Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY wishes to...Sir Princess Petra!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be to feed your need to read no matter how big, small, or somewhere in between it may be.

Today, my fair readers, we are celebrating the BOOK BIRTHDAY of the third addition to The Pen Pieyu Adventures starring none other than, Sir Princess Petra.  Sound the trumpets!  Roll out the red carpet!  Herald her arrival with flash and boom!  This is a princess that challenges the entire whole of princess-hood with a smile on her face, a pink feather in her knightly helmet, and all while sitting astride her chosen "stead" named Snarls...who just so happens to be a dragon.  Have I got your attention yet?  I thought so.  Without further ado, here is today's book of choice...

Sir Princess Petra's Mission

The Pen Pieyu Adventures, Book 3

by

Diane Mae Robinson

Illustrated by

Michael Bermundo

97816818707224

Tate Publishing

About the book...

Sir Princess Petra has already attained her Knighthood in the Kingdom of Pen Pieyu and her non-princess-like Talent Certificate from Talent School, neither of which pleases her father, the king.

 The king writes up more silly rules in the royal rule book to deter Sir Princess Petra from her knightly ways and useless talent and turn her into a real princess once and for all.

 Will the king finally succeed with this newly written, ridiculous mission for Petra?

AMAZON   |   B&N

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I remember my first adventure through the pages with Petra, oh excuse me...SIR Princess Petra. ^-^  It was magical, mystical, illustrated and wordy fun with every turn of the page AND phrase.  I actually started with book two as part of a blog tour and enjoyed it so much that I then sought out book one to enjoy on my own (which apparently I forgot to review once upon a time...oops!).  When I saw the review request in my INBOX for book three, I immediately responded with an enthusiastic YES as I knew it was not to be missed.  I mentally walked down memory lane and then looked back at ye olde blog to read through the first post only to realize, it was THREE years ago that the adventure had taken place.  Wow.  THREE years.  It seems like a lifetime considering the books we devour on a weekly/monthly/yearly basis, but the good ones stick with you, you know...and this was definitely one of the good ones.

Kingdom of Pen Pieyu

Now, being that this is a series, one might wonder if you have to read the preceding books to be "in the know".  In this case, totally unnecessary (but still recommended for the sheer enjoyment of it all!) because the author has taken care of you with a brief overview of both preceding adventures at the beginning of this installment.  Bookmarks up to the author for that nifty inclusion!  After removing the cobwebs from the past, I dove in feet first (as all good divers should) and discovered Sir Princess Petra and friends waiting for me within the pages as if I had never left, eagerly anticipating their next adventure.  Thanks to the King that wait will be short lived and if he has anything to say about it, so will Sir Princess Petra's stint as a knight...a very un-princess-like pastime in his opinion.  With her mission in mind, she and her somewhat merry band of friends set forth seeking to capture the illusive car-panther...but what they find is beyond their wildest dreams.

It was great to see the familiar faces of Petra, Bograt, Snarls, and both of the royal Longstride's again, though the latter is still confoundedly set in making Petra into the princess they want her to be instead of embracing her uniqueness to its full potential.  *grr*  I love how Petra is not afraid to be who she really is and calls her parents out on their shenanigans time and again.  That's right King Longstride.  Just because you make a rule doesn't mean it will stick if not grammatically sound.  He he he.  For any of you that have been visiting here for some time, you know that I love word play and am a stickler for word usage/sentence structure so the wordy fun encountered here is right up my alley making Petra an instant literary bestie.  Next up, Snarls!  Yes, that lovable dragon with a heart of gold is back and though he may not be able to spit fire on command but he's working on it; in the mean time, he's utilizing his other many talents.  Bograt is...well, Bograt.  Here and there, onion chomping and wave surfing, not much gets her down and the secrets she keeps are too many to number; good thing she's on our side, right?

Sir Princess Petra

All in all, a wonderful adventure through the Kingdom of Pen Pieyu with a spunky group that I'd call friends any day of the week.  They each march to their own drummer, leaving an impression you won't soon forget, but that' part of their charm.  It reminds us that we can do anything we want to do, be anything we want to be...so long as we choose our words carefully.  ^-^  Recommended read for Children's Fiction fans of all ages.

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About the author...

Diane lives in a small hilltop castle in central Alberta, Canada amongst an old and magical forest inhabited by gnomes, fairies, a princess, and a dragon. This magical forest is where Diane creates her characters and gets the inspiration for her stories.

