Frostbitten
Kelley Armstrong
Bantam, Oct 2009, $26.00
ISBN 9780553806625
Werewolf pack enforcers and soulmates Elena Michaels and Clay Danvers pursue a visiting Aussie werewolf to warn him that two rogues have set him up to take the fall over half-eaten humans in the Pittsburgh area. Elena and Clay follow the man to wintry FROSTBITTEN Anchorage.
While in Alaska they also learn of more gruesome murders outside the city that have werewolf mutt feel to them. The pair heads towards the killing fields to investigate as the evidence points to a roguish mutt or two who must be stopped immediately. To survive the harsh climate of the until recently unspoiled wilderness, and end the serial killing spree, alpha Elena and her alpha minus mate must release their inner beasts much more so than they have ever done before.
FROSTBITTEN is a super entry in a great series as the lead couple follow a trail of mutilation that contrasts with the stark pristine beauty of Alaska. Elena is a kick butt alpha female giving orders to insolent males and she is a a great role model of the Women of the Otherworld and our world too.. The investigation is also top rate as Kelley Armstrong provides a fabulous thriller that her fans will relish.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Jacinto’s Remnant- Karen Traviss
Jacinto’s Remnant
Karen Traviss
Del Rey, Jul 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780345499448
The last city on Sera, Jacinto is no longer livable as the Locust overwhelmed the final human stronghold. However, people fought back and drowned most if not all the insectoid enemy. A few thousand humans survived the bug debacle, but now must find shelter and food on a devastated planet after a fifteen year war.
As people starts to rebuild, the elite Gears patrol though they are as emotionally and physically devastated as is the rest of humans they protect. The Locusts also remain a threat though not quite what it was. Perhaps the biggest danger comes from within as the Stranded left behind in Jacinto just before the laser destruction of the world occurred remain angry and afraid.
The second Gears of War science fiction thriller (see ASPHO FIELDS), JACINTO’S REMNANT is an exciting action-packed tale that continues the escapades of the Gears game characters Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago although the newcomer soldiers steal the show. Hardened Gears’ vets make the plot work as they sympathize with the Stranded though they know their mission is to protect the other humans. Well written, but with that game feel, JACINTO’S REMNANT surprisingly can stand alone as a fun military science fiction thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Karen Traviss
Del Rey, Jul 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780345499448
The last city on Sera, Jacinto is no longer livable as the Locust overwhelmed the final human stronghold. However, people fought back and drowned most if not all the insectoid enemy. A few thousand humans survived the bug debacle, but now must find shelter and food on a devastated planet after a fifteen year war.
As people starts to rebuild, the elite Gears patrol though they are as emotionally and physically devastated as is the rest of humans they protect. The Locusts also remain a threat though not quite what it was. Perhaps the biggest danger comes from within as the Stranded left behind in Jacinto just before the laser destruction of the world occurred remain angry and afraid.
The second Gears of War science fiction thriller (see ASPHO FIELDS), JACINTO’S REMNANT is an exciting action-packed tale that continues the escapades of the Gears game characters Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago although the newcomer soldiers steal the show. Hardened Gears’ vets make the plot work as they sympathize with the Stranded though they know their mission is to protect the other humans. Well written, but with that game feel, JACINTO’S REMNANT surprisingly can stand alone as a fun military science fiction thriller.
Harriet Klausner
The King's Daughters-Nathalie Mallet
The King's Daughters
Nathalie Mallet
Night Shade, Jul 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9781597801355
In the Kingdom of Telfar, Prince Amir survived the deaths of much of his family during a bloody war. He still has hopes for his and his sultanate’s future if he can persuade his beloved Princess Eva of Sorvinka to marry him. With his sibling Prince Erik left in charge, Amir escorts her home only to learn Eva's younger sister Princess Aurora was kidnapped and many of the castle’s retinue was killed during the assault.
Amir asks Eva's father, King Erik, for his permission to court his daughter. The monarch makes it clear Amir is not good enough for Eva. However, he offers an opportunity to the Telfar prince to prove his worthiness: rescue the missing princess from the Farrellians.
