Review: Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1)

Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1) by Christi J. Whitney
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: April 30, 2015
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Book Description:

Sebastian Grey always thought he was a fairly normal teenager – good friends, decent grades, and a pretty sweet job in his foster brother’s tattoo shop.

But when strangers arrive in town, Sebastian soon realizes that his world is nothing at all what it seemed. Secretive gypsies surround him, shadowy figures stalk him, and the girl he’s been dreaming about turns up at school.

  Now Sebastian must protect this girl at all costs, even if it means he will never be normal again.



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Grey by Christi J. Whitney was a different read than what's been out in the YA market so far. While most YA authors focus on high school girls and the vampires they fall in love with, Whitney makes her narrative character a high school boy who starts going through a lot more than puberty. There's also no vampires to be seen, but instead Whitney takes us into the colorful world of Gypsy culture (as well as some other elements, that you'll just have to read to find out about!). It's a breath of fresh air when everything seems so mass marketed right now in the YA aisles at book stores.

I enjoyed reading Grey. Sebastian was a likable character who didn't spend pages and pages whining about his star crossed love, or about the changes he was going through. Yes, he had questions (and lots of them), but he doesn't waste the reader's time by making his own problems the story's full focus. Instead Whitney makes sure there's a lot going on to keep the reader's interest peaked so that the pages keep turning with the need for more story, more answers.

In fact, Whitney doesn't even reveal the big secrets of what is happening in Sebastian's life until about halfway through the book (and I'm not going to reveal them either, so you'll just have to deal with a spoiler free review), while the first half is all about Sebastian and how is everyday life is becoming not so normal without him knowing what is exactly causing the changes.

Cover Reveal: Darkness Brutal (The Dark Cycle #1)

Darkness Brutal (The Dark Cycle #1) by Rachel A. Marks
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: July 1, 2015
Buy Links:

Amazon

Book Description:

Aidan O’Linn’s childhood ended the night he saw a demon kill his mother and mark his sister, Ava, with Darkness. Since then, every three years the demons have returned to try to claim her. Living in the gritty, forgotten corners of Los Angeles, Aidan has managed to protect his sister, but he knows that even his powers to fight demons and speak dead languages won’t keep her safe for much longer.

In desperation, Aidan seeks out the help of Sid, the enigmatic leader of a rag-tag group of teens who run LA Paranormal, an Internet reality show that fights demons and ghosts. With them, Aidan believes he’s finally found a haven for Ava. But then he meets Kara, a broken girl who can spin a hypnotic web of passionate energy, and she awakens powers inside of him he didn’t know he had―and unleashes a new era of war between the forces of Light and the forces of Darkness.

Book Blitz: Hunting Season (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #4)

Hunting Season (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #4) by Nikki Jefford
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: March 3, 2015
Buy Links:

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Book Description:

Better to be a hunter, not prey.

Ever since her partner was kidnapped, Aurora Sky has been on a personal mission to get him back. To do that she needs the vampire responsible for destroying her life.

In order to have a snowball’s chance at success, she’ll have to team up with her most loyal friends—including a certain vampire in black with a provoking talent for distraction.

Old cravings aren’t easily quenched, nor past passions. With knowledge comes danger and Aurora is at risk on all sides.




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Excerpt:

Fane smiled when he saw my expression. “Don’t forget, I know all about you and your stash of Trojans.”

I’d nearly forgotten about my pit stop at the Jewel Lake Quickie Mart on my way to Scott Steven’s house. Fane had the unfortunate timing of buying smokes at the same time I was buying protection.

“Your face turned so red when you saw me in line behind you,” Fane said. “Sorta like it’s doing right now.”

Book Blitz: Isla's Oath (Isla's Inheritance #2)

Isla's Oath (Isla's Inheritance #2) by Cassandra Page
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: January 20, 2015
Buy Links:

Amazon ♥ B & N

Book Description:

Australia is a long way from the Old World and its fae denizens … but not far enough.

