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Review: Witch Hunt (Maurin Kincaide, #2) by Rachel Rawlings

8/30/2013

Maurin Kincaide is back in this action packed follow up novel to The Morrigna. No longer a member of Salem's Preternatural Task Force Maurin is the new liaison for The Council, governing body of Others. During what should have been a routine meeting with her former Captain, Maurin is brought in on a murder investigation. Three dead witches, three cryptic clues, no sign of the killers and the Salem coven is losing allies within the Council. If Maurin and her unlikely partner Captain Matthison can't stop the killers, the Witch City might be without its namesake.

I am oh so glad I decided to stick with this series. Witch Hunt is a much better novel than the first. Having said that, the first book, The Morrigna, is definitely necessary to the series.

I don’t know what happened with Ms Rawlings between the two novels but kudos to her on the growth and execution of Witch Hunt.

Witch Hunt is a more complete book. I found myself more involved in the story and with the characters. I became engrossed enough not to want to stop.

Maurin no longer works for the Salem Police Preternatural Task Force. With her powers still growing, she is now the liaison between The Council and the SPPTF. She’s not entirely happy with this turn of events, but deals with it the best she can.

Their are still a lot of characters in the story but the nucleus is better handled than in The Morrigna. Witches are being tortured and killed with clues left on their bodies for the coven to find. Maurin feels Mahalia, the coven High Priestess, knows more than she’s saying but the coven is a secretive bunch. Maurin’s romance with Oberon is advancing but they are taking things slowly due to their previous life connection.

As I mentioned, I feel Witch Hunt is a much better novel. There was one aspect I didn’t like. The resolution of finding and punishing the bad guys felt contrived. It felt like more of an afterthought to the ending Ms Rawlings had planned. There was also one glaring editing error. A major character from The Morrigna makes a surprise appearance in Witch Hunt. The problem: his name was misspelled enough that I didn’t know who he was. It’s very important to know who he is! (I read this novel in May, maybe a correction has been submitted)

Ms Rawlings also has a mean curveball. I did not see much of what happened coming. That’s saying a lot as I’ve been reading for soooo long. That’s all I can say about that. See if you can hit the curve ball.

While still a little raw in some aspects of her writing, Ms Rawlings is learning, growing and executing much better.

If you read The Morrigna and stopped, I highly recommend giving Witch Hunt a try. I was very pleasantly surprised.

Review: The Morrigna (Maurin Kincaide, #1) by Rachel Rawlings

8/28/2013

I'm Maurin Kincaide, a psychometric, and until a few days ago I was working for Salem's Preternatural Task Force as an interrogator. I cracked more cold cases and got more confessions than anyone else in the department. Of course that was before I traded in my badge for an ancient Celtic sword. Now, I'm the Special Liaison for the Council, the governing body of the Others, and I take my orders from witches, werewolves and vampires.

I didn't just make a career change though. I'm not the same person I was before. I'm stronger, I can heal from wounds that would kill a normal person. I'm developing latent psychic skills at a breakneck speed. Oh yeah, and it would seem that a Pagan goddess has taken permanent residence in my body and mind. Crazy thing is, I'm starting to feel normal, like this is who I'm supposed to be.

Of course, there are those who don't agree. Morrigan and her sisters for example. Actually, I'm pretty sure they'd like nothing more than to see me dead. And if I can't stop them and the demons they've raised, they just might get their wish.

Something a bit different. I’ve let this book and story percolate overnight it the hopes my review would become clearer in my mind. Didn’t happen. Ms Rawlings created a unique story and characters but I’m torn in how I feel about it.

Detective Maurin Kincade is an interrogator for the Salem Preternatural Task Force. Essentially if she can get a reading by touch usually she can “see” the person’s past. She becomes the focus of the Other Council and also the Morrigna (Morrigan and her two sisters). The Council wants to use her for her talents and the Morrigna wants to kill her for them.

In the process of “reading” a book, she becomes joined with a goddess. I thought this was a good part of the novel. It was different and fairly well explained.

What I liked about Ms Rawlings’ The Morrigna: an unique storyline with a halfway decent lead female character. I liked some of the secondary characters also. The writing was pretty good. Not a bunch of editing mistakes but there were some. No big plot holes. The world building was so-so.

What I had trouble with: there were a lot of characters introduced all at once. I had no sense of connection to the extra characters. I didn’t get a sense of good guys and not so good guys. There was bunches of action but at some points the story was bogged down by seemingly random descriptions/explanations.

I will read the next in the series, Witch Hunt, to see how the story and the author develop.

