Hunted- Rebecca Zanetti

Hunted


Rebecca Zanetti

Kensington Brava, Apr 24 2012, $14.0

ISBN: 9780758259271



Moira Dunne the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter witch deploys quantum physics to move around in time and space. One century ago she had a one night stand, but though she immensely enjoyed the tryst that was in the “past”.



However, Moira is unaware that her rendezvous with Connlan Kayrs turned out to be much more when he marked her as his mate. He has patiently waited decades for her to mature before Conn can claims Moira as his. Now Conn is back in a stunned Moira’s life as he insists he needs her and by the way her family’s support against a vampire clan creating a customized virus to attack the mates of the undead.



The third Dark Protectors romantic urban fantasy (see Fated and Claimed) is an engaging thriller that moves forward the overarching theme of a pending war; which is a two edged sword as the motive for the paranormal hostilities is not very lucid. The action-packed storyline is fast-paced as Conn claims the witch he is fated to mate with while betrayal leaves their relationship and their family and friends in peril. Sub-genre fans will enjoy Rebecca Zanetti’s exciting novel as the vampire and the witch prove absence makes the heart (and other body parts) grow fonder.



Harriet Klausner

Blue Magic-A.M. Dellamonica

Blue Magic


A.M. Dellamonica

Tor, Apr 10 2012, $14.99

ISBN: 9780765319487



In Indigo Springs, Oregon, arrested Sahara Knax is on trial for treason. Her former best friend, Astrid Letherwood struggles to end the wild spread of magic into the mundane world caused by her discovery and subsequent abuse by Sahara of the underground blue Vitauga River. Astrid understands why her late father hid his use of magic and his source though she was his apprentice; as she saw how easily power corrupted Sahara; turning her ex buddy into a megalomaniac. Others, including the government, demand to use the echantments for their personal desires and needs.



As she attempts to return the world to its natural balance, Astrid has only one person she can rely on to help her. Ironically hostage negotiator Will Forest was her jailer, but now is her biggest ally as love and understanding changed their relationship. Now all they have to do is first rebuild the world and then rebuild a family.



The sequel to Indigo Springs is a profound psychological urban fantasy that explores the impact of a new source of power, magic, into a technological world previously governed by the laws of physics. The heroine is superb as she tries to make things right but finds second and third order effects that convolute her efforts. Readers will appreciate A. M. Dellamonica’s thought-provoking thriller as magic may be one person’s nirvana but someone else pays the price (sounds like the American corporacy).



Harriet Klausner

Chicory Up-Irene Radford

Chicory Up


Irene Radford

Daw, May 1 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780756407247



Pixies are alive and well with a tribe residing in Ten Acre Wood. Many of the nearby human townsfolk of Skene Falls know Pixies exist and are responsible for their beautiful gardens. The Pixies banished Thistle Down from their community and soon afterward a magical spell changed her into a human. She and Dick Carrick fell in love and will marry as soon as a judge issues Thistle a birth certificate.



While the couple waits, there is trouble amongst the Pixies as the tribes are at war against each other egged on by the magic of the fairies who still want possession of Ten Acres Wood that hybrid Haywood Wheatland failed to obtain for them (see Thistle Down). Though young and inexperienced, Chicory knows a civil war will lead to the destruction of the Pixies replaced in the woods by the fairies. He and his followers form their own tribe living in the attic of Dick mother. Thistle Down returns to Pixie to end the belligerency, abate the out of control energy, and insure a new king is selected. Dick fears he is losing his beloved so he turns in to a Pixie due to Chicory’s magic. He enters the fray to insure Thistle Down’s back is covered.



Human or pixie, Thistle Down is a wise conscientious person who fulfills her obligations by going the extra kilometers. The Pixies bring plenty of amusing havoc unless you happen to be the human whose life is disrupted by the mischievous tribe. Filled with magic, intrigue and romance, readers will enjoy the latest entertaining lighthearted Pixie Chronicles woodland fantasy. Irene Radford is one of my favorite authors.



Harriet Klausner

The Impossible Cube-Steven Harper

The Impossible Cube


Steven Harper

Roc, May 1 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780451464507



By 1857, the “clockwork plague” disease turned people into brainless zombies. A few of the inflicted become short-lived mechanical geniuses creating technological advances. England and China emerged from the calamity as superpowers, with both using clockwork geniuses to push their country to the top. However, in England a cure for the clockwork plague zombie syndrome was discovered but the government’s top secret Third Ward rationalizes that deploying it to save lives will destroy the kingdom as China would still have its mechanical gurus. They try to hide the cure in The Doomsday Vault, but Lady Alice Michaels and Gavin Ennock steal the elixir and begin releasing it while agents of the now defunct Third Ward led by Lieutenant Susan Phipps chase them in France.



Phipps and her goons (Glenda Teasdale and Simon D’Arco) catch Gavin who has caught the plague thanks to Alice’s late Aunt Edwinna. Alice, Click the Cat, Feng and Dr. Clef rescue Gavin. They flee to Luxembourg for supplies while on their way to China where they hope to find a cure for the clockwork mechanical genius syndrome before Gavin and Clef die. Using the new wireless communication technology invented by a clockwork genius, Phipps pursues the traitors.



The second Clockwork Empire steampunk alternate historical is an exciting adventure thriller that starts off with action and never slows down until a confrontation in the Ukraine. Fast-paced, readers will enjoy the escapes of the Bostonian and the lady as she is apt to rescue him even more than he does her. With a nod to Jules Verne’s Five Week in a Balloon (though an African crossing), readers will appreciate Steven Harper’s exhilarating trek across the European continent.



Harriet Klausner

The Master of Heathcrest Hall-Galen Beckett

The Master of Heathcrest Hall


Galen Beckett

Spectra, Mar 27 2012, $16.00

ISBN: 9780553807608



The old king of Altania is dead, and the coronation of his heir has been delayed by competing political and mage leaders coveting power. The Ashen see the chaos as an opportunity to overwhelm the kingdom, but the power brokers squabble over their role in the new government rather than insuring what is best for the country.



Ivy Quent feels euphoric over her husband the mage’s recent endeavors and her own in Evengrove. However, she will soon conclude her optimism is an illusion when her extended family is in peril from those willing to cause a civil war while an external threat intensifies; all for a little more power. Pregnant, Ivy tries to keep her family safe while dealing with betrayal. She finds allies in the mage Rafferdy and illusionist Garrit of the Theatre of the Moon.



The third Quent dark fantasy (see The House On Durrow Street, and The Magicians and Mrs. Quent) super thriller with several stunning bit plausible twists. The key to this entry and its predecessors is the Beckett mythology feels genuine due to the fascinating eccentric cast and the title abode. Ivy is a brave fabulous heroine who earns the respect of the audience. Galen Beckett scores the hat trick with her third entertaining Mrs. Quent quirky thriller.



Harriet Klausner

Blood Secret-Sharon Page

Blood Secret


Sharon Page

Kensington Aphrodisia, Mar 27 2012, $14.00

ISBN: 9780758250957



Though irate at her foolish brother, Lucy Drake knows his gambling debts are a family obligation requiring repayment. Lucy has no money to make remittance, but has one item of value, her virginity. She offers her body to the man holding her brother’s markers Sinjin, the Duke of Greystone. He accepts her terms of a fortnight but conceals his real agenda from her.



Greystone has two causes, which Drake unwittingly abets. A vampire, he plans to seduce the information as to the whereabouts of kidnapped nephew taken by her father. Once he rescues his blood, he will fulfill his vow to kill shapeshifting dragons like Lucy Drake. Fourteen nights later, Greystone finds he craves more with Lucy.



The latest Blood Deep heated historical romantic urban fantasy (see Blood Deep, Blood Red and Blood Rose) is a fabulous paranormal thriller as the male protagonist hates that he thinks “I love Lucy.” He must decide between his heart’s oath and his heart’s desire. Fans will enjoy this fine entry as the vampire and the dragon shifter face dilemmas that could end tragic.



Harriet Klausner

Shadow And Betrayal-Daniel Abraham

Shadow And Betrayal


Daniel Abraham

Orb, Mar 27 2012, $17.99

ISBN: 9780765331649



A Shadow In Summer. The city-state Saraykeht depends on the magic of detained Andat spirit, Seedless, compelled to do the biddings of the sorcerer Heshai-kyo as long as his owner lives, but once his possessor perishes, he dies too. The Galts Empire conquers everything in its path except for Saraykeht in spite of the powerful thrusts of the invincible military. Using trade as a means to get small forces inside the city, the Galts plot the murder of Heshai-kyo, which subsequently would lead to the demise of Seedless and ultimately Saraykeht. Teacher Milah-Kvo catches student Otah Machi sneaking out of the city and suggests his pupil become a black robe bodyguard to an andat and its owner. As Otah learns about the assassination, Seedless works to destroy the mind of Heshai-kyo.



A Betrayal In Winter. In Machi the realm is ruled by the Khai and when a new leader is needed the ruler's sons fight to the death to win the throne. The last one standing is the new Khai. The Khai has more than three sons; he has given them to the poets who keep the cities at peace and bring in wealth from other countries. Otah Machi, the sixth son, refused to take the brand, rejected the post, and has made a life for himself as Itani Naygu a courier loved by inn keeper Kiyan. When the eldest son is murdered, the two younger sons go into hiding while the people (commoner and noble) believe Otah was behind the assassination.



This omnibus collection reprints the first two terrific tales in the superb Long Price Quartet fantasy saga. Fifteen years apart, the powerful cast makes everything in this strange magical world seem plausible and exciting.



Harriet Klausner

Fated-Alyson Noel

Fated


Alyson Noel
St. Martin’s Griffin, May 22 2012, $18.99

ISBN: 9780312664855



Daire Santos struggles with being different. Animals follow her while crows mock her. Glowing strangers stalk her. Finally there is the boy with the blue eyes who stars in her dreams. Her widow mom Jennika is beside herself with worry. However, not as much as Daire’s paternal grandmother Paloma Santos who knows the danger to the last of her line.



