Turn Coat by Jim Butcher

What the Blurb says...

In the Dresden Files, New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher has built a world hailed as "dynamic and complex, and utterly fascinating."* Now Chicago's only professional wizard, Harry Dresden, is about to find that the one thing more dangerous than his mortal enemies may be his closest allies...

When it comes to the magical ruling body known as the White Council, Harry keeps his nose clean and his head down. For years, the Council has held a death mark over Harry's head. He's still thought of as a black sheep by some - and as a sacrificial lamb by others. But none regard him with more suspicion and disdain than Morgan, a veteran Warden with a grudge against anyone who bends the rules.

Like Harry.

So when Morgan turns up asking for help, Harry isn't exactly eager to leap into action. Morgan has been accused of treason against the White Council - and there's only one final punishment for that crime. He's on the run, he wants his name cleared, and he needs someone with a knack for backing the underdog.

Like Harry.

Now Harry must uncover a traitor within the Council, keep less than agreeable Morgan under wraps, and avoid coming under scrutiny himself. And a single mistake may cost someone his head.

My review...

I love Harry Dresden like a brother, you know the kind that always get's into trouble but hates to ask for help.

This book was one of the best in my opinion, you get the know-how of the Wizarding Council in much more detail than any other books. Harry kicks ass and regularly gets his ass handed back to him. The charachters keep growing, Jim's writing gets better and better. Seriously can't wait for more from my favourite urban fantasy author.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

What the blurb says...

deliciously exotic urban fantasy that is sexy, mysterious and dangerously good fun!

When 15-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother?And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

My review...

This is a YA Urban Fantasy at it's best, a great tale of mystery and adventure. As an adult I really enjoyed it, at times I found it slighlty over repetitive in it's discriptions, like 'Tom is a midnight black kitten who had the blackest, midnight fur ever seen on a black cat', that's not from the book but it's how descriptive it can be at times. That was the only gripe I had though, the rest of the story was great.

I have picked up the next two in series but haven't had a chance to read them yet.

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

What the blurb says...

Drafted into working for the Order of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems than she knows what to do with these days. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that’s saying a lot.

But when Kate’s werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation leads her to the Midnight Games – an invitation only, no holds barred, ultimate preternatural fighting tournament – she and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, uncover a dark plot that may forever alter the face of Atlanta’s shapeshifting community…

My Review...

I love this series a lot. A recent re-read of Magic Burns the week before this came to me was well worth doing. I was in the mode to dive straight into Magic Strikes, with enthusiasm, a frenzied reading session, I really struggled to put this book down. Sneak reading at work and then sped home to finish reading it, OH has to get the dinner and I kept going to 4AM to finish it. Part of me hates rushing as the joy of a new books is quickly over, but the part of me that loves rushing was in seventh heaven as it really needed to be read in one sitting, right?

Ilona writes another great novel, full of action, romance, action, Curran getting his own way and action.

The Scot, The Witch and the Wardrobe by Annette Blair

What the blurb says...

Sexy new romance from the national bestselling author of My Favorite Witch.

To restore his clan to glory, Rory MacKenzie must reclaim a beautifully carved unicorn. His search leads him to Victoria Cartwright, whose untapped magical power reveals a long-hidden treasure in her.

My review...

A conclusion to the Accidental Witch Series, thought I did enjoy this book it's not the 'type' I would normally read. More Romance than Witchcraft. It sets up for Annette's next series the Triplet Witch Series, which was a tad annoying.

Over the Moon by Patricia Briggs et al

What the blurb says...

Three bestselling superstars and one exciting new voice in paranormal romance in a hot new anthology.

When it comes to sexy werewolves, fairies, and magic, there's only one place for readers to go this winter: Over the Moon.

Angela Knight ventures to the borders of Mageverse, a land ruled by vampire knights.

MaryJanice Davidson returns to the wicked lair of the Wyndham werewolves.

Virginia Kantra finds magic and wonder in a strange fairy kingdom.

And Sunny discovers a Mixed Blood Queen in command of a new realm.

My review...

I loved the MJD tale the most, the others were... alright.. but not the reason I picked up this anthology.

Brimstone Kiss by Carole Nelson Douglas

What the Blurb says...

Delilah and her partner - tall, dark, handsome, and Hispanic ex-FBI guy Ric Montoya - are busy solving a "Romeo and Juliet" double-murder and she's got plenty more to deal with: vampires, werewolves, and tigers, oh my!

My review...

I still felt confused with this series, this is the second book in the series and it really is cryptic, you just bump from one thing to the next with no real explanation why and delilah doesn't even seem that bothered to find out why, what, when and where. Quicksilver is the one thing in this book I like, yet that is still a bit mysterious. This is the last book I will be reading in this series.

Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance by Trisha Telep et al

What the blurb says...

