Darkest Highlander-Donna Grant

Darkest Highlander


Donna Grant

St. Martin’s, Jan 31 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780312533496



The Druids created Broc the warrior who has dedicated his heart to protecting his beloved Druidess Sonya’ though he hides how he feels as he knows they can never be together. Thus Broc is stunned when the woman he loves flees Castle MacLeod.



He follows her only to catch up to her nearly dead. As Sonya heals, she explains to Broc that she no longer can perform magic. Broc is confused as he can feel she still has the power. When Deirdre’s evil forces capture Broc, Sonya knows she must rescue the man she loves. He is chained to evil magic with no hope for escape for eternity. She helps Broc escape; with both of them ending up in an ancient tomb where they dig up an artifact hoping to prevent Deirdre from using it.



The latest Dark Sword historical romantic fantasy (see Shadow Highlander, Untamed Highlander, Dangerous Highlander and Wicked Highlander) is a great tale that deftly merges early seventeenth century Highlander lifestyle within the Grant Druid mythos. The lead protagonists propel the fast-paced The storyline as readers will wonder love can overcome malicious amoral malevolence.



Harriet Klausner

Vengeance Born-

Vengeance Born




Vengeance Born


Kylie Griffin

Berkley, Feb 7 2012, $15.00

ISBN: 9780425245261



Tormented Annika the Na’Chi hybrid daughter of the Na’Reish demon chief loathes her sire and his minions as her brutish father constantly with glee reminds her she is a Vengeance Born product of revenge. A healer, she dreams of escaping her torturous life but none of the human blood slaves have ever escaped from the demon realm and lived to tell the story.



The Na'Reish Horde has increased their invasions and abductions in the human realm. Kalan the Lady’s Chosen leader of the Light Blade defends humankind against the demons; he fears his side is losing a war of attrition as his warriors are shrinking in numbers and those still at combat aging. He argues with the Council that radical changes must be implemented now or the demons will soon overwhelm the human realm. When the enemy captures him, a despondent Kalan despairs the massacre is imminent. However, new hope arises when Annika, who he distrusts, offers to free him if he takes her into his realm. Distrusting her new ally but with no turning back as Annika knows her sire branded her for death.



The first Light Blade romantic fantasy is a terrific thriller as the endless war between demon and humans is reaching a critical survival stage for the latter. The lead couple is a strong pairing while the support cast, especially the Na’Chi, the warriors and the Council, enhance the internal squabble in the human realm. With an insightful look at racial intolerance in a time of long-term constant combat and security alert, fans will enjoy Vengeance Born.



Harriet Klausner

Kylie Griffin

Berkley, Feb 7 2012, $15.00

ISBN: 9780425245261



Tormented Annika the Na’Chi hybrid daughter of the Na’Reish demon chief loathes her sire and his minions as her brutish father constantly with glee reminds her she is a Vengeance Born product of revenge. A healer, she dreams of escaping her torturous life but none of the human blood slaves have ever escaped from the demon realm and lived to tell the story.



The Na'Reish Horde has increased their invasions and abductions in the human realm. Kalan the Lady’s Chosen leader of the Light Blade defends humankind against the demons; he fears his side is losing a war of attrition as his warriors are shrinking in numbers and those still at combat aging. He argues with the Council that radical changes must be implemented now or the demons will soon overwhelm the human realm. When the enemy captures him, a despondent Kalan despairs the massacre is imminent. However, new hope arises when Annika, who he distrusts, offers to free him if he takes her into his realm. Distrusting her new ally but with no turning back as Annika knows her sire branded her for death.



The first Light Blade romantic fantasy is a terrific thriller as the endless war between demon and humans is reaching a critical survival stage for the latter. The lead couple is a strong pairing while the support cast, especially the Na’Chi, the warriors and the Council, enhance the internal squabble in the human realm. With an insightful look at racial intolerance in a time of long-term constant combat and security alert, fans will enjoy Vengeance Born.



Harriet Klausner

iffin

Berkley, Feb 7 2012, $15.00

ISBN: 9780425245261



Tormented Annika the Na’Chi hybrid daughter of the Na’Reish demon chief loathes her sire and his minions as her brutish father constantly with glee reminds her she is a Vengeance Born product of revenge. A healer, she dreams of escaping her torturous life but none of the human blood slaves have ever escaped from the demon realm and lived to tell the story.



The Na'Reish Horde has increased their invasions and abductions in the human realm. Kalan the Lady’s Chosen leader of the Light Blade defends humankind against the demons; he fears his side is losing a war of attrition as his warriors are shrinking in numbers and those still at combat aging. He argues with the Council that radical changes must be implemented now or the demons will soon overwhelm the human realm. When the enemy captures him, a despondent Kalan despairs the massacre is imminent. However, new hope arises when Annika, who he distrusts, offers to free him if he takes her into his realm. Distrusting her new ally but with no turning back as Annika knows her sire branded her for death.



The first Light Blade romantic fantasy is a terrific thriller as the endless war between demon and humans is reaching a critical survival stage for the latter. The lead couple is a strong pairing while the support cast, especially the Na’Chi, the warriors and the Council, enhance the internal squabble in the human realm. With an insightful look at racial intolerance in a time of long-term constant combat and security alert, fans will enjoy Vengeance Born.



Harriet Klausner

A Warrior’s Desire-Pamela Palmer

A Warrior’s Desire


Pamela Palmer

Harlequin Nocturne, Jan 24 2012, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373618774



Due to a coup that removed the Queen of Esria from the throne, the Esri breach the wall into the human plane where one touch by the outsiders leads to the enslaving of the natives. Former military operative Charlie Rand is assigned to cross into Esria to free the deposed ruler, who had banned travel into the human realm and mortal slavery, and learn how to close the portal from her.



He crosses over and meets up with his guide Tarrys a former slave. Charlie fears his attraction to his escort distracts him from the mission while Tarrys fears her wanting the outsider will interfere with the successful completion of the objective. However, as they trek across a nightmarish landscape, he is quickly grateful to his companion as Tarrys saves his life several times.



This action-packed romantic fantasy is a fabulous thriller due to the gender bending rescuing of a man in peril by the intrepid heroine , She shows her guts under fire; while the lead human is not that different from typical military males on a mission until the heroine saves his life. With a tour of the deadly nightmarish Esria landscape, readers will relish Pamela Palmer’s vivid taut tale as a former warrior and a former slave fall in love while trying to save humanity from the touch of the Esri.



Harriet Klausner

Vengeance Born-Vengeance Born

Vengeance Born


Kylie Griffin

Berkley, Feb 7 2012, $15.00

ISBN: 9780425245261



Tormented Annika the Na’Chi hybrid daughter of the Na’Reish demon chief loathes her sire and his minions as her brutish father constantly with glee reminds her she is a Vengeance Born product of revenge. A healer, she dreams of escaping her torturous life but none of the human blood slaves have ever escaped from the demon realm and lived to tell the story.



The Na'Reish Horde has increased their invasions and abductions in the human realm. Kalan the Lady’s Chosen leader of the Light Blade defends humankind against the demons; he fears his side is losing a war of attrition as his warriors are shrinking in numbers and those still at combat aging. He argues with the Council that radical changes must be implemented now or the demons will soon overwhelm the human realm. When the enemy captures him, a despondent Kalan despairs the massacre is imminent. However, new hope arises when Annika, who he distrusts, offers to free him if he takes her into his realm. Distrusting her new ally but with no turning back as Annika knows her sire branded her for death.



The first Light Blade romantic fantasy is a terrific thriller as the endless war between demon and humans is reaching a critical survival stage for the latter. The lead couple is a strong pairing while the support cast, especially the Na’Chi, the warriors and the Council, enhance the internal squabble in the human realm. With an insightful look at racial intolerance in a time of long-term constant combat and security alert, fans will enjoy Vengeance Born.



Harriet Klausner



A


Vengeance Born


Kylie Griffin

Berkley, Feb 7 2012, $15.00

ISBN: 9780425245261



Tormented Annika the Na’Chi hybrid daughter of the Na’Reish demon chief loathes her sire and his minions as her brutish father constantly with glee reminds her she is a Vengeance Born product of revenge. A healer, she dreams of escaping her torturous life but none of the human blood slaves have ever escaped from the demon realm and lived to tell the story.



The Na'Reish Horde has increased their invasions and abductions in the human realm. Kalan the Lady’s Chosen leader of the Light Blade defends humankind against the demons; he fears his side is losing a war of attrition as his warriors are shrinking in numbers and those still at combat aging. He argues with the Council that radical changes must be implemented now or the demons will soon overwhelm the human realm. When the enemy captures him, a despondent Kalan despairs the massacre is imminent. However, new hope arises when Annika, who he distrusts, offers to free him if he takes her into his realm. Distrusting her new ally but with no turning back as Annika knows her sire branded her for death.



The first Light Blade romantic fantasy is a terrific thriller as the endless war between demon and humans is reaching a critical survival stage for the latter. The lead couple is a strong pairing while the support cast, especially the Na’Chi, the warriors and the Council, enhance the internal squabble in the human realm. With an insightful look at racial intolerance in a time of long-term constant combat and security alert, fans will enjoy Vengeance Born.



Harriet Klausner



A


ISBN: 9780425245261



Tormented Annika the Na’Chi hybrid daughter of the Na’Reish demon chief loathes her sire and his minions as her brutish father constantly with glee reminds her she is a Vengeance Born product of revenge. A healer, she dreams of escaping her torturous life but none of the human blood slaves have ever escaped from the demon realm and lived to tell the story.