Author's After Dark (AAD) Convention Savannah - Part One

8/26/2013

WOW, just WOW. Back home safely from my first ever book convention. My thoughts - pick a convention that sounds interesting to you and find a way to attend!!

I absolutely hate reading extra long blog posts, so I'm going to post about my thoughts on Author's After Dark (AAD) in parts.

I had signed up for AAD 2013 - Savannah over a year ago. Somehow or other I stumbled across their site right before their 2012 convention in New Orleans. I wanted to attend that one so badly but by the time I found out about it, it was full. Once registration opened (usually in September of the year before the next convention), my sister-in-law and I took the plunge. We even talked our husbands into taking time off and driving us the 10 plus hours to get there.

I wasn't familiar with the names of many of the featured authors and there numerous ones I hadn't read. But, and this is key, be open minded. I went to panels to hear certain authors speak and behold, the ones I didn't know made a huge impression. Enough that my TBR pile is growing to unbelievable numbers.

First off, kudos to Stella Price, the convention director and her staff. The hotel she picked, Riverfront Marriot, was sensational. It was right on the Savannah River. As a matter of fact, the back patio, was ON the river, separated by a railing to lean on and watch all the ships and boats. The first morning there, we even got pictures of a dolphin.

Checking in was a breeze and the hotel staff was great. We let "the boys" unload the vehicles while my sister-in-law, Martha, and I went to check in with the convention staff. This is where the staff was amazing. They had everything laid out and were ready to help in anyway. Sometimes I wondered if they ever slept. They also made themselves easily identifyable by wearing things that said, "Staff". I don't know how many times I asked them questions (that they probably heard 100 times or more a day) and they were always helpful, personable, patient and NICE.

A personal highlight of the Welcome Event Wednesday evening, my name was drawn for the Free Registration for next year's convention in Charlotte. Needless to say, I was speechless and very happy.

More to come.................

Review: Lost (Winged, #3) by L. M. Pruitt

8/23/2013

In the last year, Joanne Watson has survived repeated attempts on her life, wholesale slaughter, and the dissolution on the cornerstone of her new existence.

And the hard times are only beginning.

As the line between right and wrong, friend and foe, and good and evil continue to blur, Joanne is forced to face another irrefutable fact.

The most dangerous demons to fight are the ones you can't see.

I read this book over 5 months ago and am still having trouble putting my thoughts into words. This 3rd installment in the Winged Series by L. M. Pruitt was a gut wrenching read for me. It was dark, thought provoking and hit me between the eyes.

What I liked: I know this is a fictional story in my head but some of the scenes were all too real. Joanne's "dry out" was stomach roiling and seemed all to real. How Ms Pruitt got to "that place" and wrote about it is an excellent show of true talent. You may not like everything about this series but just those scenes will stick with you for a lifetime. The overall story is action packed, well written and the characters fully developed. I DID NOT want this story to end!

What I didn't like: Not much. The main problem I have with the series overall is something very subjective and nit picky. These books are dark but I wish the covers were not. As I said, very subjective. Just looking at the covers, I wouldn't even read the synopsis. The blurb in a previous L. M. Pruitt novel caught me. I think she's representing the darkness of the Winged world with her covers but I'm just guessing. When the only thing that doesn't impress you about a novel is the cover, I think the author did her job more than well.

Highly recommend the Winged Series.

As an aside, I had a total moment at the Author's After Dark Convention (AAD) in Savannah last week. I've done Beta Reading for Ms. Pruitt several times and she mentioned she was going to AAD as an attendee. I didn't realize it at the time but A LOT of people attend this convention. Anyway, I sat in to listen to a panel on self-publishing and thought since she was self-pubbed, Ms Pruitt might be in the room. I looked around and didn't see anyone I thought might be her. I realized there was one other person in the row I was sitting in and happened to glance over. I didn't recognize her but I saw the name tag dangling around her neck. It was L.M. Pruitt. I almost "squeed" and interrupted the whole panel. I waited to calm down and during a brief lull, reached over and introduced myself. It will be a moment I'll always remember. And yes, I got her autograph!!

Review: Twice Tempted (Night Prince, #2) by Jeaniene Frost

8/22/2013

Leila's psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn't sure what the future holds. If that weren't enough, her lover, Vlad, has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she's also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won't admit that he loves her.

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity...

Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity.

Of all the mainstream authors I’d love to meet, Ms Frost is in my top five. Her novels are are some of the best I’ve read. I love her Night Huntress Series with Cat and Bones, but Vlad has always, from his first appearance, had my heart. No reason, just his character resonated with me right away.

