Review - Deadly Harvest by Heather Graham

Deadly Harvest
Flynn Brothers Trilogy, Book 2
Heather Graham
Mira
November 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-7783-2560-4

Book Blurb:
When a young woman is found dead in a field, dressed up as a scarecrow with a slashed grin and a broken neck, the residents of Salem, Massachusetts, begin to fear that the infamous Harvest Man is more than just a rumor. But out-of-town cop Jeremy Flynn doesn't have time for ghost stories. He's in town on another investigation, looking for a friend's wife, who mysteriously vanished in a cemetery.

Complicating his efforts is local occult expert Rowenna Cavanaugh, who launches her own investigation, convinced that a horror from the past has crept into the present and is seducing women to their deaths. Jeremy uses logic and solid police work. Rowenna depends on intuition. But they both have the same goal: to stop the abductions and locate the missing women before Rowenna herself falls prey to the Harvest Man's dark seduction.

My thoughts:
Jeremy Flynn is a retired police diver currently working as an investigator along with his brothers. When Jeremy receives a call that his former diving partner’s wife went missing on a trip to Salem, he hops the next flight out of New Orleans to join in the search.

Rowenna Cavanaugh got to know Jeremy while they participated in a debate on talk radio, and she got the distinct impression that he had no interest in her. Returning home to Salem, Rowenna emerges herself in the investigation for Jeremy’s friend, and finds herself researching the chilling legend of the Harvest Man.

This is the second story in the Flynn Brothers Trilogy, and tells Jeremy’s story. Ms. Graham builds this dark paranormal to a cleverly executed climax. Readers will find themselves considering nearly every possible suspect, and in the end they’ll be surprised by how well this mystery plays out. Deadly Harvest will easily entertain mystery and paranormal romance fans alike. While part of a trilogy, this book can be read as a stand-alone.

To learn more about the Flynn Brothers Trilogy, please visit Ms. Graham’s website: Here

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Promo - The Codex Alera by Jim Butcher

Princeps’ Fury
The Codex Alera, Book 5
Jim Butcher
ACE
November 25, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-441-01638-9

Book Blurb:
In PRINCEPS’ FURY, Tavi of Calderon is now recognized as Princeps Gaius Octavian and heir to the crown. He has achieved a fragile alliance with Alera’s oldest foes, the savage Canim. But when Tavi and his legions guide the Canim safely to their lands, his worst fears are realized.

The dreaded Vord—the enemy of Aleran and Cane alike—have spent the last three years laying waste to the Canim homeland. And when the Alerans are cut off from their ships, they find themselves with no choice but to fight shoulder to shoulder if they are to survive. For a thousand years, Alera and her furies have withstood every enemy, and survived every foe—but that era may be over.

To learn more about The Codex Alera series, please visit Mr. Butcher’s website: HERE

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Review - Devil May Ride by Wendy Roberts

Devil May Ride
Ghost Duster Mysteries, Book 2
Wendy Roberts
Obsidian Mystery
December 2, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-22565-8

Book Blurb:
When Sadie and her sexy partner Zack stumble on evidence of a chilling cult ritual in an abandoned meth lab, Sadie comes face to face with an evil spirit unlike any she's ever seen before. And it's no coincidence that a bundle of stolen cash turns up at her next crime scene just in time to convince a biker gang that Sadie made off with their money. She knows the threads are connected-but how?

My thoughts:
While covering jobs for a friend’s business, Sadie Novak and her crew are taking on nearly twice their normal workload. David Egan’s meth lab clean-ups are wearing thin on Sadie, and at the most recent scene she finds herself confronted by her first truly bad spirit. Into some dark cult activity in life, the spirit has only gotten worse in death, and Sadie is about to find out just how deep Penny’s dark connections went.

Former cop, and current employee, Zach is growing more concerned for Sadie’s safety. There’s a group of bikers who believe she’s taken something that belongs to them, and they’re quite serious about getting it back. Add to that the cult that has a less than pleasant agenda where Sadie and her family are concerned, and Zach has his hands full trying to fit the pieces together before time runs out.

