Eternal Pleasure by Nina Bangs

Eternal Pleasure
The Gods of the Night, Book 1
Nina Bangs
Dorchester
July 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-843-95953-6

From the back cover:
The Eleven—an alliance of ultimate predators. Primal, lethal, irresistible. The Prophecy—an ancient Mayan prediction that the world will end on 12-21-12. The Prey—where can you hide from pure evil?

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Kelly Maloy opens her car door to much more than a great looking stranger at the Houston airport. Terror, desire, and a horrible truth climb in with him. She’s only supposed to drive Ty Endeka around the city for a few weeks. Too bad no one tells her that once day fades she’ll become part of a battle fought in the darkened streets with an enemy that isn’t human. And the sensual man who feeds her fantasies hides a soul that gives new meaning to animal magnetism.

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Eleven Gods of the Night… The only creatures more deadly are the ones they’ve been summoned to destroy.

My Thoughts:
When Kelly Maloy is offered a well paying job as driver, she jumps on the chance. It’s in her best interest, at least financially, to take the time off from school and earn a paycheck. She figures this job will be a piece of cake. Then she meets Ty, the dark and dangerous man who she’ll be driving around town and life as she knows it is changed. Kelly finds herself thrust into the middle of an ongoing battle between the Eleven, the group Ty belongs to, and the nine immortals and their leader that they must stop.

Ty Endeka finds himself in a new time, sixty-five million years after the life he remembers, to fight the immortals who are once again trying to destroy humanity. The current time period will end on December 21, 2012 and at that time the cosmic clock will reset to begin a new cycle. The enemy must be eliminated before then, or all will be lost.

The battle between good and evil rages on, and it’s a theme that most readers know and love, especially in fantasy. It’s a part of what grabs our attention in a story, but we also need a well written storyline, interesting characters, and originality for a book to really stick in our memories. Ms. Bangs delivers on every count and adds so much more to this first installment of The Gods of the Night series. Differing in her previous work with a less humorous approach, Eternal Pleasure offers original characters, a unique storyline, supernatural action, a cosmic countdown and a soul deep romance. This is a brilliant start to what should be a fabulous urban fantasy series, and I’ll be eagerly watching for the next installment.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Evernight
Claudia Gray
Harper Teen
May 27, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-06-128439-7

From the jacket flap:
Bianca wants to escape.

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

My thoughts:

Bianca Olivier becomes the outsider in a new school when her parents take teaching positions at the Evernight Academy and she’s forced to leave her old life and friends behind. As classes are about to begin for the school year she meets a boy, Lucas, who is as different from the other students as one could be. They become close friends, but each of them is protecting a secret that could change more than just their relationship, it could put their lives in jeopardy.

Lucas Ross has done as his mother insisted and enrolled in the Evernight Academy, but he’s less than happy to be there. Living in a dorm, he’s gotten a decent roommate in Vic, but the majority of students treat him like the outsider he is. Meeting Bianca is the best thing to happen to him, but the past is about to catch up to the present.

Like many of the young adult vampire reads in the past few years, Evernight takes place at an academy designed for our fanged friends. Set during a time when a number of humans are being allowed to attend the school, the story takes readers on a journey of discovery for both the heroine and her hero. While Evernight starts out slowly, Ms. Gray captures the reader’s attention with a surprising twist and the story picks up the pace from there until the climactic end. Suitable for teens, but may be enjoyed by adults as well.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Dragon Wytch by Yasmine Galenorn

Dragon Wytch
Sisters of the Moon, Book 4
Yasmine Galenorn
Berkley
July 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-425-22239-3

From the back cover:
We’re the D’Artigo sisters: savvy—and sexy—operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But being half-human, half-Fae short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Delilah shapeshifts into a tabby cat whenever she’s stressed. Menolly’s a vampire who’s still getting the hang of being undead. And me? I’m Camille, a wicked-good witch, trying to juggle faulty magic, gorgeous men, and the demonic war in which we're embroiled. Sometimes, it’s hard to know just who we can trust…

The Equinox is coming, and mayhem rules. A crown-prince unicorn offers us a legendary gift, but it vanishes. Goblins and trolls swarm the streets of Seattle. And now Smoky, the sexiest dragon alive, decides to stake his claim--on me. Overshadowing it all, the third spirit seal surfaces and Shadow Wing's after it. But I've discovered a secret that could change everything. A new power is rising—a dangerous force from the past--one that intends to restore balance to the worlds…whether we like it or not.

