Saturday, June 18, 2011

Review: How to Breathe Fire by Shona Husk




By: Shona Husk
Type: eBook
Genre: Fantasy, Sweet Romance, Angels & Demons, Magical Happenings
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Publication Date: 01-18-2011
Length: Novella
ISBN: 978-1-60928-334-6
Available from: Samhain Publishing
Amazon Kindle



Freedom comes with a blistering price… 

For as long as she can remember, Camea has longed to explore the world beyond the island kingdom of Adar. It is an impossible dream, especially if she follows tradition and marries the farmer her parents have selected for her. But then, Camea has never been one to follow expectations. When the village witch announces she has been selected to be the Fire God’s next bride, Camea has no intention of sacrificing her life to appease the volcano. She plans to escape and follow the Stars to her dream. Matai, once a prince of Adar, now pays a fiery penance for seducing one of the Fire God’s witches. He must take a new bride each year, then kill her—or condemn Adar to the lava. Unlike his past brides Camea doesn’t shed one tear for her fate, nor does she beg for her life. In the face of death she sees the remnants of the man he used to be—and a way to save them both from the Fire God’s never-ending cycle of wrath. If Matai has the courage to trust his heart. 
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How to Breathe Fire is a wonderful short read. I really liked the fantasy element, with our heroine being sacrificed to the Fire God who watches over her home. Camea is not like most other young women, she has big dreams and tries to concoct a plan to escape. She's a strong character, willing to fight for what she believes in and is willing to use her assets to get her freedom. She doesn't count on her feelings getting in the way of her plans. Matai has lived for hundreds of years and is tired of his existence. He's shocked when he takes Camea as his bride. She isn't like any of the others. Matai is literally smokin' hot and together they light up the pages. I find with novellas that I'm really getting into the story and characters then its over. It's hard to get too invested in them. Although How to Breathe Fire is one I recommend getting your hands on. I am looking forward to Shona's first full length novel later this year.
3.5/5

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Review: The Vampire's Warden by S.J Wright


Title: The Vampire's Warden - Undead in Brown County 1
Author: S.J Wright
Release Date: February 13th 2011
Available from: Amazon 

It was a flash in the moonlight, a blur of motion like I’d never witnessed before. No human had the capacity to move like that. When I found myself face-to-face with him there in the meadow, I knew without a doubt that the journal was authentic. I knew that my grandfather hadn’t been crazy at all.

Because a foot away from me stood a vampire.


Sarah reads her grandfather's journal in stunned disbelief. What was once her grandfather's responsibility has passed to her father and now to her. She has become the Warden. Her life will never be the same.
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This is a fresh and exciting new type of vampire story. The premise is nothing you've read before. While reading it was like I was actually there. Not many writers are able to capture that feeling but S.J Wright does it so well. Her characters are real and believable, like someone you've known for years. Sarah is strong, caring and loyal. I really enjoyed her character. The chemistry is almost instantaneous between her and Michael. He's not exactly someone you want to meet in the dark, and his personality and aura, I suppose, leap off the page. As soon as you read about him, you want more, even though you can feel he carries a darkness.
The only fault I found is that it wasn't long enough. I just wanted to keep reading. You'll want a copy if you're a fan of Sookie Stackhouse.
4/5



Thursday, June 2, 2011

Giveaway on my sister blog!

I recently started a YA blog - Cotton Candy Reviews and I am having a giveaway in celebration. Just click here to enter to win your choice of:











It's international & ends 30th June.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Otherworlds Publicity Blog Tour - Marion Webb-De Sisto


For those readers who are not familiar with Marion's Angelic Chronicles trilogy, here are three excerpts and some information that might be of interest.

Samael's Fall: Book One - Meet the two angelic brothers, Samael and Seriel. One was the first and most radiant archangel, but is now falling from grace and becoming a dark soul. He’s handsome and charismatic, persuading many to follow him. The other is the loyal and courageous seventh archangel, who defends his brother even when he is betrayed by him. Both celestial siblings are rivals for Malkura’s devotion, but she has only ever loved Samael. Now, that affection is being destroyed by his cruel and devious nature.