Isla is determined to understand her heritage and control her new abilities, but concealing them from those close to her proves difficult. 

Convincing the local fae she isn’t a threat despite her mixed blood is harder still. When the dazzling Everest arrives with a retinue of servants, Isla gets her first glimpse of why her mother’s people are hated … and feared.

But Isla isn’t the only one with something to hide. Someone she trusts is concealing a dangerous secret. She must seek the truth and stop Everest from killing to get what he wants: Isla’s oath.



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Excerpt:

“Can I help you all?” A large woman came out from behind the counter, her sudden appearance making me jump. I hadn’t seen her until she moved. Her red and gold gypsy-style shirt camouflaged perfectly with the rug hanging on the wall behind her.

“Just browsing, thanks.” I smiled at her. She didn’t smile back.

“Your friend there like art?” The woman indicated Ryan with a jut of her chin.

“He’s a painter.”

Promotional Event: Five - Out of the Dark (Five #1)

Five - Out of the Dark (Five #1) by Holli Anderson
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Buy Links:

Amazon ♥ B & N

Book Description:

Five teenagers who’ve recently discovered they have magical powers and are living in the Seattle underground feel it’s their responsibility to protect unsuspecting humans from otherworldly foes. 

Things are going well until Johnathan, their unofficial leader and the boy sixteen year old Paige is in love with, is bitten by a changeling – the venomous saliva causing him to metamorphose into a ravening beast with each full moon. 

Paige vows that, no matter the cost, she will find a way to cure Johnathan of the evil that has embedded itself in his soul.

Johnathan’s monthly transformation and daily personality roller coaster isn’t the only problem they have to deal with. The Five are also gearing up to face their toughest and most dangerous enemy yet—a powerful and ruthless Warlock who will go to any means, including high school, to build his Dark Army.

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Excerpt:

Little blue sparks of electricity gathered at my fingertips. That should have scared me, or at least aroused my curiosity. But the scene playing out before me pushed away all other emotions except anger. Intense, red-hot anger.

I recognized the three boys from school―future serial killers, to be sure. The trio had Sadie tied to a tree. Her usually silky black coat was covered in dirt and pine needles.

One of the boys―Justin was his name; we had History together―looked up at me. “Hey, look. It’s the preacher’s daughter. Maybe we can try it on her next.” He hocked a loogy and spit at my whimpering dog.

They all laughed.

Book Blitz: Isla's Inheritance (Isla's Inheritance #1)

Isla's Inheritance (Isla's Inheritance #1) by Cassandra Page
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: October 9, 2014
Buy Links:

Amazon ♥ Smashwords

Book Description:

Isla was content to let her father keep his secrets, but now she can’t stand the touch of iron and her dreams are developing a life of their own. She must discover the truth — before it’s too late.

Seventeen-year-old Isla Blackman only agrees to participate in a Halloween party séance because Dominic, an old crush, wants to. She is sure nothing will happen when they try to contact the spirit of her mother. But the séance receives a chilling reply.

SHE IS NOT DEAD.

Isla doesn’t want to upset her father by prying into the family history he never discusses. When the mysterious and unearthly Jack offers to help her discover the truth, Isla must master her new abilities to protect her loved ones from enemies she never knew existed.

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Excerpt:
“I’m not sure which is worse,” I whispered to Hamish, stroking his fur, “believing I killed my mother, or believing she abandoned me…and Dad lied about it.” Hamish didn’t answer. He was already asleep. “Well, you’re no use.”

Against all odds, the steady rhythm of Hamish’s breathing lulled me into a doze. It seemed like no time had passed when I awoke to a change in light: my father’s large frame was in the doorway, blocking the light.

“Isla? Are you awake?” His voice was tentative.

“Yes.” I sat up, rubbing my eyes. Hamish grumbled a protest.

“Can I turn the light on?”

“Sure.”