Sent to visit her grandma in Enchantment, New Mexico, Paloma explains to Daire that like her and her late dad, she is a Soul Seeker who travels between the mundane world of the living and the surreal world of the dead. Fated to either save or destroy the world of the living, Daire trains to control her paranormal skills. However, as her grandma mentors her, she adapts reasonably well until she meets Dace, the star of her dreams. Although attracted to him even before they met, she wonders if he is her soulmate or her Judas.



The first Soul Seekers urban fantasy is a superb thriller starring a “troubled” young lady who learns she holds the fate of the world in her hands. The key to this absorbing tale is the heroine who makes the Noel mythos seems genuine as she enters the underworld in a soul searching rescue mission while wondering whom does she trust. Filled with twists, this is a winning opening act.



Harriet Klausner

The Blood of Heroes-Joseph Nassise

The Blood of Heroes


Joseph Nassise

Harper Voyager, May 1 2012, $14.99

ISBN 9780062048752



The war fought in the trenches was the most brutal in history as men died to move the front inches. It became even more vicious when deadly gas was released onto the battlefield. However, the Germans, knowing they are losing, turn the combat evil when they deploy the ultimate weapon T Leiche; the “corpse gas” that reanimates dead soldiers to return to the western front. By late 1917, the Kaiser and his army of dead appear heading to victory.



His superior officers assign American Expeditionary Force Captain Michael “Madman” Burke with his artificial “clockwork” arm to rescue his estranged half-brother, legendary American ace Major Jack Freeman; captured behind the lines. Burke assembles a small team consisting of his top aide Sergeant Moore, big-game hunter Clayton Manning and Tesla protégé and supernatural expert Professor Dan Richards. To reach the prison where Freeman is held, the quartet must travel across land controlled by the shamblers, undead soldiers and other monstrous German creations. If they miraculously reach the prison, they will learn why the brass sent them on a suicide mission.



The first Great Undead War historical urban fantasy is a fabulous fast-paced thriller that never slows down throughout. Filled with action, readers will wonder what harrowing stuff Joseph Nassise will next toss at his heroes. The military gadgets enhance the fun of a terrific steampunk paranormal historical military thriller mindful of Lester dent’s Doc Savage.



Harriet Klausner

Last Rites-Lisa Desrochers

Last Rites


Lisa Desrochers

Tor, May 8 2012, $9.99

ISBN: 9780765328106



Still raging over Luc Cain the demon turning traitor and becoming human (see Personal Demons), King Lucifer continues to send Hell’s minion to collect the soul of Frannie Cavanaugh. However, she has some powerful protectors from Heaven as well as Luc formerly from Hell; Gabe the angel came to collect her soul, but defends her fiercely. She also has a guardian angel, her twin brother Matt who died in childhood.



Lilith killed her BFF Taylor and did something to Luc; Matt has also been destroyed. Before more family and friends die; Fannie must gain control over her magic. Time is running out on the teen who just wants to matriculate at UCLA instead of being the foci of a war between Heaven and Hell.



The third Personal Demons young adult romantic urban fantasy (see ORIGINAL SIN) is a terrific thriller as the heroine remains the rope in a swaying soulful tug of war. Action-packed with a cheeky protagonist keeping the exciting paranormal romantic storyline focused as she struggles with who to trust since Lilith entered the fray. Readers of all ages will enjoy Frannie’s frantic fight to keep her soul on earth until she collects social security for a few decades.



Harriet Klausner

Wishful Thinking-Gabi Stevens

Wishful Thinking


Gabi Stevens

Tor, Apr 24 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780765365057



The Council condemned the three Godmothers (Aunts Lily, Hyacinth and Rose) as traitors. Meanwhile the trio continues their transition quest to find new godmothers (see The Wish List and As You Wish). They select weaver Stormy Jones-Smythe of Carlsbad, California, raised by wizards but uninterested in her talent.



The Council orders Hunter Merrick to allegedly protect the newest godmother, but his job is to watch her to insure she does not act seditiously. They are attracted to one another, but their loyalties are divided as she owes her allegiance to the Godmothers and him to the Council. Stormy believes the only way for her have the godmothers and Hunter in her life is to expose the insidious plot against her mentors. However, her beloved is pledged to prevent her from investigating who has framed the godmothers.



The final Time of Transition fantasy is a terrific timely thriller starring an intrepid heroine who may not want to be a godmother (just like her predecessors in the previous novels), but seeks to expose those behind the war on fairy godmothers. Hunter is caught between his heart and his pledge as he must prevent his beloved from her inquiry while he wants to help her with her probe.



Harriet Klausner

White Horse-Alex Adams

White Horse


Alex Adams

Atria/Emily Bestler Books, Apr 17 2012, $19.99

ISBN: 9781451642995



Thirty years old custodial worker Zoe Marshall cleans cages and floors at a pharmaceutical research center. Her biggest problem is to avoid naming the subjects of the experiments, mice. She is pregnant but her boyfriend vanished. Now the president announces that mankind is becoming extinct.



Stunned and realizing over the past year plus, she lived in a bubble while family, friends, acquaintances and fellow workers died from this plague, Zoe panics. She decides to see the world and begins an odyssey into the apocalypse; unaware that the White Horse has claimed victory with few left for conquest.



White Horse is an amazing apocalyptic thriller in which events rotate between before and after. Zoe is wonderful as a frightened individual on The Road (Cormac McCarthy) who finds a terrible world spiraling to death yet meets pockets of resistance by caring people helping one another survive. She learns during her travails what made humanity unique is compassion for the nurturing of others. Her lesson learned becomes her mantra that when one person defies the end with a kindness, hope remains alive for others.



Harriet Klausner

Banner of the Damned-Sherwood Smith

Banner of the Damned


Sherwood Smith

Daw, Apr 3 2012, $25.95

ISBN: 9780756406776



Emras the Scribe always adhered to the three rules of her profession: do not interfere; keep the peace; and tell the truth. Now she writes her defense as she stands before the judges who determine whether she lives or dies. She scribes that she tried not to interfere; meant to keep the peace; and tells the absolute truth. She begins her story when she was fourteen working as a kitchen servant when a scribe teacher invited her to test for the Fundamentals.



Childless Queen Alian the Second of Colend names her sister Princess Lasthavais as heir to the throne. However, Princess Lasva’s euphoria ends with the announcement that her sibling is carrying the heir. Despondent over her loss and with no future at home, Princess Lasva leaves the kingdom. She meets Prince Ivandred of Marloven Hesea whose kingdom’s royal mage has dealings with Colendi’s enemy, magical Norsunder. Attracted to Marloven, Lasva also is in awe of what he and his subjects can do especially with magic. They marry. Queen Alian, worried about her sister, sends well-regarded Emras to protect Lasva, but the scribe arrives too late.



Four centuries after the fantastic Inda fantasy (see INDA, THE FOX, KING'S SHIELD and TREASON'S SHORE), Sherwood Smith returns with another superb complex thriller. Filled with action, the story line is told from the point of view of the scribe who strictly makes a case that she tells the truth with this document though she may have crossed the line re rules one and two. Readers learn of Sherwood Smith’s theory of relativity as new perspectives on previous key events (scribed in the Inda fantasy) surface. Fast-paced yet profound, Banner of the Damned is a terrific tale.



Harriet Klausner

Three A.M.-Steven John

Three A.M.


Steven John

Tor Books, Mar 27 2012, $24.99

ISBN: 9780765331168



Over fifteen years ago, a lethal pandemic breakout left millions dead; scientists failed to find the cause. Soon after the mass deaths, a fog engulfed the city; but this thick mist has never dissipated. No one can enter or leave the city as the fog is like a giant prison.



In spite of excessive use of alcohol and drugs to numb his overwhelming sense of hopelessness, having not seen the sun since he was twenty eight, private detective Thomas Vale, wakes up every morning at 3:00 AM. He never deviates from that time even though he could use more sleep and rarely has a reason to get up that early. He visits Heller to collect money owed him but accepts instead a tape of “Shoppin” (Chopin), Rebecca waits for Vale at his sh*hole office to retain him. Two to three weeks ago someone murdered Samuel Ayers. The police arrested Fallon Samson who she insists is innocent. He takes on the case though he assumes that Samson killed Ayers. His simple investigation twists into something more precarious involving the disease and the fog.



The atmosphere is thick as readers will feel they wander in the fogged bound city in which residents have given up on the present and future with survival the only objective and holding on to precious personnel relics from before as a token of what was lost. Thomas is a delightful hard-boiled detective though his opponents seem inept. Rebecca is more of a stereotyped of the femme fatale cotton candy rather than a full blooded slick user. Readers will enjoy this exciting noir as paraphrasing Carl Sandburg’s Poem Fog, “… It sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches”, but never moves on.



Harriet Klausner

The Wolf Who Loved Me-Lydia Dare

The Wolf Who Loved Me


Lydia Dare

Sourcebooks, Apr 3 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9781402263460



In 1820, affluent ducal daughter Lady Madeline Hayburn has become wary of males as fortune hunters seem to do anything to force her to marry them. During a full moon, Maddie is shocked when she sees her new neighbor Mr. Weston Hadley turn into a wolf. However, Maddie is not half as stunned as Weston is that he carelessly let someone see him shift.



He believes they have no choice except to marry, but he expects her to decline his offer as he knows Maddy runs from the impoverished lords and besides beauty never marries the beast. Instead, Maddie accepts his offer but demands they immediately elope to Gretna Green. As they head to Scotland, there is plenty of pursuit and not all on her side.