The Na'Reish Horde has increased their invasions and abductions in the human realm. Kalan the Lady’s Chosen leader of the Light Blade defends humankind against the demons; he fears his side is losing a war of attrition as his warriors are shrinking in numbers and those still at combat aging. He argues with the Council that radical changes must be implemented now or the demons will soon overwhelm the human realm. When the enemy captures him, a despondent Kalan despairs the massacre is imminent. However, new hope arises when Annika, who he distrusts, offers to free him if he takes her into his realm. Distrusting her new ally but with no turning back as Annika knows her sire branded her for death.



The first Light Blade romantic fantasy is a terrific thriller as the endless war between demon and humans is reaching a critical survival stage for the latter. The lead couple is a strong pairing while the support cast, especially the Na’Chi, the warriors and the Council, enhance the internal squabble in the human realm. With an insightful look at racial intolerance in a time of long-term constant combat and security alert, fans will enjoy Vengeance Born.



Harriet Klausner



A

A Warrior’s Desire-Pamela Palmer

A Warrior’s Desire


Pamela Palmer

Harlequin Nocturne, Jan 24 2012, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373618774



Due to a coup that removed the Queen of Esria from the throne, the Esri breach the wall into the human plane where one touch by the outsiders leads to the enslaving of the natives. Former military operative Charlie Rand is assigned to cross into Esria to free the deposed ruler, who had banned travel into the human realm and mortal slavery, and learn how to close the portal from her.



He crosses over and meets up with his guide Tarrys a former slave. Charlie fears his attraction to his escort distracts him from the mission while Tarrys fears her wanting the outsider will interfere with the successful completion of the objective. However, as they trek across a nightmarish landscape, he is quickly grateful to his companion as Tarrys saves his life several times.



This action-packed romantic fantasy is a fabulous thriller due to the gender bending rescuing of a man in peril by the intrepid heroine , She shows her guts under fire; while the lead human is not that different from typical military males on a mission until the heroine saves his life. With a tour of the deadly nightmarish Esria landscape, readers will relish Pamela Palmer’s vivid taut tale as a former warrior and a former slave fall in love while trying to save humanity from the touch of the Esri.



Harriet Klausner

Claimed by a Vampire-Rachel Lee

Claimed by a Vampire

Rachel Lee

Harlequin Nocturne, Jan 24 2012, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373618767



Writer Yvonne Dupuis moves into her new apartment, but feels uncomfortable as she believes a demon stalks her. Fearful she hires Messenger Investigations, Inc. private investigator Jude Messenger to protect her. Jude assigns investigator Creed Preston the vampire to keep the client safe.



Creed wonders who will keep Yvonne safe from him as his olfactory senses send his brain messages of desire from her elixir. Still he knows deep in his gut he would die to keep this mortal he wants safe from harm including from him. However, Creed and Jude miscalculate the totality of the threat wrought by the target’s odious former boyfriend, as the demon who claimed the writer has allies as evil as he is.



The latest Messenger Investigations, Inc. romantic urban fantasy (see Claim the Night) is a wonderful thriller starring two strong lead characters supported by Jude who seems never afraid. Yvonne is great as a bewildered frightened human while Creed is a terrific tormented vampire. The evil and his malevolent horde enhance a delightful paranormal romantic suspense as Yvonne learns the meaning of Claimed by a Vampire.



Harriet Klausner

Claimed by a Vampire-Rachel Lee

Claimed by a Vampire


Rachel Lee

Harlequin Nocturne, Jan 24 2012, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373618767



Writer Yvonne Dupuis moves into her new apartment, but feels uncomfortable as she believes a demon stalks her. Fearful she hires Messenger Investigations, Inc. private investigator Jude Messenger to protect her. Jude assigns investigator Creed Preston the vampire to keep the client safe.



Creed wonders who will keep Yvonne safe from him as his olfactory senses send his brain messages of desire from her elixir. Still he knows deep in his gut he would die to keep this mortal he wants safe from harm including from him. However, Creed and Jude miscalculate the totality of the threat wrought by the target’s odious former boyfriend, as the demon who claimed the writer has allies as evil as he is.



The latest Messenger Investigations, Inc. romantic urban fantasy (see Claim the Night) is a wonderful thriller starring two strong lead characters supported by Jude who seems never afraid. Yvonne is great as a bewildered frightened human while Creed is a terrific tormented vampire. The evil and his malevolent horde enhance a delightful paranormal romantic suspense as Yvonne learns the meaning of Claimed by a Vampire.



Harriet Klausner

A Warrior’s Desire-Pamela Palmer

A Warrior’s Desire


Pamela Palmer

Harlequin Nocturne, Jan 24 2012, $5.50

ISBN: 9780373618774



Due to a coup that removed the Queen of Esria from the throne, the Esri breach the wall into the human plane where one touch by the outsiders leads to the enslaving of the natives. Former military operative Charlie Rand is assigned to cross into Esria to free the deposed ruler, who had banned travel into the human realm and mortal slavery, and learn how to close the portal from her.



He crosses over and meets up with his guide Tarrys a former slave. Charlie fears his attraction to his escort distracts him from the mission while Tarrys fears her wanting the outsider will interfere with the successful completion of the objective. However, as they trek across a nightmarish landscape, he is quickly grateful to his companion as Tarrys saves his life several times.



This action-packed romantic fantasy is a fabulous thriller due to the gender bending rescuing of a man in peril by the intrepid heroine , She shows her guts under fire; while the lead human is not that different from typical military males on a mission until the heroine saves his life. With a tour of the deadly nightmarish Esria landscape, readers will relish Pamela Palmer’s vivid taut tale as a former warrior and a former slave fall in love while trying to save humanity from the touch of the Esri.



Harriet Klausner

Vengeance Born-Kylie Griffin

Vengeance Born


Kylie Griffin

Berkley, Feb 7 2012, $15.00

ISBN: 9780425245261



Tormented Annika the Na’Chi hybrid daughter of the Na’Reish demon chief loathes her sire and his minions as her brutish father constantly with glee reminds her she is a Vengeance Born product of revenge. A healer, she dreams of escaping her torturous life but none of the human blood slaves have ever escaped from the demon realm and lived to tell the story.



The Na'Reish Horde has increased their invasions and abductions in the human realm. Kalan the Lady’s Chosen leader of the Light Blade defends humankind against the demons; he fears his side is losing a war of attrition as his warriors are shrinking in numbers and those still at combat aging. He argues with the Council that radical changes must be implemented now or the demons will soon overwhelm the human realm. When the enemy captures him, a despondent Kalan despairs the massacre is imminent. However, new hope arises when Annika, who he distrusts, offers to free him if he takes her into his realm. Distrusting her new ally but with no turning back as Annika knows her sire branded her for death.



The first Light Blade romantic fantasy is a terrific thriller as the endless war between demon and humans is reaching a critical survival stage for the latter. The lead couple is a strong pairing while the support cast, especially the Na’Chi, the warriors and the Council, enhance the internal squabble in the human realm. With an insightful look at racial intolerance in a time of long-term constant combat and security alert, fans will enjoy Vengeance Born.



Harriet Klausner

Deliver Me From Darkness-Tes Hilaire

Deliver Me From Darkness


Tes Hilaire

Sourcebooks, Feb 7 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9781402236434



After God created the earth, several angels volunteered to live and protect humans from the Fallen led Lucifer. However, over the millennia, the purebred Paladins have dwindled with no females left. Still there remains their offspring with humans fighting with less power to defeat the evil demons and vampires.



Nine decades ago, Roland the Paladin was changed into a vampire, which means execution. For ninety years he has struggled to retain his essence but each year has become increasingly difficult in spite his best friend and former partner Calhoun’s help. In New York City when he meets a previously unknown female Paladin Karissa who is unaware what she is as she comes to his door, Roland feels God is punishing him as she is his soul mate but he is no longer worthy to have her as his. Meanwhile paladins, demons and vampires stalk Karissa with Roland vowing to die to keep this naive female he cherishes with what is left of his soul safe. She instinctively knows vampires are wicked, but only with Roland at her side does she feel safe.



The first Paladin Warrior romantic urban fantasy is a wonderful thriller in which the paranormal Hilaire world is firmly established so that readers understand who’s on whose side of the war while believing that demons, vampires and paladins walk the streets of Manhattan. Fast-paced, fans will enjoy the star-crossed romance between the female paladin and her vampiric soul mate.



Harriet Klausner

The Cat Star Chronicles: Stud-Cheryl Brooks

The Cat Star Chronicles: Stud


Cheryl Brooks

Sourcebooks, Feb 7 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9781402251689



Though the species is near extinction due to ethnic cleansing, throughout the galaxy, Zetithian males are renowned for their sexual prowess of giving pleasure to females of all races. The legendary king of sexual pleasure is Tarq Zulveidinoe; women cherish his special touch. Ironically he lacks esteem outside of sex; so his mission to save his race is to take care of females everywhere.



On Talus Five, Lucinda Force has lived a lifetime being told by her selfish family that no man will ever desire a plain looking woman like her. Working at her father’s Mediterranean-style restaurant, Lucy wants romantic love, but expects to live and die alone. Tarq smells her before entering the restaurant. When she asks what he wants, he says a “full order of you.” She recognizes him from his TV commercial of offering to service human females in order to repopulate his dying species. However, he knows he can no longer get his double joint up for other clients since he smelled his Lucy.



The latest Cat Star Chronicles Zetithian science fiction romance is an exhilarating entry that reads like a gender twisting of the previous tale Virgin. Since the overarching theme of the early chronicles involving who committed the atrocity of the pandemic destruction of a race and their planet was resolved in Hero, this Zetithian focuses on the relationship between a Stud who as the hero knows Colonel Sanders' secret formula and a Virgin who knows Greek and Italian cuisine. Series fans will enjoy the latest sexcapades in the Brooks galaxy.