I was worried when I knew Vlad had a book. I thought any love interest would not be able to complement or partner him. I needn’t have worried. Ms Frost created the perfect foil in Leila. (This is why I don’t write) In most circumstances, Leila could be a whiny, needy lead; not the way she’s written with Ms Frost’s deft touch. Yeah, I’m a big fan.

Vlad and Leila have some issues to work through in Twice Tempted. After the ending of Night Prince, you knew more was coming in their relationship. I’m trying desperately to review without spoilers. The problems that pop up were not exactly what I was expecting and their initial resolution was even more surprising.

The intensity between Vlad and Leila is frustrating on one level and jaw dropping on another. The twists and turns don’t stop even to the last page. Yep, you’re not gonna want to wait for the next novel. A couple of characters drop in to remind us they are still there and their stories are on-going. (Cat and Mencheres) Cat still cracks me up.

What CAN I tell you? Start Twice Tempted when you have some time. I was up until the wee hours wanting to finish it. The writing is phenomenal, as usual; the world building continues to grow and the characters are divinely written. No editing or plot holes, which we wouldn’t expect. I CAN tell you I’m looking forward to the next in The Night Prince Series very much!!.

Maybe one day I will get to meet Ms Frost. I hope!

Review: Muckross Folly (Evelyn Morgan, #2) by J. L. Austgen

8/18/2013

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

What a great follow up to his first novel, Keyser Run. By the way, I love the titles of these novels.

Muckross Folly starts right where Keyser Run ended. No time gap at all, which is what I wish some of my other reads would do. Neither book is a quick easy read. You have to be aware of what’s going on around all the characters. Sometimes it’s nice to be challenged when
you’re reading. That’s what will bring me back to this series.

Mr. Austgen reveals more and more about Evelyn, but I think he has more to reveal. There are too many open questions. Speaking of Eve(lyn), I like that she makes mistakes and even though she is pretty kick-ass, she’s not infallible. I like her do or die attitude. When she’s all in, she’s ALL IN. Mr. Austgen does leave me wanting to know why, about a lot of things.

The immediate world building is on-gong. The author’s descriptions of some of the locations seems spot on. The character frame work is also a work in progress.

The story line isn’t as fascinating as the “whys”. The characters, especially Eve, keep pulling me in. I never know what she’s going to do next.

I am sincerely enjoying this author’s stories and am looking forward to more and soon, I hope!

Road Trip!

8/14/2013

Good Morning everyone. Currently sitting in a hotel in Montgomery, Alabama on my way to my very first book convention, Authors After Dark 2013 in Savannah, Georgia.

We have about 6 hours of traveling to do today. Time to get up and moving around.

Have a great day!!

Review: Keyser Run (Evelyn Morgan, #1) by J. L. Austgen

8/12/2013

Evelyn Morgan is a newly minted team leader placed in charge of one of the FBI's elite anti-terrorist squads after tracking a world-renowned assassin for most of her adult life. Tasked with discovering the original sources of funding for a terrorist cell operating in a suburb of Washington, D.C., she is quickly ensnared in an international conspiracy when all contact is lost with the terrorists. While scrambling to find the terror cell, Morgan uncovers a plot more sinister than she could have thought possible. One of her agents wants her dead, and will stop at nothing to accomplish the goal.

Mr Austgen has begun what could become one of my “need to read series” with Evelyn Morgan as it’s star.

You don’t get a lot of introduction with this book. It’s along the lines, you’ll catch up as the story unfolds. I like this approach for Keyser Run. The synopsis gives you the general idea of the story and the clues are revealed little by little. Mr Austgen doesn’t bog you down with the back story either, but allows the characters’ thoughts and actions to tell you about themselves. It works for him and for the story.

The world building is there, but fluid. The characters are written, but not completely. It’s a very interesting approach and actually refreshing. My imagination came into play until I was given more information. It was nice to not have the story spoon fed to me. Actually if Mr Austgen had taken that approach, I would have put Keyser Run down.

I didn’t put it down and had to make myself stop. Immediately upon finishing Keyser Run, I was able to get Muckross Folly from NetGalley (thank goodness). Oh yeah, how do you like the titles? They are quirky enough to catch your attention, aren’t they?

Review: Killer Instinct (Charlie Fox, #1) by Zoe Sharp

8/11/2013

KILLER INSTINCT is the first in Zoë Sharp’s highly acclaimed Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Fox crime thriller series, now available in e-format for the first time, complete with Foreword by Lee Child, two previously deleted scenes, Meet Charlie Fox and Meet Zoë Sharp extras, an excerpt from the next Charlie Fox novel – RIOT ACT – and a bonus excerpt from Brett Battles’ Jonathan Quinn novella, BECOMING QUINN.

‘Susie Hollins may have been no great shakes as a karaoke singer, but I didn’t think that was enough reason for anyone to want to kill her.’

Charlie Fox makes a living teaching self-defence to women in a quiet northern English city. It makes best use of the deadly skills she picked up after being kicked out of army Special Forces training for reasons she prefers not to go into. So, when Susie Hollins is found dead hours after she foolishly takes on Charlie at the New Adelphi Club, Charlie knows it’s only a matter of time before the police come calling. What they don’t tell her is that Hollins is the latest victim of a homicidal rapist stalking the local area.

Charlie finds herself drawn closer to the crime when the New Adelphi’s enigmatic owner, Marc Quinn, offers her a job working security at the club. Viewed as an outsider by the existing all-male team, her suspicion that there’s a link between the club and a serial killer doesn’t exactly endear her to anyone. Charlie has always taught her students that it’s better to run than to stand and fight, But, when the killer starts taking a very personal interest, it’s clear he isn’t going to give her that option . . .

I picked up this book based on the blurb provided by Lee Childs. Since I enjoy mysteries, it was a good bet I'd like it. I did.

Killer Instinct is a solid first book the Charlie Fox series.

What I liked: the writing style. The series is set in England and the author, Zoe Sharp, is Bristish. Some of the terms I was unfamiliar with but I enjoyed learning different phrasings. Ms Sharp didn't create a card board cut-put heroine. Charley is all too human. Her backstory was intriguing and not fully explained which added to the mystery. The novel flowed well and the world building was okay.

What I didn't like: there wasn't much not to like. I was getting a bit tense waiting for more information on Charlie's past but it unfolded the way it needed to

As a testament to Killer Instinct, I immediately bought the next book in the series, Riot Act.

Review: Hotshot (Buchanan-Renard, #11) by Julie Garwood

8/9/2013

He saved Peyton Lockhart's life when they were kids - but now she's all grown up and he's a seasoned FBI agent who comes to her rescue again in the new contemporary romance from number-one New York Times best-selling author Julie Garwood.

Peyton and her sisters have inherited Bishop's Cove, a small, luxurious oceanfront resort, but it comes with conditions: The girls must run the resort for one year and show a profit - only then will they own it.

A graduate of a prestigious French culinary school, Peyton has just lost her job as a food critic after rightfully accusing her boss of sexual harassment. Out of work and in a bad place personally, to Peyton a year doing something completely different sounds wonderful. Peyton dives into learning the resort business but is quickly derailed by an escalating chain of events that puts her life in danger. She refuses to be intimidated - until she's nearly killed. Then she calls on her childhood friend and protector, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, and asks for his help. Finn is more than happy to do a favor for Peyton, but he doesn't plan on dealing with the beautiful, passionate woman she has become.

There are countless challenges and too many people who want to stop Peyton and her sisters from succeeding. Among them are their contentious cousins and a powerful group of land developers who have been eyeing the coveted beachfront property. And it also becomes apparent that her old boss holds a serious grudge and believes in payback.

While the attraction between Peyton and Finn flames bright enough to distract them both from their dangerous situation, a happily ever after ending seems all but impossible. But the well-trained lawman never loses focus: He saved her life once; now he must do it again.

I've been reading Julie Garwood forever. When I decided to scale down my book collection, I kept all my Julie Garwood novels. I started with her historical romance and have followed her into mainstream romance. I've loved them all.

Can you see where this is going? Due to some eye problems on release day, I listened to the audio version. Not believing my ears, I then read the hardcover. It didn't change my mind. The audio version completed skewed the book for me.

I'm going to do this in reverse.

What I didn't like: The narrator for Hotshot WAS NOT what this novel needed. She was a cross between "surfer dude" and immature "Valley girl". I felt like I was listening to a young adult novel with the love interest robbing the cradle. The novel itself felt like it was all over the place. It didn't flow. Peyton and Finn's chemistry was almost creepy. She seemed so young and immature and he was not "the knight in shining armor" I'm used to in Ms Garwood's novels. There was no tension and what were supposed to be the funny parts felt contrived. If this had been the first Julie Garwood novel I read, I would never read another.

What I liked: I found some of the secondary characters more interesting than Peyton and Finn. It had a "happily ever after" ending.

Definitely avoid the audio version at all costs. I was so disappointed with the narrator I even looked her up to see what other books she had done. None I had ever read. I'm not sure what was going on with the selection of her as the narrator. I'm sure for other novels she is good but not for Hotshot.

Normally I don't mind paying the price for my hardcover "keepers". This time I was extremely disappointed. Even if you are a die hard Julie Garwood fan, check this out of the library.