The latest Team Dare Regency romantic fantasy (see Taming of the Wolf, Never Been Bit, It Happened One Bite and In the Heat of the Bite) is a bewitching historical. The storyline is a beguiling Lycan rendition of Beauty and the Beast with plenty of humor (mostly from the potential “mother of his mutts”) and danger (even her father who loves and spoils Maddy wants to cut off Weston’s head).



Harriet Klausner

Untouched-Sara Humphreys

Untouched


Sara Humphreys

Sourcebooks, Apr 3 2012, $6.99

ISBN: 9781402258466



Most people including her family believe Amazonian Kerry Smithson suffers from an obsessive germ phobia. That is far from the truth as her fear of touch has to do with severe pain and a look inside the brain of the other person that enables her to determine whether they are evil.



Recently she was assaulted in spite of her size; so her BFF Samantha (see Unleashed) hires Inferno Securities Dante Coltari to protect Kerry as she goes to New Orleans on a modeling gig. They meet at Samantha’s wedding where Dante the Amoveo informs Kerry she will one day dance with him as he realizes from his dream walks that Kerry is his mate; however to avoid a breakdown she has erected barriers that prevent her from dream walking. Dante knows what attacks his beloved, but not who while the Punisher is also at the wedding for both of them. To her shock his touch brings peace and pleasure rather than pain and torment.



The second Amoveo Legend urban fantasy is an action-packed thriller starring two fascinating protagonists though her lack of knowledge is similar to Samantha. Filled with action as a deadly stalker hunts the lead couple, readers will enjoy the escapades of the Tarzan bodyguard and the no longer Untouched heroine while waiting for that first dance to occur.



Harriet Klausner

Enraptured-Elisabeth Naughton

Enraptured


Elisabeth Naughton

Sourcebooks, Apr 3 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9781402262128



Being a hybrid daemon-Argonaut Orpheus is a pariah. Scorned because of his daemon blood, Orpheus has become a rogue who lives down to the image others have of him. Ironically, he is also an Eternal Guardian whose duty is to protect those same people who loathe him. Orpheus is on a personal quest to rescue his twin brother Gryphon from the hell of Tartarus.



Zeus sends Siren Order Skyla to destroy Orpheus. When she meets him he is in his daemon form so she attacks until she sees the inscription on him that proclaims him to be an Eternal Guardian; daemons cannot belong to that elite warrior group. He explains his mission starting with retrieving an orb that the Pantheon of Gods and the Underworld daemons crave possessing; she joins him. On their trek into hell, the vivacious siren and the morbid hybrid become lovers, but she conceals from Orpheus her agenda to kill him.



The latest Eternal Guardians romantic fantasy (see Marked and Tempted) is an exhilarating thriller that stars seemingly personality opposites in love. The fabulous Naughton Greek mythology is vivid and deadly as wary Orpheus believes you are safer amidst your enemies rather than your allies; his beloved will prove him correct.



Harriet Klausner

Temptations Rising-A.C. Arthur

Temptations Rising


A.C. Arthur

St. Martin’s, Mar 27 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780312549107



Two years ago, a strange cat like creature saved the life of Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officer Kalina Harper from an assault. Confused by what happened, she still dreams of this beast, but has never told anyone about what she saw.



Her boss assigns Kalina to go undercover at Reynolds & Delgado law firm seeking connections between partner attorney Roman Reynolds and a South American drug cartel as he sends plenty of money to South America. Like all the women in the office, Kalina is attracted to Rome, but is unaware that as a jaguar he saved her life two years ago. However, his concern is with whom murdered Senator Mark Baines and his daughter three weeks ago as Rogues apparently have moved into his Faction as they have in the other zones too. Though he knows he must ignore Kalina to focus on the Rogues, Rome finds he cannot ignore her as he begins to believe she is his mate.



The first Shadow Shifters romantic urban fantasy is an exciting thriller as readers will feel the Arthurian paranormal DC world is genuine. Fast-paced with a courageous heroine struggling to accept what she is learning and a strong leader unsure whether to tell her the truth that residing amidst purebred humans are shifters.



Harriet Klausner

A Temptation of Angels-Michelle Zink

A Temptation of Angels


Michelle Zink

Dial, Mar 20 2012, $17.99

ISBN: 9780803737266



Sixteen-year-old Helen fell asleep to the sounds of arguing in the family library when her frantic mother awakens her while it is still dark outside. Her mom gives her strange directions to go to a house before sending her child through a hidden doorway in her bedroom that the teen never knew existed. As her house burns with her parents inside, a shocked Helen flees to the address her mother admonished her to go to for her safety.



Brothers Darius and Griffin Channing welcome Helen into their London abode. They explain to the stunned teen that she, like them, is responsible to protect the planet as Keepers are descendants of an angel species. The siblings further explain they are the last ones as an assassin has killed all the others and targeted Helen before she can be skilled. If their kind becomes extinct so will the earth.



Although this exciting young adult fantasy starts confusing due to the introduction of a horde of characters forcing readers to need a scorecard, once the Zink mythos and cast is established, the storyline turns into a fast-paced High Noon thriller. Helen is terrific as she has no time to grieve due to the demands of gruff Darius; she also has two men attracted to her, Griff and her childhood friend Raum. Vengeance may be the Lord’s domain, but the three remaining Keepers (the parents of the brothers suffered the same fate as those of Helen did) claim it as theirs.



Harriet Klausner

The Hunt-Andrew Fukuda

The Hunt


Andrew Fukuda

St. Martin’s Griffin, May 8 2012, $17.99

ISBN: 9781250005144



Seventeen years old Gene feels he is the last of his species in the wild as he hides amidst the master race that craves his. He follows his late dad’s rules such as avoid sports that make you sweat as they don’t perspire, but also knows his father failed in his diligence only once. He is a heper who if found out will be eaten by his “friends” without an afterthought.



The government sponsors its rare "Heper Hunt" though Gene wonders why since the few if any survivors are either lab rats or cattle. His trig teacher puts him on the spot, but Ashley June as he calls the girl in front of him saves his neck. Soon afterward he and Ashley June are chosen by the lottery as hunters. Gene is concerned he will be caught as this is not riding a horse drawn school bus or avoiding beautiful girls with fangs; instead he will spend four days in a fish bowl environment; training at the Heper Institute of Refined Research and Discovery. Worse he is attracted to Ashley June who he assumes will know the truth.



The Hunt is a fascinating thriller starring two fabulous protagonists trying to stay alive in a world in which they are red meat for the vast populace that surrounds them. The storyline is fast-paced and filled with chilling action. Although the dystopian Fukuda world lacks sociological depth re the prime species and the hunted, fans will appreciate joining Gene as he tries to avoid becoming the prey of The Hunt.



Harriet Klausner

Born Of Silence-Sherrilyn Kenyon

Born Of Silence


Sherrilyn Kenyon

Grand Central, May 1 2012, $24.99

ISBN: 9780446573313



Darling Cruel was heir to the Caronese Empire until his Uncle Arturo committed fratricide. Over the years since the assassination of his father, his uncle has brutally abused his nephew; he has accepted the torment and even pretended to be a homosexual to keep his mother Natale and his siblings (Drake and Lise) safe. Now twenty-eight years old, Darling is still considered a minor and under his uncle’s vicious thumb.



Ever since her family was murdered, resistance leader, Zarya Starska is obsessed with destroying the cruel family running the empire with iron fists who killed them. Zarya has allied with legendary masked Sentella warrior Kere. She is perhaps the only one to see the warrior unmasked. However, when the Resistance captures Darling, they treat him as inhuman as his uncle has. As his mind teeters on a breakdown, Darling vows vengeance against the Resistance and his uncle.



The latest Born of League outer space thriller (see Born of Night, Born of Shadows, Born of Fire and Born of Ice) is loaded with action, intrigue and romance. Darling is an intriguing protagonist who shows signs of insanity from the latest betrayal. Zarya is the only hope to bring him back from the brink, but she has issues too. The lead pair makes for an exciting emotional roller coast ride. No matter what Ms. Kenyon writes readers know it will be a winner.



Harriet Klausner

Dead Light-Mike Pace

Dead Light


Mike Pace

River Point Press, Mar 5 2012, $11.00

ISBN: 9780615518428



In 1667 aboard the London Rose, Eli Creed travels with 562 manacled Africans taken from Gambia to be slaves in the New World. The Good Christian prays for these heathen even as he shared sex with the girls as part of a so-called ritual. When Captain Stigg tosses the dead into the ocean, Eli saves the life of a girl Abi still breathing. Her father thanks Eli by giving him a box that the man says contains the devil’s light that he took from a dead shaman. He is warned not to open it or all will die.



Three and a half centuries later in Cumberton, Maryland, a cemetery dating back to colonial times is moved in order for Reverend Jimmy Starr to construct a dormitory on the hallowed grounds. Two teenagers Tony and Jill fall into a hole where he finds a box in the empty grave of Father William Cumber 1645-1713. They accidentally break the box releasing “Lucifer’s Light” caged by Father Cumber centuries ago. Soon hell breaks out in Cumberton as student suicides occur. Sheriff Estin Booker and former Baltimore homicide detective Anna Tucci investigate what increasingly seems insane as the clues point to a two millennia Satanic myth in which humans must prevent the end of days, Lucifer’s way.



Dead Light is an exciting good and evil horror thriller as readers will be caught up in the doomsday countdown. Fast-paced, the only hope for mankind is two cops with personal demons preventing them from fully committing to fighting hell. Mike Pace provides a tense thriller as increasingly the dark appears on the brink of winning the ultimate battle by using the light.



