devoted fan - the first three stories were originally published in e-book format. The fourth in this series and final tale is new and features George the Fiend, so Betsy and gang are all included! (Watch for another "Gorgeous" book in May and "Undead"). Title: Dead and Loving It (Review #3) Author: MaryJanice Davidson Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Copyright: April 2006 Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Romantic fantasy by the author of the Undead series. This is a collection of 4 short stories with characters from her other novels. You can enjoy these without having read her other books. Each one is a different way for the characters to fall in love. 3 1/2. Title: Dead Sexy Author: Tate Hallaway Publisher: Penguin Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This second book in the Garnet Lacey series lacks the charm and wit found in the first book, although the same endearing characters are back, along with a persistent FBI agent looking into the coven/Vatican hunter killings. Garnet is still trying to keep control over the goddess Lilith who possesses her, as well as trying to figure out who is populating the town with zombies, in addition to fulfilling her responsibilities as the book store manager. But, Garnet seems so easily distracted by the three men in her life in this book and the result makes this story choppy, somewhat silly, and generally lacking direction. Title: Definitely Dead Author: Charlaine Harris Publisher: Ace Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Sookie Stockhouse is stuck again between the vamp wars in New Orleans and shape-shifter business. This new addition to the series is a superb supernatural murder mystery with startling personal discoveries for the Bon Temps, Louisiana telepathic waitress. Could be read alone but best to read the series in order to truly understand the dynamics between all the characters. Title: Demons Are Forever Author: Julie Kenner Publisher: Berkley Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Kate Conner is now back demon hunting; a profession she conveniently retired from to start a family, in this third installment of the Confessions of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series. Her teenaged daughter knows what she does when she isn’t carpooling and wants to grow up to be just like her. Kate’s dual identities as a demon hunter and suburban wife have gotten more complicated when she finds herself in possession of an antique item every demon around is trying to get their hands on. As the series progresses, these fast-paced and witty adventures of this demon hunter remain engaging, yet seem to be developing a sophisticated story arc that keeps the potential fluff from invading a series with such a light-hearted title. Title: Doppelganger Author: Marie Brennen Publisher: Warner Fantasy Copyright: April 2006 Reviewer: Venus Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This story revolves around a unique concept - anytime a witch is born a doppelganger is created. Normally, this twin is killed before the body is filled with a soul. However, Miryo discovers that her doppelganger is still alive when her testing ceremony does not complete as expected. She must find and kill her twin in order to "master" and use her skills safely. This is easier said than done - her twin is Mirage, a trained warrior. The book spends equal time between each of their stories. It is easy to become attached to both characters (each is given their own rich, unique personality) ...but don't worry, the author finds a way to resolve the issue and end the book without disappointing the reader. Title: Duma Key Author: Stephen King Publisher: Scribner Copyright: 2008 Reviewer: Patty Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Edgar Freemantle beat the odds and survived a crane accident at his company's job site. He lost his right arm in the accident and lost a lot more during the recovery. His behavior caused his wife to leave him and alienate one of his two daughters. Feeling suicidal, Edgar takes his shrink's advice and moves to Duma Key, Florida. There he discovers a talent for painting that he never knew he had. He becomes friends with his landlord and her care giver and not long after, happenings related to his landlord's childhood starts to emerge. Another long novel by Stephen King but pretty decent compared to Lisey's Story. For the Stephen King fans who don't mind the less horror direction he is going towards these days, they will like this one. Title: Even Vampires Get the Blues Author: Katie MacAlister Publisher: Signet Eclipse Copyright: May 2006 Reviewer: Venus Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Another story about a Dark One (vampire without a soul) and his Beloved (the only woman who can redeem his soul). Paen Scott doesn't believe in the "Beloved" concept so he rejects the fact that half-elf Samantha Cosse is his when he hires her to help find the Jilin God relic to repay a family debt. Sam has troubles keeping their relationship on a professional level - she's convinced she is Paen's "Beloved". She works to find the statue and give him back his soul. This romantic tale has amusing characters and lighter moments to go along with the sensual relationship between Sam and Paen. Title: Faces of Fear Author: John Saul Publisher: Ballantine Books Copyright: 2008 Reviewer: Patty Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Alison Shaw's world turns upside down when her divorced mother marries a widowed plastic surgeon. While Alison is satisfied with how she looks, her new world of high society thinks she can use some improvement. Little by little, Alison begins to realize that in order to fit in she must conform. Unbeknownst to her though, her new stepfather has 'other' plans for her transformation. The story idea is pretty good...but this time, Saul is not able to keep the reader guessing like he does in his better works. I was able to guess how the story goes by the time I reached the middle. Nonetheless, it is still a good book with some suspense sprinkled throughout. Title: A Fist Full of Charms Author: Kim Harrison Publisher: Harper-Collins Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Move over Anita; Rachel Morgan from the Hallows in Cincinnati is evolving into one mighty powerful witch! This book is the fourth in the Rachel Morgan series and each book keeps getting better and better. This time, Jenks, Rachel and Ivy are off to Michigan to find Jenks’ wayward son. Rachel finds herself juggling her feelings for Ivy, her vampire roommate; Kisten, her vampire lover; and Nick, her ex-boyfriend who sold her out to a demon. With help from Ceri, an elf demon familiar, Rachel charms into a were and morphs Jenks from pixy to human size. The story moves at a rapid pace, making it hard to put this book down. Best to read the