My thoughts:
Searching for a way to battle the unwelcome Otherworld denizens that are pouring through the portals into Seattle, Camille D’Artigo has been offered a way to help boost her talents by adding a different type of magic. As she struggles to manage her own unpredictable gifts with her mixed human-fae blood, she’s happy to accept the offering from Feddrah-Dahns, a crown price unicorn. The third spirit seal is about to become known, and they’ll need every advantage they can manage to stand against those who side with their demon lord enemy, Shadow Wing.

Smokey is collecting on the bargain he struck with Camille for a week to do with her what he pleases. He’s patient for a dragon, but even he has his limits, and while Camille feels protected in his presence she still has a level of fear. As the battle heats up all around them, and the D’Artigo sisters find themselves in the midst of OW and Earthside chaos, Camille will find that bargains may be all that can save everyone she loves.

As readers have learned in the previous Sisters of the Moon installments, Ms. Galenorn has a great gift for spinning a compelling story. The supernatural action is a great blend of both fresh and familiar, the characters are each charming in their own way, the heroine’s love-life is scorching and the worlds they all live in are well-defined. Dragon Wytch is the fourth book in this urban fantasy series and while some threads in the storyline are wrapped up, many more will emerge to keep fans in suspense.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

If Wishing Made It So by Lucy Finn

If Wishing Made It So
Lucy Finn
Signet Eclipse
July 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-22459-0

From the back cover:
Sometimes love needs a touch of magic...

Once voted the girl most-likely-to-succeed, Hildy Caldwell is now the one in the biggest rut. She has let her world get very small: a tiny cottage in rural Pennsylvania, two cats, and a ho-hum job. As for love? Nobody has ever measured up to her football hero high school sweetheart. If only she could meet him again . . .

Knowing that's wishful thinking, Hildy splurges on a summer rental on Long Beach Island, one of the Jersey shore's prettiest spots. There, she hopes the wind might blow a handsome man her way. Instead, she finds an abandoned bottle-with a two-thousand-year-old, meddlesome genie inside! Magic and mayhem follow, along with what Hildy's been wishing for: a meeting with the man she has never stopped loving.

With the genie's help, Hildy's dreams might come true. But spells and enchantment have a dark and dangerous side. And Hildy could lose everything-unless she finds out that true love is the best kind of magic.

My thoughts:
After a recent break-up confirms her bad luck with men, Hildy Caldwell packs her suitcase and heads to the Jersey shore for her summer off from teaching. Her ten year class reunion is quickly approaching, and Hildy’s realized that she’s still hung up on her high school sweetheart. Finding a genie in a bottle might be fun, and making a wish to be with the man you love could be perfect, but sometimes what you wish for is a far cry from what you may get. Hildy’s treasure turns troublesome when its previous owner wants it back and has no plans to walk away.

This was the first book I’ve read by Ms. Finn, and it was such a good time that it won’t be my last. If Wishing Made It So is an adventure brimming with non-stop action and the magic of discovering true love. The heroine is your average twenty-something reevaluating her life when magic flips her quiet world upside down. This fast-moving read has danger, humor and a fairy tale romance that’s sure to entertain.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Pleasure
Lords of the Underworld, Book 3
Gena Showalter
HQN
July 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-373-77310-7

From the back cover:
He can bear any pain but the thought of losing her…

Reyes is a man possessed. Bound by the demon of pain, he is forbidden to know pleasure. Yet he craves a mortal woman, Danika Ford, more than breath and will do anything to claim her—even defy the gods.

Danika is on the run. For months, she’s eluded the Lords of the Underworld, immortal warriors who won’t rest until she and her family have been destroyed. But her dreams are haunted by Reyes, the warrior whose searing touch she can’t forget. Yet a future together could mean death to all they both hold dear. . .

My thoughts:
Along with his fellow warriors, Reyes is bound by an ancient curse. As punishment for opening dimOuniak (Pandora’s box) he lives each immortal day with a demon who thrives on pain. In this third book of the Lords of the Underworld series, Reyes will do everything he can to win Danika’s trust. Her presence in his life may bring him salvation, but protecting her could bring his death.

Ms. Showalter takes readers on an engaging adventure where demons thrive on death and destruction, and hope burns eternal. From passion filled moments to visions of the gods, questions are answered while others are formed. There’s a scene in The Darkest Pleasure that may be viewed as a bit more disturbing than most, but it makes sense for this particular character. Readers should be satisfied with this installment, but will be hungry for more from this talented author.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Fall With Honor by E. E. Knight

Fall With Honor
Vampire Earth, Book 7
E. E. Knight
ROC
July 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-46210-7

From the back cover:
Freedom is on the march as the rebellion against the Kurian Occupation of Earth takes the offensive. David Valentine has recruited an ad hoc company of former Quisling soldiers and puts them through a trial by fire with a successful raid against an enemy armory. Now, they’re ready to join forces with a guerilla army planning to establish a new freehold in the Appalachian Mountains.Valentine knows that a permanent outpost near the East Coast would provide a strategic victory over the Kurians—and he believes that only his old ally Ahn-Kha could be leading the guerillas. But nothing could prepare Valentine’s fighters for what awaits them at the end of their journey.

My thoughts:
In a future where Earth is occupied by an alien enemy, David Valentine is a strong presence in the fight against the Kurian Order. This is the seventh book in the Vampire Earth series and is often the case Valentine quickly works his way up through the ranks to assist in leading a surprising mix of soldiers against their enemies.

Mr. Knight has a fabulous writing voice and his futuristic world, as well as the characters that live and die there, are well-defined. While there is plenty of movement throughout the story and lives lost in the battles along the way, the tension and fast action come near the end. If you’re planning to start this series, don’t start with Fall With Honor or you’ll find yourself lost. You’ll want a better understanding of David Valentine, his allies and his enemies, to fully appreciate Vampire Earth. Reading the previous books is recommended.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

The Touch of Twilight by Vicki Pettersson

The Touch of Twilight
Sign of the Zodiac, Book 3
Vicki Pettersson
EOS - HarperCollins
May 27, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-06-089893-9

Born of equal parts Light and Shadow, Joanna Archer was ripped from the life she knew and forced to take on the identity of Olivia, her deceased sister. Living as a member of Troop 175 in Las Vegas, she’s the Archer of the Zodiac agents of Light. To the public eye she’s a spoiled socialite, the daughter of Xavier Archer. Her identity as a super hero who happens to appear in comics is something not even her ex-boyfriend and love of her life, Ben Traina, knows.

A doppelganger has ripped its way through to their world and has designs on becoming corporeal. Unfortunately it has set its sights on Joanna’s image and will hound her until it gets what it wants or they find a way to stop it. The Tulpa has offered to help Joanna defeat the doppelganger, but in order to have that help she’ll be forced into taking a deal. He’s not yet given up the hope of encouraging Joanna’s Shadow side to rise and rule beside him.

The time for the third sign of the zodiac is upon them, and those around her wonder if the Archer’s Shadow side is about to take over her Light. The battle continues between Shadow and Light and Joanna finds herself in the middle trying to right some wrongs and land on the side she’s destined to serve.

In this Third Sign of the Zodiac, Joanna’s ongoing struggle continues as she fights for the Light and refuses to give up the man she’s always loved. Ms. Pettersson shares another well-imagined tale with engaging characters and action filled scenes. While Joanna’s first love continues to fill her thoughts, the chemistry she shares with Hunter increases to scorching proportions. The Touch of Twilight is an entertaining read that fans of the series shouldn’t miss.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Hidden by Eve Kenin

Hidden
Eve Kenin
Shomi – Dorchester
July 2008
ISBN# 978-0-505-52761-5

It’s the year 2093 and Tatiana is searching the Northern Waste for Tolliver, the man she believes responsible for the creation of a deadly plague. Having been held captive and genetically altered was a nightmare for her, but she was learning that the changes she’d under-gone enabled her to survive what others would not. She could withstand the bitter cold temperatures without heavy protection, read most people’s thoughts, and quickly heal her wounds. The strength Tatiana had gained, allowed her to stand against most any enemy.

Tristan is a man whose life holds secrets that not even he can fully explain. When he sees Tatiana for the first time he’s drawn to her. It’s not until they meet again that things change and Tristan has no choice but to bring her back to their compound for her own sake and for those living in the Northern Waste. As a team they may be able to finally set things straight and make their world just a little bit safer.

In this second visit to the Northern Waste, a young woman searches for a man she believes is a monster and discovers something entirely different. Ms. Kenin gives readers a tale that’s easily as solid as its predecessor. With equal parts action and romance, this well-defined futuristic world is an easy one to get lost in. While the temperature may be freezing, the inhabitants produce plenty of heat between them to singe the pages. Hidden can be read as a stand-alone, but the characters and their surroundings will have a stronger impact if Driven is read first.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews