I need to take the time to do this more often, especially when I come across such wonderful goodies!
For all of you Patricia Briggs fans, Fantasy Book Critic has a giveaway for 3 sets (yes, sets) of the Mercy Thompson series! ~~~>Just Click Here and sign up to enter!
and…..
For those of you just dying to get your hands on a copy of Mark Henry’s ‘Happy Hour of the Damned’, Fantasy & Sci-Fi Lovin’ Book Reviews is giving one away. ~~~>Just Click Here and sign up to enter!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
Mistress of the Art of Death
Ariana Franklin
Berkley
February 5, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-425-21925-6
When Cambridge becomes the site of a grizzly murder, King Henry II looks to his friend, the King of Sicily, for help in finding a ‘doctor to the dead’. While he’s expecting the arrival of a master of the art of death, what Cambridge receives instead is a mistress who has trained at the University of Salerno, but has to hide her occupation from the local population. With Simon of Naples who is a criminal investigator, and Mansur who serves as her bodyguard, Adelia sets out to discover the truth behind the vicious slaying of a local child. What awaits her arrival is the realization that there have been three more children abducted and murdered in the same manner as the first.
The king’s tax collector, Sir Rowley Picot, becomes a significant help in the investigation and shows an interest in Adelia, but she won’t allow herself to be distracted. There’s more to the case and resulting chaos than discovering the killer, because the Jewish residents of Cambridge have had to leave their homes and businesses to be guarded for their safety. The town blames them for the deaths of its children, and it will take more than Adelia’s findings to set things straight.
Mistress of the Art of Death is a medieval criminal investigation with a brilliant twist. When a crime needs solving and there’s no crime scene to analyze, the job falls to someone who can get their answers from the dead. Adelia is the right one for the job, but in the 1170’s the majority still believes it’s a man’s job. Ms. Franklin blends historical fiction with a well-detailed and riveting murder investigation. This gripping suspense smoothly builds to a dramatic climax that will continue to surprise readers to the end.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
Ariana Franklin
Berkley
February 5, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-425-21925-6
When Cambridge becomes the site of a grizzly murder, King Henry II looks to his friend, the King of Sicily, for help in finding a ‘doctor to the dead’. While he’s expecting the arrival of a master of the art of death, what Cambridge receives instead is a mistress who has trained at the University of Salerno, but has to hide her occupation from the local population. With Simon of Naples who is a criminal investigator, and Mansur who serves as her bodyguard, Adelia sets out to discover the truth behind the vicious slaying of a local child. What awaits her arrival is the realization that there have been three more children abducted and murdered in the same manner as the first.
The king’s tax collector, Sir Rowley Picot, becomes a significant help in the investigation and shows an interest in Adelia, but she won’t allow herself to be distracted. There’s more to the case and resulting chaos than discovering the killer, because the Jewish residents of Cambridge have had to leave their homes and businesses to be guarded for their safety. The town blames them for the deaths of its children, and it will take more than Adelia’s findings to set things straight.
Mistress of the Art of Death is a medieval criminal investigation with a brilliant twist. When a crime needs solving and there’s no crime scene to analyze, the job falls to someone who can get their answers from the dead. Adelia is the right one for the job, but in the 1170’s the majority still believes it’s a man’s job. Ms. Franklin blends historical fiction with a well-detailed and riveting murder investigation. This gripping suspense smoothly builds to a dramatic climax that will continue to surprise readers to the end.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready
Wicked Game
Jeri Smith-Ready
Pocket Books
May 13, 2008
ISBN# 978-1-4165-5176-8
Ciara Griffon hasn’t led the easiest life, and much of it was spent running cons. When she’s offered a job at a local radio station, WMMP, Ciara’s encouraged to put an end to her less than legal ways and become part of the team. The station is in jeopardy of being sold to Skywave, a company that will take away the individual tastes of the DJ’s and turn WMMP into a clone like the other stations they operate.
Coming up with a gimmick is Ciara’s specialty and it’s not long before she has the idea of announcing that their DJs are vampires. After all, it isn’t like the general population would believe it’s true, even if it is. It’s an idea the public loves, and as the new WVMP launches its campaign the advertising income that the station so desperately needs finally begins to roll in. While she’s accepted by the station’s vampires as a whole, it’s Shane who has captured her attention, but there’s little time to pursue a romance with trouble brewing. Someone is sabotaging the station’s plans and it doesn’t appear to be Control, the group who keeps the vampire community in line. Before the station’s special staff will be safe they’ll have to discover who’s behind the danger, and how Ciara fits into their plans.