series in order to see the character evolution, although each book has a unique, independent storyline. Title: For A Few Demons More Author: Kim Harrison Publisher: HarperCollins Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Fifth book in the Rachel Morgan-The Hollows series and first to be released in hardback. Move over Anita Blake; Rachel, Jenks and Ivy are truly the new stars of dark urban fantasy fiction! Like the other books in the series, this book starts with a bang and although slower paced than the others, the Cincinnati, Ohio story of the ley-line witch, her pixy partner and living vampire roommate is captivating and rich in content. Keep the books coming Kim, because there are no better characters around in this genre! Title: Full Moon Rising (Review #1) Author: Keri Arthur Publisher: Bantam Dell/Random House Copyright: February 2006 Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Werewolf/vampire fantasy. I liked the main character and her interactions with those around her. It had some really interesting plot twists. I hope the author continues this story line as a series. Title: Full Moon Rising (Review #2) Author: Keri Arthur Publisher: Bantam Dell/Random House Copyright: February 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Riley and her twin brother, Rhoan are rare vampire/werewolf hybrids who work for an Australian organization created to police the supernatural. This new dark urban fantasy adventure is full of action and the story moves along with such a fast pace I read it in one long sitting! Arthur sets up the story for a sequel and I can only hope this book is the first in a series. What an exciting addition to the genre! Title: Greywalker Author: Kat Richardson Publisher: Roc Fantasy-Penguin Books Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Harper Blaine, twenty-something, Settle P.I. got in over her head one day when a client violently beat her to death; dead for two minutes. Two minutes later, she finds herself just as violently forced back to the living and now she has to learn to survive between the living and un-living dimensions. This story is a great new addition to the creepy, dark urban fantasy genre. Slow to start, the action and characters develop at a rapid pace and our understanding of the “between” world seems to parallel Harper’s growing acceptance that she is now a Greywalker. Title: Guilty Pleasures Author: Laurell K. Hamilton Reviwer: Mariah Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: First in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter fantasy series. I read this book because I know many people who like this author and this series, but it isn't surprising that I hated it because I don't like vampires! What was Ithinking? To me, Vampires + Erotica = Yuck. Title:The Harlequin Author: Laurell K. Hamilton Publisher: Penguin Group Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: 0 Reviewer Comments: Here it is; released in June 2007, the 15th installment in the *Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter* series. Anita Blake died for me after Obsidian Butterfly (Book 9), although I kept re-reading her obituary in the next five books, not willing to walk away from one of the most memorable female characters to capture the hearts and minds of millions of dark urban fantasy readers. Not any more. This book is the first Anita Blake adventure I *did not* buy or read. Actually, I read the first two chapters and was excited to find Anita back at work and off her back. I hesitate to continue reading for fear I would be disappointed. I have read approximately 50 reviews of Harlequin and, without exception, was assured that the animator, necromancer, vampire executioner and endearing penguin hugging bad ass that was Anita in the first 9 books is truly gone. Most say this story once again has a plot, although the rambling dialogue and bizarre sex/torture scenes still overshadows the story. Most say they are hoping some “new” Anita may emerge in future tales, but all seem somewhat resolved that one of the best paranormal urban fantasy protagonist who dominated our imaginations in the first 9 books in the series will never grace the pages again. I once heard Hamilton speak at a book signing, claiming that the sexy reworked cover art of her early books was her publisher’s attempt (not hers) to tantalize and reach out to a new audience. At that signing, Hamilton claimed her then upcoming Meredith Gentry series would appease her publisher’s request to give a fantasy protagonist to the romance reading audience without compromising Anita. Hmmm. Laurell K. Hamilton now writes like a self-righteous, out-of-touch narcissist. Her stories now contain unexplained character inconsistencies and an amazing amount of grammatical errors. Maybe her proof-readers (if she even has any) are so bored with her writing they are just skimming or too busy rolling their eyes as they turn the pages. Rest in peace, Anita or at least give your “piece” a rest! Title: Heart-Shaped Box ____ Author: Joe Hill Publisher: HarperCollins Copyright: February 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: What an incredible thriller and remarkably scary debut novel! I could not put the book down yet found myself so terrified, at times I was unable to turn the page. This is the story of aging hard rocker Judas Coyne, collector of all things bizarre and grotesque. His collection includes a used hangman’s noose, a cookbook for cannibals, a snuff movie, and a pencil holder made out of a human skull and he goes through twenty-something Goth girls he names for what state he meets them in…all in an effort to feel alive. One day he finds someone selling a ghost on the internet and naturally he needs to have it…only this item is for real…and suddenly he is fighting for his life. Seldom does a novel scare me but this one had me looking over my shoulders as I ran around the room to make sure all the lights were on! This thriller never slows down and as tormented as the characters are, you see their humanity shine through in touching ways as they come to terms with their past “ghosts” in order to survive the real ghost. If you like Dean Koontz and Stephen King, most likely you will love this novel…if you don’t like Koontz or King; most likely you will love this novel! After all, Joe Hill spins a horror thriller for the new generation and does it with more depth and emotional honesty than you will find in most of his famous father's horror novels. Title: Holidays Are Hell Author: Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, Vicki Pettersson Publisher: Harper Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: A collection of short stories featuring popular urban fantasy writer's series characters. I picked up the book for Harrison's prequel Hallows story (series) featuring a collegiate-aged Rachel Morgan in "Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel." An added bonus was Pettersson's Zodiac series short story, "The Harvest", with a significant back story which sheds light on the series' protagonist, Joanne Archer. Nice fillers for the year long wait between novels. Title: I Hunger for You Author: Susan Sizemore Publisher: Pocket Books Copyright: 2005 Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Vampiric romance. Strong character interactions. The main character, Mia, comes from a long line of vampire hunters, but she doesn't know it. When she's attacked by vampires, she's saved by another vampire who just happens to be a SWAT officer. He's fighting his attraction for her while she's trying to get to the bottom of why the vampires are attacking her. Good read; well-written. Title: In the Dark of the Night Author: John Saul Publisher: Ballantine Books Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Patty Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Usually a summer vacation at the lake is supposed to be fun and carefree. Hanging out with your friends, boating, and of course exploring in places you are not supposed to... And in classic John Saul style, that exploring opens the door to terror for a teenager and his best friends. While spending a week at The Pines in Wisconsin, three Chicago suburban teenagers snoop inside of a building outside of one of the boy's summer houses. Inside they find a place where time seems to stand still. The boys find interesting objects strategically placed in the room. A lampshade sitting away from the lamp, surgical tools wrapped in cloth inside of a drawer instead of inside the medical bag they found, etc. One of them starts the chain of events by placing the medical tools inside of the bag. The next thing you know, someone in town is killed in a fashion consistant with using the tools. As much as the boys fight the urges to put the items in the room back together (sometimes unsuccessfully), they come to learn the history behind the house and the town. Their week of fun turns into a week of horror as deadly events continue to unfold leading up to the town's biggest event - 4th of July. Just wait until you read what is in store for that day! A great page turning read to see what is going to happen next. Title: Iron Kissed Author: Patricia Briggs Publisher: ACE Fantasy Copyright: 2008 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This gripping, page turner is the fourth novel in the Mercy Thompson series. Mercy finds herself trying to clear the name of her friend and ex-boss who has been accused of a series of gruesome murders. Mercy is charming, tough and independent, and not afraid to take on any monster that threatens her or her friends. These stories are some of the best in the lycanthrope urban fantasy genre. Title: Kissing Sin Author: Keri Arthur Publisher: Dell Copyright: February 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Australian twins Riley & Rhoan Jenson are back in the second installment from the RILEY JENSON GUARDIAN series. Riley finds herself prisoner in another facility run by the group of genetic engineers who tormented her brother in Full Moon Rising. Their attempts of crossbreeding paranormal DNA to create the perfect warrior puts everyone in the Guardian force at risk as it becomes more apparent there is a mole within the force. As Riley’s vampire traits begin to surface, her identity as a werewolf is beginning to shatter and she finds herself becoming closer to joining the Guardian force her brother works for as a governing assassin policing the paranormal community. Keri Arthur is technically a romance writer but these novels are strong on suspense and short on romance. The sexual exploits, although at times rather graphic, of Arthur’s characters are more integrated into the story with far more finesse and are less gratuitous than Laurell Hamilton has been able to achieve with her paranormal characters. This series is thrilling and hypnotizing, and with the plan to release a paperback book a month in 2007, we won’t have to wait to enjoy the dark urban fantasy adventures of these unique vampire/werewolf twins. Title: Kitty Goes to Washington (Review #1) ____ Author: Carrie Vaughn Publisher: Warner Books Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Kitty Norville, late-night radio host and celebrity werewolf is back in the second book of the series. She is off to Washington, D.C. to testify in front of Congress There, she lands up being the “guest” of the area’s head vampire and meets lycanthropes who survive just fine without the violence and structure of a pack. This story lacks the cutting wit and entertaining action of the first book. At times it feels like Vaughn isn’t sure what to do with Kitty’s newly found independence as she moves around the country, broadcasting her bi-weekly radio show but overall, the book is still a great read. Title: Kitty Goes to Washington (Review #2) Author: Carrie Vaughn Publisher: Warnere Books Copyright: July 2006 Reviewer: Venus Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is the second book in a series featuring Kitty Norville, late night DJ and werewolf. The book picks up with her life after "outing" herself and leaving her pack. As a result, she becomes involved in the governments' investigation on supernaturals, learns to cope as a rogue wolf without a pack, and meets a whole new set of friends and enemies. Title: Kitty Goes to Washington (Review #3) Author: Carrie Vaughn Publisher: Warner Books Copyright: July 2006 Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Sequel to "Kitty and the Midnight Hour." Urban fantasy. Kitty gets in trouble for bringing the supernatural community (i.e. werewolves, etc.) out into the open where everyone can see them. Now she has a whole bunch of enemies, and has to contend with different governmental agencies and dirty politicians. A good continuation of the first story. Well-crafted characters. 