Harriet Klausner

King Of Darkness-Elisabeth Staab

King Of Darkness


Elisabeth Staab

Sourcebooks, Feb 7 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9781402263156



Isabel Anthony lacked any power so she was ridiculed by her vampire peers as a nonentity freak until she left. She masquerades as a human; becoming the last shift DJ at Club Insomniac in Orlando. As she takes a bite out of Venus, Thad Morgan and his bodyguard Lee arrive seeking the female who will help the former meet the prophecy that will save his periled race from extinction. He realizes she has the mark of his destined mate as described by the oracle, but neither Thad nor Lee expected her to be in to females. However, instead of welcoming her king, Isabel flees.



Thad catches Isabel and explains they are destined mates who share a common mark that when they mate will release powers to save their species from the insidious wizards. In combat, she becomes a believer when her latent skills surface. As Isabel ponders her changing situation, she vanishes, which has her beloved mate and his subjects panicked that the vicious wizards have taken their queen.



This is a complex superb romantic urban fantasy in which the first venture into the Staab mythological universe seems genuine due to anchoring places like Orlando and the fact that innocent humans are collateral damage in the cross-species war. Filled with action from the moment a stunned Thad enters the late night human bar and never slowing down, readers will enjoy the vampire king seeking his soul mate in order to save his species from the wrath of the wizards.



Harriet Klausner

The Lord Of Illusion-Kathryne Kennedy

The Lord Of Illusion


Kathryne Kennedy

Sourcebooks, Feb 7 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9781402236549



In 1774, hybrid Lord Drystan Hawkes wants to free England from the vicious Elven lords, which includes his despicable sire. To do this he must open the portal to Elfhame that will force these evil abominations from his country; and he believes he finally has the key.



In Elfhame, Camille Ashton the slave possesses the means to open the portal. Drystan also realizes she is his soul mate, which makes him wary of placing her in danger. Drystan goes to rescue his beloved and obtain the key. When they meet, she finds her attraction to him enhanced by her first encounter with a pure soul while he realizes somehow his magical skills are enhanced by his mate. As they fall in love while risking their lives, Camille and Drystan fight the malevolent elf lords.



The latest Elven Lord historical romantic fantasy (The Fire Lord’s Lover) is a wonderful tale as the heroic protagonists are prepared to die for their noble cause while each is willing to sacrifice themselves for the other. The story line is fast-paced throughout as love exponentially amplifies the skills of the lead couple, but that may not be enough to overcome the wicked elf lords in an engaging good vs. evil battle.



Harriet Klausner

Borrowed Heart-Linda Lamberson

Borrowed Heart


Linda Lamberson

LAOL, Dec 2 2011, $8.99

ISBN: 9780615498768



The psychic Madame Sasha tells Evie Sanders things about herself and her family very few people know. She also warns her that she has been marked with The Curse of Three, which will include two near death experiences and something worse. Evie awakens from a bad dream that seemed so real because she met Sasha two years ago.



After class, Quinn Harrison introduces himself to Evie and asks for her notes from a session he missed. He asks her to come to a party, but she is dating her Michigan boyfriend Ryan Walker though they are apart as she attends IU and he goes to Illinois. Still Evie is attracted to Quinn so she and her two BFFs (Lisa and Rachel) attend the party. However, due to a drunk, Evie dies in a car accident after seeing Ryan with another woman in Champagne. Five days later she awakens to a Peter informing her that this is no longer Bloomington and he will guide her in her transition into being a rare chosen Shepherd to help humans. As she learns the rigid Rules, Evie has one problem with obedience, Quinn.



Book One of the Evie Sanders series is a terrific romantic urban fantasy starring a fascinating heroine who at sixteen realized she had a gift and welcomed it rather than running from it. Evie holds the entertaining storyline focused with help from her mentor and her beloved. However, what makes this strong opening act work is the unique Lamberson mythos that sub-genre fans will appreciate and want more.



Harriet Klausner

Kiss of the Vampire-Cynthia Garner

Kiss of the Vampire


Cynthia Garner

Forever, Jan 31 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780446585118



The Moore-Creasy-Devon Comet passes the earth every seventy-three years; causing a temporary opening in the rift between the human realm and that of the paranormal, allowing parasites to cross over to the earth. These alien entities enter human hosts becoming various supernaturally creatures who have gained legal rights though the natives resent them.



Violent murders of vampires increase the tension between races. The Council of Preternaturals assign special agent Tobias Caine the vampire to lead the investigation. Half-human/half-demon Nix de la Fuente is part of his team. They had a heated history but he abruptly ended it and has no plans to renew it until he sees her for the first time in several years. Their desire distracts each of them from their inquiry and leaves them at risk from a diabolical serial killer.



The first Warriors of the Rift romantic urban fantasy is a refreshing look at the origin of vampires, werewolves and other myths. Fast-paced, the romantic and police procedural subplots deftly balance a strong storyline that starts off with an Arizona newspaper editorial condoning the killing of a vampire and never slows down as Cynthia Garner provides a fascinating take on the supernatural.



Harriet Klausner

Shadows In Flight-Orson Scott Card

Shadows In Flight


Orson Scott Card

Tor, Jan 17 2012, $21.99

ISBN: 9780765332004



Julian “Bean” Delphiki suffers from a genetic alteration, in which his brain is light-years beyond genius, but his body suffers from extreme gigantism; he will be dead soon though he is only in his twenties. He left behind his wife Petra and their normal offspring to leave earth in 2210; taking with him their three infant triplets suffering from the same Anton’s Key disorder (see Shadow of the Giant). Over four centuries have passed on earth and his spouse and their kids dead; while on the vessel five years have passed. Fourteen feet tall Bean is unable to leave the cargo hold. Ender, named after his father’s friend, is a biologist seeking the cure for their genetic illness. His sister Carlotta is the engineer who insures their ship Herodotus functions properly. Finally the third sibling Cincinnatus better known as Sergeant is a soldier prepared for combat.





The triplets find an anomaly of a Formic colony ship that revolves around a planet; inside the vessel they find the Hive Queen dead along with her soldiers. However, they also find living things even as their dying father whom they call Giant reveals his master dream for them.



The latest Ender universe tale is an interesting character driven space odyssey. Readers get inside the minds of the four weary travelers; as the three kids feel the hopelessness of their flight while the Giant hopes rest on a dream for them. Series fans will appreciate the parallels between the earthlings and the Formic survivors while learning how the Hive actually thought when they Formic-formed China. Although the action is extremely muted, Shadows In Flight is a fun tale filled with aphorisms like parents lie to their children for the latter’s sake.



Harriet Klausner

Deadtime Stories: Grave Secrets-Annette and Gina Cascone

Deadtime Stories: Grave Secrets


Annette and Gina Cascone

Starscape/Tor, Jan 3 2012, $14.99

ISBN: 9780765330659



Amanda Peterson hits the walk off homer, but neither she or her friends (Laura Baxter, Kevin Stewart and Jarrad Clark) celebrate as the ball lands inside 704 Shadow Lane owned by the creepy old witch ”Barnsey”. Her mates tell her to forget the ball that landed right near the shred where Barnsey tosses rat heads by reminding her what the witch did to Luzard and French. Amanda retrieves the ball but bony fingers grab her wrist while the tweener hysterically shouts at her friend to not let Barnsey take her into the dungeon. Barnsey lets go, but a frightened Amanda panics as she lost her friendship bracelet. The four tweeners fear Barnsey will use the bracelet to cast a spell on Amanda.



The friends search in Amanda’s yard, but find a dead squirrel. They decide to bury the deceased in Amanda’s pet cemetery where Ralphie the hamster, Herman the goldfish, and Snitch the canary reside. Jarrod digs a hole when they hear mama. He uncovers a buried doll with no voice box. Amanda learns from her parents the pet cemetery was land that once belonged to Barnsey. The quartet uncovered a malevolence that makes little old lady-witches seem benign as they fear for themselves and Amanda’s five year old naive sister Robin.



The first Deadtime Stories is a terrific tweener horror thriller starring four children whose imagination runs wild, but does not compare to the realism of what they face. While Amanda’s parents insist Mrs. Barnsey is a nice neighbor, the buddies believe she is a witch although Jarrod is a skeptic. Fans will enjoy this entertaining tale from Team Cascone as the Youngers find out what evil truly is.



Harriet Klausner

A Devil Named Desire-Terry Garey

A Devil Named Desire


Terry Garey

Avon, Jan 31 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780061986406



Gabriel the Lightbringer archangel asks his fallen brother Samael Divine if taking Eve was worth the cost. Sammy says yes but feels the Father was unfair to damn him but forgive the fools in the Garden. Gabriel asks him if he ever loved; Sammy responds no but believes his sibling needs a realistic view of humanity.



In Atlanta web designer Hope Henderson slashed her wrists after two years of anguish over her missing younger sister Charity. Sammy tells her Charity is alive, but Hope owes her life to him as she begged for the darkness when she tried to kill herself. He offers her a deal. She builds him a special web site by transcribing the Ars Goetia Key of Solomon that will enable his demons to cross over in exchange for her finding her sister.



Gabriel notices a woman with a bright halo and the darkness following her. He follows her, but when Hope sees Gabriel she ignores him, which shocks the archangel. He says he is a guardian and will protect her but unsure of from what. Gabriel is concerned with his feelings for Hope. Sammy tells him Hope belongs to him. Gabriel warns Sammy not to hurt Hope; as the archangel falls in love with this fallen human and he better understands why Sammy fell for temptation.



The story line focuses on the battle between Satan and Gabriel but contains several interesting twists including a deftly developed romance as Sammy knows there is a cost to comingling with the humans and a surprising offspring. Although the action is somewhat muted by a deep psychological look at the key characters, fans will appreciate this creative archangel romance.