This is the second installment in the Ghost Duster Mysteries. Sadie’s ability for talking with ghosts has helped those who were ready to let go of the living and move on. Now her ability has put her life in danger and left Sadie to wonder who in her life can be trusted. Ms. Roberts pens a fast-moving paranormal mystery that will keep readers rapt attention every step of the way. The characters are well-defined, the action is plentiful and the storyline is believable. I’d happily recommend Devil May Ride to anyone who enjoys an intriguing mystery with a strong paranormal element and a nice touch of romance.

To learn more about the Ghost Duster Mysteries, please visit Ms. Roberts’ website: Here

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Promo - Ender in Exile by Orson Scott Card

Ender in Exile
Orson Scott Card
TOR
November 11, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-7653-0496-4

Book Description:
Orson Scott Card returns to his bestselling series with a new Ender novel.

At first, Ender believed that they would bring him back to Earth as soon as things quieted down. But things were quiet now, had been quiet for a year, and it was plain to him now that they would not bring him back at all, that he was much more useful as a name and a story than he would ever be as an inconvenient flesh-and-blood person.

At the close of Ender’s Game, Andrew Wiggin -- called Ender by everyone -- knows that he cannot live on Earth. He has become far more than just a boy who won a game: He is the Savior of Earth, a hero, a military genius whose allegiance is sought by every nation of the newly shattered Earth Hegemony.

He is offered the choice of living under the Hegemon's control, a pawn in his brother Peter's political games. Or he can join the colony ships and go out to settle one of the new worlds won in the war.

The story of those years on the colony worlds has never been told... until now.

The voyage was long. By the end of it, Val had finished the first volume of her history of the bugger wars and transmitted it by ansible, under Demosthenes' name, back to Earth, and Ender had won something better than the adulation of the passengers. They knew him now, and he had won their love and their respect.

Ender was twelve when he chose to leave his home world and begin the long relativistic journey out to the colonies. With him went his sister, Valentine, and the core of the artificial intelligence that would become Jane. He wrote The Hive Queen and The Hegemon, and his sister wrote The Speaker for the Dead.

He served as governor of his first colony world, but now Ender is on the move, looking for a planet where the hive queens might be reestablished.

What he finds in the Ganges colony is more than he bargained for -- a resentful governor who caused a devastating war on Earth and a brilliant young colonist who is out to destroy him, starting with his reputation and ending, perhaps, with his life.

Author Bio:

Orson Scott Card is the internationally bestselling author of Ender's Game. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.

To learn more about the Ender series, please visit Orson Scott Card’s website: Here

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Review - Peacekeeper by Laura E. Reeve

Peacekeeper
Major Ariane Kedros, Book 1
Laura E. Reeve
ROC
December 2, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-46245-9

Book Blurb:
First in a brand new action-packed military science fiction series meet Major Ariane Kedros—daring pilot, decorated soldier, war criminal.

Fifteen years ago, Ariane Kedros piloted a ship on a mission that obliterated an entire solar system. Branded a war criminal, she was given a new identity and a new life in order to protect her from retribution.

But now, twelve of Ariane’s wartime colleagues are dead— assassinated by someone who has uncovered their true identities. And her superiors in the Autonomist army have placed her directly in the assassin’s line of fire on a peacekeeping mission that will decide the fate of all humanity…

My thoughts:
Ariane Kedros carries the guilt that following orders brought her fifteen years ago. Her team wiped out a solar system and was labeled Destroyer of Worlds. Now she continues her military life as a reservist and lives under a new identity. Ari keeps her secrets close and deals with the nightmares that invade her dreams.

Ari does her best to walk a straight line piloting the second-wave prospecting ship, Aether’s Touch with her partner Matt Journey. When her reserve status is called into active duty Ari feels obligated to take the mission. Even knowing that the majority of her prior teammates have been eliminated by an unknown assassin, Ari heads out. She soon finds herself facing her past in an up-close and deadly way.