Excerpt

The Shekinah stood up and moved in his direction. She observed, "I have offended you. Please let me explain why I withdrew my hands from yours. It was not because I dislike contact with you."
"That is not necessary, my lady. I understand your feelings. You love Samael and no other being would, or should, attract your interest." He retrieved the emerald from the table and offered it to her: "Here is your green jewel."
She pushed his hand away, declaring, "I do not wish to keep it with me. I pray you, dear Seriel; let it rest in your home. It brings me too much sadness."
"As you wish." He placed the emerald back on the table. "Shall I escort you to Inner Chaos? Where do you desire to go?"
"I believe your spiral is the place I should visit. What you have shared has set me wondering about many things."
"Then Seriel's Spiral it shall be." He touched the hilt of his crystal with his right hand and, extending his left hand to Malkura, he told her, "If you are not too aggrieved to do so, then take my hand and I will show you the magic of my light wand."
Without hesitation, she grasped his hand and asked, "What magic will you show me?"
Even as her thought was forming, Seriel was asking his crystal to take them to the spiraling spheres. Instantly, they were there and the Shekinah was looking around in utter astonishment. She exclaimed:
"That is wondrous magic! How did you accomplish such a task?"
"I did nothing other than to ask my crystal to bring us here. It is an amazing friend. Now, I will take my leave of you. May you remain within our parent's loving thoughts." Seriel attempted to release her hand, but she held on tightly as she told him:
"You have comforted me when I was in the depth of sadness. You also aided Gabriel when he was suffering. The Lord of Sorcery is truly a noble soul and I will cherish a memory of what we have shared while in your home." She gave a gentle smile and, pulling herself close to him for an instant, she thought-whispered, "I withdrew my hands because a strong notion to meld with you had come upon me. I was afraid you might sense my desire. Knowing your feelings about the sanctity of melding, I thought you would consider me to be both shallow and fickle." Malkura released her hold of him and flew deep into the heart of the spiral. Her parting: "May the Source forever bless you!" came back to him as she disappeared between some spheres.


Abbadon: Book Two - It's hell when you're exiled to Abbadon and are separated from your beloved. The continuing adventures of Samael and Seriel, who both adore Malkura, but are now outcasts with only fallen angels, demons and a golden dragon for company. Samael plots to bring Malkura to him and if he succeeds, can Seriel rescue her? This is a tale of adventure, romance and treachery instigated by Samael a.k.a. The devil. Are the brothers both doomed to live in exile?

Excerpt

While Shedim inspected the captives, Samael directed these thoughts to them: “You decided upon leaving my domain without asking for my consent. This has angered me greatly and must not happen again. Perhaps you were misguided into thinking that in this level all is choice as it was within the inner realms. Know now that is not so. I rule Abbadon and when here you will do my bidding.” He paused, and then asked, “What think you, demon?”
“They are not worthy of your pardon, master.”
“Shall we then set an example so that all will remember what I have decreed?”
“Yes, Prince Samael.” The shaitan began moving back toward Mulciber.
“Then choose an angel, Shedim. Show these wayward souls the folly of underestimating my power.” The first archangel sat back down in his ornate chair and folded his wings around his body once more.
The shaitan reached Mulciber and grasped the chain that bound her wings. He pulled her up into a standing position and declared, “I choose this one, master.” Shedim stood as tall as the female angel and was well-able to stare threateningly into her eyes. She looked straight back at him, but there was a hint of apprehension in her expression. The demon leader brought one hand up to her face and slowly dragged a long talon down the side of her cheek. Mulciber winced in pain as a deep claw mark appeared where he had scratched her. A light oozing of essence glistened along the injury line. The shaitan moved his face close to the angel’s cheek and eagerly licked the escaping fluid with his long tongue. He announced:
“This one is definitely my choice. Her essence is truly sweet.” Shedim attempted to lick the wound, again, but the angel pulled back and kicked out at him. In answer to thisendeavor, the demon’s long tail uncurled its length from around his leg and quickly wrapped itself about her legs. This forced Mulciber to lose her balance. However, she did not fall because he held her tightly by the arms. Leaning over his victim, Shedim then clawed the metallic tunic away from her shoulder with one hand. He looked toward the first archangel with the eyes that were set in the back of his head and asked:
“Now, master?”
Samael nodded his agreement and Shedim opened his mouth.