Harriet Klausner

Deep Sleep: If Your Secrets Don't Kill You, Your Dreams Will-DyAnna Durbin

Deep Sleep: If Your Secrets Don't Kill You, Your Dreams Will


DyAnna Durbin

P.L.U.M. Readers, May 12 2011, $12.95

ISBN: 9780615306339



In 2006, architect Joel Lee Keys inherited 72 acres in Beaufort, South Carolina. He had no interest in the barrier island as his job and life kept him in Atlanta. However, a promotion to the firm’s new Savannah office has Joel and his fiancée Holly moving into the Beaufort house.



After arriving on his ancestral island, they go skinny dipping; Holly feels welcomed while Joel feels rejection as if the water loathed him. That first night while Holly sleeps like a baby, Joel suffers from a horrific nightmare. Three days later Holly is comfortable while Joel is burning up and out of control. He curses and chokes her. In the mirror he sees James and Rosa Lee together in 1942 though Joel fails to comprehend who they are, the year or what he observes. With the help of her best friend Adrian, his girlfriend Carmen and Erin, Holly begins the war for her beloved against an unknown malevolence; as his true family inheritance is the curse brought upon the clan by their wickedness culminating with the trial for his soul.



This is an exciting creepy horror thriller with a gothic location even if the house is 1970s, an odd seventy-nine years old native son Ned “Silent Night” neighbor, and the wickedness of the WW II era. Joel is the target of revenge for what happened in the 1940s; courageous Holly and her brave dedicated loyal band risk their souls to save his. Readers will enjoy the taut trial of Joel Lee Keys as Shakespeare says in The Merchant of Venice: “The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children.”



Harriet Klausner

Nameless-Kyle Chais

Nameless


Kyle Chais

Hunter/Gallery/Pocket, Jan 10 2012, $15.00

ISBN: 9781439187258



In the purgatorial Nameless realm, they are the Nameless Fallen who are interchangeable with one another as names and individual identities belong to the masters. These Nameless are neither saved nor destroyed as they just exist in excruciating tedium.



One Nameless watches humans in New York City. This Fallen becomes fascinated by the self-destructing behavior of a pathetic gambling alcoholic dying from cancer. When thugs are about to murder this drunk Aurick Pantera for failing to pay his gambling debt, his Nameless watcher possesses his body saving his worthless life. Once inside the human shell the Nameless refuses to leave as the five senses are nirvana. Over the next three years, the new improved Aurick becomes a rock star, continues the psychiatric practice of the body’s predecessor, and wants to date a patient journalist Helena Way. Other bored Nameless observe Aurick and want the same. They are willing to go to war to activate the senses rather than remain in their eternal passive nonexistence prison. Nameless Aurick can join the others which will surely lead to the Null for celestial crimes against mankind or choose his beloved and the rest of humanity.



This is a fascinating cosmological urban fantasy that takes a deep look at the non-life of the “wicked” Fallen. Nameless Aurick is an intriguing protagonist who has found life and love inside the shell of a human loser. Although the Chais celestial mythos at times slows down the entertaining tale of Nameless Aurick, who defies heaven, hell and in between as Alfred Lord Tennyson (In Memoriam A.H.H.) states: "I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all.”



Harriet Klausner

Boneyards-Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Boneyards


Kristine Kathryn Rusch

PYR, Jan 24 2012, $16.00

ISBN 9781616145439



Lost Souls Corporation owner Boss has come a long way from her hermit days when she was searching for artifacts amidst rubble and dust by herself. Instead she now runs a corporation with several employees ever since Boss located that first Dignity vessel and its Stealth Tech (see Diving into the Wreck and City of Ruins). Boss and her crew found the Ivoire, an ancient vessel powered by Stealth tech that was propelled forward five millennia with its mates surviving the time change. Lost Souls and the Ivoire search for clues as to what happened to the rest of the fleet and why this ship and crew ended up five thousand years into the future. They find clues to an ancient battle that might contain the information Boss and company seek.



Meanwhile, the Enterran Empire continues its lethal research into Stealth Tech. As the scientists die from the experiments, one of their former colleagues Squishy destroys the prime Enterran Empire’s research lab, but fails to escape due to a distraction of meeting her former mate. Her only hope to escape empire justice resides with her friend Boss.



The third Boss futuristic science fiction is a fast-paced, action-packed space thriller starring a courageous heroine whose fight switch has her “diving” into some nasty scenarios. The entertaining storyline continues the theme that to the victors go the history books, but that generalization is enhanced by a close look into how the past impacts the present. Although there is some repetition, fans will appreciate this strong intelligent dive into the Rusch universe.



Harriet Klausner

His Dark Bond-Anne Marsh

His Dark Bond


Anne Marsh

Kensington Brava, Feb 1 2012, $14.00

ISBN: 9780758266798



Three thousand years ago, the revolt in Heaven by the fiercest warriors the Dominion led to Michael the archangel tossing them down to earth with their wings removed. The only way back to Heaven is if they bond with their specific soul mate. In 2090 the first bonding occurs.



In M City, Zer the leader of the Fallen knows Michael’s lieutenant Cuthah is raising an army of the Fallen who have turned rogue. They also learn he has killed their soul mates for centuries. Currently Zer’s number two Nael has a list of four names of alleged soul mates. On it is university Professor Nessa St. James who is studying genetics. Zer insures her funding and lab are shut down even as she is coming to identifying a thirteenth tribe of Israel lost in history. She turns to the Genecore Foundation for support, but Zer grabs her; she tells him to F off. He kills two rogues and takes her to his club. She is upset he killed two rogues, but he insists they came to drink her dry. Zer says she is a bond mate who will be matched to one of the Fallen; any of them except him.



The second Bond futuristic urban romantic fantasy (see Bond With me) is a terrific thriller as the concept of a bond mate saving a fallen angel is cleverly developed making along with the genetic research the storyline feel plausible. The lead protagonists are a solid pairing of a leader and a scientist both in denial. Although the villain proves weak and futuristic dystopian Moscow underdeveloped, fans will enjoy Anne Marsh’s second bonding tale.



Harriet Klausner

Touchstone-Melanie Rawn

Touchstone


Melanie Rawn

Tor, Feb 28 2012, $25.99

ISBN: 9780765323620



Cayden Silversun the mixed race wizard (part elf, fae and human) wants to become the most successful tregetour playwright ever. He and his best friends (Rafe the wizard who deploys magic to control the show and Jeska the performer who deploys glisker magic to enhance audience acceptance) tour together in a variety of milieu from seedy taverns to open fields to exclusive theaters. Cade also sees a future he loathes unless he changes his current life’s path.



Mieka the elven glisker practitioner meets the three performers and joins their group. They call themselves Touchstone. Their dream is to be recognized as the greatest theatrical troupe of all times or die trying. However, Cade struggles with his new visions starring Mieka as they predict trouble.



The first Glass Thorns fantasy is a fabulous character driven thriller starring four fully developed protagonists performing within the vividly described Rawn world. The mythos is built around the dwindling of the various purebred species and the increasing prevalence of the interracial mixed species as a consequence of the recent war; ergo groups live in harmony except for overt hostility towards the elven for not joining the combat. Although nothing major gets resolved, readers will enjoy the refreshing concept of the Touchstone traveling troupe that uses magic while never knowing how well received they will be before, during and after performances.



Harriet Klausner

Almost Everything-Tate Hallaway

Almost Everything


Tate Hallaway

NAL, Feb 7 20122, $9.99

ISBN: 9780451235664



In humid hot St. Paul, hybrid witch-vampire Anastasija Parker’s sort of boyfriend purebred vamp Elias Constantine lives in the basement of the home of her mom, queen of the witches. Though Ana’s dad is the king of the St. Paul vampires, she knows vamps and witches are natural enemies. Yet her mom and Elias enjoy discussing 1970s nostalgia while treating Ana like a terrible two year old for calling that era ancient history.



Meanwhile her ex Nikolai Korov the Russian-Romany rock star wants a second round with Ana, but, he is the junior vampire slayer, which makes for a dysfunctional relationship when your GF is the vampire princess. She also is hounded by high school hockey star turned actor mundane Matthew Thompson. However, relationship dynamics fade when the Prince of the Southern Region vampires Luis David Montezuma arrives; demanding a replacement mate since Anna freed Khan from a marriage alliance between the two regions or war will occur. Ana mentions she has no one to offer except Elias; Montezuma accepts, but Ana explains her dad banished them. War between the regions seems likely unless Ana can find a way to prevent the hostilities.



The boys of summer in the city heat up St. Paul as the teen protagonist finds she misses her simpler geek days rather than deal poorly with witch and vampire politics along with men wanting her. The final Vampire Princess urban young teen fantasy (see Almost Final Curtain and Almost To Die For) is an engaging fast-paced thriller as the dhampir heroine learns life is convoluted when you are the potential heir to the region’s witch and vampire thrones while seemingly every male besides Dr. Who wants her.



Harriet Klausner

Apocalypse To Go-Katharine Kerr

Apocalypse To Go


Katharine Kerr

Daw, Feb 7 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780756407094



Across the multiverse, there are infinite earths with many containing people who fight to keep Chaos off their respective plane. to stop worlds colliding. On our earth, the top secret Agency consists of psychics whose mission is to prevent the chaos from entering the orb.



Trans-word enforcement organization TWIXT wants to liaison with the Agency. They vigorously recruit Apocalypse Squad Israeli Interpol agent Ari Nathan. His lover Agency operative Nola O'Grady learns her father in jail on Earth 5, a horrible place but not as horrendous as earth 3, which was destroyed by radiation. Nola must go to 3 because her brothers (world-walker Michael and finder Sean), in a failed attempt to save their dad, are in prison in a grotesque San Fran; a place that is a dark, gritty and filled radiation. Accompanied by Nathan and Spare 14, she travels to 3 to rescue her siblings and with bit of luck her father.