Review: Crystal Magic (Clearwater Witches #1)

Crystal Magic (Clearwater Witches #1) by Madeline Freeman
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal
Release Date: March 30, 2014
Buy Links:

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Book Description:

Nothing is safe around Kristyl Barnette. Windows break. Books rocket across the room. Lights flicker. Strange occurrences follow the sixteen-year-old everywhere.

When tragedy forces her to move to the small town of Clearwater, Michigan, with her estranged aunt Jodi, Kristyl tries to leave her past behind. 

But Clearwater has secrets of its own—a mystical history that intersects with Kristyl’s life and might shed light on the inexplicable events that plague her.

When a mysterious illness threatens her aunt’s life, Kristyl will do anything to cure her. Enlisting the help of witches could save Jodi, but is dealing in magic worth the consequences?


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"Crystal Magic" by Madeline Freeman is about a high school student named Krissa, who moves to a new school in a new town and has even more changes than that to deal with. All of her life, Krissa knew she was different. She was always getting in trouble at school because things around her would unaccountably break or other weird things would happen when she got upset. When her mom dies in an accident, she's sent to live with her aunt, Jodi, who lives in the small Michigan town where Jodi and Krissa's father grew up.

The small town history and how it's a part of Krissa's family's past help Krissa realize that the reason why strange things have been happening around her for as long as she could remember is because that she has the ability to do magic. Without the proper training, it kept exploding out of her when she got upset, and with the knowledge of what it is, Krissa wants to learn to use it.

However, Jodi doesn't think that learning and using magic is a good idea (she had some bad experiences in the past, since she's also a witch), and thinks Krissa should just be able to control it and not actively practice it. Things don't necessarily go to plan though, and Krissa needs to take drastic measures in order to protect the ones she loves.

Review: City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6)

City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal
Release Date: May 27, 2014
Buy Links:

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Book Description:

Shadowhunters and demons square off for the final showdown in the spellbinding, seductive conclusion to the #1 New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.
Darkness has descended on the Shadowhunter world. 

Chaos and destruction overwhelm the Nephilim as Clary, Jace, Simon, and their friends band together to fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.

 Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell. Nothing in this world can defeat Sebastian, but if they journey to the realm of demons, they just might have a chance.

Lives will be lost, love sacrificed, and the whole world will change. Who will survive the explosive sixth and final installment of the Mortal Instruments series?


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It was a bittersweet moment for me when I found out that "City of Heavenly Fire" by Cassandra Clare came out last month. As always, I was excited to read the new installment of her "The Mortal Instruments" series, but I was sad that this would be the last book with the characters I've become so attached to.

"The Mortal Instruments" series opened up a world full of demons and Shadowhunters (those who protect the world from demons), and we follow the story of a group of teenagers as they battle those who are trying to disturb the peace they try so hard to protect. The main character, Clary, just found out about this world when she meets Shadowhunter Jace and finds herself in the middle of all of the chaos of battle. "City of Heavenly Fire" is the conclusion to that battle, and I'm happy to say that it was a satisfying one.

All too often, the last book of a series can be a huge disappointment (I'm looking at you "Allegiant" and "Mockingjay"), and I was glad that this series I've invested so much time in ended on a good note. "City of Heavenly Fire" is book six of "The Mortal Instruments", and the action of the first five books continues throughout without skipping a beat.

Book Blitz: Michael (Sons of Old Trilogy #2)

Michael (Sons of Old Trilogy #2) by Annabell Cadiz
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Release Date: May 28, 2014
Buy Links:

Amazon

Book Description:

Zahara Faraday looks like a normal eighteen-year-old and lives in a quiet neighborhood with her overprotective parents. She works at a bookstore and hangs out with her best friend Becca King on a daily basis. 

But underneath the normal lies a secret life filled with dangerous supernaturals. Zahara belongs to a world made of Light Witches, rogue Imagoes (supernatural creatures with super strength, speed, and silver skin when the moon is out), fallen angels, and Nephilim (hybrid children born half-human, half-angel). 