The biggest names in vampire romance have created a fascinating array of 30 short stories of hot blood and inhuman passions that will leave you thirsting for more. Authors include Sherri Erwin, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Jenna Black, Jenna Maclaine, Raven Hart, Delilah Devlin, Keri Arthur, Kimberly Raye, Alexis Morgan, Lilith Saintcrow, C.T. Adams, Cathy Clamp, Susan Sizemore, Dina James, Colleen Gleason, Barbara Emrys, Savannah Russe, Shiloh Walker, Vicki Pettersson, Rebecca York, Rachel Vincent, Amanda Ashley, Karen Chance, and Nancy Holder. These ain't your mother's vampires!

My review...

Wow, what a selection of stories, not all set in the 'world' that the author is known for, not all about characters previously written about. Well worth a read if you are wanting to find some new authors to worship.

Maneater by Thomas Emson

What the blurb says...

She's not sweet. She's not nice. She doesn't fight evil. She doesn't protect the weak. She doesn't serve humanity. She doesn't work in an office by day and have a secret identity by night. She doesn't have friends and family who know nothing about her but when they find out they love her anyway. She's not cool. She's not clever. She's not kind to animals. She won't help children, the elderly, and those less fortunate than herself. In fact, she doesn't care. But if you hurt her, she will kill you. Actually, she'll do worse than that - Meet Laura. She'll eat you alive.

My review...

This was a surprising gem. Well written, grisly, fascinating and could not put it down.

Prey by Melina Morel

What the Blurb says...

Evil Stalks the city that never sleeps...

Vivian Roussel prefers to keep a low profile - she is, after all, a werecat, descendant of an ancient demigoddess, and highly regarded in Manhattan's nightworld. But when she's robbed of a priceless icon, she has only one recourse for protection.

Surveillance expert and werecat Pavel Federov never gets personal with his clients.But he's drawn to Vivian. Pavel soon discovers that the thief has something far more dangerous in mind - for he's marked Vivian as his next target.

My review...

This novel kind of continues on from Devour, but could easily be read as a standalone novel. Again not a keeper, but an enjoyable read.

Devour by Melina Morel

What the blurb says...

A spellbinding debut, paranormal thriller

A Werewolf...
A vampire...
And the woman who wants them both.

The dashing Pierre du Montfort is a werewolf who's never had trouble hiding his cursed heritage. But now with his dark secret about to be unleashed, he's willing to do anything-and savage anyone-in order to stay alive...

Beautiful and intrepid werewolf hunter Catherine Marais has no qualms about her destiny. Nothing will stop her from destroying the last Montfort werewolf. Not even Ian Morgan-the 200-year-old vampire whose electrifying touch could tempt Catherine to indulge in a forbidden darkness from which she may never return...

My review...

A great standalone novel, it's not a keeper for me but I enjoyed reading it!

First Blood by Susan Sizemore et al

What the blurb says...

Four all-new stories of forbidden passion and dark desire.

You never forget your first blood...Susan Sizemore returns to the universe of her Laws of the Blood novels with a sizzling story of the relationship between a vampire enforcer and a werewolf.

Erin McCarthy’s Sasha Checkikov flees the bright lights and dangerous slayers of Vegas for New Orleans, where she is saved by a vampire haunted by his past—and hungry for passion.

Set in the Vampire Babylon world, Chris Marie Green’s story puts the bond between twin female vampires to the test when one of them falls for her prey.

Meljean Brook’s vampire Annie Gallagher needs help to save a young human girl, but she doesn’t expect the help to come from the FBI agent she loved—and had to give up— when she was transformed.

My review...

“Cave Canem” is a story set in Susan Sizemore’s ‘Laws of the Blood’ novels. We get a twofer starring both a vampire and a werewolf who have to team up and work together to overcome an ancient threat that’s reappeared. The sparks between these two could light up Las Vegas, especially once they quit fighting each other. Extra points for the cute Hellhounds.

Erin McCarthy returns to New Orleans with “Russian Roulette” a tale of a former slayer turned vampire who is about to find out why a bitter vampire has got to be the world’s worst ex-girlfriend…especially when you’re attracted to the object of her desire!!

From Chris Marie Green’s ‘Vampire Babylon’ world, “Double the Bite” is an intense disturbing retake on good and evil, and nature vs nurture when she pens the tale of twin sister vampires. Can good overcome evil and how far would you go to protect a new love…from your evil twin. Very dark, very deep, and a riveting read.

“Thicker Than Blood” is the final story from Meljean Brook and a new twist on enduring love and whether or not some sins can ever be forgiven. Strangely uplifting for an urban fantasy, paranormal story.

This anthology was hard to get through as the 'worlds' needed some advance knowledge, I seemed a bit out of depth with this collection.