The latest O’Grady dark urban fantasy (see License to Ensorcell and Water To Burn) is a terrific thriller placed within an urban fantasy. Psychic powers are prevalent on some of the many earths. Nola and her family are strong psis whose extrasensory skills along with others make the paranormal seem real. However, Earth 3 makes the tale work as a grim world in which a Capone like individual rules amidst the radioactive poison.



Harriet Klausner

Article 5-Kristen Simmons

Article 5


Kristen Simmons

Tor, Feb 14 2012, $17.99

ISBN: 9780765329585



Following the latest war to end all wars, the Unites States revokes the outrageous Bill of Rights that interfered with law enforcement security and enabled deviant behavior; and replaced it with the strict Moral Statutes. The Bureau of Reformation enforces the laws in which soldiers brutally hunt down and arrest anyone who is in noncompliance of the strict Moral Statutes. Those rule breakers are taken away and never return.



Seventeen year old Ember Miller remembers that just a few years ago it was okay to read all sorts of books before the massive censorship and going out at night was acceptable before the curfew. Though Ember is intelligent and more important flexible in working her way around the new system, she will soon learn how naïve she truly is. Her odyssey starts when soldiers arrive and arrest her mother for violation of Article 5 as “compliance is mandatory” with no alibis accepted. One of the arresting thugs is Chase Jennings, the young man Ember loved. Feeling betrayed, Ember vows to rescue her mom. Her journey is dangerous as the legal enforcers hunt violators and predators stalk the seemingly helpless like a female teen. With her on her quest is Chase



This dark dystopian thriller will remind readers of Big Brother in Huxley’s 1984 and Firemen in Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. Ember is a courageous protagonist while Chase goes from villain to hero. Action-packed, young adults (and us elders) readers will appreciate this timely cautionary tale as the fascinating Simmons world extrapolates from deployment of the Patriot Act (affirmed by the Defense spending bill) and other First Amendment “exceptions” enabling legal censorship and much worse.



Harriet Klausner

The Order of Scales-Stephen Deas

The Order of Scales


Stephen Deas

Roc, Feb 7 2012, $25.95

ISBN: 9780451464378



As the humans backstab one another in their endless avaricious grab for power, none notice the dragons are awakening from the control of the alchemy potion. While Prince Jehal the Speaker of the Realms and former Queen Zafir fight for the control of The Adamantine Palace, the dragons are soaring in the sky fully aware of what the humans did to them as they return to their natural predatory state since the elixir is just about gone.



In the mountains where the dragons are beginning to soar, Kemir observes Snow the dragon leading a horde of freed dragons as she begins avenging centuries of enslavement to the pathetic humans. Meanwhile Jehal desperately needs to save his beloved wife and child held captive by his enemy. He turns to the dragons of the north, offering them their freedom in exchange to flying him and his supporters against Zafir and her allies. Neither side reckons with the dragons in open revolt as their human bickering may prove the extinction of mankind.



This is a strong bloody finish to the Memory of Flames fantasy trilogy (see The King of the Crags) as this Dragon Realms thriller takes to the sky with brutal results. Ironically those who want to lead the Nine Kingdoms battle one another while ignoring the real threat from the fast and furious fireballs even as the alchemists fear the scarcity of the potion that kept the dragons docile. This is a super climax to an intriguing political-military saga in which war is deadly and maiming while the recently freed dragons add to the lethal chaotic mix by returning to their fiery roots.



Harriet Klausner

Pure-Julianna Baggott

Pure


Julianna Baggott

Grand Central, Feb 8 2012, $25.99

ISBN: 9781455503063



The Detonations ravaged the world. Most people who were normal Before became disfigured as bodies were physically merged. The few fortunate Pure who survived the Detonations with no bodily change moved inside the safety of the Dome; enabling them to remain isolated from those mutilated monsters left outside.



Inside the Dome, Partridge feels alienated and isolated from his Pure peers. His brother committed suicide; his mother is allegedly dead after his influential father abandoned her outside the Dome and abandoned him inside their haven. When he hears a hint that his mom lives Partridge flees his gilded cage to find her.



Outside the Dome, Pressia the teenager lives with her grandfather behind the rubble of what was a barbershop before the Detonations. Although she knows she is fortunate to have had a minor change of a doll head fused in her hand, she misses her former life of amusement parks, movies and especially her parents. Now society demands she like all sixteen years old changelings join the Operation Sacred Revolution militia either as soldiers or training targets. When bewildered Pressia meets Partridge, who rescues him from certain death, two realms detonate as they team up with Bradwell the conspiracy guru to learn the darkest truth about their world.



This is a great post-apocalyptic horror thriller in which Julianna Baggott paints a vivid dark world. The descriptions of the misfortunate changed are grim; for instance some people merged with other people or animals into one grotesque body. Thus the heroine’s doll faced hand is minor in comparison. Brutally gruesome with dark humor, readers will appreciate walking in and out of the Dome with Pressia and Partridge as their guides in a trek on the wild side.



Harriet Klausner

Wrong Side of Dead-Kelly Meding

Wrong Side of Dead


Kelly Meding

Bantam, Jan 31 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780345525796



His goal at any cost is to eradicate all vampires, mad scientist Walter Thackery tortured monster hunter Evangeline Stone. He nearly broke her before she finally escaped (see Another Kind of Dead).



She knows she needs time to mentally heal from her ordeal at the hands of the psychopath, but Dreg City cannot allow her the luxury as her Triad allies are battered to the point of possible extinction. The half-Blood vampires attack Evy and her associates using logical tactics as these bloody hybrids retained their cognitive thinking processes. On top of that assault, the beleaguered Triads must confront the return of the once thought extinct Halfies. Even on the personal front an attack leaves the heroine teetering when her beloved Wyatt Truman is brutally victimized by agents of Thackery. However, a betrayal inside the Triads leaves an already despondent Evy ready to give up the fight.



The latest Stone dead urban fantasy (see As Lie the Dead and Three Days to Dead) is an exhilarating thriller that turns the already very dark saga many degrees darker. The heroine feels her world imploding from within and exploding from without as she feels bone marrow weary and helpless with the waves of assaults. Thackery may be a stereotype in a generic sense, but is a credible villain whose vile activities make the tale with his end justifies the means credo in which his ethnic cleansing of vampires supersedes anything including the possible mass destruction of Dreg City. Kate Meding has written a terrific entry that is filled with action yet also contains psychological suspense; as Evy may be a PTSD sufferer at a moment when she cannot afford to be off her top game.



Harriet Klausner

Throne of the Crescent Moon-Saladin Ahmed

Throne of the Crescent Moon


Saladin Ahmed

Daw, Feb 7 2012, $24.95

ISBN 9780756407117



In Dhamsawaat in the Crescent Moon Kingdoms, Khalif and the Falcon Prince compete for political power. At the same time in this great city, sexagenarian Doctor Adoulla Makhslood is the last professional ghuls slayer. However after decades of hunting down these and other monsters, Adoulla knows it is passed time for him to retire. He feels his apprentice holy warrior Raseed bas Raseed is ready to take up the sword in the name of God.



However, Adoulla delays his retirement when he learns of the ghuls’ slaughter of the Badawi clan as the entire extended group was horribly assassinated with one lone survivor, the tribal-shunned Zamia the Lion-Shape. She joins the ghul hunter and his apprentice as they search to kill the incredibly powerful unknown adversary who controls the ghuls as killer drones. The trio soon learns something even more horrible as this lethal insidious predator with ties to the Falcon Prince begins casting an ancient spell that will destroy the world.



With its Arab based mythology, Throne of the Crescent Moon is a fresh fantasy that fans will appreciate. Well written, the story line is 24 fast-paced as time is running out for Adoulla and his associates who uncover the inconvenient truth behind the magic murders. Readers will fully relish Saladin Ahmed’s superb thriller and demand more entries in the Crescent Moon Kingdoms.



Harriet Klausner

Echoes of Betrayal: Paladin's Legacy-Elizabeth Moon

Echoes of Betrayal: Paladin's Legacy


Elizabeth Moon

Del Rey, Feb 21 2012, $26.00

ISBN: 9780345508768



King Kieri of Lyonya and hybrid elf Arian prepare to marry. However, his dead ancestors caution him to trust no one as treachery follows him and he needs to watch his beloved; but especially his elven grandma queen of the Ladysforest clan. Although he plans to still wed Arian, he wonders if his grandma’s elf clan who have mostly stayed away or humans are planning to assassinate him; as each race detests him.



King Mikeli of Tsaia angers his nobles when he gives the dukedom of Verrakai to former Lyonya Captain Dorrin who helped him survive the seditious dangerous acts of treason by the former Verrakai magelord. His aristocracy rejects the outsider due to her gender, her combat experience for another kingdom and her forbidden magic skills. Loyalists to the traitorous magelord former duke attack Dorrin’s squires and threaten Mikeli’s rule.



Although Kings Kieri and Mikeli face betrayal, they have a greater threat to their respective kingdoms. Feral young dragons are killing humans, elven and gnomes. War between dragonkind, humans, elves, and gnomes seem imminent.



The third Paladin’s Legacy fantasy (see Oath of Fealty and Kings of the North) is a great military-political complex thriller as readers will understand that the Paladins are agents of chaos whose interventions gave long term consequences. The storyline is fast-paced as Elizabeth Moon’s relativity-inertia premise that for every positive action there is a negative reaction (on someone) makes for a strong entry in the superb Eight Kingdoms mythos.



Harriet Klausner

Horizon-Sophie Littlefield

Horizon


Sophie Littlefield

Luna, Jan 24 2012, $14.95

ISBN 9780373803422



California remains a wasteland overrun by the Beaters whose cunning has exponentially increased since the zombie wave began (see Aftertime). Survivor Cass Dollar, who once was a Beater, and her daughter Ruthie reside in New Eden where life remains hard for the living. Cass has two men she cares about, comatose Smoke and Dor, who is married to another woman and has a daughter; the latter of whom Cass helped rescue (see Rebirth).



