Review - Shadows and Fire by Jennifer Fales

Shadows and Fire by Jennifer Fales
Released: November 1, 2011
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 114 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Author
Rating: 3/5
Author Site: Jennifer Fales

In the parallel world of the future, mankind has created its own worst enemy - a supernatural species of animal-human hybrids that exact a high toll in return for peace. Step into the dark, and occasionally funny, world of the domes where a brother and sister bridging the gap between these two species struggle to reunite with one another. Meet the menagerie of creatures that impact their lives and a man who would bring redemption, providing he doesn't get lost along the way.

A debut with lots of promise is what Shadows and Fire was to me. I was able to slip just enough away into the story to get a tiny glimpse of what I think will become a fantastic fantasy world full of memorable supernatural creatures and adventure. The book was just a bit to short for me to really make alot of noise over but it will be interesting to see brother and sister reunite and channel their powers and also to get to know the rest of the characters better. Jennifer has done an excellant job at laying the groundwork for a great story in the next book for sure!

Review - The Veil by Cory Putman Oakes

The Veil by Cory Putman Oakes
Released: November 1, 2011
Publisher: Octane Press
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 288 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Author/Goodreads Win
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Cory Putman Oakes

Seventeen-year-old Addison Russell is in for a shock when she discovers that she can see the invisible world of the Annorasi. Suddenly, nothing is as it appears to be--the house she lives in, the woman who raised her, even the most beautiful boy in town all turn out to be more than what they seem. And when this strange new world forces Addy to answer for a crime that was committed long ago, by parents she has never known, she has no choice but to trust Luc, the mysterious Annorasi who has been sent to protect her. Or so he says . . .

The Veil is an AWESOME debut and I enjoyed reading such a unique story that had no hint of vampire , werewolf, or anything of the sort. Don't get me wrong those are my favorite stories but every now and again its refreshing to find something new that interests me and tickles my fancy.

I couldn't get enough of the relationship between Addy and Luc and it was just a sweet young romance that the reader felt compelled to cheer on. The friend relationships were well played but I would have liked to have seen more action between Addy and Emily. Maybe even a catfight over Luc?

The Veil made me laugh but also got me to thinking about secrets and how deadly they can actually be and how true that old saying really can be about "what they don't know can't hurt them".

The only thing that I really didn't like about The Veil is actually the cover. I know it is supposed to represent the bridge from the story but it doesn't scream pick me up at me. I know I am not supposed to judge a book by its cover but I can't help it! I like pretty covers and this one is just boring to me.

In My Mailbox (11)

Hosted by The Story Siren, In My Mailbox is a weekly meme of what goodies we got to read during the week either thru mail, library, or ect... I got extremely slack on making In My Mailbox posts in December so this is a catch up post of books I have gotten in the past 3 weeks or so.

For Review:
Strange Flesh by Michael Olson
Shadows and Fire by Jennifer Fales
It Takes A Witch by Heather Blake
Midnight Reckoning by Kendra Leigh Castle
Firelight by Kristen Callihan
Shadow City by Diana Pharaoh Francis

Won: (Thank you both!)
Blood Work by Kim Harrison (Graphic Novel) from Fangs For The Fantasy
Nowhereville by Sean Campbell from Dreamonus.com

Paperbackswap:
Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine
Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole
Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber
Kissing Coffins by Ellen Schreiber
Vampireville by Ellen Schreiber

For Xmas:
Hilarious Fishing Cartoons by John Troy (Hubby got this for xmas)
Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Review - I Love You More... Than Chocolate by Melanie Milburn

I Love You More... Than Chocolate by Melanie Milburn
Released: December 6, 2010
Publisher: InstantPublisher
Age Group: Childrens
Pages: 32 pages
Format: Hardback
Source: Author
Rating: 5/5
Author Site: Melanie Milburn

This book was originally a song, and inside the back cover, you have a CD of Melanie singing the song. When Melanie would tuck her children into bed at night, she made sure they knew how much they were loved. She told them she loved them more than anything even chocolate!

This has quickly became our little girls favorite book! She reads it several times a week and is always singing the tune so much so we decided to record her for your viewing enjoyment! I myself thought it had the most beautiful illustrations and rhyming words which I am a sucker for. This will be a great addition to your childs library for sure! I can't even express how much we have enjoyed it!

Review - It Takes a Witch by Heather Blake

It Takes a Witch by Heather Blake
Released: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Signet
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 320 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Author/Crazy Book Tours
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Heather Blake

Darcy Merriweather has just discovered she hails from a long line of Wishcrafters-witches with the power to cast spells by making a wish. She's come to Enchanted Village to learn her trade but finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation...

Love Love Loved it! This was a wonderful change of pace for me. I needed something quick, fun, and supernatural to get me thru those hectic somewhat stressful holiday days! This was perfect! It had lots of humor, suspicious characters, lovable and sometimes supernatural animals, hints of flirtation....not to mushy or over the top hanky panky, and characters I quickly fell in love with!

Anybody that loves a good cozy mystery will find great pleasure with Darcy Merriweather while she struggles to free an innocent man, solve a murder, find a pickpocketer, fall in love..maybe, and learn the ways of witchcraft.

May all your wishes come true when you read it!