3 1/2. Title: Kitty & The Midnight Hour Author: Carrie Vaughn Publisher: Warner Books Copyright: 2004 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: First book in the Kitty Norville Series. Kitty is a Denver, CO late night talk D.J. that offers advice and guidance to those dealing with the supernatural. She is also a werewolf, and her radio show is causing all types of problems for her. She is caught between werewolf politics and vampire power struggles. Most of the characters in this book appear as shadow characters found in the early Anita Blake books…a hired assassin, an employer who exploits the employee’s supernatural gifts, mysterious vampires who suddenly appear when your least expecting them and were-pack struggles for power & dominance. The story is action packed, at times humorous, and definitely a nice addition to the urban horror fantasy genre. Can’t wait to read the next Kitty book, KITTY GOES TO WASHINGTON (Summer, 2006). Title: Kitty and the Silver Bullet Author: Carrie Vaughn Publisher: Grand Central Publishing Copyright: 2008 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Kitty Norville is the 'Voice of the Night,' Denver's syndicated radio talk host, and she is back in Denver, having been banished almost a year earlier. What brings her back into the violent, dangerous world she willfully fled nine months earlier is a familial crisis; but what keeps her there is the unsteady politics threatening the supernatural lycanthrope/vampire community. She can't keep running, so with the help of her growing pack, a rogue vampire, the newly form paranormal police unit, and her talk show, Kitty takes a reluctant stand. Kitty keeps getting stronger and stronger; just like this urban horror series. Full of suspense, strong no-nonsense characters, and a slightly cavalier female protagonist, this book is the best yet! However, to fully appreciate this supernatural showdown, you need to read the Kitty Norville series in order, beginning with Kitty and the Midnight Hour. Title: Kitty Takes a Holiday Author: Carrie Vaughn Publisher: Warner Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Third book in the Kitty Norville series and the best so far! Fast, engaging, and extremely entertaining after the somewhat disappointing sophomoric Kitty Goes to Washington. Kitty has taken a sabbatical from her late night radio talk show and retreated alone into the Colorado wilderness to recoup after the debacle in Washington, D.C. Kitty’s peaceful mountain retreat turns quickly into a nightmare after her lawyer is delivered, near death, on her doorsteps by his bounty hunting cousin, Cormac. As if that was not bad enough, someone has left animal sacrifices all around her cabin to scare her off and a new kind of shape shifting evil is lurking about. This series is fast paced, hypnotic and with wonderful characters that are developing their own dark urban fantasy charm, a must read for fans of the genre. Can’t wait for the next installment, Kitty and the Silver Bullet, due to be released winter 2007. Title: Lisey's Story Author: Stephen King Publisher: Scribner Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Patty Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The story talks about the widow of a novelist who died a few years ago. Lisey finally works up the nerve to start cleaning out her husband’s office where he wrote his books. While she begins to tackle this project, her dysfunctional family problems start showing up. She has one sister who blames her for leaving town when she was a young woman. Another sister who self mutilates herself and continually walks the edge of her sanity. Once Lisey finally gets into cleaning, strange things start happening. A strange man starts calling and threatening her, Lisey thinks her dead husband is trying to communicate with her, flashbacks of the past start happening with greater frequency, etc. The threats become life threatening and Lisey is forced to confront her husband’s past and get past her own fears to save herself and her sister Amanda. It's no wonder why Stephen King's novels are so long. The last few King books I've read, it seems to take a good 100 pages before you get to the good part where Stephen King’s flair shows up. This book is no different. There were several times during these first 100 pages where I thought I wasn’t going to bother because it was very tedious but I kept plucking along and I’m glad I did. Once I got through the character background set up period, the rest of the book picked up speed and excitement. Title: Magic Bites Author: Ilona Andrews Publisher: ACE Fantasy Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: A new dark urban fantasy series set in Atlanta, Georgia where magic has reentered the world and destroyed most modern technology. The city is chaotic, caught between magic fluctuations which temporarily disable all technology, and trying to function the rest of the time in a war torn landscape as if magic doesn’t exist. When the magic is up, a number of magic patrolling agencies, including knight-protectors and mercenaries, are responsible to keep order. Kate Daniels, not a team player and member of the mercenary guild, finds herself caught in the middle of a bizarre murder mystery involving the death of her guardian, a number of necromancers who control vampires, and a group of paramilitary shapeshifters. The story is action-packed and full of interesting characters that will make a great series. However, unlike other dark urban fantasy stories, this series’ setting relies on rules borrowed from science fiction, and for that reason alone, the story merits a 4 instead of a 5. Title: Many Bloody Returns: Tales of Birthdays with Bite Author: Edited by Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner Publisher: ACE Books Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Another anthology containing vampire birthday stories by popular urban fantasy writers. Most are good but way too brief. Again, this particular anthology series has cool cover art and that seems to be what always draws me in-the vampire-themed birthday or wedding cake. Title: Micah (Review #1) Author: Laurell K. Hamilton Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The thirteenth book in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series, and the first of what Hamilton calls a “novel-lite” entry. That is what this book is: a short filler. The story takes Anita and Micah out of town and alone for the first time. She is leaving behind the entire vampire and shape-shifters politics, as well as most of her bed partners. Anita is filling in for a friend to raise a zombie for the F.B.I. The book attempts to bring back the exciting, suspenseful, mysteries that Anita Blake (vampire hunter, animator, necromancer and all-around badass enforcer) tackes in earlier books by keeping out the confusion of having to balance all the men in her life. Come on, Anita! Remember when you were the kind of woman that made even Edward, the assassin, fear. You need to know that you can only stay in bed (and describe what happens there, thrust by thrust) so often before you lose credibility as the powerful force keeping the monsters at bay. This book is more of a 2-1/2 than a 3…it may make my shelf because it is Anita Blake, but leaving a space for dust may be the better choice. Title: Micah (Review #2) Author: Laurell K. Hamilton Publisher: Jove/Berkley/Penguin Copyright: March 2006 Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Vampire Fantasy. This is the thirteenth book in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. Series began with "Guilty Pleasures". There is a reason this new release was put directly into paperback; it's disappointing. Title: Moon Called (Review #1) Author: Patricia Briggs Publisher: ACE