As New Eden suffers from Beaters’ assaults and dwindling supplies, men on horseback arrive. Their leader Mathew claims there is a passage to a better Eden in the north. Cass and the others jump at the opportunity to relocate to a New Eden so begin a deadly sojourn led by Mayhew.



The third post-apocalyptic Aftertime urban horror fantasy is a fast-paced grim entry once Mayhew arrives to disrupt the order with a new dream. The dark Pacific landscape remains nightmarish as beaters are everywhere and civilization no where. While some like defrocked leader Dana wonders if Mayhew is the serpent leading them to their doom, others like Cass finds a renewal of hope in the newcomer’s assertion. Although the storyline starts slow, readers will relish the latest Dollar adventures in the nightmarish Littlefield realm.



Harriet Klausner

Everything Is Broken-John Shirley

Everything Is Broken


John Shirley

Prime, Jan 17 2012, $14.95

www.prime-books.com

ISBN 9781607012924



Freedom, California libertarian Mayor Lon Ferrara, owner of a bar and barbeque, privatizes all local government services including first responder emergencies. He also rejected any help from the county, state or feds as he believes in government being the size of a bathtub.



Twenty years old Russ Haver comes to the pristine coastal town to visit his dad Drew. In Freedom Russ meets Pendra, a young woman who fascinates him. A tsunami hammers the West Coast turning Freedom into a wasteland. After being trapped on a rooftop that he defends with his brother from others joining them, the mayor remains adamant no FEMA in spite of the townsfolk in dire straits as services collapse and shelter is limited; instead he makes a deal with a gang leader. Making matters worse is the violence by some of the survivors like predatory drug dealing gangbanger Dickie Rockwell, who sees the chaos and lack of leadership as an opportunity to impose his brutal vision of civilization on others.



Although improbable, this powerful environmental thriller extrapolates the dual premises of those who want to eliminate government providing services as a corollary to paying no taxes into what happens when disaster strikes leading to Everything Is Broken inside of Freedom. Action-packed form the moment the immense tidal wave attacks the town and never slows down as the only “proactive” response comes from the gang leader, fans will enjoy this strong condemnation of political leaders vowing pledges rather than performing governance.



Harriet Klausner

The Winslow Incident-Elizabeth Voss

The Winslow Incident


Elizabeth Voss

Five Star, Dec 16 2011, $25.95

ISBN 9781432825461



In the summer of 2010 in Winslow, Washington, Pard Holloway’s cattle begin acting weird and start dying for no apparent reason; he wonders if mad cow disease has struck the herd. Pard’s seventeen year old niece Hazel Winslow is concerned and announces she will expose her uncle’s tainted beef. Pard warns Hazel that if she should raise the alarm, he will likewise tell what really happened to the town’s late baker Hawkin Rhone five years ago; a truth that would probably lock away her boyfriend Sean Adair.



Soon after their unfriendly confrontation, the crazy symptoms displayed by cattle spread to humans who act increasingly insane. As those humans still behaving normal dwindles rapidly, Hazel wonders what is going on in her hometown as she no longer believes mad cow disease has struck Winslow.



This is an entertaining small town supernatural thriller. The fun in the tale is following stunned Hazel as her family, friends and neighbors go insane leaving her as the last one standing. Although the horror element is not very suspenseful, readers will enjoy Elizabeth Voss’ fun paranormal version of And Then There Was None.



Harriet Klausner

Third Grave Dead Ahead-Darynda Jones

Third Grave Dead Ahead


Darynda Jones

St. Martin’s, Jan 31 2012, $23.99

ISBN 9781250001542



Grim Reaper and private investigator Charley Davidson seeks a missing spouse whose husband acts uncaringly aloof and detached as if he has no stake in the case. However, Charley struggles to focus on her inquiry as her brain seems to contain one icon, Reyes Farrow, the hybrid son of Satan.



Reyes rages at Charley for failing to work his case as the half human supermodel stands accused of murdering his stepfather, which he denies he did. Others need Charley’s distracted attention too while her caring family begs her to take an office job especially when her cases include a bike gang who demands she find a canine killer or face their grim grave retaliation for failing them.



The third delightfully droll Davidson grave romantic mystery (see First Grave on the Right and Second Grave on the Left) is a great entry in which the zany craziness brilliantly comes together into an amusing, exciting dark thriller. Fast-paced and loaded with action, Charley wonders who will betray her first from amongst her heart, her family or her insane clients.



Harriet Klausner

Shadow Ops: Control Point-Myke Cole

Shadow Ops: Control Point


Myke Cole

Ace, Jan 31 2012, $7.99

ISBN 9781937007249



Supernatural Operations Corps Army Lieutenant Oscar Britton knows his unit’s mission is to remove magical threats preferably using less lethal means, but killing a Probe or a practitioner posing harm to his team is acceptable rules of engagement. However, the latest case involving a teenage Probe female and her first timers bothers him when they capture the girl only to have Harlequin murder the teen under the guise of standard operating procedure.



Whether it was the excessive force that disturbed him and potentially triggered his latent superpowers, Britton knows his manifestation is a death sentence. Knowing he cannot win in a fight against the powerful SOC, he chooses flight as his former command declares him a criminal wanted dead. However, instead of execution when he is caught, Britton is subjected to the military-industrial complex as an enslaved drone. Increasingly he believes throwing out the existing intolerant leadership via a coup is the only means of saving the First Amendment rights of everyone.



This is refreshing futuristic urban fantasy that contains a strong cautionary message that as Ben Franklin stated: “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety”. Myke Cole makes it lucid that regardless of the threat or rationalization, torture and long term incarceration without a legitimate trial are unacceptable practices. Fast-paced and filled with action, Britton holds the exciting tale together in a sort of coming of age awareness plot when he concludes those he previously obeyed without a second thought are morally bankrupt with self importance power their cause.



Harriet Klausner

Bedeviled-Sable Grace

Bedeviled


Sable Grace

Avon, Dec 27 2011, $7.99

ISBN: 9780061964411



Vampyre-Lychen hybrid Dark Breed Kyana Aslan saved the life of Haven when she turned her BFF into a vampire by giving her blood. However, Kyana learns where good intentions lead to when the rebellious raging spirit of Cronos possesses Haven. Cronos plans to use the recently transformed Haven as a vessel to overthrow the Olympus pantheon, but his host has a vendetta too as she needs to kill her once beloved “sister” for changing her into this monster.



Although her bodyguard Ryker the demigod has not mouthed one I told you so, looks tell Kyana that he knows she erred due to her love of a friend. Now she must rectify her passionate saving of Haven because in seven days her BFF replaces Kyana as the new Artemis Goddess of the Hunt and therefore Haven must die before this transformation to prevent her BFF from bringing hell on Earth.



The second enjoyable Dark Breed Greek mythos urban fantasy (see Ascension) is an exciting tale that looks deep into the soul of the heroine as she struggles between guilt over her friend whom she expects to kill, whining over her wardrobe, and lusting over the body of her bodyguard. Fast-paced from start to finish, however the clothing and Ryker issues at times supersede the intriguing hellish Haven horror subplot.



Harriet Klausner

Flashfire-Deborah Cooke

Flashfire


Deborah Cooke

Signet, Jan 3 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780451235473



His spectacular Trial by Fire show on the Vegas strip makes Lorenzo the illusionist into a star attraction. However, the Pyr and the slayers demand Lorenzo join their side, but he chooses to remain a solo act.



While on vacation in Las Vegas, paparazzi Cassie Redmond attends Lorenzo’s show. She sits in the first row igniting a sparkling display between the photographer and the performer. The audience including Cassie assumes these sparks are part of Lorenzo’s performance, but the magician knows otherwise. This woman lit up the firestorm of his dragon nature. However, Chen has begun gathering an army, but needs Lorenzo the dragon-shifter to join him; if not the mage’s firestorm mate will die.



After six previous “Kiss” Dragonfire urban fantasies (see Whisper Kiss and Darkfire Kiss), the first entry sans a Kiss in the title is a fast-paced, character driven thriller. Lorenzo has a few rude awakenings starting with his mate and dragon mature surfacing as he is the mage of denial until he understands the threat to his Cassie. Fans of the saga will enjoy venturing into the heart of the Cooke mythos as her protagonist is a master illusionist who actually can perform the shapeshifting physics of magic.



Harriet Klausner

Wicked Circle-Linda Robertson

Wicked Circle


Linda Robertson

Pocket, Dec 27 2011, $7.99

ISBN: 9781451646955



Torn Between Two Lovers (by Mary McGregor) Persephone "Seph" Alcmedi the witch knows the men in her life, the waerewolves’ Domn Lup rock musician Johnny Newman and Menessos the vampire, have different temperaments and baggage. However the two males share in common the need for Seph to help them and their pledge of love to protect her.



Menessos tells Seph that the Vampire Council distrusts him as they fear he plots a coup. They have sent the three truth seeker vampiric sisters, normally caged in stone to keep the world safe, to determine his seditious acts. While trying to help Menessos, Seph has to honor her pledge to use her magic to assist the waeres, and to prevent her hemorrhoid producing family members (perpetually in trouble foster daughter, her lunatic grandmother and her recently resurfaced mother) from causing dangerous tsuris.



The fifth Circle urban fantasy (see Arcane Circle, Fairy, Circle, Vicious Circle and Hallowed Circle) is an entertaining entry that takes its time setting in motion the tsuris the heroine has piled on her by her family and friends. Once established, the exciting story line accelerates into a fast-paced urban fantasy with an extended family drama theme as Seph knows a family member or friend in need is a pest but her pest. With the mystery of what Seph will do adding excitement to the mix, readers will enjoy this sly family affair.