On the Prowl by Karen MacInerney

What the Blurb says...

On the outside, Sophie Garou is living every woman’s dream: she has beauty, brains, and a big-time position in Austin’s’s most respected accounting firm (not to mention a very sexy, very successful new mysterious boyfriend). There’s one thing, though, that she’d rather keep under wraps: Sophie is a werewolf, which can get her in a whole lot of trouble.

Sophie’s life gets a little more hairy when her long-estranged father, Luc, arrives in the Live Music Capital to attend the werewolves’ annual Howl and reconnect with his daughter. Luc’s plans quickly fall apart after he’s accused of murder and arrested by his archrival Wolfgang, leader of the Houston pack (and one notoriously dirty dog). Wolfgang drools at the thought of Luc’s impending execution, but Sophie won’t let her father die without a fight. Determined to prove his innocence, she and her friends set out to find the real killer. Along the way, Sophie must deal with taboo attractions, Machiavellian intrigues, sinister agendas, and hair-raising betrayals.

My Review...
I really am getting into this series. Sophie is a rocking wimpy[ish] werewolf solving a crime that is nothing to do with her [well, is it?] to make her life easier. Second in the series and well worth a read.

Prom Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot et al

What the Blurb says...

In this exciting collection, bestselling authors Meg Cabot (How to Be Popular), Kim Harrison (A Fistful of Charms), Michele Jaffe (Bad Kitty), Stephenie Meyer (Twilight), and Lauren Myracle (ttyl) take bad prom nights to a whole new level—a paranormally bad level. Wardrobe malfunctions and two left feet don't hold a candle to discovering your date is the Grim Reaper—and he isn't here to tell you how hot you look.

From angels fighting demons to a creepy take on getting what you wish for, these five stories will entertain better than any DJ in a bad tux. No corsage or limo rental necessary. Just good, scary fun.

My review...

I love Anthologies it's a great way to find some new authors to worship!

Michele Jaffe gives scary a twist of humor in her story "Kiss and Tell," in which Miranda, blessed (or maybe cursed) with superpowers, takes it upon herself to protect a 14-year-old chauffering charge named Sibby. Sarcasm and a roller derby outfit, however, might not be enough for Miranda to keep Sibby safe from a potential murder.

If you're a fan of Stephenie Meyer's TWILIGHT, then you'll love "Hell on Earth." What looks like your normal prom becomes a jumbled mess of broken jewelry, ripped dresses and destroyed romances thanks to the new girl, Sheba, who's really a 186-year-old demon in disguise. But will Sheba's meddling older sister keep the prom from being anything less than perfectly hellish?

If you love the classic horror stories, then flip straight to "The Corsage" by Lauren Myracle, a retelling of W.W. Jacobs's "The Monkey's Paw." Frankie wishes for Will to ask her to the prom while holding a corsage she bought from a Juicy Couture-clad fortune teller. You know how the saying goes, though: Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it. Frankie's wish comes true, and now Will is just dying to ask her to the prom.

For a twist on the Grim Reaper tale, look at "Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper" by Kim Harrison. It's bad enough that Madison's date only takes her to the prom out of pity, but then the guy she leaves with kills her and completely botches her death. Now she's somewhere between human and ghost, relying on a stolen amulet to keep her solid.

And for those of you who are diehard vampire fans, open to page one and start reading "The Exterminator's Daughter" by Meg Cabot. Vampires are alive, well, living in New York and taking Mary's best friend Lila to the prom. Mary, a vampire exterminator with her very own crossbow, is determined to save Lila. With Dracula in disguise at her high school, will Mary's prom completely suck?

Howling at the Moon by Karen MacInerney

Finished on March 9th 2009.



What the Blurb says...

Romance is about to get a little hairy.

Sophie Garou seems to have it all: a great job at a prestigious accounting firm, a closet that rivals a Nordstrom showroom, and a terrific boyfriend who isn’t afraid to use the “M” word. There’s just one little itty-bitty problem: Sophie is a werewolf—and her time of month has a whole new meaning.

Needless to say, life among yummy flesh-and-blood humans is no piece of steak . . . er, cake!, but regular doses of wolfsbane tea and a mother who runs a magic shop have helped Sophie keep her paranormal pedigree under wraps. Still, when a sexy, golden-eyed werewolf prowls into town, Sophie finds herself struggling to keep her animal impulses in check—not to mention trying to keep things on track with her super hot (and super human) lawyer boyfriend. What’s more, someone is threatening to expose Sophie for what she really is. And when her mother is accused of selling a poison-laced potion, Sophie must sniff out a culprit before the fur hits the fan.

My review...

First in a new series. I'd heard alot of not great reviews, but wanted to see for myself if it was any good. And I really enjoyed it alot, Sophie is a likeable character. This will be a series I will follow with pleasure.