Where her father Solomon Faraday is human, her mother Mia and her Aunt Catalina are Light Witches. They help protect the human world by hunting down rogue supernaturals who commit heinous acts against humans. What they never expected was the possibility of having to hunt down the one rogue coven they had befriended and come to trust in their battle against Lucifer. Rekesh Saint-Louis is the leader of the most powerful Imago coven in Florida and now he’s the most suspected. 

Supernatural bodies are starting to pile up with an ancient ritual long forbade being used to murder them and the symbol, one large cross with four smaller crosses around it—which represents Rekesh’s coven— being left behind. Rekesh and the Elders of his coven set out to find who is behind the murders and clearing his name before a war between the covens begins. To make matters more difficult, Rekesh also has to deal with the return of someone he has been keeping a secret.

Meanwhile, Zahara and Becca are spending more time brushing up on their training, knowing an attack from Lucifer can come at any moment. Between patrolling neighborhoods and hanging at the boarding school created by Charles Stephens—a fallen angel who created the school to protect the children of rogue supernaturals—they are thrown into one battle after another. 

Zahara begins to develop a closer bond with Jason as they train and chase down clues to clear Rekesh’s name. What she doesn’t know is the very powerful secret Jason is keeping; a secret that will change the course of the fight with Lucifer.

But Rekesh’s coven being set up isn’t the only danger. A new powerful and lethal drug has emerged from the shadows of the supernatural world called Inferi. The drug has two deadly side effects: it leaves the supernatural hungering for blood—both human and supernatural—and grants them the elemental power they had once possessed.

Lucifer is on the move and he will stop at nothing to get his hands on Zahara and complete the first act of his plan.

A battle is about to begin.

One that may cost the Faraday family everything they hold dear.

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GIVEAWAY:

Cover Reveal: Echoes (The Pinhold Prophecy #2)

Echoes (The Pinhold Prophecy #2) by Amy Evans
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: December 12, 2013
Book Description:

Echoes are the sounds the universe makes when you ignore it the first time.

Instead of signs, they are sirens. Echoes are louder and more dangerous than Clicks.

All the twins on Pinhold Island are healthy again, but the summer is still upside down. Cami's been paying better attention to what hides beneath the eye candy on her seemingly idyllic home, trying to make sense of the new threats to her friends and family. Massive storms have come to Pinhold, flooding the Island in a way not seen in generations. 

Cover Reveal: Reaper's Rhythm

Reaper's Rhythm by Clare Marie Davidson
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: July 26, 2013

Book Description:

When everyone thinks your sister committed suicide, it's hard to prove she was murdered. Kim is unable to accept Charley's sudden death. Crippled by an unnatural amnesia, her questions are met with wall after wall. As she doubts her sanity, she realises her investigation is putting those around her in danger.

The only person who seems to know anything is Matthew, an elusive stranger who would rather vanish than talk. Despite his friendly smile, Kim isn't sure she can trust him. But if she wants to protect her family from further danger, Kim must work with Matthew to discover how Charley died - before it's too late.

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Excerpt:

The warm light seeps through the closed sitting room curtains when I step into the drive. The muffled thump of dance music grows louder as I approach the familiar front door. I push the key into the lock, but the door swings open on its own. My breath catches in my throat, but I force it into a growl. Not only has my sister, Charley, not bothered to lock the door, she hasn’t latched it.

Promotional Event: Skeleton Key Guild (The Doorknob Society #5)

Skeleton Key Guild (The Doorknob Society #5) by M.J. Fletcher
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Buy Links:

Amazon ♥ Kobo Books

Book Description:

Her parents dead, her sister missing, and those she loves branded traitors to the Old Kind... Chloe Masters is on the run.

To fulfill a parent’s dying wish she will do anything to save the sister she has never met. Can she learn the secrets of the Artifacts before it’s too late?

Surrounded by her friends; Slade, Edgar, Jess, Val and the man she loves James Nightshade, Chloe has never had so much to live for... but will her enemies let her?