The author has a journalism diploma from the Schools of Montreal, and an advanced diploma from the Institute of Children's Literature in Connecticut. Diane is also an artist, art teacher, writing instructor at the Creative Writing Institute, and a children’s book editor.

WEBSITE   |   BLOG   |   TWITTER    |   FACEBOOK

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Special thanks to author Diane Mae Robinson for the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series, the author, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is celebrating its BOOK BIRTHDAY today via Tate Publishing, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  Don't forget to stop by the "for kids" page over at the official site for a little who's who, and coloring fun!

Until next time...happy reading!



BLOG TOUR: Dead to the Last Drop by Cleo Coyle - Review + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to another exciting week here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're playing host to a Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours promotion starring the latest installment in the Coffeehouse Mystery series.  Perhaps you've heard of them?  The one prior to this was actually featured right here on my site so when this tour came around, I knew I had to jump aboard.  Why?  Because the last one was a blast and I had high hopes for this one.  Did they pan out?  Let's find out, shall we?  Today's blog tour guest and book of choice has arrived!

Dead to the Last Drop

A Coffeehouse Mystery, Book 15
by

Cleo Coyle
9780425276099
Berkley

About the book...

After the White House asks coffeehouse manager and master roaster Clare Cosi to consult on the coffee service for a Rose Garden Wedding, she discovers a historic pot was used as a CIA “dead drop” decades before. Now long-simmering secrets boil over, scalding Clare and the people around her…

Clare’s visit to the nation’s capital is off to a graceful start. Her octogenarian employer is bunking with her in a charming Georgetown mansion, and she’s invited to work with a respected curator on the Smithsonian’s culinary salute to coffee in America.

Unfortunately, Clare’s new Village Blend DC is struggling to earn a profit–until its second floor jazz club attracts a high-profile fan, the college-age daughter of the U.S. President. Clare’s stock rises as the First Lady befriends her, but she soon learns a stark lesson: Washington can be murder.

First a stylish State Department employee suspiciously collapses in her coffeehouse. Then the President’s daughter goes missing. Is she a runaway bride or is something more sinister in play? After another deadly twist, Clare is on the run with her NYPD detective boyfriend. Branded an enemy of the state, she must piece together clues and uncover the truth before her life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness come to a bitter end.

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Being that I've read the last two books in ARC form, I've not really had a chance to gaze at the final cover until the last page has been turned.  Do I regret it?  Not in the least...but it does make the "picture" that much clearer.  There is so much you don't notice at first glance, or perhaps understand about the image you're seeing, until after you've read the story and the pieces have all come together.  Such is definitely the case here and it makes for an even prettier package with that knowledge in mind.







Clare is back at it again, and while roasting her beans to perfection, she's managed to brew up some trouble as well.  Who knew that her DC coffeehouse endeavor was going to become so popular with the law of the town...of course, that's bound to happen when the President's daughter decides to make it her musical hangout.  In this case, she's not just hanging out.  For Abby, it's an escape into something she loves (jazz) and to people she'd much rather be with than her entourage (Secret Service, parents, arranged marriage fiancé...).  You'd think with the power she's connected to she'd have full reign on her life, right?  Ha ha ha ha HA!  Anything but.  Poor thing is more of a puppet on a string...or is she?  Just when it seems she may have found a way to get what she really wants...POOF!  She disappears and Clare is left to deal with the fallout, charged with the kidnapping (and potential death of) the President's daughter.  I know what you're thinking...this is Clare!  She'd never do such a thing!  How?  Why?  All in good time my friend, all in good time...


It was great to meet up with Clare, Mike, Matt, and the gang once again, and a pleasure to meet some of newcomers too.  Honestly speaking, I could have DEFINITELY done without the intro to Katerina (*ugh*) and her skanky, devious ways, but a spade is a spade no matter how you cut the deck and when they're all played out, the game is truly over.  What's that?  You think I revealed something?  Not so fast smarty pants....because the real knowing isn't in the BIG REVEAL (sorta figured out who was behind things the whole time) but the details along the way.  Clare could definitely be a detective with her knack for piecing things together from the scraps left behind and let me tell you, her clue-ometer is definitely turned on high in this one.  If not for her though, the ending would have been A LOT different...and not in a good way either for those we care about at least.  *gulp*