The sequel to THE PRINCES OF THE GOLDEN CAGE continues the adventures of Prince Amir who has come a long way from his “golden cage”, but has a long way to go. He struggles to adjust to the icy Sorvinka as not just the land is frozen; for instance even the horror of the murders inside the castle when the princess was kidnapped is taken with a cold harsh acceptance by the survivors. Though typical in some ways, the story line is fast-paced and the cast solid as Nathalie Mallet paints a brisk vivid picture of the hero, before and during his “quest”, adapting though bewildered to the icy reception of those he hopes will be one day soon his in-laws.
Harriet Klausner
Nathalie Mallet
Night Shade, Jul 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9781597801355
In the Kingdom of Telfar, Prince Amir survived the deaths of much of his family during a bloody war. He still has hopes for his and his sultanate’s future if he can persuade his beloved Princess Eva of Sorvinka to marry him. With his sibling Prince Erik left in charge, Amir escorts her home only to learn Eva's younger sister Princess Aurora was kidnapped and many of the castle’s retinue was killed during the assault.
Amir asks Eva's father, King Erik, for his permission to court his daughter. The monarch makes it clear Amir is not good enough for Eva. However, he offers an opportunity to the Telfar prince to prove his worthiness: rescue the missing princess from the Farrellians.
The sequel to THE PRINCES OF THE GOLDEN CAGE continues the adventures of Prince Amir who has come a long way from his “golden cage”, but has a long way to go. He struggles to adjust to the icy Sorvinka as not just the land is frozen; for instance even the horror of the murders inside the castle when the princess was kidnapped is taken with a cold harsh acceptance by the survivors. Though typical in some ways, the story line is fast-paced and the cast solid as Nathalie Mallet paints a brisk vivid picture of the hero, before and during his “quest”, adapting though bewildered to the icy reception of those he hopes will be one day soon his in-laws.
Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Shimmer-John Passarella
Shimmer
John Passarella
Virtuous Circle, Jul 2009, $14.99
ISBN: 9781448648566
As their ancestors have done for millennia, the extended Walker family conscientiously closes the holes ripped into the space-time continuum by beings from other planes. Some get through in spite of the efforts of the dependable Walkers who each have a unique paranormal skill. Those Outsiders who are harmless and harmlessly crossed are helped back; those who are dangerous are escorted back more diligently or destroyed before they cause harm on earth.
However, the Walker population is shrinking and increasingly finding it difficult to accomplish their mission. Douser Logan Walker expects something horrific will soon occur in Hadenford, New Jersey. His family moves to the town in search of rifts to patch before the disaster happens. At his new high school, Logan meets for the first time KINDRED SPIRIT Fallon Maguire, who sketched his face in her dream journal two weeks ago. She consults with Logan's great-grandfather, Ambrose, who explains she has a talent unlike most people. The rifts are getting darker, slimier, and harder to seal. Thalia Walker has just returned after being pulled through a rift with her brain damaged; she paints horrible pictures of blood and gore while proclaiming the Butcher Reaper of Flesh is coming.
This is a super urban fantasy that grips the audience throughout; as the Black Rift over New Jersey keeps coming back wider and wider leaving fans and the Walker brood expecting doom as their hope WITHERS away. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action while the Walker family especially Logan seems genuine as soldiers fighting the Outsiders. John Passarella provides his fans with a strong good vs. bad thriller with the malevolent crowd the stronger bet to triumph.
Harriet Klausner
John Passarella
Virtuous Circle, Jul 2009, $14.99
ISBN: 9781448648566
As their ancestors have done for millennia, the extended Walker family conscientiously closes the holes ripped into the space-time continuum by beings from other planes. Some get through in spite of the efforts of the dependable Walkers who each have a unique paranormal skill. Those Outsiders who are harmless and harmlessly crossed are helped back; those who are dangerous are escorted back more diligently or destroyed before they cause harm on earth.