Fantasy Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Mercy, mercy, mercy…its Mercy Thompson, a shape-shifting mechanic who was raise by werewolves. I really hope this book is just the first of a series! Mercy has attitude, strength & brains. All the characters that interact with Mercy have such depth it makes you wish Briggs would write a separate novel about each of them. It’s been a long time since I have read such a good werewolf story. Dark urban horror at its finest! Title: Moon Called (Review #2) Author: Patricia Briggs Publisher: Ace/Berkley/Penguin Copyright: February 2006 Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Urban fantasy. A stand-alone read. I liked the story and the way the characters interacted. I was tickled by the concept of the main character being a female shapeshifting mechanic, and I really liked how she made friends out of the rest of the paranormal community (i.e. werewolves, vampires and witches) who should have been her natural enemies. Title: My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding ____ Author: P.N. Elrod (Editor) Publisher: St. Marin’s Griffin Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This collection of supernatural stories about marriage and the wedding ceremony is one of the most anticipated collections among preternatural genre followers. What a major disappointment! Some of my favorite series (Sookie Stackhouse series, Harry Dresden series and Jack Flaming, Vampire Files series) authors contribute to this collection. However, the stories are brief and lack substance. Many stories in the collection are from paranormal romance writers, a growing presence within the collection of authors that usually contribute to the horror genre dominated by vampires, urban fantasy, lycanthropes and such. They should stick to romance and leave horror to the masters who have some command of the English language and understand a tormented soul. The reason it gets a 3 instead of a 2 is due to the really cool wedding cake as cover art. When you are at the store, admire the cover but don’t waste your money for what is inside. Title: Mysteria Author: MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant, P.C. Cast, & Gena Showalter Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Copyright: July 2006 Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Fantasy romance. A very interesting short story collection centered around a town that is a sanctuary for magical and supernatural beings who live there along with regular humans. Title: Nightlife Author: Rob Thurman Publisher: ROC Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Lupines, and trolls, and boggles, oh my! This novel is a dark urban fantasy, full of action and preternatural creatures crawling around New York City. It is the story about Cal, half-human and half-not, and his human brother. They have been running most of their lives from those that hunt Cal. Wow, wonder if Tolkien would even recognize the elves in this book! Like other first novels, the dialog could be stronger, but the story telling is solid. (Check out Joe's review of the same book by clicking here) Title: Night Rising Author: Chris Marie Green Publisher: ACE Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The first entry of the proposed Vampire Babylon series featuring stunt woman Dawn Madison who returns to the city of her haunted past, Hollywood to find her missing alcoholic father. She lives in the shadows of her mother’s violent death when she was 2 months and finds herself working with an eclectic group of vampire hunters who are searching for her missing father, a dead child star who has popped up on a recent film shoot and answers to why a new vampire breed is trying to kill them. The characters are interesting but the story is choppy, never answering the questions the book purposes, opting to set up future stories. The concept has potential and if the author works on her writing, this series may eventually be a welcomed addition to the dark urban fantasy genre, but misses at this venture. Title: On The Prowl Author: Patricia Briggs, Eileen Wilks, Karen Chance, Sunny Publisher: Berkley Books Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: You will find this dark fantasy collection in the Romance section. I am baffled as to why Patricia Briggs dark fantasy series, featuring Mercy Thompson is classified as Romance. Most likely, I would have passed by this book if not for Briggs. Her short story entitled, Alpha and Omega is a great addition to the unique lycanthrope world she has created and a must read for all Mercy Thompson fans. The rest of the short stories provide an introduction to some of the emerging paranormal fantasy writers. Title: The Outlaw Demon Wails Author: Kim Harrison Publisher: HarperCollins Copyright: 2008 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Welcome back to the Hollows; that area of Cincinnati full of magic and mayhem; home to bounty hunter and witch, Rachel Morgan. Rachel, Ivy and Jenks are back in this sixth installment from the Hollows series, and each one of them is struggling to maintain order with all the events affecting their happy home. Its Halloween and the celebration is now a week long in the Hollows since the Turn, the time when humans found out they were not the only race occupying the world and when eating tomatoes became a crime. The celebration has turned troublesome when Rachel�s demon nemesis, Al, is out gunning for her every night after dusk, keeping her stuck at home and Rachel finds herself tormented by a shocking family secret. The elves are struggling for survival, the vampires have a new leader, and Jenks is trying to keep his wife alive another winter. We need more than one yearly visit to the Hollows, so write faster, Kim! This is one of the best dark urban fantasy series out today! Title: Perfect Nightmare Author: John Saul Publisher: Ballantine Books Copyright: 2005 Reviewer: Patty Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: My guilty reading pleasure is thrillers/horror. I love books that keep me guessing until the very end of the book. It drives me nuts when I get the ending figured out before I get to the end. John Saul is one of the few authors in this genre combination that succeeds in doing this. Perfect Nightmare is about the Marshall family selling their house to move to Manhattan from Long Island. Before the family sells their house, the couple’s teenage daughter comes up missing. The book takes a lot of twists and turns in the mother’s obsession in finding her daughter. Title: Poltergeist Author: Kat Richardson Publisher: ROC Penguin Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The second book in the GREYWALKER series featuring greywalker Harper Blaine, small-time PI for the living and un-living realm is an exciting urban fantasy mystery that plays on the true historical 1970’s