Harriet Klausner

The Lost Fleet – Beyond the Frontier: Invincible-Jack Campbell

The Lost Fleet – Beyond the Frontier: Invincible


Jack Campbell

Ace, May 1 2012, $26.95

ISBN: 9781937007454



After being the hero leading the Alliance to victory against the Syndicate Worlds, his superiors distrust the legend Admiral John "Black Jack" Geary as the people would support him in a coup. Thus he and his First Fleet are assigned exploration beyond the Syndic sector. Though he believes .the mission is a death trap, he obeys orders His gut proves right as they end up under attack by a previously unknown species (see Dreadnaught).



Black Jack has his fleet jump only to find a different alien species greets them with hostilities while the human ships struggle to organize and fight back amidst the chaos. This race’s armada uses suicide missions while blocking the exiting jump point back into human space. With many on board the numerous vessels dead or severely wounded and ships in need of repair, Black Jack knows him and his crews must escape though the geared jump point; because staying here is death, but running the gauntlet may be as deadly. Especially since he is unsure of what awaits them on the other side.



The Beyond the Frontier Black Jack military science fiction is an entertaining thriller with great space battles between the First Fleet and the aliens. In fact, the trapped humans have found a third alien species who they are unsure of whether they will prove hostile too. Action-packed though linear, fans will appreciate the latest quandary as Black Jack follows the advice of Captain Desjani quoting her dad: When you find yourself going through hell, keep going.”



Harriet Klausner

The Gathering of the Lost-Helen Lowe

The Gathering of the Lost


Helen Lowe

Harper Voyager, Mar 27 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780061734052



Five years ago, the unthinkable occurred when the elite Darksworn of the Darkswarm beached the impenetrable Wall of Night mountain range and assaulted the garrisons of the Nine Houses of the Derai. The attack forced the Heir of Night Malian and her best friend Kalan to flee separately into Jaransor. They have been missing since. Before fleeing, Malian pledged to Rowan to save Haarth and plans to act on her vow.



Whereas the Darkswarm’s initial battles were with the Derai, violence has penetrated deep into Haarth's southern realms. In Ij, assassins attack a House of Heralds. South of the River at Normarch in Emer, dark magic gathers. However, even with all these troubles, most people in the central and south of Haarth refuse to accept the existence of the Darkswarm especially crossing the great Wall of Night. Instead everyone seems to look forward to the pleasures of the festivities of the Midsummer tournament at Caer Argent where the elite Darksworn have plans.



The second Wall of Night fantasy is a superb tale as political treachery and denial become key elements in which the people of Haarth may wake up too late to battle the threat. Readers follow the adventures of Malian and Kalan as both face hopeless causes. Aptly titled The Gathering of the Lost, this is a twisting taut thriller with a great stunning late spin as friends as the heir of Night learns to suspect everyone as allies may be treacherous enemies.



Harriet Klausner

Deliverance-Dakota Banks

Deliverance


Dakota Banks

Harper Voyager, Mar 27 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780062049988



Three centuries ago Maliha Crayne sold her soul to Rabishu the demon who saved her when she was Susannah Layhem being burnt at the stake in 1692. Since then she has become Rabishu’s prime assassin (see Dark Time). However, she recently learned of a path out of the darkness by balancing the scales between hits and lives saved. Thus she goes rogue choosing redemption over murderous torment.



However, her path to redemption proves troublesome when close friends begin to vanish and subsequently body parts arrive in packages delivered to her home. Trusting no one, not even her lover Jake, Maliha is given a horrid choice by an evil immortal psychopath; kill the innocent or receive the body parts of her friends. Regardless of what she decides, Maliha knows she still remains eternally damned.



The third Mortal Path urban fantasy (see Sacrifice) is an exhilarating thriller in which the assassin feels she jumped from the frying pan into the fire. Filled with deft twists, sub-genre fans will wonder how the beleaguered protagonist will handle the Mt. Everest size deterrence to her goal of redemption.



Harriet Klausner

Wicked City-Alaya Johnson

Wicked City


Alaya Johnson

Dunne, Apr 10 2012, $25.99

ISBN: 9780312565480



Six months ago, Amir the djinni prankster brought Faust to New York City as a practical joke. The alcohol-blood concoction has become a major hit among the vampire crowd. Mayor Walker wants the drink legal though it is already served in several locales. The Friends Against Faust formed to oppose the legalization on the grounds it might lead to vampires being out of control of their impulses.



However, the deaths of ten vampires after drinking Faust shakes up the city just before the Board of Aldermen are to vote on the mayor’s proposal. Stunned Mayor Walker, using blackmail in the matter of her hiding an underage vampire, asks the daughter of a demon hunter Zephyr Hollis to investigate the mass murders in spite of her belonging to the Friends Against Faust committee and tied to Amir. However, the prime suspect in the homicides is Zeph.



The second Hollis 1920 urban historical fantasy (see Moonshine) once again will have readers believing in a paranormal 1920s New York City though Gentleman Jimmy is still is turning over in his grave. The amusing amateur sleuth story line never takes it self seriously even as blood and alcohol prove a deadly mix. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the Roaring Twenties Manhattan adventures of the Vampire Suffragette.



Harriet Klausner

Temptation-Travis Thrasher

Temptation


Travis Thrasher

David C. Cook, Apr 1 2012, $9.99

ISBN: 9781434764171



Living with his divorced mostly drunk mom in Solitary, North Carolina sixteen year old Chris Buckley attends summer school with six other students at Harrington High in Solitary. He misses his life in Chicago suburb Libertyville where his dad resides. However part of that is his idyllic teen lifestyle ended in Solitary with Chris confused about recent events like the death and resurrection of Reverend Jeremiah Marsh, the disappearance of Iris Crag’s inn, cousin Jared and the road it was on and Jocelyn Evans.



In Mr. Taggert’s class, he makes friend with some of the guys and senior Lily. Attracted to the vivacious beautiful senior, he follows her down a path away from his inquiry into the darkness of Solitary as he has teenage interests far from the unknown responsibilities of what is expected of him dealing with the shadows. Instead he accepts a cell phone from his enemy Reverend Marsh and flees from his grave existence into the Temptation of fun with lovely Lily and new friends like Roger.



The third Solitary young adult tale is an intriguing thriller as Temptation for a normal teen life supersedes the quest to learn the haunting secrets of the small North Carolina town. Ironically, the atmosphere for the most part is lighter than its predecessors (see Gravestone and Solitary), but that is an illusion as the veneer of light is like an iceberg as the hero and readers see only the ten percent above water surface. Though it behooves the audience to read the pervious entries to contrast what is happening to the hero, Travis Thrasher shows his talent as he makes a strong yet entertaining case that Temptation can make evil look benign.



Harriet Klausner

2312-Kim Stanley Robinson

2312


Kim Stanley Robinson

Orbit, May 22 2012, $25.99

ISBN 9780316098120



Early in the twenty-fourth century, mankind has spread across the solar system to other planets, moons and rocks. On Mercury, the city of Terminator is a technological wonder as it moves to elude the sun’s lethal rays.



In Terminator, Alex, the Lion Of Mercury, dies from a brain aneurism after a fruitful one hundred and ninety one years. Her impact is far reaching as Alex strongly pushed societal changes to match the advances of technology to insure no one was left behind. Her significant other Mqaret struggles with his grief so he goes to his lab where mourning Biome designer Swan Er Hong visits him as she deals with the death of her beloved grandmother. Mqaret introduces Swan to League investigator Jean Genette. The asteroids cop was on Mercury for a conference. He questions Swan and Mqaret implying that Alex was murdered. Alex’s close friend Titan diplomat Fitz Wahram arrives to pay his respects. Soon a series of unexplained phenomena starting with a meteor shower assaulting the city happens. The designer, the diplomat and the cop team to investigate only to find a dangerous scenario that threatens Alex’s legacy, the current social, technological and economic interweave throughout the solar system,



This is a superb futuristic science fiction that deftly weaves the vivid Robinson solar system as the background platform for a terrific action-packed investigative conspiracy thriller. The protagonists possess differing personalities partly due to their diverse geography and occupations. Their tour guides the audience on a thought-provoking exciting adventure,



Harriet Klausner

Strange Flesh-Michael Olson

Strange Flesh

Michael Olson

Simon & Schuster, Apr 3 2012, $25.00

ISBN: 9781451627572



Harvard dropout James Pryce works for RedRook Security. A hacker of note, James is brilliant at locating those who have seemingly vanished off the grid by finding their electronic fingerprints. He especially take immense pleasure with using high tech vengeance against those who harmed a client.



Twins Blake and Blythe Randall hire RedRook Security with the stipulation that James takes the job. A decade ago, Blythe blithely broke James’ heart, but though she should insist not him, he cannot say no to her. Their brilliant multimedia artist sibling Billy sent them a video of his “Bleed” performance in which he simultaneously commits suicide and reanimates as an avatar in a decadent online world NOD. Blythe gets James masquerading as a documentarian into the GAME media collective where Billy recently played. He begins to unravel the virtual reality existence of Billy until James realizes he needs to enter NOD to find Billy.



This is an odd Bleeding of reality and virtual reality as James finds himself as a stranger in a strange land. Filled with sexual encounters of many kinds and with Strange Flesh, fans who appreciate something enjoyably different will want to journey into the land of NOD escorted in the first person by James.



Harriet Klausner

Red, White and Blood-Christopher Farnsworth

Red, White and Blood


Christopher Farnsworth

Putnam, Apr 26 2012, $25.95

ISBN 9780399158933



Since President Andrew Johnson in 1867 pardoned Nathanial Cade the vampire, he loyally has served American presidents in the war against horror (see Blood Oath). However, the Boogeyman has returned; Cade partially defeated this evil centuries ago, but knows how close he came to permanently dying. This “spiritual parasite” has a sinister malevolent teammate as they plan to get to Cade through President Samuel Curtis, his staff and his re-election committee.



Cade and his human liaison Zach Barrows work closely with Secret Service as Curtis campaigns in the Midwest. At the same time, zealot anti Curtis reporter Megan Roark begins to uncover some weird things that could expose Cade. However, Cade knows his prime missions are to destroy his invincible foes and keep Curtis safe even as the incumbent may lose his reelection bid.



The third paranormal Cade thriller (see The President’s Vampire) is an exhilarating taut twisting tale with a stunning great finish. Fast-paced readers observe the 2012 election from a different perspective of an individual who might have problems with voter ID and illegal immigration laws. Gory, this is an entertaining thriller from start to finish.



Harriet Klausner

Remarkable-Elizabeth Foley

Remarkable


Elizabeth Foley

Dial, Apr 12 2012, $16.99

ISBN: 9780803737068



Everyone in Remarkable is extraordinarily remarkable except for ten years old Jane Doe whose claim to remarkability is being uber average. Her roots should insure greatness as her mother Angelina Mona Linda Doe is a famous architect while her father Anderson Brigby Bright Doe II is a bestselling novelist, but the genetic dice crapped out with Jane as she obviously is throwback to her forgettable ordinary grandfather John Doe.



Ten years old twin terrors Melissa and Edwin Grimlet are expelled from the Remarkable's School for the Remarkably Gifted as they once again prove they are remarkably mischievous. They join Jane Doe as the only students in fifth grade teacher Ms. Schnabel’s Public school class for the less talented. Pirates like Captain Herring appear, who threaten some of the more infamous remarkable townsfolk with revealing insidious secrets. Ordinary Jane Doe is caught in the middle of the jelly war and much more as predicted by the pizzeria owner reading pizza pans.



Whimsical Remarkable is a delightful tweener fantasy starring an ordinary little girl, two evil twins and a horde of strange characters. Where else but in Remarkable would the vicious sea monster demand fig bars. Loaded with action and plenty of humor, once the complex subplots deploy, this is a remarkable young adult tale as readers follow extraordinary adventures that happened to Jane.



Harriet Klausner

A Clash of Kings-George R. R. Martin

A Clash of Kings


George R. R. Martin

Bantam, Mar 6 2012, $8.99

ISBN: 9780345535429



The comet streaks across the sky of the fractured Seven Kingdoms. A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky. The six prime rivals for the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms interpret the bloody fiery trail to fit their needs.



Once the heir apparent, Stannis believes the comet means the time to attack Westros with sorcery and an army is now. In King's Landing, teenage King Joffery proves a poor abusive monatch leaving his uncle Tyrion the King’s Hand to protect their subjects. In the north Tyrion’s father Tywin battles against Stark and her militia while another son Jaime is a prisoner of war. From the South, Renly needs to eliminate his brother Stannis before he begins his assault on King's Landing. Finally in the distant east, resolute Daenerys leads her Khalhaser dragon horde towards Westros. The various hostilities by rulers against each other turn the Seven Kingdoms into a chaotic lawless land



The second A Game of Thrones fantasy (see A Song of Ice and Fire) is a superb entry in which political and military alliances mean little as ambition to sit on the Iron Throne remains everything for most of the competitors. The innocent are collateral damage as their plight from marauding soldiers and vicious outlaws are meaningless to most of the pretenders. Loaded with action while rotating effortlessly perspectives, the aptly titled A Clash of Kings is a powerful tale.



Harriet Klausner

Jack of Ravens-Mark Chadbourn

Jack of Ravens


Mark Chadbourn

PYR, Mar 27 2012, $17.95

ISBN: 9781616146078



London based archeologist Jack “Church” Churchill walks out of the fog with one objective: to get back to his beloved Ruth. He is confused as he has no idea where he is, why he carries an ancient sword, and where all this blood came from as if he murdered someone with his weapon. His instincts tell him to keep moving, but he ignores this inner warning to focus on his situation when a giant at least twenty-five feet grabs Church. Six men speaking Gaulish Celtic attack the giant. Church kills him with his sword. Even more bewildering is the language his rescuers speak is only used in a university. They take the “giantkiller” to Etain the healer even as he notices no roads or planes.



Church realizes somehow he is in Celtic Britain. He wants to go home. Soon Church reaches the Otherworld home of the gods where he plans to relax over the centuries until he is back with Ruth. However, Church is unaware why he was exiled back in time; a malevolence needs him to never to return in order to complete the End-Times plan.



The first Kingdom of the Serpent is an action-packed epic thriller that races through time at rapid speed with chapters dedicated to different eras like the Romans, Elizabethan, and the Nazis air Blitz (and even Civil Rights movement twentieth century America). Spinning his own Brother and Sister of Dragons epic sword and sorcery saga, Mark Chadbourn provides a great thriller as evil does not want the return of Church to his biological era, but will soon learn they don’t know Jack.



Harriet Klausner

Fair Coin-E.C. Myers

Fair Coin


E.C. Myers

PYR, Mar 27 2012, $16.95

ISBN: 9781616146092



Summerside High student sixteen-year-old Ephraim “Eph” Scott stayed a little later than usual at the school hoping to talk to Jena Kim. He came home to find his mom unconscious after taking pills and alcohol. He wakes her but she says he is dead as she saw his body. Eph dials 911. Hospital employee Mrs. Morales, whose twin daughters are in Eph’s English class, informs him that a boy who resembled him carrying his library card was hit by a bus. His mother was shown the body.



Eph looks at the belonging given to his mom of the dead person. He finds his library card and a commemorative quarter stamped Puerto Rico 1998. He soon learns flipping the coin while making a wish will grant whatever you ask. Coping, Eph wants two things: his mom to be a better parent stating with going cold turkey and Jena the geeky brain to reciprocate his attraction. Excited, he tells his best friend Nathan who obsessively wants to use the coin and will do anything including kill to possess it as Eph’s simple wishes have a monstrous butterfly effect on him and several degrees beyond his social circle.



Using hyperbolic teen stereotypes and chaos theory, E.C. Myers provides a terrific young adult science fiction tale. The coin’s impacts are not always positive as Eph learns you get what you wish for. Readers will enjoy this teenage twentieth-first century version of the early twentieth century horror thriller The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs.



Harriet Klausner

Sacrificial Magic-Stacia Kane

Sacrificial Magic


Stacia Kane

Del Rey, Mar 27 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780345527509



Mob boss Sloberg arranged the fire in a locale that he should not have known about unless someone told him. Chess Putnam the Church of Real Truth is a ghost hunting witch who knows by just one look her boyfriend Terrible that he believes she is the stoolie as she and Sloberg’s son Lex were recent bed mates even after she fell in love with Terrible; though now she is a one man woman.



The Church assigns Chess to look into a reported ghost haunting at a Downside school where she meets Lex’s sister Beulah. Chess realizes an unknown adversary is using dark magic at the school. Meanwhile Lex sees this as an opportunity as he wants to help solve the case and offers the addicted Chess free drugs like he did before. Terrible’s boss Bump who is Chess’ dealer directs her to investigate a nasty homicide in which dark magic was the murder weapon.



The latest Downside Ghosts fantasy (see City of Ghosts and Unholy Magic) is a fresh exciting thriller as the heroine struggles to uncover the identity of a rogue practitioner while her relationship with Terrible turns terrible sending her back to drug dependency. Sacrificial Magic is a great entry in a special one of a kind saga as the ghost hunter becomes the haunted hunted.



Harriet Klausner

Back From The Undead-D D Barant

Back From The Undead


D D Barant

St. Martin’s, Mar 27 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780312545062



Human FBI profiler Jace Valchek and her vampire boss National Security Agency chief David Cassius share one “lousy” night together when work intrudes on their office romance. David disappears on a top secret mission while NSA Intel Analysis Unit head Gretchen Petra the Pire mom with a teething fanged baby informs Jace that Aristotle “Impaler” Stoker wants to meet with her. The Impaler who has spent a lifetime avenging the slaughter of humans by the paranormal, is in crime ridden Vancouver where he swears to her he has found a Pire child trafficking ring.



Jace needs to capture the Impaler to fulfill the terms of her legal evil agreement and return to her earth. Accompanied by her golem field partner Charlie and Damon Eisfanger, Jace heads to Vancouver to meet Aristotle. In British Columbia, the evidence points to the Yakuza running the illegal child black market. Jace, with her former lover Tanaka the samurai and Charlie prepare to invade heaven for the heavenly cause of saving the children at the risk of losing her soul.



The latest Bloodhound Files investigative fantasy (see Death Blows) is a great entry as friends and foes do not know how to deal with the heroine’s amusing alien shtick while facing danger. Fast-paced, fans will relish D D Barant’s entertaining thriller as Jace’s graveyard humorous asides enhance an exciting quest.



Harriet Klausner

Spellcaster-Cara Lynn Shultz

Spellcaster


Cara Lynn Shultz

Harlequin Teen, Mar 27 2012, $9.99

ISBN: 9780373210503



Four months ago in Manhattan, Vincent Academy students Emma Connor and Brendan Salinger broke a centuries-old curse that haunted them when he risked his life to save her from an evil student (see Spellbound). They have become a happy couple.



However, their little Upper east Side Eden has serpents. Emma’s witch mentor Angelique seems upset whenever she hears Brendan’s name. His mother pressures him to end his relationship with the Jersey orphan. Finally Angelique senses an unknown adversary stalks Emma while somehow revealing inner secrets of the couple in order to force a wedge in her relationship with Brendan. This foe plans to dine on her blood to gain her untapped power unless Brendan and Angelique can put aside their differences to keep her safe.



Spellcaster is an exciting teen romantic urban fantasy with a strong cast who makes the paranormal seemingly normal. Initially breezy with cute (don’t say that world to Brendan) young love, the storyline turns dark as a nasty powerful malevolence begins preying on the lead couple. Readers will enjoy Cara Lynn Shultz’s sensational Spellbound story.