Overall, it was a successful addition to the ever growing series that will have coffee lovers (and non) clamoring to see what Clare is roasting now because really...it's never just another cup of coffee. The only drawback for me was that the story is told predominantly as flashbacks and recollections while Clare and Mike are running for their lives.  Exciting, right?  I know...but I very much prefer a here-and-now story versus the picture-it-1972 version so a small DING on the "rating meter" (if I actually used one... ^_^).  Recommended for fans of the series as well as those looking for a spot to jump in.  Though 15th in the series, it works well as a standalone and while there is danger, jealousy, scandals, and life threatening endings looming about, there is also the family, and community aspect of it all, plus the potentially intimate scenes never move past the steam factor...on paper at least.  *wink*

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About the authors...





CLEO COYLE is the pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini.  CLEO COYLE grew up in a small town near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After earning scholarships to study writing at Carnegie Mellon and American Universities, she began her career as a cub reporter for The New York Times. Now an author of popular fiction and New York Times bestselling media tie-in writer, Cleo lives and works in New York City, where she collaborates with her husband (also a bestselling author) to pen the Coffeehouse Mysteries for Penguin. Together Cleo and her husband also write the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries under the name Alice Kimberly. When not haunting coffeehouses, hunting ghosts, or rescuing stray cats, Cleo and Marc are bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for NBC, Lucasfilm, Disney, Fox, Imagine, and MGM. In their spare time they cook like crazy and drink a lot of java. You can learn more about Cleo, her husband, and the books they write by visiting www.CoffeehouseMystery.com




SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER

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Special thanks to Lori at Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for the chance to bring this promotion to you and to the author for the SIGNED ARC for review!  (THANKS!)  For more information on THIS TOUR, this title, the series, the authors, the publisher, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title celebrated it's BOOK BIRTHDAY the first of this month via Berkley, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

BEFORE YOU GO...

DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

JUST CLICK HERE TO BE WHISKED AWAY TO THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM AND YOU'RE IN IT TO WIN IT!  WITH A FABULOUS PRIZE PACK LIKE THAT, IF I WASN'T HOSTING, I'D BE ENTERING!

GOOD LUCK!




Until next time...happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Wiccan Witch of the Midwest by Scott A. Lerner + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please the reader in you, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're playing host to a Tribute Books Blog Tour starring a Paranormal Mystery/Thriller that'll have you questioning the facts left and right...the sign of a good mystery, right?  Perhaps, but I'll discuss my experience a bit more in a moment.  Let's jump right into things, as this one is hot off the presses, as we explore book four in the Samuel Roberts Thriller series...

Wiccan Witch of the Midwest

Samuel Roberts Thriller, Book 4

by

Scott A. Lerner

Camel Press

9781603812917

About the book....

Samuel Roberts, a lawyer in Champaign, Illinois, has just moved to a new home to escape the memories of his old place—the stray body parts left by evil entities as well as traces of his relationship with Susan, who left him because he couldn’t stop risking both their lives trying to save the world. That leaves Sam free to fall in love again. Sam falls hard, suspiciously hard, for Bridget Gillis, a beautiful fortune teller who also happens to be a witch and a member of a coven. The village that encompasses the coven was founded by Bridget’s great-great aunt, also named Bridget and a dead ringer for her descendant. The new relationship quickly gets complicated. It is two days before Halloween, and Bridget is about to be tried by her fellow witches for the crime of practicing dark magic involving the blood of children. The punishment is to be burned at the stake. Bridget needs an advocate, and Sam is the perfect man for the job.



Sam brings in Bob, who is suspicious of his best buddy’s sudden passion. The two of them have until the Witching Hour on Halloween to clear Bridget’s name and find out who is killing the local children. As they comb the area for clues, quiz the locals, and take a crash course in witchcraft and Wiccan customs, Sam and Bob can’t shake the question: is Bridget a good witch or a bad witch?

AMAZON   |   B&N

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Though reviewing it in November, I actually read it the same dates pretty much that it was playing out.  Creeeeppppyyyy!  *-*  But really...