This is the first in the Major Ariane Kedros series and the author’s debut novel. There’s a lot of action going on, and science fiction fans should enjoy this story with its military element. Ms. Reeve shows great promise as an author, with her military knowledge lending a believable component to her fictional tales. While some readers may run into the same difficulty as I had in losing the plot during some chapters, the basic storyline is a good one. The confusion was due in part to the sudden change in scenes with the introduction of new characters throughout the story. Peacekeeper ends on a good note, with some story threads left open for the next in the series. I’m interested in seeing where the Aether’s Touch heads out to explore next.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Review - Unusual Suspects - edited by Dana Stabenow

Unusual Suspects
Anthology
Edited by Dana Stabenow
ACE
December 2, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-441-01637-2

Book Blurb:
All-new from the top names in mystery and fantasy- including a never-before published Sookie Stackhouse story from Charlaine Harris!

This follow-up to Powers of Detection showcases bestselling and award-winning names from Simon Green to Laurie King to Sharon Shinn-with original stories featuring otherworldly investigators trailing uncanny criminals across fantastical realms. From video game characters seeking civil rights and a cave dragon loan shark pondering an investment, to Santa Claus's Australian vacation and an enemy of Sam Spade's out for revenge-plus visits to the Nightside and Sookie Stackhouse's hometown- these stories will take readers around the world on a magical mystery tour.

My thoughts:
Lucky by Charlaine Harris – When Sookie’s insurance agent stops by with concerns of a break-in at his office, she and her housemate Amelia do some detective work to take down the culprit.

Bogieman by Carole Nelson Douglas – When the body of a CinSim is discovered with a corkscrew from the Inferno Bar in its chest, Snow recruits Paranormal Investigator Delilah Street to solve the mystery.

Looks are Deceiving by Michael A. Stackpole – Someone is trying to kill Duke Serean Darikean so he calls upon Primin to find and stop the murderer. With Kellach watching his back what they discover is surprising, but even more startling is the Duke’s reaction to the news.

The House of Seven Spirits by Sharon Shinn – A writer in the midst of divorce, Erica needs a quiet place to live and get her life back together. In the process, she’ll help change the afterlives of the ghostly residents of the home she chooses to rent.

Glamour by Mike Doogan – When his daughter goes missing and his wife has no clue where to look, Alf finds himself working with a stranger to locate her. He wasn’t nearly as surprised that she’d gone missing as he is to find out where she’s been.

Spellbound by Donna Andrews – With a witch setting her sights on Master Justinian, and a murder to investigate, Gwynn is busy keeping an eye on everyone. It seems that the conference being held at their Westmarch College of Magical Studies has just brought more trouble than any of them could have anticipated.

The Duh Vice by Michael Armstrong – Sometimes taking simple advice to heart is the right way to go. For this Resource Allocation officer his failure to heed that advice will find him all alone in a shack near Boundary.

Weight of the World by John Straley – When one elf is found dead and another goes missing, Santa calls off their yearly vacation to get to the bottom of things. The killer’s actions will bring forth some interesting changes for Santa and his helpers.

Illumination by Laura Anne Gilman – From the letter she receives, it’s easy for Bonnie to see that her father, Zaki, is in trouble. He’s a gambler, and this time he may have cost himself more trouble than Bonnie wants to handle.

The House by Laurie R. King – Brad and his friends have an assignment due for school and have chosen the empty house in their neighborhood as their subject. When one of their small group disappears, one of the remaining kids will realize the shocking truth.

Appetite for Murder by Simon R. Green – With a serial killer on the loose, Sam Warren and Ms. Fate team up to uncover the clues. Only one of this investigating pair will be smart enough to discover and capture the murderer.

A Woman’s Work by Dana Stabenow – Seer and Sword are sent to Pylos to hear charges and dole out justice in the King’s name. They’ll uncover a surprising secret in the midst of judging a criminal for the most heinous of crimes.

Filled with creative tales from twelve top writers, Unusual Suspects is an entertaining collection of short stories that should please fans of both mystery and fantasy. Readers will enjoy suspenseful visits to worlds they’ve previously journeyed to, and will also be introduced to captivating new places they’ll wish to visit again. Unusual Suspects is a follow-up to Powers of Detection (ACE; 2004).

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Review - Swallowing Darkness by Laurell K. Hamilton

Swallowing Darkness
Meredith Gentry, Book 7
Laurell K. Hamilton
Ballantine Books
November 4, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-345-49593-8

Book Blurb:
I am Meredith, princess of faerie, wielder of the hands of Flesh and Blood, and at long last, I am with child–twins, fathered by my royal guard. Though my uncle, Taranis, King of Light and Illusion, claims that he is the true father since he abducted me from my home, betrayed, and defiled me. And now he has branded my guards as a threat to my unborn children.

Bearing an heir has placed me halfway to my aunt’s throne, that much closer to my reign over the Unseelie Court–and well ahead of her son, my cousin Cel, in this race. Now I must stay alive to see my children born and claim my place as queen.

But not all in faerie are pleased with the news, and conspirators from every court in the realm plot against me and mine. They seek to strip my guards, my lovers, from me by poisoned word or cold steel. But I still have supporters, and even friends, among the goblins and the sluagh, who will stand by me.

I am Meredith Nic Essus, and those who would defy and destroy me are destined to pay a terrible price–for I am truly my father’s daughter. To protect what is mine, I will sacrifice anything–even if it means waging a great battle against my darkest enemies and making the most momentous decision ever made as princess of faerie.

My thoughts:
Having finally achieved her goal and gotten pregnant, Merry and her men should be celebrating the future with their unborn children. Instead, they’re left to mourn the loss of one of their own and set out to ensure that anyone bold enough to cross them as Taranis has will pay for their crimes.

As attacks on Merry and those she holds dear continue to escalate, the Wild Hunt is called upon to deliver swift justice. Its appearance is a surprise to everyone in faerie, but further proof that what was once lost to them now returns. While the prospect of Merry becoming a queen dwindles with each passing hour, her new goal is to remove her nearest and dearest from immediate danger. It’s a plan that may be much more difficult than she ever would have predicted.

This is the seventh book in the Meredith Gentry series and answers many of the questions formed in previous releases. Ms. Hamilton takes readers on a hard-hitting and dangerous adventure as the heroine and her heroes fight to conquer their enemies and live to see another day. Swallowing Darkness brings Merry’s family to the forefront and provides many long-awaited answers. Fans will be thrilled with the magical surprises shared by faerie, and stunned by the shocking end to this installment. I’m looking forward to seeing where Merry’s life will go from here.

To learn more about the Meredith Gentry series, please visit Ms. Hamilton’s site: Here

Kimberly Swan, Dark Reviews

Review - Deadly Gift by Heather Graham

Deadly Gift
The Flynn Brothers Trilogy, Book 3
Heather Graham
MIRA
December 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-7783-2527-7

Book blurb:
Caer is spending this Christmas among strangers. Brought to Newport, Rhode Island, from her native Ireland to nurse ailing millionaire Sean O'Riley, she's living a life few can imagine. But money can't hide the tension between O'Riley's trophy wife, his paranoid daughter, the eccentric aunt in the attic and the staff members who run the house.

When O'Riley's business partner goes missing, family friend Zach Flynn arrives. Determined to help him solve the case, Caer becomes enmeshed in a mystery that weaves together the sins of the past with one family's destiny…and a spirit that watches the mansion, possessing a deadly gift.

My thoughts:
A much needed vacation brings Sean O’Riley and his wife Amanda to Ireland just before the Christmas holidays. Their trip is cut short when Sean lands in the hospital and they return to the states with Caer, a private nurse that the hospital has offered to assign. Back home in Rhode Island, Sean’s friend and business partner Eddie has mysteriously disappeared. They’ve called in the police and a close friend of the family, Zach Flynn, to continue the search.

Someone is trying to kill Sean O’Riley and Zach plans to stop the killer in their tracks. While he doesn’t trust Caer completely, he does trust her with Sean’s health. As things heat up with more death and accusations, Zach finds himself drawn to Caer. While his life may be in danger along with the O’Rileys, it’s losing his heart to the enigmatic Caer that really has him worried.

This is the third book in The Flynn Brothers Trilogy and is Zach’s story. Ms. Graham pens a well-executed murder mystery with intriguing paranormal elements and the sweet touch of romance. Easily read as a stand-alone story, Deadly Gift will entertain readers and keep them guessing until the surprising end.

To learn more about The Flynn Brothers Trilogy, please visit Ms. Graham’s website: Here

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews