Book Review - Petals on the Wind by V C Andrews

Synopsis: For Carrie, Chris and Cathy the attic was a dark horror that would not leave their minds.
Of course mother had to pretend they didn't exist and grandmother was convinced they had the devil in them.

But that wasn't their fault. Was it?

Cathy knew what to do. She knew it was time to show her mother and grandmother that the pain and terror of the attic could not be forgotten...Show them. Show them -- once and for all.

Review: I read this series as a child and had actually forgotten most of the story except for the first book Flowers in the Attic. I was really excited to find out they had new covers which are gorgeous and that Lifetime Movie Channel is making them into Lifetime movies! Flowers in the Attic came out on Lifetime sometime last year I think. Don't miss Petals on the Wind Monday May 26th at 9pm Eastern Time on Lifetime!

I was really happy for the kids to escape despite the loss of their loved one. Book one was full of anguish and mistreatments and wrong doings for the Dollanganger children whereas in Petals on the Wind it would seem things are looking up for them if only Cathy would let go of some of her resentment and need for revenge.

I felt so bad for the kids in book one but here Cathy pure makes me sick. Her desire for revenge against her mother is holding them all back to a certain extent of taking advantage of the good fortune that has befallen them. Her use of sex to get what she wants is disgusting and I really don't feel much pity or anything for her at this point.

There was also a great deal of death in Petals on the Wind...one of which I hated so badly. I wasn't really surprised at the way it ended but am anxious to see where it goes from here.

Review - A Trace of Moonlight by Allison Pang

A Trace of Moonlight by Allison Pang
Released: October 30, 2012
Publisher: Pocket Books
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 400 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5

Abby’s pact with a daemon—whether or not she remembers making it—is binding, so she’d better count herself lucky that (in the words of a daemon who knows better) there’s nearly always a loophole. But her friends’ reckless attempts to free her, well intentioned though they may be, set off a disastrous chain of events. In no time at all, Abby turns her incubus lover mortal, then gets herself killed, cursed, and married to an elven prince whose mother wants her dead. On top of everything else, she’s lost the Key to the CrossRoads to her mortal enemy, who promptly uses his restored power to wreak havoc on the OtherWorld and put its very existence in jeopardy. Only one person can make things right again, but to find her, Abby must place her trust in allies of mixed loyalties, and conquer her nightmares once and for all.

I really LOVE this series so much! Phineas is my hero! A Trace of Moonlight opens with Abby having no memories in Faerie but moves quickly and regains her memory and the action takes off from there. Without going into alot of detail an all out war breaks out when the Eildon Tree on the Crossroads is set on fire because it sort of kept peace amongst all the different creatures with it's hidden magic. Now sworn enemies must join forces to find the one person who they think may can save the tree and the future of the Crossroads but will they be in time? I'll never tell! LOL

The love triangle between Abby, Ion, and Talivar is a bit disturbing but I guess it's necassary to the story. I just dislike Abby having sex with both men and acting like it's supposed to be okay with everybody. Maybe she does really love both men even if in different ways and they obviously both love her even if they do have their own separate agendas but I still think she needs to choose one or the other and not keep stringing them both along. Heck I say dump um both! Who needs them when she has Phin for crying out loud? LOL

Review - A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang

A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang
Released: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Pocket Books
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 400 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5/5
Author Site: Allison Pang

Just when her new life as a TouchStone—a mortal bound to help OtherFolk cross between Faery and human worlds—seems to be settling down, Abby Sinclair is left in charge when the Protectorate, Moira, leaves for the Faery Court. And when the Protectorate’s away . . . let’s just say things spiral out of control when a spell on Abby backfires and the Faery Queen declares the Doors between their worlds officially closed.

Oh my freaking gosh! Book one (A Brush of Darkness) was wonderful but I enjoyed A Sliver of Shadow even more! We are introduced to Tresa who tries to trick Abby into becoming her touchstone and when she fails she casts a spell that backfires in a huge way causing the Faery Queen to think war had broken out and she closed the crossroads leaving many stranded and possibly dying.