Final Retribution: Book Three - Life as the powerful ruler of Abbadon is becoming intolerable for Samael. The exiled archangel is lonely, embittered and bored. He has lost Malkura's love and even Seriel, his loyal brother, is gone from his side. Yet into this hellish existence comes the beautiful and compassionate Angel Manah. Will she deny the increasing love she feels for this condemned soul, or can he persuade her to join him in endless damnation? This final book of the trilogy explores the ultimate retribution of the radiant archangel who fell from grace.

Excerpt

Samael’s hand moved up to her hair and removed the comb. As her long tresses draped around her shoulders, he informed, “I have no desire to further discuss the Source. Instead, let me show you how pleased I am to have you back here with me.” He tilted her chin, brought his face close to hers and thought-whispered, “Do you know how to kiss, Angel Manah?”
Now, pure panic took hold of Manah. Angels had told her about the different ways in which humans expressed affection, and she had seen Toa and Belu kiss. Therefore, she knew it was an intimate action. The seraph squirmed away from the archangel, pushing against his arms and wings, trying desperately to get off his lap. “Let me go, Lord Samael! I know how humans kiss and I do not want you to do that to me.”
He kept a tight hold on her with one hand while he cradled her head with the other. As his face drew close, Samael declared, “But I wish to kiss you, my little angel.” He slightly tilted his head and his lips touched hers. At first she could barely feel any contact, and then suddenly there was probing pressure. Manah wanted to fight against this unfamiliar intimacy, but as it continued she became a part of it. She pressed her mouth against his and was consumed by waves of unleashed emotion. Her lips parted, as did his, and she felt his tongue exploring the contours of her mouth. The angel’s consciousness screamed at her to stop, but she had never before felt so blissful. Manah was trapped by the closeness they were sharing.
The ardent kiss continued on until the archangel finally lifted his mouth from hers and, looking steadily into her eyes, he remarked, “That was even more pleasurable than I could have imagined. I believe I have awakened a passion within you, little angel. We are well-suited to be companions.”
Suddenly, a full realization of what had just happened filled Manah’s thoughts. She had revealed her inner desire for this evil archangel. He now knew she felt drawn to him and it could prove disastrous. She must try to convince him that what she had offered was not genuine, but was instead a result of some form of sorcery by him. Manah almost thought-screamed, “Let me go! You have beguiled me with your archangelic magic. I cannot imagine anything more repulsive than kissing such an evil being. You must have cast an enchantment upon me.”

Author Marion Webb-De Sisto
Fiction - Adventure and Romance with a Devilish Twist.
Non-Fiction - Helpful Information on Crystals, Crystal Skulls, Healing and the Spirit World.










Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Review - Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres

Title: Burn Bright - Night Creatures book 1
Author: Marianne de Pierres
Age Group: Young Adult
Release Date: March 1st 2011
Publishers: Random House Australia
Available from: Amazon (kindle edition)
Dymocks


Into a world of wild secrets and deadly pleasures comes a girl whose innocence may be her greatest strength. 


In Ixion music and party are our only beliefs. Darkness is our comfort. We have few rules but they are absolute . . . 



Retra doesn’t want to go to Ixion, the island of ever-night, ever-youth and never-sleep. Retra is a Seal – sealed minds, sealed community. She doesn’t crave parties and pleasure, experience and freedom. 



But her brother Joel left for Ixion two years ago, and Retra is determined to find him. Braving the intense pain of her obedience strip to escape the only home she’s ever known, Retra stows away on the barge that will take her to her brother. 



When she can’t find Joel, Retra finds herself drawn deeper into the intoxicating world of Ixion. Come to me, whispers a voice in her head. Who are the Ripers, the mysterious guardians of Ixion? What are the Night Creatures Retra can see in the shadows? And what happens to those who grow too old for Ixion? 



Retra will find that Ixion has its pleasures, but its secrets are deadly. Will friendship, and the creation of an eternal bond with a Riper, be enough to save her from the darkness? 