It was definitely a good pick for the season, Halloween and all, considering the paranormal content, time and place it takes place, and the murder and mystery afoot.  Sam is likeable enough and a pretty big skeptic considering all the run ins he has had with other worldly beings and whatnot (all alluded to having occurred in previous installments).  Perhaps that is part of his charm, but for me...it didn't last.  Maybe if I had read the other installments, my relationship with him would have been more solid but seeing how easily he was roped into the clutches of Bridget's magic and the unending mind battle he faced between logic and witchcraft, I wasn't convinced.  Did he serve his purpose?  Yes.  Was the awkward distance between him and I the result of the spell (which one I shall not say)?  Maybe, but it's hard to say with any amount of certainty.  We just didn't mesh.  If we continue down the line of characters, I have to say Bridget was pretty darn formidable but not truly imposing until closer to the end, Bob was actually an unusual sidekick that proved truly worthy of hero status, and the rest...they leave their mark when given the limelight.  It's not often, but it happens.

Story wise, there's mystery and murder, crimes most heinous, and a plant that will scare the bejesus out of any horticulturist (truly horrible).  The path taken to uncover the truth was murky but believable though with a touch TMI on the actual craft employed; the twist towards book's end another surprise that fit well.  The only hang up for me once again came into play with Mr. Roberts.  He's a lawyer in the real world, I get it.  A duck is a duck. Here he's part detective though and his sleuthing skills though perhaps jaded once again by the spell are definitely not up to par.  There's a little detail regarding a particular painting that I questioned along the way as a possibility in solving the whole thing and he doesn't pick up on it until the last twenty pages or so.  *ahem*  Believe me, I'm no Sherlock Holmes either so I kind of felt it was a discredit to the character to have him miss something THAT obvious.  Again, having a history with him would have told me whether or not he would have normally picked that detail up but alas, it wasn't there to pull from. 

In the end, though we weren't a match made in heaven, I can't say my time spent in this curious magical village just this side of Amish country didn't intrigue and enchant.  I mean the final outcome alone is enough to make the read worth your while (~shudders~), I just wish some of those "missing links" were a little smaller.  Would they be solved by starting at the series beginning?  Perhaps...but alas, that's a journey you'll have to check into on your own and report back.  (If you have or do, please stop back and share!)  As for me, I'm content with my visit and think many of you will be too.  Recommended read for adult Mystery and Thriller fans alike that enjoy a heavy dose of magic in the tales they choose to peruse; the stipulation on "adult readers" is for limited content and some violence.

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About the author...

Author and attorney Scott A. Lerner resides in Champaign, Illinois. He obtained his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and went on to obtain his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign. He is currently a sole practitioner in Champaign, Illinois. The majority of his law practice focuses on the fields of criminal law and family law. Lerner’s first novel and the first Samuel Roberts Thriller, Cocaine Zombies, won a bronze medal in the mystery/cozy/noir category of the 2013 Independent Publisher (IPPY) Awards. The second book in the series is Ruler of Demons. The Fraternity of the Soul Eater is book 3. Book 4, The Wiccan Witch of the Midwest, will be released on Halloween, 2015.

BLOG   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER

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Special thanks to Nicole at Tribute Book Blog Tours for the copy for review and the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this tour, the title featured, the author, the publisher, or those tours on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title just celebrated its book birthday October 31st, 2015 via Camel Press, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

BEFORE YOU GO!

DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $25 AMAZON GC OR PAYPAL CASH VIA THE TOUR WIDE CONTEST!  JUST CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Until next time...happy reading!



See if you can... Resist by Tracy Lawson

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're taking a step back into a series I started once upon a time (make that August 2014).  At its heart, it's a dystopian Young Adult novel, but it has very real repercussions that you could honestly see happening, whether you subscribe to the "big brother" theories or not.  It celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY just a few weeks back and I do believe it's high time we clear a space for it to PAR-TAY down right here on the site.  Ladies and gents, prepare yourself mind, body, and soul as we welcome today's book of choice...

Resist

The Resistance series, Book 2

by

Tracy Lawson

9780996610827

Lawson Publishing

About the book...

Knowledge comes with a price.

Tommy and Careen are no longer naive teenagers who believe the Office of Civilian Safety and Defense’s miracle antidote can protect them from a terrorist’s chemical weapons. After accidentally discovering the antidote’s real purpose—to control citizens’ thoughts and actions--they join the Resistance to fight back.

They soon realize that being part of the Resistance brings with it a whole new set of challenges. Not everyone working for change proves trustworthy, and plans to spark a revolution go awry, with grave consequences. Tommy and Careen's differing viewpoints threaten to drive a wedge between them, and their budding relationship is tested as their destinies move toward an inevitable confrontation with the forces that terrorize the nation.

Where does love fit in when you’re trying to overthrow the government?  