Harriet Klausner

The Kingdom-Amanda Stevens

The Kingdom


Amanda Stevens

Mira, Mar 27 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780778312772



Amelia “Graveyard Queen” Gray is renowned for her talent to restore lost respect to neglected cemeteries. Luna Kemper hires her to repair Thorngate Cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina at the foothills of the Blue Ridge. She soon learns there are two Thorngate cemeteries. The original one is below locally named Bell Lake, found on maps as the Asher Reservoir; the other was once called Asher Cemetery.



Amelia also feels drawn to a remote concealed but reverently kept grave in woods near a cave. She senses evil throughout the dying rural town that lost everything when prominent Pell Asher sold his soul for the reservoir. However, Amelia is uncertain whether what she feels is caused by the irreverence towards the dead or by her growing consciousness of her past. One thing she decides is to help the dead rest easy and mend the broken souls of the town; but first the Restorer needs to know what has caused the slow death of Asher Falls.



The second chilling Graveyard Queen thriller (see The Restorer) is a great urban fantasy that makes ghosts feel real alongside of predatory breathers. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action that grips the reader from the moment she meets the grandson of still living Pell, Thane Asher, who says the dead want to not be forgotten. Sub-genre fans will appreciate this dark yet somehow hopeful tale.



Harriet Klausner

The Unseen-Heather Graham

The Unseen


Heather Graham

Mira, Mar 27 2012, $24.95

ISBN: 9780778313298



In 1835 in San Antonio, someone brutally murders a woman in room 207 of the Longhorn Saloon. One year ago in the same location as the nineteenth century homicide, another woman was apparently killed, but her body vanished. One month ago, battered dead young female bodies begin to appear all over city; some disappeared a long time ago.



Texas Ranger Logan Raintree leads a task force of paranormal law enforcement operatives investigating the murders. While he communicates with the dead, on his team is U.S. Marshal Kelsey O’Brien who sees the past. She is staying at the Longhorn where the 1835 and last year homicides occurred. The pair combines their extrasensory perception skills to obtain clues from the deceased in order to end a serial killer’s reign of terror.



The Unseen is an exciting paranormal police procedural starring two dedicated individuals with special talent and San Antonio. The city comes alive during The Texas War of Independence and in the present; especially vivid is the Alamo. Although the gory killings somewhat diminish the frightening level, fans will enjoy Heather Graham’s entertaining ghost story.



Harriet Klausner

Angelmaker-Nick Harkaway

Angelmaker


Nick Harkaway

Knopf, Mar 20 2012, $26.95

ISBN: 9780307595959



His father was infamous felon Mathew “Tommy Gun” Spork; his grandfather repaired clocks. Joe Spork admires his dad but fixes antique clocks. His current client, Edie Banister is a gentle elderly woman. When he repairs her clock, Joe inadvertently activates a Post WWII early Cold War era doomsday clock as Edie is a retired secret agent.



Joe becomes the target of the British government, John Ruskin’s warrior-monks and a psychopath Asian dictator with robotic bees. On his side he has geriatric Edie, Frankie and most important his receptionist Polly. Though he prefers flight, he knows there is no place to hide. Thus he must fight in order to survive. Joe assists Edie complete her 1950s mission.



This is an engaging steampunk thriller in three parts as Joe becomes embroiled in the doomsday clock countdown, followed by a side trip (by the audience) into Edie’s past (that never fully meshes with the rest), and brought back together by the fight or flight finish. Fast-paced but over the top of Big Ben, fans who appreciate something different will want to read Angelmaker.



Harriet Klausner

Magic Unchained-Jessica Andersen

Magic Unchained


Jessica Andersen

Signet, Apr 3 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780451236425



Once a party animal adrenaline junkie, Sven the coyote mage Nightkeeper tracker has only one “friend” his coyote familiar Mac. As a teenager, her father bound Cara Liu to Sven as his winikin. She ended that unwanted relationship though she fell in love with Sven, who she knows always walks alone.



Under four months to go, Cara returns to lead the winikin as the Doomsday Clock is counting down. She knows how difficult her assignment is as the group is divided between the old and new. Additionally the fears and unpredictability of the end of days has devastated the bond between the winikin and Nightkeepers. Cara and Sven begin a tryst that could end the alliance between their respective groups. Worse they fail to realize the current threat comes from a betrayal within the ranks.



Magic Unchained is a great Nightkeepers urban fantasy (see Storm Kissed, Demonkeepers and Blood Spells) as time has nearly run out, yet the power struggle continues. The fast-paced storyline grips readers from the moment Cara comes to New Mexico and never slows down as the loner and the leader know they belong together while on the underground side of the barrier demons prepare for the inevitable. This series remains one of the sub-genre’s best.



Harriet Klausner

Savage Awakening-J.D. Tyler

Savage Awakening


J.D. Tyler

Signet, Apr 3 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780451236449



Following an attack in Afghanistan changed them and after leaving the Navy, these shape-shifting former SEALs formed the Alpha Pack; their mission to battle the most dangerous deviants in the world (see Primal law). During their current assignment, the enemy captures member Aric Savage.



More dead than alive, he learns his pack mate Micah Chase is also a prisoner. Their Alpha Team never leaves anyone behind so they begin a rescue mission that Micah’s LAPD Psy Dreamwalker Rowan plans to join. She wants her brother home safe, but while on the quest, she and Aric realize that they are mates. However, Rowan is not ready for this relationship so Aric goes slow while his wolf goes crazy. All changes when she finds out his life is threatened.



Savage Awakening is a totally enthralling Alpha Pack romantic suspense urban fantasy in which the wolf knows who he wants to bite as the means to make her his mate, but she is not ready for such a biting commitment. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the action-packed storyline while appreciating the bonding between the cop and the savage soldier.



Harriet Klausner

Werewolf In Seattle-Vicki Lewis Thompson

Werewolf In Seattle


Vicki Lewis Thompson

Signet, Apr 3 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780451237323



In Scotland, Trevelyan Alpha pack leader Colin McDowell is disheartened to learn his Aunt Geraldine died in the States as he was fond of her. However, he also learns he inherited her estate in the San Juan Islands off Washington State. He prefers to stay home, but will travel to the American Pacific Northwest to take care of legal matters.



Colin meets Geraldine’s secretary Luna Reynaud, who the late woman hired as a secretary shortly before she died. Luna explains her proposed plan to convert the estate into a resort, which Colin thinks has merit. Additionally he is attracted to her as she is to him; but she is a half-breed tainted with some human DNA and he knows Alpha pack leaders don’t mate with hybrids.



The third Wild About You werewolf romance (see A Werewolf in Manhattan and Werewolf In The North Woods) is a fun frolic starring two likable protagonists. The witty storyline mostly focuses on the lead couple’s relationship as Colin must overcome his species prejudice that human blood taints his soul mate.



Harriet Klausner

Darkest Knight-Karen Duvall

Darkest Knight


Karen Duvall

Luna, Mar 20 2012, $14.95

ISBN: 9780373803446



One month ago, Aydin the warrior, bonded to a gargoyle, sacrificed his humanity to free his beloved Chalice from her master Shui the homicidal gargoyle before the psychopath dined on Chalice tartare. To fight Shui, he had to accept the curse. Now Aydin is a gargoyle and Chalice plans to bring her lover back to human form by facing her nightmares in the Vyantara Fatherhouse on the other side of the Veil.



Chalice has become a knight in The Order of the Hatchet. When something murders her sister knights while they sleep, Chalice investigates alone. At the same time, Aydin visits Chalice in her dreams. Soon she will be caught in a choice of competing loyalties no person should have to make.



The latest Chalice urban fantasy is an entertaining thriller as the heroine, filled with guilt and plenty of heart, struggles to adjust to her changed circumstances and what her beloved mentor did for her. Although newcomers will struggle with comprehending the Duvall realm (it behooves fans to have read A Knight’s Curse in which the mythos is established), the beleaguered protagonist remains a confused adult who is unsure what to do now that her teacher is no longer there for her and her guardian angel Rafe refuses to coddle her. Filled with sorcerers, angels and the fallen, fans will enjoy this complex thriller as the heroine continues to learn good and evil tend to somewhat overlap.



Harriet Klausner

Silence-Michelle Sagara

Silence


Michelle Sagara

Daw, May 1 2012, $17.99

ISBN: 9780756407421



Anyone in Toronto seeing Emma in daylight would believe she is contented with her life; however at night she, accompanied by her dog, goes to the cemetery to visit her late boyfriend Nathan who died in a car accident. On one particular evening while visiting his grave, Emma notices two other people on the bench; an elderly woman seemingly made up of rags and Eric from school. They turn towards her and the woman touches her which leaves Emma scared and cold.



Eric receives a call asking if he found the necromancer. He says yes, but has not kill her yet as he has a week to complete the mission. However, Eric knows if he falters, Chase is nearby to complete the assassination assignment. The pair quickly like and admire kind Emma and realize she is not a necromancer, but something else. Instead of taking power from the dead for dark spells, she helps ghosts who for whatever reason walk the city streets. She tries to rescue the lost little boy who is enflamed in fire for eternity unless they get his mother to rescue him. Aware of Emma and her power, the Necromancer wants her power to use for his dark deeds.



Michelle Sagara writes an enthralling Canadian urban fantasy tale filled with action inside of an allegorical good and evil storyline while readers anticipate the confrontation. The first book of the Queen of the Dead contains a dark eerie atmosphere, which should surprise no one who ever visited a cemetery at night. However, it is Emma who holds the storyline together as Eric and Chase know first-hand she makes loyal friends (including the deceased) wherever she goes, which is fortunate for her as she will need them to survive the ordeal.



Harriet Klausner

Savage Awakening-J.D. Tyler

Savage Awakening


J.D. Tyler

Signet, Apr 3 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780451236449



Following an attack in Afghanistan changed them and after leaving the Navy, these shape-shifting former SEALs formed the Alpha Pack; their mission to battle the most dangerous deviants in the world (see Primal law). During their current assignment, the enemy captures member Aric Savage.



More dead than alive, he learns his pack mate Micah Chase is also a prisoner. Their Alpha Team never leaves anyone behind so they begin a rescue mission that Micah’s LAPD Psy Dreamwalker Rowan plans to join. She wants her brother home safe, but while on the quest, she and Aric realize that they are mates. However, Rowan is not ready for this relationship so Aric goes slow while his wolf goes crazy. All changes when she finds out his life is threatened.



Savage Awakening is a totally enthralling Alpha Pack romantic suspense urban fantasy in which the wolf knows who he wants to bite as the means to make her his mate, but she is not ready for such a biting commitment. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the action-packed storyline while appreciating the bonding between the cop and the savage soldier.



Harriet Klausner

Werewolf In Seattle-Vicki Lewis Thompson

Werewolf In Seattle


Vicki Lewis Thompson

Signet, Apr 3 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780451237323



In Scotland, Trevelyan Alpha pack leader Colin McDowell is disheartened to learn his Aunt Geraldine died in the States as he was fond of her. However, he also learns he inherited her estate in the San Juan Islands off Washington State. He prefers to stay home, but will travel to the American Pacific Northwest to take care of legal matters.



Colin meets Geraldine’s secretary Luna Reynaud, who the late woman hired as a secretary shortly before she died. Luna explains her proposed plan to convert the estate into a resort, which Colin thinks has merit. Additionally he is attracted to her as she is to him; but she is a half-breed tainted with some human DNA and he knows Alpha pack leaders don’t mate with hybrids.



The third Wild About You werewolf romance (see A Werewolf in Manhattan and Werewolf In The North Woods) is a fun frolic starring two likable protagonists. The witty storyline mostly focuses on the lead couple’s relationship as Colin must overcome his species prejudice that human blood taints his soul mate.



Harriet Klausner

Darkest Knight-Karen Duvall

Darkest Knight


Karen Duvall

Luna, Mar 20 2012, $14.95

ISBN: 9780373803446



One month ago, Aydin the warrior, bonded to a gargoyle, sacrificed his humanity to free his beloved Chalice from her master Shui the homicidal gargoyle before the psychopath dined on Chalice tartare. To fight Shui, he had to accept the curse. Now Aydin is a gargoyle and Chalice plans to bring her lover back to human form by facing her nightmares in the Vyantara Fatherhouse on the other side of the Veil.



Chalice has become a knight in The Order of the Hatchet. When something murders her sister knights while they sleep, Chalice investigates alone. At the same time, Aydin visits Chalice in her dreams. Soon she will be caught in a choice of competing loyalties no person should have to make.



The latest Chalice urban fantasy is an entertaining thriller as the heroine, filled with guilt and plenty of heart, struggles to adjust to her changed circumstances and what her beloved mentor did for her. Although newcomers will struggle with comprehending the Duvall realm (it behooves fans to have read A Knight’s Curse in which the mythos is established), the beleaguered protagonist remains a confused adult who is unsure what to do now that her teacher is no longer there for her and her guardian angel Rafe refuses to coddle her. Filled with sorcerers, angels and the fallen, fans will enjoy this complex thriller as the heroine continues to learn good and evil tend to somewhat overlap.



Harriet Klausner

Silence-Michelle Sagara

Silence


Michelle Sagara

Daw, May 1 2012, $17.99

ISBN: 9780756407421



Anyone in Toronto seeing Emma in daylight would believe she is contented with her life; however at night she, accompanied by her dog, goes to the cemetery to visit her late boyfriend Nathan who died in a car accident. On one particular evening while visiting his grave, Emma notices two other people on the bench; an elderly woman seemingly made up of rags and Eric from school. They turn towards her and the woman touches her which leaves Emma scared and cold.



Eric receives a call asking if he found the necromancer. He says yes, but has not kill her yet as he has a week to complete the mission. However, Eric knows if he falters, Chase is nearby to complete the assassination assignment. The pair quickly like and admire kind Emma and realize she is not a necromancer, but something else. Instead of taking power from the dead for dark spells, she helps ghosts who for whatever reason walk the city streets. She tries to rescue the lost little boy who is enflamed in fire for eternity unless they get his mother to rescue him. Aware of Emma and her power, the Necromancer wants her power to use for his dark deeds.



Michelle Sagara writes an enthralling Canadian urban fantasy tale filled with action inside of an allegorical good and evil storyline while readers anticipate the confrontation. The first book of the Queen of the Dead contains a dark eerie atmosphere, which should surprise no one who ever visited a cemetery at night. However, it is Emma who holds the storyline together as Eric and Chase know first-hand she makes loyal friends (including the deceased) wherever she goes, which is fortunate for her as she will need them to survive the ordeal.



Harriet Klausner

Hunter’s Rise-Shiloh Walker

Hunter’s Rise


Shiloh Walker

Berkley, Apr 3 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780425248379



A century ago, Sylvia James was forcibly changed into a vampire. That predatory violence has become a rallying cry for her as she travels as a mostly hired assassin taking down evil. However, she has a code of ethics when accepting a client; including no lying; as Faith Dwyer learns when she tried to employ Sylvia to kill her husband. She also does personal not for profit jobs to kill the psychopaths hunting others.



Hired by the parents of a victim Toby, Sylvia travels to Memphis to kill Alan Pulaski, pedophile. A local enclave of Hunters is also after the same thug. The difference is in the outcome as Sylvia will assassinate the predator while the Hunters will turn him over to the cops; with one exception enigmatic two century at least old Toronto the renegade werewolf Hunter who will first beat the crap out of Pulaski. When Sylvia and Toronto meet, each is shocked by their attraction as both thought their respective hearts died over a century ago. After getting in each other’s way, they team up to hunt a predator.



The latest Hunter romantic urban fantasy (see Hunter's Salvation, and Hunters: Heart and Soul) is a superb entry due to the lead characters, who share in common desire, outcast status and a disgust with falling in love. As they fall in love, they struggle to keep their eye on the mission but remain diligent to end a reign of terror. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this exciting fast-paced thriller with a fabulous late twist.



Harriet Klausner

Black Dawn-Rachel Caine

Black Dawn


Rachel Caine

NAL, May 1 2012, $17.99

ISBN: 9780451236715



Like much of Texas, Morganville suffers from a severe drought. The town is run by vampires with Amalie the final authority at the top of the food chain. However the arid conditions have led to the draug water vampires searching for water and other vampires to snack on. Morganville due to a deluge of storms is a place for the draug to stay and rake over



A Draug bit Amalie who is turning into a land-Draug. Her second in command, loyal Oliver refuses to let her go while his side also is losing the inter-species war. Most of the residents of Glass House (Michael, Eve, Shane and Claire) and a few allies take a last stand against the draug. Claire uniquely is the only one who can see the head Draug, which is why he needs her dead. Her friends (human and vampire) guard her while trying to figure out how to take the battle to the seemingly invisible enemy. Their only hope is to dangle Claire as bait to draw out the powerful leader of the foe.



The latest Morganville Vampires (see Last Breath) is a great entry in which a common enemy forces the humans and vampires to unite; failure to team up will mean death for all. The storyline provides a bit of vampire background as we learn how the draug came to be, insight into their hive-like culture and why they became cannibals. Saving Morganville appears unlikely but the Glass House quartet feels they must make the Son Quixote effort.



Harriet Klausner

Chrysanthe-Yves Meynard

Chrysanthe


Yves Meynard

Tor, Mar 13 2012, $15.99

ISBN 9780765330260



Her Uncle told Christine when she was little that her Father was gone. Because of her violent tendencies she began seeing Dr. Almand. He persuaded her into believing her Father was abusive. At seventeen, Christine sees a young man hitting his brakes abruptly seemingly upon noticing her. Quentin of Lydia sends her note to meet him at Telzer Park. She knows who the author is and decides to confront him. Quentin says he searched for her for nine years as the lost Princess and heir to the throne of Chrysanthe. He explains she was kidnapped.



Quentin escorts Christine home. However, she loathes her sire King Edisthen, as she has the thoughts planted in her brain by Almand of her father sexually abusing and abandoning her. Christine also has an enemy lurking nearby; as Evered, who abducted her years ago, plots to take the throne that he believes is rightfully his. He refuses to accept the Law that deposed his father from the throne.



This is a complicated fantasy that philosophically questions what reality is. The fascinating storyline leisurely (and too poetical with so much darkness) peels away the false from the truth. Though none of the cast comes across fully developed as even the protagonist is limited to her flawed “memories”, fans who appreciate a metaphysical psychological thriller will ponder whether the truth is Christine’s implanted recollection since she believes them as being her own.



Harriet Klausner

Soul Bound-Mari Mancusi

Soul Bound


Mari Mancusi

Berkley, Mar 6 2012, $9.99

ISBN: 9780425245477



Identical twins Sunny and Rayne McDonald have totally opposite desires as one is all sun and the other is all rain. Rayne desperately wants to become a vampire; while Sunny wants to live a normal life. Due to Magnus the vampire biting Sunny instead of Rayne, the “wrong’ twin is changed. Drinking from the Holy Grail returns Sunny to normal. Sunny and Magnus are on the run because they disobeyed a direct order from Pyrus, who plots to control the Vampire Consortium and then the world.



Pyrus hires Slayer Inc. to bring him the treasonous duet. Slayer Inc. assigns Rayne and her boyfriend Jareth to capture Sunny and Magnus to deliver them to the Vampire Consortium. Rayne is distraught as she would do just anything for her sister, but failure to complete the mission means the deaths of all the Blood Coven vampires as well as herself and her boyfriend. Complicating matters for Rayne is when she learns another slayer with a grudge is on the hunt too. Her life turns even more hellish when a god orders her to choose between Sunny and Jareth.