However, the Walker population is shrinking and increasingly finding it difficult to accomplish their mission. Douser Logan Walker expects something horrific will soon occur in Hadenford, New Jersey. His family moves to the town in search of rifts to patch before the disaster happens. At his new high school, Logan meets for the first time KINDRED SPIRIT Fallon Maguire, who sketched his face in her dream journal two weeks ago. She consults with Logan's great-grandfather, Ambrose, who explains she has a talent unlike most people. The rifts are getting darker, slimier, and harder to seal. Thalia Walker has just returned after being pulled through a rift with her brain damaged; she paints horrible pictures of blood and gore while proclaiming the Butcher Reaper of Flesh is coming.
This is a super urban fantasy that grips the audience throughout; as the Black Rift over New Jersey keeps coming back wider and wider leaving fans and the Walker brood expecting doom as their hope WITHERS away. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action while the Walker family especially Logan seems genuine as soldiers fighting the Outsiders. John Passarella provides his fans with a strong good vs. bad thriller with the malevolent crowd the stronger bet to triumph.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, August 3, 2009
Wicked-Noelle Mack
Wicked
Noelle Mack
Kensington Brava, Sep 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758222800
Angelica Harrow feels fortunate to have escaped from her odious stepbrother Victor Broadnax. In London she obtains work as a "coat check" girl at a ball. Russian werewolf Semyon Taruskin, renowned for his way with the ladies, is attracted to her. However, before he can do anything about his regard, she vanishes.
Semyon knows something is not quite right even with Angelica’s vanishing act. He begins a search for her, but had not expected a fight to the death with a more powerful supernatural being over who claims Angelica. His advantage is love enhances his prowess, but he failed as the evil St. Sin forces him to act wickedly at a sex club in front of a malevolent crowd.
The latest Pack of St. James paranormal Regency romantic suspense (see WILD and WANTON) is an action-packed thriller that is even darker than the previous entries as the underbelly of London’s seediest is exposed. The story line is fast-paced but owned by the cast as, the werewolf, the lady in trouble and the vile villains make Noelle Mack’s portrayal of early nineteenth century London vivid but gloomy.
Harriet Klausner
Noelle Mack
Kensington Brava, Sep 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758222800
Angelica Harrow feels fortunate to have escaped from her odious stepbrother Victor Broadnax. In London she obtains work as a "coat check" girl at a ball. Russian werewolf Semyon Taruskin, renowned for his way with the ladies, is attracted to her. However, before he can do anything about his regard, she vanishes.
Semyon knows something is not quite right even with Angelica’s vanishing act. He begins a search for her, but had not expected a fight to the death with a more powerful supernatural being over who claims Angelica. His advantage is love enhances his prowess, but he failed as the evil St. Sin forces him to act wickedly at a sex club in front of a malevolent crowd.
The latest Pack of St. James paranormal Regency romantic suspense (see WILD and WANTON) is an action-packed thriller that is even darker than the previous entries as the underbelly of London’s seediest is exposed. The story line is fast-paced but owned by the cast as, the werewolf, the lady in trouble and the vile villains make Noelle Mack’s portrayal of early nineteenth century London vivid but gloomy.
Harriet Klausner
Must Love Hellhounds-Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews and Meljean Brook
Must Love Hellhounds
Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews and Meljean Brook
Berkley, Sep 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425229590
“The Britlingens Go to Hell” by Charlaine Harris. Crick the client hires Britlingens bodyguards Batanya and Clovache to protect him from Lucifer’s minion as he retrieves something he took but left behind when his host the king of Hell’s hospitality ended.
“Angels' Judgment” by Nalini Singh. Vampire trackers Sara and Deacon know the serial killer is from within their Guild, but identifying the psychopath murdering vampires proves difficult.
“Magic Mourns” by Ilona Andrews. Andrea the Order of Knights Merciful Aid and werehyena Raphael meet and are attracted to one another as they seek a stolen corpse by tracking Cerberus the three-headed dog who normally sits at the entrance to Hades.