So on top of taking care of Benjamin, keeping the peace amongst her suitors, running a business, and trying to make sense of being a touchstone Abby now has added this to her plate. But the fun doesn't stop here folks because Abby also begins to discover things about her past and family and let me tell you I was thrown for a loop!

I feel like A Brush of Darkness kinda just introduced us to a few of the key players in this awesome story but A Sliver of Shadow tossed us right into the action and doesn't give us a moment to catch our breath before tossing more upon us! I am practically bouncing off the walls in wait for A Trace of Moonlight which will be out in October. Oh boy oh boy oh boy that sounds like a long time away! More Phin please!

Review - A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang

A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang
Released: January 25, 2011
Publisher: Pocket Books
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 242 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Allison Pang

Six months ago, Abby Sinclair was struggling to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Now, she has an enchanted iPod, a miniature unicorn living in her underwear drawer, and a magical marketplace to manage.

AWesome Debut! I knew this was gonna be a wild and wicked read from the first sentence which is from our heroine describing what she is smelling. "Cat piss and cabbages." No further details there I will just let your mind wander! Seriously there is barely a dull moment in the entire book and it is filled to the brim with all kinds of otherworld folks from angels and daemons to fae and unicorns. I have always dreamed of unicorns but I am not so sure Phineas and I would get along as he is the size of a small dog and loves plundering in womens underwear!

The plot is pretty basic as plots go...there are missing people, a mystery to solve, a sexy incubus naturally needing... ahem some loving while helping solve said mystery but Allison writes in a way that even though the plot is basic her characters came to life for me and they were funny and sassy and Brystion was just all out yummy. The ending wasn't all that huge of a cliffhanger but enough to encourage me to pick up the next book and ladies and gents I am off to do that now!

Review - Shadow City by Diana Pharaoh Francis

Shadow City by Diana Pharaoh Francis
Released: December 27, 2011
Publisher: Pocket Books
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 384 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Diana Pharaoh Francis

The world is falling apart. The magical apocalypse has come. Now is the time to guard the covenstead against both raiders and refugees. But Max has been stolen by a powerful demi-god who is determined to force her to find a way to use a magical power she never knew she had—even if it kills her. Meanwhile, back in Horngate, a Fury is birthing. When the creature breaks free of the fragile bonds that enclose her, her rage will scour the covenstead from the earth.

The Horngate Witches is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy Series and it seems it only gets better with each book. I loved the back n forth in this particular book with Alexander and Giselle fighting one battle at Horngate while Max and Scooter at the same time were fighting for Scooter's life at Chadare. The interactions were great between them and I enjoyed the growth and sort of respect they all began to feel for each other against the circumstances that put them on the pats they were now on.

Giselle, Max and I, will probably always despise but in Shadow City she shows more of herself and for lack of a better word seems more "realistic" to me somehow. It was sort of funny when Alexander told Giselle to get dressed and she came back wearing jeans, hiking boots, and a pullover along with her hair up in a ponytail and he said to her that it amazed him how "natural" she looked and she scowled back at him that she did bathe every day and keep her armpits shaved.

I recommend this series to any urban fantasy lover. It's action packed with a tough herione, has magic and plenty of adventures involved and just is really good. You can possibly read them out of order and still have a general idea of whats happening but I feel you would be missing out on alot of fun.

Review - Killing Rites by MLN Hanover

Killing Rites by MLN Hanover
Released: November 29, 2011
Publisher: Pocket Books
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 384 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: MLN Hanover

JaynÉ Heller has discovered the source of her uncanny powers: something else is living inside her body. She's possessed. Of all her companions, she can only bring herself to confide in Ex, the former priest. They seek help from his old teacher and the circle of friends he left behind, hoping to cleanse JaynÉ before the parasite in her becomes too powerful.