Wicked Game is an urban fantasy read with a unique twist on vampires. Ciara grew up with parents who ran a con until their luck ran out and left their teenage daughter to fend for herself. Now Ciara is trying to make a break from that life, attend school, and hold down a legitimate job before her checkered past ends up consuming her. Ms. Smith-Ready weaves an imaginative tale that adds new dimension and limitations on the otherwise long-lived lives of vampires. The characters odd lifestyles and compulsive behaviors lend a realistic quality that’s charming in some cases and downright funny in others. This is a fun escape in a world that readers will look forward to visiting again.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
Jeri Smith-Ready
Pocket Books
May 13, 2008
ISBN# 978-1-4165-5176-8
Ciara Griffon hasn’t led the easiest life, and much of it was spent running cons. When she’s offered a job at a local radio station, WMMP, Ciara’s encouraged to put an end to her less than legal ways and become part of the team. The station is in jeopardy of being sold to Skywave, a company that will take away the individual tastes of the DJ’s and turn WMMP into a clone like the other stations they operate.
Coming up with a gimmick is Ciara’s specialty and it’s not long before she has the idea of announcing that their DJs are vampires. After all, it isn’t like the general population would believe it’s true, even if it is. It’s an idea the public loves, and as the new WVMP launches its campaign the advertising income that the station so desperately needs finally begins to roll in. While she’s accepted by the station’s vampires as a whole, it’s Shane who has captured her attention, but there’s little time to pursue a romance with trouble brewing. Someone is sabotaging the station’s plans and it doesn’t appear to be Control, the group who keeps the vampire community in line. Before the station’s special staff will be safe they’ll have to discover who’s behind the danger, and how Ciara fits into their plans.
Wicked Game is an urban fantasy read with a unique twist on vampires. Ciara grew up with parents who ran a con until their luck ran out and left their teenage daughter to fend for herself. Now Ciara is trying to make a break from that life, attend school, and hold down a legitimate job before her checkered past ends up consuming her. Ms. Smith-Ready weaves an imaginative tale that adds new dimension and limitations on the otherwise long-lived lives of vampires. The characters odd lifestyles and compulsive behaviors lend a realistic quality that’s charming in some cases and downright funny in others. This is a fun escape in a world that readers will look forward to visiting again.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Demons Are A Ghoul's Best Friend by Victoria Laurie
Demons Are A Ghoul’s Best Friend
Ghost Hunter Mysteries, Book 2
Victoria Laurie
Obsidian – Penguin Books
March 4, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-22341-8
M. J. is on a new ghost hunting case at the Northelm Boarding School near Lake Placid, N.Y. to investigate the haunting of an old wing. With her partners Gilley and Steven by her side, M. J. is about to take on one of the strongest ghosts she’s encountered. Tales of Hatchet Jack have been circulating for years, but it’s been the school’s policy to keep the incidents secret. Now, with the renovation of the old wing and a dean who chooses to ignore the danger in what’s going on, Hatchet Jack is busy scaring anyone who crosses his path.
There’s more to the ghost haunting Northelm’s school grounds and M.J. will have to solve that mystery in order to discover why he’s still hanging around. Finding the portal that Hatchet Jack uses and sealing it is the only way to ensure that he never returns. Some days a ghost hunter’s job is much easier said than done.
Demons Are A Ghoul’s Best Friend is the second installment in the Ghost Hunter Mysteries series. M. J. takes her job very seriously, so when she’s faced with Hatchet Jack she won’t let anything stop her from banishing him and ridding the children of Northelm Boarding School from further threat. Ms. Laurie has penned a fabulous read and packed it with ghost hunting action at its best. With a chilling mystery, a danger filled investigation, a bit of romance and a wonderful dose of humor, there’s little chance that readers will be able to set this book down. M. J. and the team’s next investigation is currently scheduled for March of 2009.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
Ghost Hunter Mysteries, Book 2
Victoria Laurie
Obsidian – Penguin Books
March 4, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-22341-8
M. J. is on a new ghost hunting case at the Northelm Boarding School near Lake Placid, N.Y. to investigate the haunting of an old wing. With her partners Gilley and Steven by her side, M. J. is about to take on one of the strongest ghosts she’s encountered. Tales of Hatchet Jack have been circulating for years, but it’s been the school’s policy to keep the incidents secret. Now, with the renovation of the old wing and a dean who chooses to ignore the danger in what’s going on, Hatchet Jack is busy scaring anyone who crosses his path.