Harriet Klausner

Hold Me If You Can-Stephanie Rowe

Hold Me If You Can


Stephanie Rowe

Sourcebooks, Jan 1 2012, $14.99

ISBN: 9781402241970



Nigel Aquarian prefers painting to swordplay. However, after a century and a half of imprisonment with his warrior in arms brothers (see Blaine Underhill in Kiss At Your Own Risk and Jarvis Swain in Touch If You Dare) by an evil witch, he remains vigil though he believes the stroke of the brush is mightier than the sword.



Nigel realizes a more lethal threat has arisen. He puts aside the brush and palette to confront the evil. However, he believes chocolatier Natalie Fleming, who he is attracted to, is the key as the vortex of this deadly danger due to a Faustian gift.



The third Warrior urban fantasy is an entertaining paranormal romance starring a reluctant unique hero and a caught in the crosshairs heroine. The story line is fast-paced and filled with tense action yet also has some amusing moments (a trademark of Stephanie Rowe). Readers will enjoy the adventures in love and danger between Nigel the artist and Natalie the Chocolatier.



Harriet Klausner

A Demon Does It Better-Linda Wisdom

A Demon Does It Better


Linda Wisdom

Sourcebooks, Jan 1 2012, $14.99

ISBN: 9781402236723



In Inderman, Dr. Lili Carter the witch takes a staff position at Crying Souls Hospital. She conceals from the hospital administration her real reason for returning to the asylum where she worked ages ago. Lili searches for her friend Sera who worked here before vanishing without a trace.



The physician is stunned by the poor conditions of the facility and the haphazard care of the staff. She is especially shocked by the mistreatment of Jared the demon Patient 1172. Dr. Mortimer incarcerated 1172 for what the patient thinks is forever. However, he may have found his miraculous cure with the new doctor as he and Lili are attracted to one another. They team up to learn the insidious truth of what is going down at Crying Souls Hospital.



This romantic fantasy is an exciting thriller due to a strong unique support cast from a feline complaining that Minneapolis is not Inderman to Dragon nurses to the return of the “Hellion Guard” (see Demons Are a Girl’s Best Friend). The protagonists are an interesting forbidden (not for medical relationship reasons) pairing of a patient and a doctor while the villain is as vile as they come. Although the romantic subplot at times distracts from the taut suspense, fans will enjoy visiting the Wisdom magical realm.



Harriet Klausner

Darker After Midnight-Lara Adrian

Darker After Midnight


Lara Adrian

Delacorte, Jan 24 2012, $24.00

ISBN: 9780345530875



The Ancients came to earth to rape, pillage and conquer; but their manifest destiny fails when their sons lead a rebellion that eliminated all of the invaders except for one survivor. Dragos the Breed megalomaniac believes his brethren should rule the earth with humans as their slaves. He forces the Ancient One to mate with the Breedmates in order to raise a super powerful army of first generation warriors under his command.



Disgraced enforcer Sterling Chase sacrifices himself to buy time for his Order vampire comrades to escape exposure. In a human prison, Sterling sees Tavia Fairchild, aid to US Senator Robert Clarence; she picks him up in a line-up after he tried to kill a guest at the Senator’s party. Sterling thinks her employer, who is not what he seems, wants her dead, but also believes she is not human. When he realizes what species she is he is shocked. The Order takes both of them to a safe house but the same time the pair falls in love he struggles to control his bloodlust and must prepare for the civil war with Dragos and his soldiers. As Dragos brings a sea of red to the streets, the Order leader Lucan Thorne and his warriors including Sterling and Taviagear up for the last battle.



The final Midnight Breed urban fantasy is a great finish to a super saga. Sterling has a chance for redemption due to his mate while Tavia is much more than she first seems. With major threads tied up and the return of Breed Mates from previous entries (see Kiss of Midnight, Kiss of Crimson, Taken by Midnight, and Deeper than Midnight), fans will enjoy Midnight in the world of Adrian. A superb writer pens a fantastic tale



Harriet Klausner

Vamplayers-Rusty Fischer

Vamplayers


Rusty Fischer

Medallion, Feb 1 2012, $9.95

ISBN: 9781605424491



After being bitten by a vile vicious vampire, the good Savior vampires save Lily Fielding by preventing an infection from destroying her town. They enroll Lilly in the Afterlife Academy of Exceptionally Dark Arts. The lowest of the food chain as a Sister, Lily dreams of becoming a Savior.



Two decades later, the tyro graduates Is still a Sister. Her assignment along with her classmates Alice and Cara are to identify the Vamplayer and the female he plans to victimize in order to make friends with the latter before the former can take control of the target. The three Sisters covet becoming a Savior though this mission is not expected to bring them closer as this is a minor task in Raven Roost, North Carolina in which a blog entry sends them to the Nightshed Conservatory for exceptional Girls and Boys. Lily thinks the intended mark is Bianca and the Vamplayer is Tristan; her two Sisters hook up with the endangered student. However, routine proves a false assumption when the two Sisters are tempted by a super bad Vamplayer with plans to convert the school and villagers to be slaves, and Lily the Third Sister is occupied by her attraction to Zander.



Teenage fans of Rachel Caine and Rachel Caine will appreciate the fresh Fischer vampire mythos. Lily is courageous and foolish, which leads to readers wondering whether she can triumph over the evilest Vamplayer she has ever confronted and worse her heart. Vamplayer is a fun paranormal thriller.



Harriet Klausner

Sensation-Nick Mamatas

Sensation


Nick Mamatas

PM Press, Nov 2 2011, $14.95

www.pmpress.org

ISBN: 9781604863543



Julia Hernandez leaves her husband City College Professor Raymond before murdering Peter Neads Fisherman and then vanishing. Since she left him, Raymond rationalizes her dumping him without warning as a “penis panic” attack on her part.



He spots Julia in public near where they lived in Lower Manhattan. The first time was at a grocer she never shopped in buying items she never ate when they were married. The second encounter is in Times Square in which Raymond chose flight rather than confront Julia with why. His running saves his life from an observer ready to push him into traffic. A distraught Raymond will soon learn why Julia committed murder and fled. He finds out about the insect eggs in her arm and the Simulacrum where anarchist wasps and a super genius spider hive that collectively is a “man” ready to shove the professor into traffic. These two insecticide species battle to steer or crash humanity.



Sensation is an entertaining modern day parable that looks at the accumulative stress of minor annoyances in a world in which the individual has no wiggle room alternative. Told by the spiders, Nick Mamatas looks at the Butterfly Effect of chaos in an absolute controlled environment that makes independent thought that breaks away from one’s profile impossible. Although the two intelligent insect species are underdeveloped leaving readers with a void; fans will enjoy this allegorical look at New York, in which Seinfeld is right that as Queen sings in Bohemian Rhapsody “Nothing really matters, anyone can see nothing really matters ….”



Harriet Klausner

Dreaming Awake-Gwen Hayes

Dreaming Awake


Gwen Hayes

NAL, Jan 3 2012, $9.99

ISBN: 9780451235541



Haden Black first entered teenage Theia Alderson's life in her dreams. They met in person at school in Serendipity Falls, California. She fell in love with Haden and proved her feelings when she gave up everything for him as she entered the Under realm to bargain for his life (see Falling Under).



Now she is back in Serendipity Falls a changed young woman having survived incarceration and much more in the Under. However, she has also come back with the same lethal craving that her beloved suffers with. She learns how strong her Haden is as, feeling like a heroine addict, control of the hunger is impossible yet he does it; so Theia knows she must do so. However, when students at their high school become ill from an unidentified disease, Theia fears Haden is the cause. While she struggles with her need and her fears that her beloved has Fallen Under, his past has arrived in Serendipity Falls with plans to destroy her mentally by destroying her loved ones.



The second Under early teen romantic fantasy continues the escapes of two intriguing individuals in love, but unsure whether they should remain together as each believes he is bad for her. The stalker enhances the dilemma facing Theia, as her choices are limited to be with him or not to be with him when her heart chooses the former and her brain says the latter to avoid horrific consequences to others. Although some of the support cast feels out of place, readers will enjoy the deadly triangle.



Harriet Klausner

No Limits-Jenna McCormick

No Limits


Jenna McCormick

Kensington Aphrodisia, Dec 27 2011, $14.00

ISBN: 9780758272850



In New York, Genevieve Luzon wants someone to love her. Yes she is the “owner of a lonely heart” and needs money to remain in the city having been let go at her job. Her roommate arranges for her to go out with a male escort at Illustra. She learns who manages the escort service and obtains a position as an undercover under the cover mystery shopper testing the male prostitutes.



Gen's first training session leads her to Rhys, an empath with a mission to save his people and those of earth from invaders, She soon finds two of her escorts in lust with each other and the third Marshall exciting but enigmatic. Gen learns why when Rhys, needing a body until he regains his own, takes control of that of Marshall an enemy advance operative. Finding love, Gen plans to be with her Rhys though she is sure his mission is most likely ending with their deaths.



No Limits is an enjoyable erotic science fiction romance as long as the audience puts aside the plausibility meter; Rhys especially is over the top of Olympus Mons. Fast-paced and loaded with sex, sex and sex throughout, fans who relish a fun odd thriller will want to read the erotic adventures of the empath and the human.



Harriet Klausner

Dark Victory-Michele Lang

Dark Victory


Michele Lang

Tor, Jan 17 2012, $25.99

ISBN: 9780765330451



On September 1, 1939 Hitler begins the blitzkrieg destruction of Poland. In Budapest, Gisi the Jewish seer saw the Nazis’ deadly march over a month ago. Her sister Magda the Lazarus Witch tries to bind Asmodel the demon to her will while Gisi fears the repercussions. Magda’s beloved fallen angel Raziel supports her efforts as he knows the allies will need magic on their side to counter the dark forces allied with Hitler in order to save the Polish Jews from the Final Solution incantation sacrifice.



Magda leads her small troupe into Poland. However, she finds her cause in dire straits as Nazi werewolves and demons attack her and anyone in their path. Worse, the camps concentrate more evil power into the hands of Hitler and his demonic master by channeling death and torture. Hitler supporter Vampirrat orders Magda’s leader anti-Nazi Count Bathory the vampire to Berlin for a public staking. Magda may be too late to stop Hitler, but her hopes reside with finding the Book of Raziel arcane spells.



The sequel to super Lady Lazarus is an engaging urban alternate historical fantasy in which World War II is fought by mortals and paranormal. The story line is fast-paced with the various supernatural species (fighting on both sides) seemingly real and the combat with them and mortals vivid. As a master manipulator that Machiavelli would have admired, Asmodel somewhat steals the plot from the inexperienced heroine who logically works through her options to the best course only to impulsively act otherwise. Raziel and Bathory provide little to the mix except limited support and Gisi trembles in fear as WWII explodes on the continent.



Harriet Klausner

Dust of the Damned-Peter Brandvold

Dust of the Damned


Peter Brandvold

Berkley, Jan 3 2012, $15.00

ISBN: 9780425245170



To preserve the Union, President Abraham Lincoln recruits European werewolves and vampires to fight against the Confederacy. His plan was to rip out the hearts of the rebels at Gettysburg and then send the paranormal back to East European homes. However, the paranormal unit achieves step one tearing the guts out of the Rebel army as Lee chooses a silver bullet rather than conversion and Lincoln after seeing what he wrought followed suit; the illegal immigrants ignore part two of the late president’s plan.



Instead of re-crossing the Atlantic, the Hell’s Angels werewolf brigade escape from Hellsgarde Penitentiary heeding Greely and head west young beast. Alpha shape-changer Charlie Hondo leads the howling pack partnering with dragon-riding Ravenna the witch as they search for the key to the eternal fountain of youth and world domination. Bounty ghoul hunter Uriah Zane and deputy marshal Angel Coffin lead the opposition.



This paranormal alternate historical thriller is a gory action-packed tale summed up nicely by Jesse James when he insists Zane is a trouble magnet. Although the story line never veers from its straight-lined bloody but fast-paced course from the first massacre to the final confrontation. Fans will enjoy the heroes in combat against deadly werewolves, vampires and witches, Oh! My! as the Dust of the Damned seek manifest destiny.



Harriet Klausner

The Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Plus-Cory Doctorow

The Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Plus


Cory Doctorow

PM Press, Nov 1 2011, $12.00

www.pmpress.org

ISBN: 9781604864045



“The Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.” The world ended not with a bang but with a wumpus; as everyone wanted control of technological change leading to the Mecha Wars. In Detroit, Jimmy Yensid, his dad Robin and the pack reside in abandoned Comerica Park. Dad restored the classic Carousel of Progress; currently he recommends preservation of this last standing city as a heritage site. Being transhuman Jimmy ages slowly so though he has lived for decades he remains preadolescent. He spots a wumpus near a crumpled Ford factory. Riding his dad’s mecha and accompanied by his canines packs piloting air drones, he attacks the wumpus. A gang riding eight smaller mechas attacks Jimmy. He fights back feeling like a murderer as life in abandoned Detroit is never dull.



"Creativity vs. Copyright." This fascinating essay/presentation focuses on proposed copyright laws in the electronic publication age. The impact on corporate profits has been discussed many times. Mr. Doctorow provides a fresh focus on the digital rights management (including monetary – how an author makes a living from Net sales is beyond my comprehension) of intellectual property in a world in which many users assume “information is free.”



The thought provoking novella is a dark thriller that turns upside down the “future” as progress does not necessarily mean better. The exciting storyline looks deeply at change as everyone insists implementation of theirs; and customized technology may just lead to a wasteland. The well written essay/presentation provides the audience with insight into Mr. Doctorow’s views especially on intellectual property ownership in an on demand digital world. Finally there is also included “Look for the Lake” Cory Doctorow Interviewed by Terry Bisson.



Harriet Klausner

Mindscan-Robert J. Sawyer

Mindscan


Robert J. Sawyer

Tor, Dec 6 2011, $14.99

ISBN: 9780765329905



In 2018 in Port Credit near Tornado, brewery owner Cliff Sullivan is rushed to the hospital. Dr. Thanh explains to his wife and son that Cliff suffers from Katerinsky Syndrome, which leaves him a vegetable until he dies. Since this is hereditary, he suggests Jake take an MRI.



Jake knew he was dying so he chose Immortex to make a Mindscan copy of his brain placed inside an android. He relocates to the moon where he expects to die in High Eden, a pleasant assisted living facility.



In 2045, Jake the robot on earth has faced rejection from all of the human Jake’s loved ones. He is bored with nothing to do until he meets the mindscan Karen Bessarian. Her biological body had been that of an octogenarian children's book author; but this model is in her thirties as opposed to Jake in his forties. As the two mindscans fall in love, the original Karen dies. Her son sues for ownership of his late mom’s estate insisting a mindscan has no rights; at the same time the original Jake finds a cure for his illness and demands his former life returned to him.



This discerning exciting look at future ethics questions asking what a human is and what rights does a mindscan have. The story line is fast-paced while the setting plays a key role as Americans flee their fundamentalist Christian kingdom homeland to reside in tolerant Canada; enhancing the rights argument. Readers will relish this profound extrapolation of current medical technology in which Robert J. Sawyer argues that medical advances are way ahead of legal advances.



Harriet Klausner

Raven Cursed-Faith Hunter

Raven Cursed


Faith Hunter

Roc, Jan 3 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780451464330



Rogue vamp hunter and Cherokee skinwalker with Beast the mountain lion spirit inside her, Jane Yellowrock is considered the best security expert around. Her current assignment is to secure Asheville and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains for a big parley between the envoy and heir Katie of Blood Master of New Orleans Leo Pellissier and local fanghead chief Lincoln Shaddock. For six decades Shaddock has petitioned Pellissier to allow him to establish an independent vamp clan in the area; currently his group owes allegiance to the New Orleans chief fanghead.



Instead of Katie arriving, Pellissier sends his number two Mithran vamp, Gregoire, who he wants to mate with Jane. However, on the cable news is a report of a vicious bloodbath of a couple in Cocke County. Leo calls Jane to tell her to kill the rogue and make it go away. Jane heads to the Pigeon River site of the massacre to begin her inquiry. Beast tells her the smell is not vamp or Pigeon, but that of the mythical Grindylow. Jane realizes werewolves killed the couple with the Grindylow as the were-enforcers in pursuit.



The latest Yellowrock urban fantasy (see Mercy Blade, Blood Cross and Skinwalker) is a super thriller as the kick butt heroine investigates the murders with the eyes of humans, vamps and werewolves upon her. The Grindylow believe in taking care of their own kind with lethal punishment, but objects to outside intrusion. Fast-paced, Raven Cursed is an exhilarating paranormal whodunit with several thriller spins as the heroine muses that vamps and guns suck but though make for a crappy life are energizing.



Harriet Klausner

The Mortal Bone-Marjorie M. Liu

The Mortal Bone


Marjorie M. Liu

Ace, Dec 27 2011, $7.99

ISBN: 9781937007188



Like her bloodline going back ten millennia, demon hunter Maxine Kiss carries her five “boys” as tattoos on her body, which serves as prison for these Reaper Kings who if freed would devour the world. She and her soulmate Grant the Lightbringer escort Bryon the teenage to a “safe house” once belonging to Maxine’s mom in Texas.



However, a possessed woman arrives giving Maxine a plastic bowling bag of which the visitor says someone in her dream told her to deliver it. Inside is a crystal skull that has the demon within the woman and the five on Maxine’s skin clamoring to go to it. The connection between her boys and her is severed; they are totally free to bring hell on earth unless Maxine can somehow reconnect with them.



The fourth Hunter Kiss urban fantasy (see A Wild Light, The Iron Hunt and Darkness Calls) is a great thriller that is action-packed but driven by the aftereffect of the broken link as Marjorie M. Liu gets deep into the psyche of the heroine. Maxine has mixed emotions of being liberated but in some ways misses the bond that has been part of her for a long time. She also feels guilt and responsibility to prevent her boys from returning to their Reaper King days; as nothing short of the end of the world is at stake.



Harriet Klausner

Dragonswood-Janet Lee Caret

Dragonswood


Janet Lee Caret

Dial/Penguin, Jan 5 2012, $17.99

ISBN: 9780803735040



In 1192 Pendragon King Kadmi is dead, but the heir Prince Arden has not yet returned from a Crusade to Wilde Island to become ruler of the dragons, fairies and humans who reside there. Instead the regent Lord Sackmoore rules for now even as species civil war seems imminent.



When thieves stole the royal treasure from Pendragon Castle, a search led by Arden’s younger brother Price Bion finds nothing. Blaming the hybrid abominations, Sackmoore sends the witch hunter to burn the evil ones at the stake. Abused by her dad the blacksmith, seventeen year old Tess is shocked when she is accused of being half-fae. Having gained experience with flight from her violent father, she flees with two also accused friends into the forbidden Dragonswood. There warden Garth Huntsman offers Tess sanctuary. When the fairies plead with her for help, Tess learns why her father loathed her and who her protector truly is.



This dark epic romantic fantasy is an exciting fast-paced sequel to Dragon's Keep. Fast-paced from the moment the heroine flees and never slowing down until the final altercation, the storyline on the surface seems similar to most quest fantasies. However, Tess brings freshness as a victim who remains optimistic about her future but unforgiving of those like her father who have harmed her and made her wary of males even caring Garth. With several super twists, and filled with gore, vivid beatings and on-page torture, readers with strong stomachs will appreciate this terrific tale that targets teens and up.



Harriet Klausner