I am getting frustrated but a good kind of frustrated. I want Ex and Jayne to hurry up and get together but maybe it's better this way letting them take their time because she is still kinda on the rebound with Aubrey and Ex is well he's Ex.... but to get on with my review; this was a very happening book! Jayne realized that she did in fact have a rider and worked with Ex and some of his old comrades to try to disperse it but during the ceremony something goes wrong and she tries to let them know but they think it is a trick and Jayne barely escapes some dreadful consequences not to mention having to go on the run from her dear friends because they think she is not in control therefore once again landing her all on her own. I felt so sad for her because seems everytime things start looking up and she has some makeshift family all heck tears it apart.

On the upside my favorite character was back for a short snip in this book; Midian. I just love his snippy short comments and his view of how things are and he flat out let Jayne know exactly what he thought of dear old uncle Eric but um I will let you see for yourself.

As much as I really enjoyed Killing Rites and look forward to another installment, I just can't say I was totally satisfied with the ending. I expected more to come from the big fight scene I guess and felt it lacked the umph it should of had.

Review - Vicious Grace by MLN Hanover

Vicious Grace by MLN Hanover
Released: November 30, 2010
Publisher: Pocket Books
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 384 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: MLN Hanover

For the first time in forever, Jayné Heller’s life is making sense. Even if she routinely risks her life to destroy demonic parasites that prey on mortals, she now has friends, colleagues, a trusted lover, and newfound confidence in the mission she inherited from her wealthy, mysterious uncle. Her next job might just rob her of all of them. At Grace Memorial Hospital in Chicago, something is stirring. Patients are going AWOL and research subjects share the same sinister dreams. Half a century ago, something was buried under Grace in a terrible ritual, and it’s straining to be free. Jayné is primed to take on whatever’s about to be let loose. Yet the greatest danger now may not be the huge, unseen force lurking below, but the evil that has been hiding in plain sight all along—taking her ever closer to losing her body, her mind, and her soul. . . .

WOW this series keeps getting better and better! This part is basically about a haunted hospital and a buried demon and the first thing that popped in my mind was that movie by Stephen King called Kingdom Hospital! That was a freaky show and I loved it so obviously this book had my attention!

Some not so nice information was discovered about Uncle Eric that threw the entire group for a loop and has left me wondering just what else has dear Uncle Eric been hiding and why. I continue my stand against Aubrey. Don't get me wrong I love his character but he is not right for Jayne. Aubrey is more of a lover than a fighter type guy and I just feel he fits better behind the scenes and out of Jayne's bed. I am very proud of Jayne in Vicious Grace because I finally believe she is beginning to find herself and her inner strength. She is faced with some very hard decisions..harder than she has ever had to deal with and she stands up and puts her big girl panties on and does what needs to be done. By books end I was chanting Yes Yes Yes You Go Girl!

Review - Hunter of Shadows by Nancy Gideon

Hunter of Shadows by Nancy Gideon
Released: November 29, 2011
Publisher: Pocket Books
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 416 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Nancy Gideon

Transferring to the New Orleans Police Department, Detective Silas MacCreedy has a hidden agenda: to secure his clan’s place once again in the Shifter hierarchy. What he didn’t count on was stumbling upon a sexy assassin who could shred his best intentions and lead him into a dangerous dance that threatens to engage his heart.

Having not read any of the Moonlight Series I think I was running a bit behind on this one but still it was quick to figure out most of what I was missing as the story progressed. I really want to go back and read these from the beginning because the characters are just really awesome and strong and I want to see how it all began so to speak.

Silas..good Lord he could rescue me any day of the week! (sitting here fanning myself just thinking about it) I totally enjoyed how he and Nica met and from there on in the pages just sizzled so much I was afraid my fingers were gonna catch fire. I could just feel the passion flowing between the two whether they were sexually mauling each other or totally trying to kill one another. Really good storlines going on thru-out including mob scenes, some kick ass fight scenes and yep some breath taking sex so I dont recommend for the faint of heart.