There’s more to the ghost haunting Northelm’s school grounds and M.J. will have to solve that mystery in order to discover why he’s still hanging around. Finding the portal that Hatchet Jack uses and sealing it is the only way to ensure that he never returns. Some days a ghost hunter’s job is much easier said than done.
Demons Are A Ghoul’s Best Friend is the second installment in the Ghost Hunter Mysteries series. M. J. takes her job very seriously, so when she’s faced with Hatchet Jack she won’t let anything stop her from banishing him and ridding the children of Northelm Boarding School from further threat. Ms. Laurie has penned a fabulous read and packed it with ghost hunting action at its best. With a chilling mystery, a danger filled investigation, a bit of romance and a wonderful dose of humor, there’s little chance that readers will be able to set this book down. M. J. and the team’s next investigation is currently scheduled for March of 2009.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Marseguro by Edward Willett
Marseguro
Edward Willett
DAW Books Inc.
February 5, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-7564-0464-2
When Victor Hansen left Earth in order to see his people survive, he took the race of modified humans he had created with him. They named the planet they colonized, Marseguro, and the landlings and water-dwelling Selkies strove to live in harmony. Here on the new world, the religious beliefs of the Avatar would no longer threaten the Selkies who were deemed abominations on Earth. While most of the unmodified humans among them were in support of the freedom, there was a small faction who continued to follow the Avatar’s beliefs behind closed doors. Chris Keating’s family was among those few, and his hatred towards the Selkies prompts him to set off a distress beacon that alerts those on Earth to their location.
Richard Hansen is the grandson of Victor, and has spent his time searching for the location of his grandfather and his people. Raised on Earth under the Avatar’s teachings, Richard believes the worst of Victor and wants to help cleanse Marseguro of the Selkies. What he didn’t realize when he turned over the colony’s location, was that there would be little hope for anyone inhabiting the planet. Now, torn between duty and what he’s now seen to be true, Richard must decide where his loyalties lay. His decision could mean the difference between survival and death for all who call Marseguro home.
Marseguro is a creative tale in science fiction. Having been raised to see the worst in Selkies, Chris Keating finds what he believes will be the solution to purifying Marseguro. Richard Hansen starts his journey pleased with discovering the location of his grandfather’s people, but as the assault begins he finds himself questioning his beliefs. Mr. Willett blends science fiction with heavy religious beliefs into a well-written storyline that’s filled with dramatic scenery and character detail. Sci-fi and fantasy fans should find this story full and entertaining.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
Edward Willett
DAW Books Inc.
February 5, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-7564-0464-2
When Victor Hansen left Earth in order to see his people survive, he took the race of modified humans he had created with him. They named the planet they colonized, Marseguro, and the landlings and water-dwelling Selkies strove to live in harmony. Here on the new world, the religious beliefs of the Avatar would no longer threaten the Selkies who were deemed abominations on Earth. While most of the unmodified humans among them were in support of the freedom, there was a small faction who continued to follow the Avatar’s beliefs behind closed doors. Chris Keating’s family was among those few, and his hatred towards the Selkies prompts him to set off a distress beacon that alerts those on Earth to their location.
Richard Hansen is the grandson of Victor, and has spent his time searching for the location of his grandfather and his people. Raised on Earth under the Avatar’s teachings, Richard believes the worst of Victor and wants to help cleanse Marseguro of the Selkies. What he didn’t realize when he turned over the colony’s location, was that there would be little hope for anyone inhabiting the planet. Now, torn between duty and what he’s now seen to be true, Richard must decide where his loyalties lay. His decision could mean the difference between survival and death for all who call Marseguro home.
Marseguro is a creative tale in science fiction. Having been raised to see the worst in Selkies, Chris Keating finds what he believes will be the solution to purifying Marseguro. Richard Hansen starts his journey pleased with discovering the location of his grandfather’s people, but as the assault begins he finds himself questioning his beliefs. Mr. Willett blends science fiction with heavy religious beliefs into a well-written storyline that’s filled with dramatic scenery and character detail. Sci-fi and fantasy fans should find this story full and entertaining.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
House of Cards by C. E. Murphy
House of Cards
The Negotiator, Book 2
C. E. Murphy
Luna
March 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-373-80263-0
Margrit Knight has become the negotiator between the Old Races. Made up of gargoyles, dragons, vampires, djinn and selkies, they have existed with humans through the years by remaining hidden or hiding in plain sight. Keeping their true natures concealed from humans has helped to ensure their survival, but with some of the Old Races dying out it’s become imperative that they find a common ground between them. This is Margrit’s job, and it’s earned her a voting seat in their quorum.