Pride by Rachel Vicent

Finished March 4th 2009.



What the Blurb says...

Here's hoping cats do have nine lives...

I’m on trial for my life. Accused of infecting my human ex-boyfriend—and killing him to cover up the crime. Infecting a human is one of three capital offenses recognized by the Pride—along with murder and disclosure of our existence to a human.

I’m two for three. A goner.

Now we've discovered a rogue stray terrorizing the mountainside, hunting a wild teenage tabbycat. It's up to us to find and stop him. With my lover Marc's help, I think I can protect the vulnerable tabby from both the ambitious rogue and the scheming of the territorial council.

If I survive my own trial…

My review...

This series just keeps getting better and better, Faythe and Marc are great characters that are well written. Third in the series.

The Devil's Due by Jenna Black

Finished March 2nd 2009.



What the blurb says...

POSSESSION WAS NEVER THIS MUCH FUN.

Trust or die, That's the choice Morgan Kingsley, exorcist, is given by the gorgeous rogue demon who's gotten inside her. The truth is, Morgan has dozens of reasons not to trust anyone, from the violence that torched her house and killed her father to a love-life that's left her questioning her relationship with her erstwhile boyfriend, Brian. But Lugh, a King among demons, won't take no for an answer. He's prying into her body, mind, and even her sex life. And he's just pulled Morgan into a power struggle that could have devastating consequences for both the human and demon worlds.

But Morgan still has a job to do: Investigate the highly bizarre possession of the son of a wealthy Philadelphia couple. That hunt leads Morgan into a realm of sexual depravity, then a terrifying kidnapping. Now, a woman who makes her living prying demons from their hosts finds her day job colliding with the night: a darkness that is attracting demons of the damnedest sort, including the one who's about to demand his ultimate due.

My review...

Third in the series, and this book to me is the best so far. Morgan has unravelled more of the mystery and you really start to see a bigger scarier picture.

Dancing with Werewolves by Carole Nelson Douglas

Finished on February 24th 2009.



What the blurb says...

It was the revelation of the millennium: witches, werewolves, vampires and other supernaturals are real. Fast-forward 13 years: TV reporter Delilah Street used to cover the small-town bogeyman beat back in Kansas, but now, in high-octane Las Vegas - which is run by a werewolf mob - she finds herself holding back the gates of Hell itself. But at least she has a hot new guy and one big bad wolfhound to help her out...

My review...
I didn' really 'get' into this book at all, I felt alot was left unexplained and I often felt confused and had to back track to make sure I hadn't missed something.

Welcome to the Jungle by Jim Butcher

Finished February 23rd 2009.



What the Blurb says...

When the supernatural world goes out of control, there's only one man to call: Harry Dresden, the only professional wizard in the phone book. A launch title in the Dabel Brothers graphic novel series, "Welcome to the Jungle" is an original adventure set in the "New York Times" bestselling Dresden Files universe.

My review...

This is my first foray into the Graphic Novels of the Dresdenverse. And I loved it, it was weird, as most first experiences are, but I came to love it. It's interesting to see the imaginations of Harry, in my own minds opinion he looks completley different. Not sure I would go this way again, I like my own imagination more :)

One SIlent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Finished on February 17th 2009



What the Blurb says...

While the world carries on unawares, Stryker, who leads an army of demons and vampires, is plotting an all out onslaught against his enemies--which, unfortunately for us, includes the entire human race.

To avenge his sister, Stryker prepares to annihilate the Dark-Hunters. But things go awry when his oldest enemy returns.

Enter his ex-wife. Zephyra. Just when he thought nothing could stop him, he's now embroiled in a centuries old war with a shrew who gives new meaning to pain and a shrew who is the only woman he's ever really loved.

My review...

Read this out of sync with the series, this is 14th in the Dark Hunter series. It's a great read, bit dissapointing after reading 'Acheron' as it was so thick, it only took me a day to read this one.

Men of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

Finished on February 16th 2009.



What the blurb says...

As a curious child, Clayton didn’t resist the bite—he asked for it. But surviving as a lone child werewolf was more than he could manage—until Jeremy came along and taught him how to straddle the human-werewolf worlds, gave him a home…and introduced him to the Pack. So begins this volume, featuring three of the most intriguing members of the American Pack—a hierarchical founding family where bloodlines mean everything, and each day presents a new, thrilling, and often deadly challenge. For as Clayton grows from a wild child to a clever teen who tests his beloved mentor at every turn, he must learn not only to control his animal instincts, but to navigate Pack politics—including showing his brutal arch nemesis, Malcolm, who the real Alpha is...

My review...

This is the first novella released by Kelley, it contains the previously released online short stories 'Infusion', 'Savage' and 'Ascension' and a never published before tale narrated by Jeremy. I loved having a printed version of the short stories, I had read them before.