The latest A Blood Coven Vampire urban fantasy (see Blood Ties) continues the bloody darker spin that started when the twins attended Night School in Switzerland. Rayne tells the tale as she faces increasingly impossible dilemmas that shake her inner soul. Her growing maturity (she has come a long way since Boys That Bite and Stake That) shines through the darkness as she struggles with choosing the lesser of two evils. This is a character driven, fast-paced exciting teen urban fantasy.



Harriet Klausner

Perilous Pleasures-Jenny Brown

Perilous Pleasures


Jenny Brown

Avon, Mar 27 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780061976070



In 1803 London, La Belle Isabelle is a beauty who spends more than she earns as a courtesan; her philosophy is why waste money paying rent on last month’s lodging when you can buy a gown for this month’s seduction. Her daughter Zoe Gervais, scared by smallpox, teaches at Mrs. Endecott’s Female Academy because she cannot convince her mother to be frugal.



La Belle Isabelle thinks Lord Ramsey will be her next protector. However, instead he frightens her in front of her daughter when he reminds her that she sold her child nine years ago in France. She realizes he is Adam Selkirk whose sister Charlotte died during the terror in due part to Isabelle. Adam tells her that the dying Dark Lord Robert Montgomery named him heir and he came to claim remittance of what she promised him. Stunned, Zoe learns she has no choice as his master is her guardian and soon he will be in charge of her fate. Neither is prepared for the passion between them yet the astrologist knows their destiny is written by the Ramsey Curse.



The third Lords Of The Seventh House Zodiac Regency romance (see Star Crossed Seduction and Lord Lightning) is a terrific mystical gothic thriller. The storyline is fast-paced from the moment cold acolyte arrives to collect his even colder evil master’s debt although it does slow down somewhat until the final confrontation between love and deity ascension.



Harriet Klausner

Wanted: Undead Or Alive-Kerrelyn Sparks

Wanted: Undead Or Alive


Kerrelyn Sparks

Avon, Mar 27 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780061958069



Celebrity Vampire Phineas “Love Doctor” McKinney has become famous for his TV commercial on the Digital Vampire Network selling Blardonnay, a blood and Chardonnay concoction. Since good vampires saved his life, Phin has adjusted well to being a blood diner after the initial shock of being converted by having his throat ripped open by an evil Malcontent. While his stunned human brother Freemont takes him to the Brooklyn studio of DVN, MacKay S and I works on capturing Corky Courrant, the de facto new leader of the Malcontents following the death of Casimir whose head was cut off.



Not long afterward, Phin goes undercover in Wyoming to help catch Corky. The city slicker feels out of place in the mountainous state except that he shares a cabin with his obsession Brynley Jones the werewolf who to his chagrin loathes all vampires. She is his day bodyguard while her father Caddoc demands she marry one of their kind.



The latest Love At Stake romantic urban fantasy continues the post Casmir Malcontent era (see Vampire Mine and Sexiest Vampire Alive) with Phin’s tale. The plot focuses mostly on the dysfunctional love story between the only known female alpha and Dr. Phang the Love Doctor though a second subplot involves the Malcontents. Although the Love Doctor is persona is somewhat muted and a late twist abates some of the tension, fans will appreciate this entertaining entry.



Harriet Klausner

Night Games-Crystal Jordan

Night Games


Crystal Jordan

Kensington Aphrodisia, Feb 28 2012, $14.00

ISBN: 9780758261564



Dedicated Seattle Police Department’s Magickal Task Force officer Selina Grayson is a centuries old elf who remains haunted with the death of her cousin by a still out there serial killing bloodsucker. Her superior assigns Selina the investigation into a serial killer drinking blood from the Magickal and from the Normal aware of the Magickal. The FBI Magickal Crimes Unit assigns human agent Jack Laramie to work with Selina.



The elf and the human are attracted to one another immediately. They begin a heated tryst while working the case. As they fall in love, he wants more, but she chooses less. However, both agree that ending the blood-draining reign of terror comes first, but Selina and Jack fail to realize they fit the profile of a diabolical malevolence.



The second Night urban fantasy police procedural (see Embrace The Night) is an exciting serial killer thriller that deftly blends a tense investigation with heated multispecies sex. The storyline starts slow as Crystal Jordon goes over the ground rules of her mythos, but that also enables fans to believe in witches, vampires, werewolves and Normals (who mostly unaware of the paranormal). Once completed, the plot accelerates into a fast-paced arousing whodunit.



Harriet Klausner

Emperor Mollusk Vs. The Sinister Brain-A. Lee Martinez

Emperor Mollusk Vs. The Sinister Brain


A. Lee Martinez

Orbit, Mar 5 2012, $19.99

ISBN: 9780316093521



Throughout the solar system and beyond, Emperor Mollusk is perhaps the most hated creature ever with one exception; that inane third planet’s so called sentient species worship the retired former Warlord of Terra. However, the evil genius cannot relax in his retirement due boredom that rivaled his ennui when he ruled Earth.



Meanwhile assassins want to kill him and Venusian Intelligence sends Commander Zala and his guard to arrest Mollusk for crimes against Venusians when he invaded their planet. Realizing the Venusians provide a fascinating scenario, Mollusk cooperates with the arrest, but soon leads his captorrs on a bloody romp as he, his pet Snarg, and his new “allies” follow a trail set up by a brainy sinister enemy who takes no prisoners.



This is an amusing satirical spin on the save the universe science fiction thrillers. The storyline has a 1950s pulp fiction feel, but done so with a humorous wink. Fast-paced and entertaining even with knowing the twisted ending relatively early, fans will enjoy touring the solar system with the obnoxiously superior evil Neptunian emperor and the dedicated Venusian Commander.



Harriet Klausner

Let Them Eat Stake-Sarah Zettel

Let Them Eat Stake


Sarah Zettel

Obsidian, Apr 3 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9780451236456



When the vampires came out in public, humans reacted overall with equanimity. They granted all rights to vampires and the other paranormal species (weres, witches and warlocks) who followed except they must register. Just like humans have restrictions the paranormal do too. For instance, vampires can drink human blood that is given freely but cannot be sold as a commodity. The paranormal species are not a monolithic block as vampires and witches have been enemies for centuries. Clubs and restaurants cater to the paranormal. For instance, Nightlife, owned by Chef Charlotte Caine and her vampire brother Chet, serve "Noir Cuisine" to Nightbloods and Daybloods.



When celeb chef Oscar Simmons quits working a marriage gala, event planner Felicity Garnett begs Charlotte to cater the multispecies wedding of the decade between witch Deanna Alden and Gabriel Renault the Nightblood allegedly from Paris (not Hoboken). Charlotte accepts the job that could make the restaurant a success. Soon afterward, Oscar is dead from what appears to be a heart attack and the groom’s side has begun to disappear. Charlotte realizes her boyfriend Brendan Maddox is related to the Alden family and everything turns sour when someone steals the anti- vampire weapon the Arall. Charlotte seeks the purloined object before she serves rations to the combatants.



The second "Vampire Chef" mystery is a delightful amateur sleuth fantasy that is much darker than its predecessor (A Taste of the Nightlife). The paranormal comes across as normal; especially enhancing that sense of “reality” is the heroine’s egalitarian attitude as she believes all species are equal with each having the good, the bad and the ugly. Readers who want something different will enjoy stopping for something red served up by Sarah Zettel at Nightlife.



Harriet Klausner

Shadow’s Fall-Dianne Sylvan

Shadow’s Fall


Dianne Sylvan

Ace, Mar 27 2012, $7.99

ISBN: 9781937007386



Three years ago, Austin based singer Miranda Grey married the vampire prime of the Southern regions, David Solomon; becoming his Queen of Shadows. Since then she has kept her successful Grammy Award winning music career separate from her role as the Vampire Queen of the South.



As she is to perform at a major concert in Austin, the Texas capital is also host to the once every ten years vampire council meeting. Attending the session is their sworn enemy the Prime of the Northeast James Hart. Miranda and David assume he plans something insidious against them. Hart’s thirst for vengeance leads to violence in Texas; while his archenemies receive help from a surprising source, but David has doubts whether he can trust his sire.



The third Shadow World urban fantasy (see Queen of Shadows and Shadowflame) is a great exhilarating entry with several stunning twists including a fabulous shocking cliffhanging climax. Fans will believe in the Sylvan mythos thriving in a modern technological world with cell phones and much more. Fast-paced with backstabbing and betrayal, Shadow’s Fall is superb.



Harriet Klausner

Forgiven-Jana Oliver

Forgiven


Jana Oliver

St. Martin's Griffin, Mar 27 2012, $9.99

ISBN: 9780312614805



In 2018 seventeen years old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne struggles with abnormal teen angst thanks in part to her former boyfriend Simon; whose life she saved in a deal made in heaven and in gratitude he informed the Vatican’s Demon Hunters that she made a pact with Hell. They are coming for her and she knows they kill first before asking questions. Riley has made a promise to Lucifer and continues her quest to save her father body and soul. Her friend Beck remains irate with her and has more reason besides a Fallen Angel when the Demon Hunters take him hostage.



However, as she attends school in Atlanta, Riley also realizes something is not right. Demons, eternal solo acts, are conducting joint operations like a precise Special Forces unit. Worse they don’t die. Riley fears she knows who the puppeteer is; if she is right the final war between Heaven and Hell on battlefield earth is near.



Jana Oliver's third super young adult Demon Trappers urban fantasy (see The Demon Trapper's Daughter and Soul Thief) is an exhilarating thriller starring a delightful heroine. The storyline is fast-paced as Riley deals with the paranormal kitchen sink while also trying to enjoy high school. Although Beck’s chauvinistic double standard seems anachronistic inane, fans will relish Riley’s school days in which she matriculates in demon trapping and saving the world.



Harriet Klausner