Janx, the dragon crimelord that Margrit owes favors to, has called one in. He’s concerned that someone has targeted Malik, the djinn by his side, and Margrit is given the task of keeping him alive. While she protects him during the day, it’s Alban, the gargoyle, who will guard him at night. Someone among the Old Races has more of a personal agenda in mind, and once they reach for their goal only knowledge and a quick mind will save everyone else involved.
House of Cards is the second installment in The Negotiator series. As Margrit is drawn deeper into the world of the Old Races, her human life is rapidly changing. While she hadn’t prepared for her future to change in such ways, Margrit has the strength to see it through. Ms. Murphy builds an intriguing world for her characters and shares it in vivid detail. The non-stop action and suspense will easily keep the reader’s attention, and the ongoing romance adds just the right amount of heat. In order to get the most from this fabulous series the opening installment, Heart of Stone, should be read first.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
The Negotiator, Book 2
C. E. Murphy
Luna
March 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-373-80263-0
Margrit Knight has become the negotiator between the Old Races. Made up of gargoyles, dragons, vampires, djinn and selkies, they have existed with humans through the years by remaining hidden or hiding in plain sight. Keeping their true natures concealed from humans has helped to ensure their survival, but with some of the Old Races dying out it’s become imperative that they find a common ground between them. This is Margrit’s job, and it’s earned her a voting seat in their quorum.
Janx, the dragon crimelord that Margrit owes favors to, has called one in. He’s concerned that someone has targeted Malik, the djinn by his side, and Margrit is given the task of keeping him alive. While she protects him during the day, it’s Alban, the gargoyle, who will guard him at night. Someone among the Old Races has more of a personal agenda in mind, and once they reach for their goal only knowledge and a quick mind will save everyone else involved.
House of Cards is the second installment in The Negotiator series. As Margrit is drawn deeper into the world of the Old Races, her human life is rapidly changing. While she hadn’t prepared for her future to change in such ways, Margrit has the strength to see it through. Ms. Murphy builds an intriguing world for her characters and shares it in vivid detail. The non-stop action and suspense will easily keep the reader’s attention, and the ongoing romance adds just the right amount of heat. In order to get the most from this fabulous series the opening installment, Heart of Stone, should be read first.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay
Ysabel
Guy Gavriel Kay
ROC
February 5, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-46190-2
Ned Marriner is a Canadian teenager on a photo-shoot with his father in France. As the team sets up outside the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral of Aix-en-Provence, Ned retreats inside where he meets an American exchange student, Kate Wenger. A self proclaimed history geek, Kate has the answers to most any question about the surrounding area. The two come across a strange man who, initially unwilling, sets off a chain of events that drags them into a recurring story that has continued through the centuries. As the story unfolds around them, they soon realize that the stranger they’ve met has a rival and each man plays a powerful role in what’s to come.
When Ned gets a phone call from the mysterious aunt he’s never met, he learns that there is more to his own family’s history than he’d ever been told. As the stakes grow ever higher, and one of the team becomes further entangled in the story, it’s clear that the men seek the favor of Ysabel, the woman they love. Neither man is able to break free of the part they play in her game. With the help of his family and friends, Ned will embark on a frightening journey to save a life and hope to learn how he fits into Ysabel’s story.
Ysabel is an intriguing fantasy that takes a piece of the past and enables it to play out in today’s time and space. Ned begins his visit to France as an average teenage boy, but quickly learns that his family’s secrets play a large role in the deep connection he finds with Ysabel’s story. Mr. Kay tells a fabulous tale with such great detail that it enables readers to experience the unfolding drama along with his characters. The beautiful scenery, the edge of your seat suspense and a soul-deep longing that has endured the tests of time are all carefully pieced together to create one incredible story.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
Guy Gavriel Kay
ROC
February 5, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-46190-2
Ned Marriner is a Canadian teenager on a photo-shoot with his father in France. As the team sets up outside the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral of Aix-en-Provence, Ned retreats inside where he meets an American exchange student, Kate Wenger. A self proclaimed history geek, Kate has the answers to most any question about the surrounding area. The two come across a strange man who, initially unwilling, sets off a chain of events that drags them into a recurring story that has continued through the centuries. As the story unfolds around them, they soon realize that the stranger they’ve met has a rival and each man plays a powerful role in what’s to come.