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Excerpt:

Nightshade rolled over in the bed and slid his arm around my waist yanking me across the sheets to rest against him. His skin felt warm against mine and I snuggled closer, not wanting to move from this spot. His fingers slid over my mechanical hand and our fingers interlaced. I had a full range of sensation with the hand and it felt almost real except for—you know—being able to punch a hole through stone.

“We need to get up,” I found myself saying even though I didn’t want to.

“It’s not like we got a whole lot of sleep.” He laughed.

“And whose fault is that?” I gave him the evil eye and he leaned in and kissed me as only he could. I’d had boyfriends before but no man ever made me feel the way James Nightshade did. “Stop that! We need to get up.”

Promotional Event: Lost In Time (A Fallen Novel)

Lost In Time (A Fallen Novel) by Christie Palmer
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romance
Release Date: April 10, 2013
Buy Links:

Amazon ♥ B & N

Book Description:

Hidden in the shadows of the Infernos, Celeste is surrounded by the protection of Dante and her brothers. She is a Demon/Reaper a being that should never have been. An elite fighter, Celeste has honed her fighting skills and is a deadly weapon for Dante. Her one weakness? A Fallen Angel she has loved for two centuries.

Marcus a Fallen Angel knew the unconditional love of the Gods, and Angels. But he fell to the mortal plane in dishonor. Five hundred years ago he fell for a mortal, but she spurned him. Taking a vow of celibacy he has dedicated himself to fighting the evils of the world. Believing that he will one day be worthy of his lost mortals love as well as redemption from the Angels who turned him away.

One of the First… Calliope has been released onto the mortal plane. His one and only goal is to destroy Dante and the Reapers. Taking his rightful place as the ruler of the Infernos.

The only weapon that can kill Calliope is the Black Sword, a sword so evil only one creature in existence can carry it. Celeste. But she can’t hunt down Calliope on her own. She is forced to partner with the one being she wants more than life itself, Marcus. Can a Reaper/Demon and a Fallen Angel work together to kill Calliope before he succeeds in taking over the Infernos and releasing hell on earth?

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Excerpt:

“Even we sometimes lose our way, and the actions today prove that,” he said cementing his fate. Several Angels took flight disappearing into the heavens not wanting any part of Marcus. “His love would have extended to those that had wandered from the path, he would not have wiped them from the face of the mortal plane.”

“Marcus, stop.” Sariel ran toward him on bare feet, her wings flowing behind her. She was the closest thing he could call a friend in the unconditional love of the Congregation.

“No, Sariel.” Marcus held up his hand to stop his friend from coming any closer.

Promotional Event: Summer Break Blues (The Clanless, #2)

Summer Break Blues (The Clanless, #2) by J.A. Campbell
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: November 14, 2012
Buy Links:

Amazon ♥ B & N ♥ Bono Books

Book Description:

Meg managed to survive her senior year of high school as a vampire, and now she’s looking forward to a relaxing summer with her friends before trying to tackle college. Unfortunately, some unfinished business from the previous year rears its ugly head. Meg is forced to deal with the Sidhe who are distinctly unhappy that she killed one of their kind last winter. Then Ann’s parents vanish while on their annual summer vacation in Maine and it’s up to Meg and the rest of the gang to come to the rescue. Though she is still trying to figure out who and what she has become, Meg feels she and her friends are up to the challenge. That is, until things really start to fall apart.

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Excerpt:
I ran, almost flew over the sand. Alexander’s sheer panic drove me to move faster than I ever had before. I didn’t have much time to take in the scene, but he struggled with someone. Not having a better idea, or time to plan, I tackled them. We all tumbled to the ground, and I managed to keep hold of his attacker long enough to get him away from Alexander. We rolled, and I tried to come up on top, but the stranger was strong and pinned me before we even stopped moving.

“Aww, and here I’d thought you brought me dinner.” I had a brief impression of black eyes and gleaming fangs before he grabbed my shoulders and lifted me up, then slammed me back into the sand.

Pain lanced through my head. I groaned and tried to fight back, but before I’d even formulated a plan, the assailant’s weight was gone. Alexander cried out again.