Canadian paranormal Phillips Experiment to create a poltergeist. Harper is hired by an ego-maniacal psychology professor to find out who is tampering with his precious experiment; a modern recreation of the original experiment. He doesn’t believe in poltergeist, especially that a man-made one could commit murder. Hired on her reputation as a private investigator, it is her growing skill as a Greywalker that solves the crime. The book is truly a murder mystery set in the present and historic Seattle area which Harper experiences first hand as she moves with more proficiency through the Grey with the aid of her quirky mentors, spooky vampires and mysterious electronic geek. Harper Blaine is truly a captivating addition to the dark urban fantasy genre. Title: Prom Nights From Hell Author: Meg Cabot, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe, Stephanie Meyer, Lauren Myracle Publisher: Harper Teen Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: A collection of paranormal prom stories by five of the genre�s most popular authors. Kim Harrison's short-story, Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper gives new meaning to the age-old warning, "Don't get into a car with a stranger!" There are things worse than the Grim Reaper. Title: Proven Dead Author: Jim Butcher Publisher: ROC & Penguin Group Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is the eighth book in the Harry Dresden series. It is great to be back in Chicago with the amazing P.I. wizard, Harry and his side kick, Bob, the talking skull. However, this adventure seems slow to start and lacks the excitement and adventure found in previous stories. I found myself having to refresh my memory by re-reading the last book in order to follow what was happening with Harry in this book. If you like the series, you will love catching up with Harry and friends in this book. If you are new to the series, this book is not the place to begin. Feels more like filler than a stand alone adventure. Title: SERIES - Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Author: Laurell K. Hamilton Publisher: ACE Books & Penguin Group (USA) Copyright: Various Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: In my family, when we talk about Anita Blake, it’s as if she is a close and personal family friend. Sometimes we love her and sometimes we want to send her to her room. Lately, she needs to stay in her room until she gets a grip on her life. However, no matter what she does, we can’t wait to hear about it in the next book. Anita’s character is never stagnant, unlike so many main characters that reappear in series books. Anita Blake is one of the best urban horror fantasy series in print. Title: SERIES - Atta Olivia Clemens Author: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Off-shoot of the Saint-Germain series novels, and like those novels, these novels following Saint-Germain’s one-time romantic interest, vampire Atta Clemens, are more remarkable for their historical narrative rather than great vampire stories. Title: SERIES - Austra Family Author: Elaine Bergstrum Publisher: Various (Some out-of-print) Copyright: Various Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments:The Austra Family vampires are unique. They are members of an ancient race, separate from humans. Although the stories are set throughout Europe, they tell the story of the family members living in Cleveland, Ohio. As a Clevelander, it is so interesting to see the city through a vampire’s eyes. Title: SERIES - Dante Valentine Author: Lilith Santcrow Publisher: Warner Copyright: Various Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The world in which necromancer, Dante Valentine works is a gritty, evil mirror of our world gone cyberpunk. These books are dark urban horror. Title: SERIES - Dresden Files Author: Jim Butcher Publisher: ROC & Penguin Group Copyright: Various Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: These are the dark urban fantasy adventures of Harry Dresden, Chicago’s wizard extraordinaire and struggling Private Investigator. Harry comes up against vampires, witches, and werewolves on a daily basis. There is action, adventure, and humor all at the right spots. As the series progresses, so does Butcher’s writing skills. Although there are only a few story lines dependent on reading the series in order, there are not many spoilers if you read a book out of order. Title: SERIES - Moral Vampire Author: Rosemarie E. Bishop Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: 500 year old vampire, Christian Desmonde finds himself questioning who he is now in relation to his Christian upbringing as a mortal. The author writes in a poetic style as she records Desmonde’s search for spiritual identity. The series combines humans, vampires, and angels in a unique take on the vampire legend. Title: SERIES - Nightside Author: Simon R. Green Publisher: ACE Fantasy & The Penguin Group (USA) Copyright: Various Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: John Taylor, a detective who has the ability to "find anything" sets up his shingle in the dark heart of London called the NIGHTSIDE, where it's always 3 A.M., and heaven and hell have no place among the human and inhuman occupants. These books are dark urban noir, filled with horror and a little humor. Best to read in order; especially #4, #5, #6 due to spoilers that are part of the main story line. Rumor has it there may be three more Nightside novels even through book #6 ends a particular story arc in the series. Title: SERIES - Rachel Morgan Author: Kim Harrison Publisher: Harper Torch Copyright: Various Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Rachel Morgan - Cincinnati's witch and recently independent bounty hunter. She finds herself living in an old church with a "living" vampire and a family of pixies. These stories are urban fantasy/horror with humor and suspense. The characters continue to develop throughout the series. Best to read in order; there are a few spoilers if you read out of order. Title: SERIES - Saint-Germain Author: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This amazing historical series follows vampire Saint-Germain throughout history, from Ancient Rome to Victorian England and everywhere in between. The series is remarkable in capturing the texture and lifestyle of various historical periods but is not particularly remarkable as a contributor to vampire literature. Title: SERIES - Sisters of the Night Author: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Taken straight from a scene in Dracula by Bram Stoker, the Sisters of the Night books examine the lives of the three incubus (a.k.a. brides of Dracula) leading up to their vampire change by Dracula. These books are an interesting twist on the Dracula tale. It has been years waiting for the promised third book in the series. Title: SERIES - Sookie Stackhouse Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night Author: Charlaine Harris Publisher: ACE Book & The Penguin Goup (USA) Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Sookie Stackhouse works at a bar in the quirky small-town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. She has a special psychic gift allowing her to read minds, which has kept her somewhat of a loner until Bill the vampire walks into the bar one night. Sookie finds she is working for a lycanthrope, dating a vampire, and frequently stuck in the middle of vampire and were politics. This urban fantasy series is full of horror, action and mystery with well placed humor and romance to ease the tension. Best to read the series in order, although there is only one major story line that relies on reading the books in order. Sookie also appears in a few Fantasy anthology collections where Harris is a contributor. Title: SERIES - Undead and ... Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night Author: MaryJanice Davidson Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The hilarious adventures of Betsy the Vampire Queen who would rather be buying shoes than handling vampire politics! They are short, quick stories and can be found in the Romance section of any bookstore. Luckily, the first four novels now appear in a single volume entitled Betsy the Vampire Queen (2005). Best to read in order. Title: SERIES - Wyndham Werewolves Classification: Vampire, Horror & Other Creatures of the Night Author: MaryJanice Davidson Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Amazingly funny preternatural stories from romance writer Davidson. This time she focuses on werewolves and their romantic yet difficult interactions with humans. Derik’s Bane, the only novel thus far in this series involves a werewolf hooked on Rachel Ray and her cooking shows. The rest of the Wyndham werewolves tales are shorts in omnibus collections. Title: Sharper Than A Serpent’s Tooth Author: Simon R. Green Publisher: ACE Fantasy Copyright: 2005 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The sixth novel in the Nightside series. It is also the conclusion to the six book story arc surrounding John Taylor’s return to the Nightside and his quest to find a way to stop his mother from destroying the Nightside. John Taylor, born in the Nightside: a place somewhere within the city of London; created by his mother, Lilith (Adam’s first wife) where heaven and hell have no control over the human and inhuman occupants: and where it is always 3 A.M. What an adventure John and his friends tackle in this book! Now we know what happens to the future of Nightside that John has been dreading all these years. It will be exciting to see what future tales Simon R. Green will spin from the Nightside. Rumor has it there will be three more Nightside novels, and John Taylor will still be there finding whatever is lost. Title: The Society of S Author: Susan Hubbard Publisher: Simon & Schuster Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is the story of twelve-year-old Ariella Montero, who has grown up in the orderly, intellectually structured home of her scientist father. It is the story of a child coming of age and wanting to find the mother who abandoned her the day of her birth. A rich philosophical tale that weaves the words of Bertram Russell and Edger Allen Poe into Arielle’s journey to find herself and the truth about her parents; it is truly a study of how people cope with abandonment. This story does not resemble a “traditional” vampire story in any way. The only supernatural nature of this captivating book is found in the S patterns in these characters lives, such as Sanguinists (environmentalist human rights vampires), synesthete (a person who sees words and letters in colors), and the cities that bring luck (all beginning with the letter S). Overall, a great book until the abrupt and somewhat dull ending. Title: Strange Candy (Review #1) ____ Author: Laurell K. Hamilton Publisher: Berkley Publishing Co.. Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: After five disappointing novels from Hamilton , it was a delight to read this collection of short stories from her. They remind me of how captivating the original Anita Blake series was to read! The collection contains the first Anita Blake short story, predating her vampire executioner days where she is just an animator-for-hire. A few of the stories are set in the world of Hamilton ’s lesser known novel, Nightseer and there is even a science fiction short included. This hardback book doesn't get a 5 because it’s rather thin and pricey for a short story collection. However, as brief as it is, these stories are better than the last few novels in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter or Merry Gentry series. Title: Strange Candy (Review #2) Classification: Vampires, Horror & Creatures of the Night Author: Laurell K. Hamilton Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Copyright: October 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is Laurell K. Hamilton writing the way I truly enjoy. This is a collection of short stories. Some of my favorites are situated in the “Nightseer” world. Title: Stray Author: Rachel Vincent Publisher: Mira Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Faythe Sanders, full-time grad student and rebellious werecat finds herself ordered home to the protective, yet repressive, family compound when the rare, female members of this lycanthrope dynasty start disappearing and turning up dead. The book moves quickly, full of suspense and is truly an exciting addition to the dark urban fantasy genre. Title: Sunglasses After Dark Author: Nancy A. Collins Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Copyright: 1989 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Meet Sonja Blue, a street-wise, sensuous vampire’s vampire. She feeds off others of her kind instead of humans. This book has been in and out-of-print since its release in 1989. Luckily, for all those who enjoy the vampire genre, the compete collection of Sonja Blue novels are back in print. Title: Tall, Dark & Dead Author: Julie Kenner Publisher: Penguin Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Wow…the goofy title, cartoon-ish cover art and publisher’s classification of this book as “Romance” certainly caused me to pause. Was I glad I overlooked all that! This story rocks! Garnet Lacey is hiding as a Goth poseur in a Wisconsin occult bookstore after the Vatican Hunters killed her Minnesota coven. She is possessed by the goddess, Lilith, after she carelessly called upon her to revenge the slaughter of her friends. Now, she finds herself back in the world of magic and mayhem with an ancient day-walking vampire, her ex-who is also a vampire and the Vatican witch hunters who have business in this normally quiet Wisconsin