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So, here we are.

Out of the frying pan and into...ANOTHER frying pan.

Yep...it's just been one big sunshine fest for these guys, I'm telling you!  What's that?  Oh yes, I was being entirely sarcastic there because life has been anything but sunshine and roses for Tommy, and Careen...and well pretty much the ENTIRE Resistance team.  BUT, as "peachy" as things have been, they're about to get a whole lot worse...

You think starting a revolution is easy?  You think there aren't sacrifices to be made?  Tommy and Careen have both lost things for the cause, things they never anticipated having to lose in the first place considering they never WANTED to be a part of this movement to begin with, but they've also found things as well.  Inner strength, clearness of mind, each other, and now...Tom's parents.  Dun dun dunnnnn....  Okay, so that was a bit more dramatic if you've read the first book, but if you haven't trust me, it's a BIG deal, and it's made even bigger when you see the condition they are found in, the circumstances surrounding their "deaths" in the first place, and just who is responsible for it all.  Their disappearing act is not the only thing that's fishy though.  There are whispered conversations, secret rendezvous' (of both the personal and business type),  and those that may be working as double agents around every bend.  Some you can get a clear read on, others...not so much.  Even those that have been through so much (i.e. Tommy and Careen) aren't even on the same page anymore and that my friends could cost one of them their life...

On the list of things to love, the fact that there is no space between the first book and the second.  You literally step out of the one and right into the other without losing a moment...word to the wise, it is a bit more of a requirement to read these in order due to this very same reason, but totally worth it.  Second reason, the characters stay true to themselves or rather the parts they were given.  Though I did want to smack Tommy a bit upside the head for his performance this time around; once with a girl, another time with a gun, and the last...well, I'll let you read about that one but let's say it puts quite a few in jeopardy.  (*glares at Tommy*)  Careen has her share of mis-choices this time around as well but I do think we see her character change the most.  She's finally finding her sense of self and not just being led around anymore...she wants to do the leading.  (You go girl!) The only drawback for me was when we started to get drawn a touch too far into the political side of things (not my cup of tea) but by book's end we were back on course and let me tell you, that ending leaves you wishing it was already 2016 so you could pick up the next in the series.  (Can you say cliffhanger?)

In the end, it was a good addition to the series leaving us plenty of room to grow; rather good news considering there are at least TWO more titles planned in the series according to the website.  (Yay!)  If you like your Young Adult reads with some guts, some glory, and some struggles that seem pointless yet may just lead to uncorking the emotional stopper the OCSD put in the people of the US of A, this is definitely a read that should be on your radar.

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About the author...

Tracy grew up in Sharonville, Ohio, a Cincinnati suburb, and attended Princeton High School. While in high school, she was an editor for the school newspaper, news director for the Princeton Instructional Television station, and also worked as a reporter and feature writer for the Suburban Press weekly newspaper.

She graduated summa cum laude from Ohio University in 1988, with a Bachelor of Science in Communications degree.

After working for a time in advertising and as an investigative analyst for the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, Tracy settled into a career in the performing arts, teaching dance and choreographing musicals.

FACEBOOK  |   TWITTER

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Special thanks to Alessandra with PR by the Book for the copy for review and to the author for signing/personalizing it.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the series, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Lawson Publishing, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  Don't forget to check out the first book in the series, Resist, and stay tuned for the third release coming in 2016!

Until next time...happy reading!



Be careful what you wish for... The Dark Rituals: Awakening by Catrina Burgess

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're exploring the darker side of the Young Adult spectrum with a magically enhanced read that is sure to get your attention.  It's the first book in The Dark Rituals series and well frankly, it blew my mind.  I started in expecting a decent read for the spooky season, and came out with a thirst for the rest of the series...though my current reading schedule won't allow their inclusion yet. (*adds to wish list*) Ladies and gents, prepare to meet the next title on your MUST READ list...

 

Awakening

The Dark Rituals, Book 1

by

Catrina Burgess

Full Fathom Five Digital

About the book...

In Awakening, the first installment in the Dark Rituals series, a former healer turns to the Death Arts to seek revenge.

Seventeen-year-old Colina was born a healer. But after a horrific event forces her to leave her clan, she becomes desperate to learn the dark magic of the death dealers, mages who draw their power from the spirits of the dead. Colina was taught to fear and hate death dealers, but becoming one of them is the only way for her to get the revenge she seeks—and the only way for her to survive.