Review - Darker Angels: Book Two of the Black Sun's Daughter by M.L.N. Hanover

Darker Angels: Book Two of the Black Sun's Daughter by M.L.N. Hanover
Released: September 29, 2009
Publisher: Pocket Books
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 368 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: M.L.N. Hanover

When Jayné Heller's uncle Eric died, she inherited a fortune beyond all her expectations -- and a dangerous mission in a world she never knew existed. Reining in demons and supernatural foes is a formidable task, but thankfully Jayné has vast resources and loyal allies to rely on. She'll need both to tackle a bodyswitching serial killer who's taken up residence in New Orleans, a city rich in voodoo lore and dark magic.

Jayne and her posse head to New Orleans in book two of The Black Sun's Daughter Series. She has been contacted for help by one of her uncle's old aquaintances, Karen Black, an ex-FBI agent to help her rid the rider of a young girl.

The group has been working hard and fast for the past few months traveling the world to as many of Jayne's uncle's houses and storage units as possible trying to piece together his work and resources to better assist their needs and they are tired, weary, and in desperate need of some TLC/down time but instead they run headlong into this new mission with their tails dragging and their guards down to much. The action heats up almost the time they enter New Orleans and they immediately get their tails handed to them on a platter and have to regroup by the skin of their hides!

Alot happens in Darker Angels. Whether because of the exhaustion of the group or Jayne's still being wet behind the ears when it comes to leadership the group falls apart as evil trickery and secrets come to light. There are so many different types of struggles going on here...love, friendship, evil, and treachery.

Again another wonderful story by MLN Hanover that kept me up nights until I finished it but I really missed Midian from book one and was hoping he would at least make an appearance with his sassy and quick tongue. He kept me in stitches in the first book. I still am not all that impressed with Aubrey and wonder what on earth Jayne see's in him but their relationship starts to grow as she continues digging in her heels in a profession she was tossed into and is slowly carving out her own place in. I can feel she is getting stronger and the group as a whole is learning to work together but there is still a ways to go.

Review - Unclean Spirits: Book One of the Black Sun's Daughter by M.L.N. Hanover

Unclean Spirits: Book One of the Black Sun's Daughter by M.L.N. Hanover
Released: July 28, 2009
Publisher: Pocket Books
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 400 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: M.L.N. Hanover

Jayné Heller thinks of herself as a realist, until she discovers reality isn't quite what she thought it was. When her uncle Eric is murdered, Jayné travels to Denver to settle his estate, only to learn that it's all hers -- and vaster than she ever imagined. And along with properties across the world and an inexhaustible fortune, Eric left her a legacy of a different kind: his unfinished business with a cabal of wizards known as the Invisible College.

Led by the ruthless Randolph Coin, the Invisible College harnesses demon spirits for their own ends of power and domination. Jayné finds it difficult to believe magic and demons can even exist, let alone be responsible for the death of her uncle. But Coin sees Eric's heir as a threat to be eliminated by any means -- magical or mundane -- so Jayné had better start believing in something to save her own life.

Unclean Spirits was action packed..always had something happening to keep me on my toes! It was a pageturner that I had trouble putting down and found myself waking up at night to read just a few more pages. Jayne is basically a loner with no friends, boyfriend, nor any family left that wants anything to do with her. She's sort of the black sheep because she wouldn't follow her father's rules. I felt kind of sorry for her not so much for the obvious reasons but because she just seems to have hit bottom in her life and needs something to hold onto..something to call hers and maybe even a shoulder to lean on. I could relate to that.

I loved Midian! He is sassy mouthed and funny at the same time and I just really enjoyed his two sense worth not to mention he could cook and boy I do think highly of men who know their way around a kitchen!

Aubrey was an okay character but I'm just not all that into him. He's just not tough enough for me and he seems more like a suit man whereas I am all about the jeans and leather and kick ass urban hero type. Maybe he will harden up in later books..I dunno but I just am not feeling him as Jayne's lover or sidekick.

Jayne is just getting her feet wet in book one and still not totally sure if this will be a one time thing with her by killing the thing that killed her uncle or if she resumes his work where he left off and help others with a supernatural crisis.