town. Yeah, this is a Romance writer spinning the tale but she seriously knows how to incorporate her characters into an enthralling dark urban fantasy adventure. Title: A Taste of Darkness Author: Nina Bangs Publisher: Leisure/Dorchester Copyright: May 2006 Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: 3 1/2. Vampire romance. Interesting interaction between the vampires and the shape shifters. The main vampire character, Reinn Mackenzie, has the job of keeping vampires and shape shifters from intermarrying, a job he hates but has to do. Unfortunately for him, he's just fallen in love with a woman who happens to be a "were-." Her problem is that her animal form is an uncontrolled saber-tooth tiger. I really liked it! Title: Traitor to the Blood Author: Barb and J.C. Hendee Publisher: Roc/Penguin Copyright: January 2006 Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Fantasy. I liked the characters but was not impressed with the story. I got too dark for my taste. This is the 4th book in the Noble Dead series which began with "Dhampir." Title: Undead and Uneasy Author: MaryJanice Davidson Publisher: Berkley Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Light, fluffy and funny is the best way to describe this sixth installment from the Undead and… series about the trials and tribulations of the most self-centered vampire queen history has ever known. Betsy the Vampire Queen is so absorbed in final wedding plans she can’t see her world collapsing all around her. The series is always entertaining and an extremely quick read, but never worth the price of a hardback. Borrow from a friend or from your local library if you can’t wait until it comes out in paperback next year. Title: Undead and Unpopular (Review #1) Author: MaryJanice Davidson Publisher: Berkley Sensation/Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Copyright: June 2006 Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: #5 in the Undead romance series. The continuing adventures of the new Queen of the vampires as she deals with European royalty. Wasn't as funny as some of the other books, but still good. 3 1/2. Title: Undead and Unpopular (Review #2) Author: MaryJanice Davidson Publisher: Berkley Sensation Copyright: 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Betsy the Vampire Queen is funnier than ever in this new addition to the Undead and … series. A light humorous summer read with all new adventures for everyone living with the Queen as she gets ready for her wedding and her first birthday since becoming the Queen. A higher recommendation would follow sans this story’s brevity. Betsy’s adventures would be better handled as “penny dread” installments rather than as expensive annual hardbacks. Title: Undead and Unreturnable Author: MaryJanice Davidson Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Copyright: November 2005 Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Romantic fantasy by the author of the Undead series. Funny, enjoyable characters getting into really silly and ridiculous predicaments. A true joy to read. Laugh-out-loud funny. Title: Undead and Unwed Author: MaryJanice Davidson Reviewer: Nancy Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Okay, so this one is on the low side of "liked"...an Evanovich wannabe with vampires. Cute, but a little heavy on the sex scenes with fangs. Title: Wild Blood (Review #1) Author: Nancy A. Collins Publisher: White Wolf, Inc Copyright: Reissued 2006 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: For all of you that came to the store and were frustrated when I recommended my favorite out-of-print werewolf novel, sound off a cheer! Here it is; reissued in January 2006. This is the story of Skinner Cade, a loner from Chotaw County, Arkansas, who sets out on a journey of self-discovery but finds himself hooking up with a rock band that leaves a path of mayhem, violence and madness wherever they go. At least they understand the thrill of the hunt and the taste of blood that has haunted Skinner throughout his life. Collins is best known for her Sonja Blue vampire tales, but Wild Blood and her voodoo tale, The Tempter (1990) have always been my favorite. Title: Wild Blood (Review #2) Author: Nancy A. Collins Publisher: Two Wolf Press/White Wolf Publishing, Inc. Copyright: September 2005 (reprint; previously published 1994) Reviewer: Joe Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Didn't like it at all. Couldn't finish it, and I've read some real dogs. Title: Wolf at the Door Author: Christine Warren Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks Copyright: March 2006 Reviewer: Venus Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This paranormal romance features the world of the Others and while it describes a world in which werewolves, shape shifters, vampires, witches and other creatures exist, it is still a very good romance at its heart. The relationship between Sullivan Quinn and Cassidy Poe evolves as they attempt to reveal the foe that is putting all of their kind in danger. Title: Working for the Devil (Review #1) Author: Lilith Saintcrow Publisher: Warner Fantasy Copyright: March 2006 Reviewer: Venus Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is the first in a new series about Dante Valentine, necromance-for-hire. As the title suggests, Dante is hired by the Devil...to kill a demon and bring back the Egg. Dante wants to refuse but after she learns who the demon is, she agrees so she can try to get justice for a friend. Title: Working For The Devil (Review #2) Author: Lilith Santcrow Publisher: Warner Books Copyright: 2005 Reviewer: Gayle Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Book one in the Dane Valentine series. This novel is dark, urban fantasy and almost too dark and evil for my taste. The world in which necromancer, Dante Valentine works is a gritty, evil mirror of our world gone cyberpunk. Still, the characters in this story are well developed and although I would not like them to be my friends, I look forward to reading future stories about them. I only recommend this novel for those who are familiar with dark urban horror and would like to follow the tales of one who beat the devil at his games. Title: You Suck Author: Christopher Moore Publisher: HarperCollins Copyright: 2007 Reviewer: Nancy Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: In this sequel to Bloodsucking Fiends, Moore continues his over-the-top style with writer wannabe Tommy who has been turned into a vampire by his undead girlfriend Jody. If you haven't read "Fiends," make sure you do before reading this one...the characters are too numerous, and have too much of a history, for this to stand alone. Still, for those of us who like Moore's irreverent humor, and who refuse to miss any of his off-the-wall books, it's worth a read.

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