Listen well, baby bats. Burn bright, but do not stray from the paths. Remember, when you live in a place of darkness you also live with creatures of the dark.
..........
Burn Bright immediately drags you in and doesn't let you go. As soon as I started to read it, I knew it would be a page turner that would have me up all night. The world in which Retra first inhabits seems dull with an underlying darkness, and when she arrives in Ixion - a world of artificial light, pleasure and non stop parties, the dark is even more terrifying. She has grown up in sealed environment where everything is a sin. She escapes her home to find her brother, who already escaped to Ixion. Retra braves the pain of an obedience strip and finds her self on the ship bound for Ixion. To say she doesn't fit in is an understatement. Retra is so far out of her depth, it's not funny. She knows she doesn't belong, but she has an inner strength she doesn't realise. This strength helps her to survive and adapt. You think you've got her character down, but she always did something to surprise me. Ixion seems like the ultimate party place, but it hides so many secrets. My imagination ran wild with Burn Bright. Marianne de Pierres has created an epic sci-fi/fantasy realm that is full of sinister and mysterious characters that you don't know who to trust. Compelling, intriguing, and utterly fantastic, if you haven't read it I highly suggest you do. One of my favourite books this year.

5/5

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Review - Magical Gains by Nicola E. Sheridan


  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 304 KB
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: Eternal Press (a division of Damnation Books LLC (March 2, 2011)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B004QGYCBC

  • Purchase Info:


Imran is sexy. He is available, but taking anything from him is illegal and could land you in prison or, at the very least, with an extraordinarily large tax bill. Imran is a Genie and Primrose a government employee, and in a world where magic is heavily governed to ensure equality for all, their relationship appears doomed from the start. When Primrose finds herself the unwilling mistress of a hot male Genie, her stifling suburban lifestyle is shattered. Thrust into the steamy Free Zone, filled with lascivious Satyrs and treacherous Sirens, Primrose discovers that three wishes can give her anything she needs, but can they give what she truly wants?
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I stumbled over Nicola E. Sheridan's debut Magical Gain's, and hit her up for a review copy. I was happy to see she was a fellow West Australian, too. 
It was a little strange reading about parts of my own city, but man did she do it justice! The alternate universe she has created is similar yet different. Magical Gains Tax is applied to anything magical, and when Primrose becomes the unwilling owner of a genie lamp and it's sexy occupant, she is perturbed to say the least. 
Primrose is a little shy and unassuming. She has some serious self confidence issue thanks to her overbearing ex. I did find her character a little weak, but I was always rooting for her. She had this naivety about her, and she somehow keeps it through the whole story even though she grows and gets a little tougher by the end. She also seemed very real. There are a few moments in the book that had me cringing, and thinking that it was something I'd do, or thats what would have happened to me. 
Imran is way yummy, and tries so hard to help Primrose. In the beginning he is out for himself, but then he sees how her fiancĂ©e treated her, and realises that he can help her. I loved Imran from the get go. I definitely wouldn't mind finding him in a bottle. He always made such an effort to help bring Primrose out of her shell and help her realise what a beautiful person she was. Inside and out. 

Magical Gains is a different paranormal romance, a nice change from the usual. I really enjoyed the story, and thought the idea of a tax on magical creatures and the like a great idea. It make's you think how would all us normal people react the having the extraordinary 'come out', so to speak. Magical Gains get really interesting when they end up in a Free Zone, where magic isn't policed. Primrose finds herself in a spot of bother with some Satyrs. Then we meet Imran's brother and find out about their dark past. 
If you're looking for something inventive and new in the PNR genre then give Magical Gains a go. It's a fresh, funny, fantastic read with a healthy dose of sexy thrown in. I can't wait for the second book in the series, Magical Creations.
I give it 3.5/5.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

I met Rebecca Lim!

On my last day in Melbourne I was lucky enough to meet Rebecca Lim, author of Mercy and Exile. She signed my books and I even got a photo with her. She was lovely and I wish I had more of a chance to talk to her, but I had to rush off to catch a plane.
(Please ignore my face, I was talking at the same time.)




Signed Mercy.

Signed Exile.