When Ned gets a phone call from the mysterious aunt he’s never met, he learns that there is more to his own family’s history than he’d ever been told. As the stakes grow ever higher, and one of the team becomes further entangled in the story, it’s clear that the men seek the favor of Ysabel, the woman they love. Neither man is able to break free of the part they play in her game. With the help of his family and friends, Ned will embark on a frightening journey to save a life and hope to learn how he fits into Ysabel’s story.
Ysabel is an intriguing fantasy that takes a piece of the past and enables it to play out in today’s time and space. Ned begins his visit to France as an average teenage boy, but quickly learns that his family’s secrets play a large role in the deep connection he finds with Ysabel’s story. Mr. Kay tells a fabulous tale with such great detail that it enables readers to experience the unfolding drama along with his characters. The beautiful scenery, the edge of your seat suspense and a soul-deep longing that has endured the tests of time are all carefully pieced together to create one incredible story.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Like a Charm by Candace Havens
Like a Charm
Candace Havens
The Berkley Publishing Group
February 5, 2008
978-0-425-21926-3
All Kira Smythe ever wanted was to get out of her hometown of Sweet, Texas and make her mark in the world. She achieved the success of a contract attorney with Zeb Corp., but when a client takes her own life the tragic experience is too much to bear. The death is blocked from Kira’s memory and lands her in the hospital with little choice but to return home and recover.
In the time that Kira has been away from Sweet a few things have changed. The parents she once saw as hippies are now successful business people, and the town she once felt alone in has become much more inviting. Luckily for Kira the best things she remembers have stayed the same. Lulu’s is still the best place for a great meal, the bakery is still a welcome temptation and Mrs. Canard is still the town librarian.
When tragedy strikes once again, Kira’s world is thrown even further into turmoil. With ghostly encounters that leave her thinking she must be crazy, and one too many job offers, Kira has some decisions to make. Then there’s Caleb, a carpenter who stirs her interest, but has secrets of his own. For Kira, making the right choice will prove to be a very difficult task.
Like a Charm is a delightful romance. In a town full of people who always seemed special, a life of being less than ordinary was something Kira felt she had to leave behind. When she returns to Sweet, Kira finds that she’s no longer the ordinary girl she was, and the years have given her a new outlook on the place she once again calls home. Ms. Havens combines the allure of small town living with magical residents. Well-written, fast-paced and filled with enchanting characters, Like a Charm is a fun escape that captures the reader’s attention and thoroughly entertains.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
Candace Havens
The Berkley Publishing Group
February 5, 2008
978-0-425-21926-3
All Kira Smythe ever wanted was to get out of her hometown of Sweet, Texas and make her mark in the world. She achieved the success of a contract attorney with Zeb Corp., but when a client takes her own life the tragic experience is too much to bear. The death is blocked from Kira’s memory and lands her in the hospital with little choice but to return home and recover.
In the time that Kira has been away from Sweet a few things have changed. The parents she once saw as hippies are now successful business people, and the town she once felt alone in has become much more inviting. Luckily for Kira the best things she remembers have stayed the same. Lulu’s is still the best place for a great meal, the bakery is still a welcome temptation and Mrs. Canard is still the town librarian.
When tragedy strikes once again, Kira’s world is thrown even further into turmoil. With ghostly encounters that leave her thinking she must be crazy, and one too many job offers, Kira has some decisions to make. Then there’s Caleb, a carpenter who stirs her interest, but has secrets of his own. For Kira, making the right choice will prove to be a very difficult task.
Like a Charm is a delightful romance. In a town full of people who always seemed special, a life of being less than ordinary was something Kira felt she had to leave behind. When she returns to Sweet, Kira finds that she’s no longer the ordinary girl she was, and the years have given her a new outlook on the place she once again calls home. Ms. Havens combines the allure of small town living with magical residents. Well-written, fast-paced and filled with enchanting characters, Like a Charm is a fun escape that captures the reader’s attention and thoroughly entertains.
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews
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