Colina asks a young death dealer named Luke to help her, but he’s reluctant to train her in the Death Arts. Little does she know convincing him to teach her will be the easiest part of her journey. To become a death dealer, Colina will need to undergo three dark rituals, each more terrifying than the last. At the same time, she’ll have to deal with her growing feelings for her mentor. Too bad the first ritual involves him strangling her to death.

As Colina undergoes the trials, she discovers an untapped darkness within herself. If she survives the horrific rituals and gains dark power, what will she become?

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Did I say I was blown away?

Because I was.

Sometimes you have a feeling about a new-to-you-author or series.  Going into it, you just have this inkling that something magical is about to take place.  This one?  Initially, I was clueless about what I was getting into, but once I starting reading, there was no question.  This is one of those series that may have managed to slip partially under the radar, but fully deserves the WHOLE spotlight.

Darkness breeds darkness, but in this story, we learn there are many shades in-between.  Colina's journey away from her Healer roots starts with the abrupt and violent end to her family.  Everyone wiped out in the blink of an eye.  Can you imagine?  No wait, don't.  It's too tragic.  That tragedy pushes her just far enough to cross the line to the path of a Death Dealer.  It sounds ominous, I know, and the dark powers they wield can be frightening especially when compared to the lighter path of healing, but as we learn, it's about the wielder's intent.  Good thing Colina's are pure, right?  Umm...sure... *-*  Anyway, her sights on are on the final prize, seeing her family's murderers pay for the lives they've taken...but unbeknownst to her there are MUCH bigger things brewing that all seem to lead back to her.  Will she succeed in her mission?  Better question still, who will Colina be if she makes it out alive?

Story wise, I was drawn deeper and deeper into the world of the author's creation.  There was just enough "history" to give it heft but not so much as to feel like a study in magic.  (Nice balance!) The emotions flowing through it all were certainly palpable.  One moment you were seething with anger and the next feeling the flutters of desire.  Turn the page and we're being driven down into the darkest corners of ourselves by some unknown force while yet another flick reveals a tender heart filled with sorrow.  It's a roller coaster but a GOOD one at that. 

Though the cast of characters was varied, they were all well represented.  From the feared banshees to those spirits that were simply finding their way to the other side, those in the magic community with good intentions and those that were best left to the shadows, everyone had a moment in the spotlight worthy of note.  My favorite character?  Luke!  Hands down.  Sorry Colina, I know this was predominantly your show and your journey was certainly nothing to shake a stick at, but there was just something about him that really struck me.  All those times she was questioning his motives and thinking the worst, I stayed true to my belief that he was hiding nothing.  Was I right?  Ah, the million dollar question.  I'm afraid I can't confirm that because it would be much to much of a spoiler but suffice it to say that things DEFINITELY get intense with everyone's fate balancing on the sharpened edge of a dagger. (Ha!  Great pun if I do say so myself...but you'll only get it after the read...sorry!)

Overall, it's quite the ride.  Though at times I wanted to strangle Colina for her timidity and wishy-washy decisions, she grew on me.  The more she let us see herself, the easier it was to understand where all of that was coming from and to overlook it. Though magic is a big part of things, it wasn't the only part, and it managed to give the story a human side that was easier to relate to.  It reminds us CLEARLY that vengeance is not the answer even if it sounds like the best option at the time and to be VERY careful what we wish for.  We just might get it and then some...

Recommended read for older Young Adult fans due to some intense situations, and violence.

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About author Catrina Burgess...

I write because it helps keeps the darkness away and reminds me that there is magic in the world. I live with one husband, two dogs, and a cat named Shitty Kitty in a small mining town in Arizona. At night this place is definitely spooky. I swear I’ve heard the wind giggle, and sometimes there’s a very odd breeze. Luckily, I love all things that go bump in the night. I adore old movies. I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan.

I’ve been known to eat pizza and cold Chinese food for breakfast, and I’m the queen of the board game Stratego. I’ve never been beaten. NEVER!

SITE   |   TWITTER   |   FACEBOOK

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Special thanks to author Catrina Burgess for the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Full Fathom Five Digital, so be on the lookout for it at a virtual dealer of your choosing.  ALSO, book two, Possession, is set to release 10/14/15 with the book three hot on its virtual heels!  No time like the present to get yourself initiated in the series...and all geared up for the finale FEBRUARY 2016.

Until next time...happy reading!