“Blind Spot” by Meljean Brook. Former CIA agent and current personal assistant to Colin the vampire Maggie and Sir Pup the Hellhound try to rescuer her boss’ kidnapped nephew and niece.
These are four fun fantasies that readers will enjoy as each contribution is entertaining with lead players who MUST LOVE HELLHOUNDS as they deal with these pets and others from hell.
Harriet Klausner
Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews and Meljean Brook
Berkley, Sep 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425229590
“The Britlingens Go to Hell” by Charlaine Harris. Crick the client hires Britlingens bodyguards Batanya and Clovache to protect him from Lucifer’s minion as he retrieves something he took but left behind when his host the king of Hell’s hospitality ended.
“Angels' Judgment” by Nalini Singh. Vampire trackers Sara and Deacon know the serial killer is from within their Guild, but identifying the psychopath murdering vampires proves difficult.
“Magic Mourns” by Ilona Andrews. Andrea the Order of Knights Merciful Aid and werehyena Raphael meet and are attracted to one another as they seek a stolen corpse by tracking Cerberus the three-headed dog who normally sits at the entrance to Hades.
“Blind Spot” by Meljean Brook. Former CIA agent and current personal assistant to Colin the vampire Maggie and Sir Pup the Hellhound try to rescuer her boss’ kidnapped nephew and niece.
These are four fun fantasies that readers will enjoy as each contribution is entertaining with lead players who MUST LOVE HELLHOUNDS as they deal with these pets and others from hell.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Child Thief-Brom
The Child Thief
Brom
Eos, Sep 2009, $26.95
ISBN: 9780061671333
Peter the elf persuades abused and runaway children that the mist covers the island of Avalon which is a haven for them unlike nearby Manhattan; The children always come because he has a silver tongue and primes them a refuge. He fails to warn the children until they arrive that the evil Flesh-eaters; men with scales and elongated claws led by the Captain want to kill them
Peter and his youthful soldiers and the Captain and his beastly pirates have been at war for centuries. Each death causes Avalon to lose some of its magic as the power of the Lady is waning. Devoted to the Lady, Peter and his army the Devils prepare for combat, but a new recruit Nick objects and wants to return to the mean streets of Manhattan. Peter refuses until the latest battle is done.
THE CHILD THIEF is a much darker version of Peter Pan than the Williams or Disney movies or the J.M. Barrie original novel from a century ago. Peter is obsessed with saving the Lady and the island which he has lived on for a millennium as seen in flashbacks. To continue to do so he needs an army and thus must charm throwaway children to voluntarily come with him. They always do, but Nick changes the equation when one dares to say he wants off the island. Well written, but extremely bleak and filled with gore, blood, , and violence throughout, this trip to Never-Neverland spins the classic fairy tale into a realm in which war is hell.
Harriet Klausner
Brom
Eos, Sep 2009, $26.95
ISBN: 9780061671333
Peter the elf persuades abused and runaway children that the mist covers the island of Avalon which is a haven for them unlike nearby Manhattan; The children always come because he has a silver tongue and primes them a refuge. He fails to warn the children until they arrive that the evil Flesh-eaters; men with scales and elongated claws led by the Captain want to kill them
Peter and his youthful soldiers and the Captain and his beastly pirates have been at war for centuries. Each death causes Avalon to lose some of its magic as the power of the Lady is waning. Devoted to the Lady, Peter and his army the Devils prepare for combat, but a new recruit Nick objects and wants to return to the mean streets of Manhattan. Peter refuses until the latest battle is done.
THE CHILD THIEF is a much darker version of Peter Pan than the Williams or Disney movies or the J.M. Barrie original novel from a century ago. Peter is obsessed with saving the Lady and the island which he has lived on for a millennium as seen in flashbacks. To continue to do so he needs an army and thus must charm throwaway children to voluntarily come with him. They always do, but Nick changes the equation when one dares to say he wants off the island. Well written, but extremely bleak and filled with gore, blood, , and violence throughout, this trip to Never-Neverland spins the classic fairy tale into a realm in which war is hell.
Harriet Klausner
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